Dsquared2 Womens Shoes & Boots Collections - What Are The Essential Dsquared 2 Womens Shoes? by Ron Aldo

DSquared Women's Shoes
This years shoe trends from DSquared are perfect, and it's a perfect time to make sure you have every basic type of shoe you need. Do you know that according to DSquared and other fashion experts you need ten pairs of shoes. So head over to your closet and if your missing a few of those ten pair then this is the perfect time to get them.

The Right DSquared Womens Shoes

The following is a list of ten basic shoes you need:

1. Classic black sophisticated low heel pumps -Every woman needs to have at least one pair of low heel pumps to go with that classic black outfit. Dsquared has the perfect traditional shoes and has some very elegant low-heeled black shoes.

2. Need something a bit dressier and a little more elegant? Then you need a higher black shoe, maybe with a little shine. Some of the new trendier Dsquared open toed heels are great for this.

3. Metallic finish - metallics are all the rage this year, and the perfect metallic finish goes with that perfect evening dress.

4. Boots - Gladiator boots are all the rage this year, and will add a great sense of style to your wardrobe.

5. Flats - Designers have brought back the ballet flats, with great floral designs, try a pair in the bright summer colors, orange, pink and even white.

6. A comfortable walking shoe - another important addition is a comfortable walking shoe, but add a little hint of fashion with the new combination of materials from Dsquared.

Who is Dsquared?

Dsquared, the fashion label was created by two brothers. These Canadians moved to Milan in the early 90's to be closer to the real fashion houses. In 1995 they started their first men's collection, but in the early 2000's they expanded into women's fashions.

These two Canadians really have it cooking, because in 2001 they designed a lot of Madonna's fashion outfits and were also featured on Americas next top model.

The two Canadian brothers Dean and Dan Catenacci were born in the early 60's and were the youngest of nine children. Their father was a welder and their mother of English birth abandoned them when they were just 6 months old. After high school they got into Parsons School of Design for a summer program, and that's when they decided to become designers. After finishing school they returned to Canada and worked for 6 years for Ports International. Afterwards they moved to Milan but couldn't get hired as designers, so they became party hosts, and got to know a lot of influential people. Again in the mid nineties they started their own collection.

Celebrities Who Wear Squared Shoes

Arguably the most famous celebrity that loves Dsquared is Madonna. In fact she loved them so much that thanks to her they acquired their fame. In fact they created most of her wardrobe for the 2001 Drowned World tour, and one of her music videos from the album. Other celebs that are fascinated by DSquared Womens Shoes are hip-hop singer Eve.

DSquared is known for their unique fashion sense and for their extravagant runway shows. All of their shows are themed based and have included the "homelessness", "the men's locker room" and "the equestrian show" among others.

Dancing Styles & Dance Moves for Beginners by Ant Onaf

There are so many different genres of dance that one can feel overwhelmed when he or she thinks of learning to dance. However it is not as complicated as it seems.
Firstly, to excel at a certain style it may take years of practice, to be able to cope with several types of dancing is not quite as hard. For many people who enjoy a range of activities, it is much more beneficial to learn a little about each style and not a lot about just one. This is because the usual person in today's world will be exposed and often "pressured" into dancing at a variety of events. Therefore someone may encounter hip-hop, ballroom, and break dancing styles all in a very short period of time.

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the main types of dance and some of the moves needed for each.

Hip-hop is a great dance style to be familiar with as it can be used whenever there is a faster beat. Also, don't think that hip-hop is just for those with baggy pants and lots of neck chains, anyone can benefit from acquiring this skill.

The most basic element of this genre is time-steps, a name also used for ballet moves. These require that you step in certain directions in time with the beat that is playing. "Step-tap" is one of these moves where you step to one side and then follow with your other foot and tapping it as it lands, continue this left and right.

A variation of this is "tap-step" where you tap with your first foot. You can experiment with many variations of these time-steps and maybe even create some of your own.

Another basic movement which looks great with a fast beat is isolations, where you separate movement in the upper body from the lower body. This can mean moving your shoulders back and forward while the rest of your body is still or swiveling your ankles creating movement while the rest of your body is still. These moves are the basics of hip-hop dance and should help in any club or dance party.

Ballroom dances can be some of the most difficult to perform perfectly due to the high levels of coordination required. However with some very handy tips, you should be able to impress, even if it's only at your next wedding.

Firstly, always move in a counterclockwise direction and the closer you are to the middle of the dance floor, the slower you should go. This is a helpful tip to remember as it gives direction and purpose which will affect the rest of your dancing. Another easy tip is that if you are a woman, you should start with your right foot as opposed to a man, who should lead with his left.

If you want to impress your dancing partner, try this one technique. Just before you launch off, lean into the direction you will go and lean according to how far you will step. This tells your partner you are ready to go and does not jerk them roughly. These tips will hopefully save you from embarrassment on the slower dance floors where everything is under scrutiny.

Although break dancing may sound like something you would never want to do let alone try doing, break dancing for beginners can give you a few simple moves that will help keep you in time with the beat while helping you relax and enjoy your time spent dancing.

These moves are for the club or disco although you are free to show them off at the next ball or wedding you attend. The first move is the hand glide and just requires you to put one hand on the floor and tuck the other into your chest, then use your free hand to push yourself around until you are spinning on your hand. You can go as fast as you can manage. A head spin is a great looking move which isn't as hard as it seems, place your head and hands on the floor and spin around. Much practice may be needed!

Not only are these moves fun, but they are great at building muscle strength.

So don't worry if you can't master all of these techniques, as long as you got some handy tips then you are already much better off. You are probably now a much better dancer than the average person. If you were very intrigued by one or more of these styles then maybe you should take up a course in your local town or city in order to really improve your skills. You may not have seen yourself as a dancer but it is something that with a little practice, anyone can impress with.

Dancing is the Get in Shape Workout by Ant Onaf

There are many reasons why someone will want to learn how to dance. One of the great things about learning to dance is you will get an invigorating exercise workout. If learning to dance does nothing else for you, it will get your heart pumping and may help you get into shape. If your goal is to get in shape then this mean a simple one week dance class will not do the trick. You should have at least 3 months or more dance lessons which take place 3 times a week or more for at least 1 hour or more per dance lesson.
It is important to take dancing serious and attempt to do every move with precision, oppose to a lazy dance move. You need to push yourself to get the most out of your dance workout. A good rule of thumb is if you haven't worked up a good sweat then you can assume you haven't danced long enough or you haven't worked yourself hard enough. Before you start dancing be sure you stretch your muscles.

It really doesn't matter which style of dance you choose to learn because any style will give you a good workout, regardless if it's swing, ballet, ballroom, hip hop, contemporary, modern, etc. Dancing is such a popular workout that many exercise videos and exercise dance classes incorporate vigorous dance moves into their exercise regimen.

I sometimes wonder about the history of dance and the history of exercise, which actually came first or did they both initiate at the same time since they are so closely related. I would make the assumption that dance dates much farther back than exercise because exercise is actually a health related item and the history of health & medicine (in relation to living longer) is rather young. Dancing actually goes as far back to the ancient times when people will dance to entertain the royal family.

Learning how to dance makes your exercise workout fun and entertaining, plus you will learn a skill that can give you a lifetime of rewards. You will not have to sit out or keep the wall company at the next party, nightclub, wedding, or event. Additionally, your body will be toned and in shape while you seemingly move gracefully making you command stares from the crowd.

It is very possible for anyone to learn to dance. The resources are readily available as you have the option to join a local dance class, you can get independent assistance from a dance teacher, you can learn from the comfort of your own home using instructional dance videos, or you can get books which teach you how to dance. Whichever way you learn to dance you will also learn a lot about your body.

You will soon learn that learning to dance is not just a few slick and stylish moves. In fact the more you are in shape the better you will move and the less pain you will have. If you are not in shape you will soon find out when dancing. For the first weeks you will endure pain but you must continue to push yourself to get over the pain. The pain is simply a condition of your body and muscles getting acclimated to the stress dancing and exercise puts on your body.

Once you get past the first few days/weeks of pain your body will become well adjusted and it will be natural for you to move gracefully and feel vibrant. The health benefits achieved from dancing is overwhelming and should make anyone want to learn how to dance. So my advice to you is to get out there and start dancing.

How to customise your ringtones by Gerri Lane

In society today the world of free ringtones is a business that has become an astronomical money-spinner. You can create or download anything and everything. No matter what type of music interests you have there is a ringtone that will suite you.
From free ringtone on hip hop to rhythm and blues, television themes, movie themes, hard rock, compose your own if you so desire, that is if you have the talent, myself I download it, Emo, animal sounds, to normal house sounds. The front door opening, war sounds all became quite popular to name but a few.

People around you start to look, Police sirens going off, be it firefighters sirens to ambulance sirens, those sounds can make people react as if it was happening right now beside you. This inspired me to do the same, remember the Aliens sound effects they really took off. Even ringtones that talk to you and abuse someone else. There is something out there for everyone. Go a head have some fun. Show the world what you can do. A huge Amount of people trade and share free ringtones daily. This is due to the huge amount of technology that can be created and edited. Send it to your friends and family around the world in the blink of an eye. As I said Igot hooked I have a enormous amount of tones in my phone and now I have loaded my memory card with them as well each person in my contacts list has a personalized ring tone.

As most of you are aware most of the latest cell phones have been pre programmed with certain ringtones, screen savers and wallpaper. Most are boring and bland, there is a solution! Search the web for free ring tones there are thousands of free ringtone site which have MP3 tone, Real tones, polyphonic ringtones the most viewed ringtones, the most downloaded free ringtones, and the list goes on. Some of the pit falls of the free sites are, the web site could be hard to navigate through, you could be sent in a few different directions or you could end up with a bill for hidden costs on your free ringtone downloads. Another common problems is the amount of advertising campaigns that you are constantly bombarded with, things like, adds, pop ups, complimentary offers, which you could be paying for.

Internet service providers may have some outstanding products and services available through the use of your PC. Into days world anything is possible. It is all here at your fingertips. One thing PC users like is to have a one stop shop, this is extremely important for the service providers that they have up to date information products and service, Who wants to spend hours surfing the internet when one service can provide your every need i.e. free wallpapers for your cell phone, free ringtones for your cell phone, free screen savers for your cell phone. Make a statement to the world, this is my likes, or dislikes. Make the statement on how you feel this week by way of a new ringtone. Create a ringtone for your in-laws i.e., it might be that they love Elvis, or Kenny Rogers, that is if you like them, you might too change it to AC/DC if they are my in-laws. The boss should have his own ringtone, purely so you know by the tone who it is, and if you are real good you can decide to answer now or later. The list of possibilities is massive.

The varying cost of ringtones is yet another incentive to serach internet for the bset price. This site offers up to date free ringtones daily, as well as the Easily converts between Wave, tones, WMA , are just some of the features . This site I found easy to understand, and to navigate your way around the information. This is relevant to the subject matter. Site do offer up to date free ringtones daily, as well as the Easily converts between Wave, tones, WMA , are just some of the features . This site I found easy to understand, and to navigate your way around the information. This is relevant to the subject matter.

The Rocawear of Styles and Fashion by Christine Layug

In clothes, the common thing that people would require for it to possess is a style that sets fashion beyond its limitation. Clothes that is both fashionable and artistic in its unique sense of style and taste. That kind of clothes can be found within the clothing line collection of rocawear. The rocawear is a clothing line built only to please the most stylish and fashionable crowd of the urban community. The rocawear clothing line is a clothing label created in 1999 by Jay-Z and Damon Dash. Jay-Z is the head of the hip hop label Roc-a-Fella Records, with Damon Dash being a co-founder of the said recording company. Its popularity among the urban community has brought an annual sale of over $700 million to the infamous rocawear clothing line. This led the founders of rocawear to expand its brand to other brands such as rocawear children, rocawear juniors, rocawear socks and sandals, rocawear leather suede and fur outerwear, rocawear handbags and rocawear belts, rocawear lounge wear and big & tall, rocawear headwear, rocawear jewelry, and rocawear sunglasses. In March of 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, a brand management company that licenses brands to retailers and manufacturers primarily in the apparel, footwear, and apparel accessory industries, for $204 million. Jay-Z still retained his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development. However, even though the rocawear clothing line received so much praise from the urban community, it also received much allegations and accusations. On January 17, 2007, allegations were made of raccoon-dog fur being used in two styles of jackets, rocawear pulled all of the garments from the department stores where this product was shipped. A representative of rocawear stated the company was unaware the fur was being used and had notified manufactures it was not permitted. The items, in addition to being pulled from department stores, were also removed from the brands official website. Nonetheless, the rocawear still claims the title as the most popular urban clothing line in the country. For more information about the rocawear apparels, then visit www.streetzwear.com.

Musicians Switching Genres by Cameron Van

Every once in a while it happens: an artist will want to branch out in a completely different direction. This may involve switching mediums or dropping out of the arts completely. But for some, all that is required to jumpstart their careers or to get the creative juices flowing again is switching genres. Lately the big trend has been to give country a try. The latest release from rockers Bon Jovi is a country recording, Lost Highway. This was preceded by the hit Who says you can’t go home, a duet with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. The single Till we ain't strangers, another duet, this time with Leanne Rhymes was the winner of collaboration of the year at the CMT Music awards. So the switch has proved profitable for Bon Jovi. Another profitable genre switch was the move by Nelly Furtado to go from folk/world music to pop/hip hop with the help of Timbaland. Now, while I don’t care at all for this switch, much preferring the more modest folky music of Whoa Nelly and Folklore, I seem to be in the minority. With the release of Loose, Nelly has shot to the top of the charts with her dance songs. Perhaps the biggest and best known genre switcher is Alanis Morissette. When she first came out in the early 90s, Alanis was a dance/pop artist complete with sexy spandex , big hair and back up dancers. At what seemed to be the height of her career she disappeared. And thank She came back into the limelight with her 1995 smash recording Jagged Little Pill. With it’s lead single, the break up anthem You Ought to Know Alanis took the music world by storm. While she probably would have faded out as a dance artist, Alanis is now considered one of the top singer song writers of our generation. Sometimes it’s good to shake things up.

How to customise your Iphone ringtones by Gerri Lane

Apple storms into the marketplace with the new iphone. Free ringtones for this phone are just some of the unbelievable technology that has been created. There are Internet websites out there that are specifically designed to give you free iphone ring tones. There are indeed quite a few to choose from.
There are even websites that do not directly talk about the iphone. There are websites out there that have free ringtone downloads, but you are unable to use certain tones on your iphone without first doing some modifications. These modifications are also available on line. The Internet is the first place one would look for free iphone ringtones. The free iphone ringtones are offered on thousands of websites, thus allowing the customer to easily select the ones you desire. Jailbraking your iphone is another way to get music on your new iphone, provided you have not got Apples latest upgrade. For someone like myself, it would be much wiser to utilise this type of service.

Remember, in todays age, we need to be an individual, and not to lose ourselves in the cyber world of conformity. Stand out from the crowd; state who you are and what you believe in. Your phone can achieve this. I remember that when having a cell phone meant that you were a "yuppy', nowadays it is thought if you do not have one there is something wrong with you! Freedom of speech can be done via your iphone.

Change your free iphone ringtone to suite your mood. You can update everyone in your contacts list to have their own customized ringtone. Your boss for starters, your wife, mother, brother, the ex. You might want to use something like a blues tune or a Rocker Billy theme, hip hop, rhythm and blue, jazz etc etc. War sound effects are quite a popular one. Imagine sitting at the table with the in-laws and an air raid siren goes off! You're sitting there, and the in-laws are hiding under the table! Mind you that depends on the period they were born in.

Problems while surfing the Internet can be numerous. Being diverted to other web pages, having pop ups constantly in your face to the point that you can not read what you came for. Site navigation is another problem. This can be just as confusing to the laymen, beware of those common traps. Look for a site that has it all. Ease of use is the best option. The 'one-stop-shop' is for me.

This site offers up-to-date free iphone tunes. It offers 20 new free ringtones daily. Wow! Now that is what I would be looking for. Fresh information on the newest free iphone ringtones. Look for a simple layout, not too much information that will over load your senses. It must have the items you require to say the least, and this site delivers.

Why pay $0.99 plus to download songs that you already have, when you can obtain them for free? Uniqueness is part of who we are. Why be the same as the guy or girl next to you. Be free to create your own unique sound and flavour.

Organically reared cows manufacture healthier milk asserts Newcastle by Emmanuel Raymond

This organic milk contained more good greasy acids like omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid known as CLA9 than milk produced at comprehensive commercial dairy farms.

The difference was even more marked in the summer with levels of CLA9 about 60 pc higher in milk from cattle that graze in fields. The sampling of milk took place during 2004 and 2005 but the results were made public just yesterday in the book of Science of Food and Agriculture. "My interest now is that if we are able to improve the quality of milk we will also improve the health qualities of butter and cheese"Mrs servant announced. Organic cattle in the South of Britain spent almost all of their lives out of doorways but in the North and Scotland cattle are brought inside to live in outbuildings from the end of Sep or October, relying on rain and cold temperatures. Analysts discovered that by adding a mixture of soya beans, rapeseed and linseed to the daily food rations for each cow kept inside, milk quality improved and was equivalent to the milk from an outside cow eating a fresh grass diet. Further work is under way but Mrs servant believes the difference is linked to the quantity of clover in fields. Peter Melchett, policy director at the the organisation, announced : "This research attests what organic farmers and buyers have long said to be true. IF a decision was taken that all milk should be organic, how much additional land resources would be needed? Would it cut the NHS bill? Organic is the way forward, there's no reason we deserve to be rearing cattle on chemicals or growing our fruit and veg on chemicals eaither. We should always try to grow out food naturally. Organic is always better in everything I have tasted. Make some yoghurt with organic milk and some with non-organic. The organic milk comes up nice and firm, the non-organic is a runny mess. Get more from your celebrity interviews This week, Hip Hop star Dizzie lad on how Bruce Lee provides inspiration and his work for the Campaign Against Living Miserably. Today The end of the planet is nigh Its name. Forget burnout, boreout is the new office illness Are you irritable when you return from work? Drained of emotion? You might be afflicted by boreout. Regardless of the greens attempting to wipe it out, the automobile is preparing to offer us the most exciting year ever. Special Surprise Yourself What are you able of?

Bars, Pubs and Other Nightlife in Chiang Mai by Jaxon Toh

The Chiang Mai nightlife may look limited to newly arrived tourists. Well, they just do not know where to find the happening bars and pubs. Though not as plentiful or varied as the scene in Bangkok, Chiang Mai does have its own cool party venues. Choose from these nightlife places that target farangs (Westerners), or if you're more adventurous, try the local scene. Check out these popular bars and pub/restaurants.
Farang Scene When you ask about Chiang Mai discos, the first name on anyone's lips will be Bubbles (or Space Bubble) at the basement of Porn Ping Tower. Mentioned in many travel guide books, this nightspot is always crowded and plays loud thumping music. It gets a good mix of tourists and locals, including gays and lady boys.

The Riverside and The Good View are the most popular riverside pub cum restaurants among tourists and locals alike. These two are located side by side on the banks of the Ping River. You can enjoy waterfront dining, with live music from the local bands. They play mostly Western songs, with some local Thai songs.

In Betweens If you're looking for Chiang Mai nightlife with a little more local flavour, try Fine Thanks, a pub/restaurant on Nimmanhaemin Road. The usual crowds are mainly locals, with a few single tourists. The draw of this nightspot is the very attentive and sexily dressed team of young Thai waitresses.

Local Scene Here's why you should check out the local nightlife scene: young, beautiful and trendy Thais partying like there's no tomorrow! They are mostly students from the nearby universities in Chiang Mai, or young working adults. And the place to be is called Nimmanhaemin Road. There are two top clubs to see and be seen here.

The first stop is Warm Up. The huge premises are designed typical Chiang Mai style: restaurant on the outside, pub and disco on the inside. The live music from the band alternates with DJ spots. You get a mix of hip hop and Thai music. This club is always hip and happening with beautiful local crowds. Not many farang yet.

The second is Monkey Club, which is slightly smaller than Warm Up, also with similar design. It's a trendy establishment with a beautiful outside area. Inside, you have a live band playing with DJ spots too. This nightspot is also always crawling with the young and beautiful people of Chiang Mai.

As you know, the nightlife scene changes rapidly. Same same in Chiang Mai. The above information is correct as of early 2008.

Cosmetic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss by Abigail Aaronson

Cosmetic surgery is usually performed on people who have recently lost a lot of weight which is actually a massive loss. It is not only for looks, but it can help you maintain your body's health as well.
Congrats! You've taken off the pounds! Now, it's time to think about getting some plastic surgery done.

Does that sound drastic? Most people who go through massive weight loss, whether through successful dieting or other changes get a plastic surgery done to get their body back into a more natural shape. Then, you can have a whole new you, thin and trim!

So, why do people get cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss, and what can be done? Let's look at some of the trouble spots and solutions.

*The "Spare Tire" Around Your Belly Has Turned Into a Deflated Tube

After massive weight loss, you may find that your once round belly has now become a layer of flab that hangs over your belt in a way you would prefer it didn't. This is when plastic surgery can help.

An abdominoplasty (AKA tummy tuck) in this area can greatly help in getting your belly back into shape. After that, it's all about push-ups, and you are on your own for that!

*Your Breasts Hang Down Past Your Belly Button

Lots of women want bigger breasts, but nobody wants giant, deflated balloons hanging from their chest. This is what often happens after extreme weight loss.

There are two solutions - Breast reduction, or breast augmentation. Breast reduction gets rid of the extra tissue and restores your chest to a normal size. If you are happy with the breasts, but just don't want them swinging so low, a little breast augmentation can make them perkier and more natural-looking.

The extra boobs can also be troublesome for men who have lost a lot of weight. For this, breast reduction is recommended. Get rid of the extra breast age and you don't have to be shy about shedding that shirt when you go for swimming.

- Your Butt Looks like A Deflated Inner tube.

It may sound funny, but it's not funny at all when it happens to you. After losing a lot of weight, many people find themselves with a lot left over in the place they want it least - the behind.

Don't worry, plastic surgery can help! The solution to this common problem is a "butt lift." It sounds like a hip hop dance craze, but it's actually a simple plastic surgery procedure that tucks in and removes tissue in the posterior region. It works like a face lift or body lift, simply adjusting the tissue underneath to give back a natural shape to your butts.

- You've Got The Hollow Cheeks Of Someone Who's Been Stranded On A Desert Island Living On Whatever They Can Catch With Their Hands

Often, after massive weight loss, you will have the hollow-cheeks starvation look. The cause is loose flesh and extra leftover tissue that doesn't know where to go.

Plastic surgery can help, by offering a minor face lift. This is standard procedure after massive weight loss. Raising the tissue underneath the skin will help your face look natural and healthy.

By the way, these cosmetic surgery solutions are not only cosmetic; they are also good for the overall health of your body. You will have firmer muscles, less loose tissue, and little trouble with rashes and other ailments caused by massive weight loss.

Let plastic surgery help you get your body back into the shape you want. If you have had a massive weight loss, the next step is to talk to a plastic surgeon and see what they can do for you.

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Yoga has been practiced by various sages since ancient times. Today, you would see the rage that has been created for this age-old form of exercise. Yoga has cultivated its' niche in the modern society from the old to youngsters, children and celebrities, everyone is into the yogic passion.
Most consider is just a fad and for some it is a passion and a regular form of exercise one cannot live without. There are several benefits of performing yoga. From reducing fat from the body to controlling blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, yoga provides immense health benefits.

If you are interested in doing yoga and want to get benefited from the immense health benefits it provides, here are some of the poses you can try:

a) Tadasana Mountain Pose - Steps:

1. Stand erect with feet together

2. Spread toes

3. Lift knee caps

4. With thigh bones back and tail bone in, lift sternum from the base of spine.

5. Make sure that shoulder blades and arms extend downwards.

6. Now breathe and hold the position for about 20-30 seconds.

b) Balasana Child's Pose - Steps:

1. Open up your heart and relax

2. Breathe and elongate the spine

3. Breathe again and hold for about for 40-60 seconds.

c) Uttanasana Forward Bend - Steps:

1. Exhale forward and bend into wall

2. Align your feet under each hip

3. The hands should be in level with hips

4. Inhale and lift sitting bones

5. Now exhale and lengthen elbows, spine, elbows, arm pits ribs and sitting bones

6. Breathe and hold for 30-60 seconds.

d) Varkasana Tree Pose - Steps:

1. Hug your left muscles to the bone

2. Bend right leg

3. Now press foot and thigh into each other

4. Take bent knee back and down for balance

e) Marjarasana Cat cow - Steps:

1. Take your hands under shoulders and put knees under hips

2. Now inhale and lift head and tail bone. Concave the back

3. Exhale and tuck tail bone under, round back upward and head down.

4. The movements should be flexible without any restrictions.

5. Start from the pelvis always.

6. Breathe and repeat the asana for about 10 times.

f) Pavana Muktasana little boat pose - Steps:

1. Exhale knees to chest

2. Rock side to side and massage your back

3. Breathe and hold on to this position for about 40-60 seconds.

g) Vajrasana Extended puppy pose - Steps:

1. Start with hips over your knees and arms extended.

2. Now draw buttocks halfway backwards towards calfs when you resist with the palms whole pressing into the floor in order to elongate the spine as well as back muscles.

3. Breathe and hold on for 20-30 seconds.

4. You need to maintain stretch in back when you gradually move towards the child's pose.

h) Jathara Parivartanasana Reclining twist (Crocodile twist) - Steps:

1. You need to lie on left side and place your right foot on left knee

2. Now hop left hip back in order to align hips.

3. Inhale and take right arm over your head and exhale while twisting to right.

4. Maintain equal distance between knee and shoulder from floor.

5. Take long smooth breaths in order to open ribs and elongate spine.

6. Breath and hold on to the position for 40-60 seconds. Repeat on second side.

Diva Online Fashion Clothes Wholesale Store by Gina Hans

Salehoo: International Wholesale For Hip Hop Clothes
To prevent being a victim of fraud, you should do more research on a potential supplier for computer peripherals and demand more verification. A visit to the supplier personally before your first transaction will be much more promising, if possible. To learn more about tips, tricks and hints on how to avoid being scammed or identify fraud, do browse through my other articles on EzineArticles. So I decided to let people in on the Salehoo truth or for that matter any premium wholesale or drop ship directory. If you are having any problems with finding products or you need any help with your account simply write to customer support and you will get a quick response solving all your problems From the outset Salehoo has been constantly adding new suppliers and verifying them to provide a comprehensive database

Ncaa Wholesale Tee Shirts:
From the outset Salehoo has been constantly adding new suppliers and verifying them to provide a comprehensive database Retailers including eBay sellers flea market vendors and dollar store owners all have one need in common. It is sad to see many websites pull out crappy sites and they go online and fail because they never had a great wholesale distributor or the perfect wholesale list to start with because they failed to do the proper research. Their website is updated daily so not the problem of half the wholesalers being either no longer active and the links not working anymore. Wholesale products are the only solution to your business related problems. The secret is a close arrangement between the restaurant as wholesaler and tea supplier as a provider of the highest quality loose leaf tea and teaware that will support the restaurant in serving its customers. It is fantastic when you have an Internet mini-mall selling what you love and feel good upon selling it. Other types of destinations work under the same principle which is why wholesale travel is possible across the board.

Salehoo Wholesale Wood Picture Art Frames Open:
Food being a perishable item needs to be handled carefully and food distributors have to ensure quick turnaround of inventory. For E-commerce web sites you may have to build a functional web site that is hosted before you apply for the certificate. That did not stop me from raking in the money online. First of all getting a business license I.D is truly necessary is a true necessary step to make when you plan to incorporate your wholesale or reselling business. In my advance wholesale business opinion, it is important to get a business license if you plan to sell one hundred thousand dollars a month in sales from a retail, wholesale or reselling business. However, there is no need to get a business license when there are many wholesalers and distributors that can cut you deals for wholesale merchandise in single or in bulk amounts legally. See Salehoo. So if the supplier has a bad reputation you will know about it. There are countless jewelry wholesalers on the web and many of them specialize in silver jewelry. This is a great solution for people that don't know what to should sell. This does not make any sense either.

Natural Lotions Manufacturers And Wholesalers
Second "Investor A" finds another party "Investor B". You just end up buying items wholesale then when you sell them on eBay half the time you just get back what you paid for it. This does not make any sense either. This is a great solution for people that don't know what to should sell. Also the minimum purchase required may be a determining factor. Dropshipping is where you don't even have to handle stock See more at Salehoo Reviews. Also Salehoo isn't just for people in the United States the friend who recommended me lives in Australia. Drop shipping is a business arrangement in which a company (often the manufacturer of a product) sells a product at wholesale prices to a reseller and ships the product directly to the reseller's customers. In that case you begin to seek at the chess pieces as well as realize that your choice of discount chess pieces is almost limitless.

Salehoo: Wholesalers For Futbol Jerseys
In addition you should also have an idea on how to choose between the precious metals. It costs $99 (I'll just add it's currently $67 but this is only a special offer) to join and within 10 day's of being a member I'd made $450! It's also a lifetime membership you get which makes it so much better than the monthly fee sites as you pay that once and thats it you can use it for the rest of your life so it's a well worthwhile investment. In that case you begin to seek at the chess pieces as well as realize that your choice of discount chess pieces is almost limitless. Remember in order for an eBay seller to know to contact you he needs to know that you sell to eBay sellers. More at http://www.salehooreviewed.info The idea of company liquidation is to convert the assets into cash and then use the cash to pay the bills or to use the cash to pay the creditors or to take home the cash after a failed business venture. Members also have access to other informations tools and services to help them source products they are looking for. The price of gold jewelry depends upon the karat weight of the jewelry. The higher the karat weight is, the brighter the jewelry is and the higher the price. The price of gold fluctuates daily, and as of late gold has been at the highest price since the 1970's. As of today, September 28, 2006, the price of gold is still hovering over $600 per ounce and just about a month ago, it was over $700. Selling gold jewelry on Ebay can still be a lucrative business if you put in the time and effort. eBay charges are one of the fees that you will have to pay. Walking from booth to booth I was looking for a list of about 500 items in just a few product categories including small electronics sunglasses house wares tools and toys. You don't have to sell everything you buy so you can save some money on things that you would normally buy from local shops paying almost twice more.

Enroll in a dance camp this summer by Mari milian

During summer, people will have a lot of time in their hands. It will be really pity to spend time "vegetating" at home without doing anything. In order to maximize your time and energy, you can learn a new skill. Dancing is one of the skills that you can try; sign up in a summer dance camp. A summer dance camp is essentially a program in which its key aim is to teach the students various dance styles. There are different dance camps that offer programs focusing on detailed dance styles. Some even offer an entire bunch of dancing styles in single summer dance camp program.
There are many kinds of dance styles which dance camps offer which includes hip hop dance, ballroom dance, ballet dance, Irish dance, jazz dance, modern dance and other styles. You can choose to focus on any one style or enlarge your dance move repertoire by learning diverse styles.The summer dance program may also be classified by stage of the enrollee. If the individual is only starting to learn the dance style, there are many beginner summer dance camps. If he wishes to learn more challenging techniques and aims to develop their skill in a certain style they can enroll in an intermediate or an advanced summer dance program.

The main advantage of enrolling in a summer dance course is that it is very good for your health (exercise), it will serve as a strain reliever, you'll be learning fresh skills and techniques and it can expand your imaginative and artistic abilities. One more advantage of dance camps is the time factor. Some dance camps only last for a few days while other dance camp programs give you more time to practice, learn and cooperate with other people. Just make it sure to carry out your research well and collect the requirement before the start of summer. Try to make your summer have sunny memories, practice and progressive knowledge with summer dance camps.

One of the main entertaining forms of different expressions is seen in the synchronized movement of a person's body. One of the main dancing styles that have caught the numerous eyes of the youth is the hip hop dancing. It's a dance form that slowly developed as it gradually gained the attention and interest of many dance enthusiasts. This hip hop dancing has developed so big that there are even camps that put forward programs specializing in this style only.

First hip hop dance branches out into diverse dance styles which was originally seen on the street. Some of the hip hops dancing styles include break-dance, old school, popping and locking etc.These kinds of dancing styles grew more popularity when hip hop and the rap music videos began to showcase the various hip hop dance moves from various hip hop dance styles. If you wish for learning the moves seen on television and different dance competition, just try out for a hip hop dance camp. The main advantage of learning from a hip hop dance camp is that you will be taught from the fundamentals from experienced professionals.

Baby Phat Clothes by LaCola Berry

The Baby Phat clothing line is known today as a sassy and very sexy fashion with a premier hip-hop brand of clothing for women. The company has become a phenomenon in style and fashion with women all over the world.
The Baby Phat clothing line began as a spoof when Kimora Lee Simmons designed a bunch of tee shirts as a publicity tool with the name Baby Phat displayed across the front of them. Celebrities, supermodels, and others began to wear the tees and they became a favorite and a demand. It was then decided to launch an entire collection of Baby Phat clothing for women creating an entire new lifestyle.

Kimora then launched a denim label for Baby Phat which put the company at the forefront of the urban luxury phenomenon. She was successful with this endeavor because she had an excellent sense of style and what women wanted in a sexy jean because of the fact that she was a supermodel and married to Russell. The jeans are eye catching and hip hugging and they have become the signature representing everything about a woman. They also represent fun, glamour, and being a sensual woman.

Today, the world cannot seem to get enough of the styles offered by the Baby Phat clothing line and you can find articles and ads in magazines like Bazaar, Gotham, Seventeen, and Vibe. Each of these periodicals represent the diversity of the lifestyle brand of Baby Phat. There are many celebrities who prefer this clothing line like Brittney Spears, Paula Abdul, Alicia Keys, and Lil' Kim.

The logo for the Baby Phat clothing line is a slinky feline and is recognized internationally across the world as a favorite clothing line for all women. Baby Phat has not only jeans in their sexy line but also leather outerwear, shoes, handbags, lingerie, jewelry, mobile phones, fragrances and more.

Women love Baby Phat because it shows that they are hip-hip and full of fashion, class, and sexy. The clothing line has proven to be extremely successful and what a woman wants in style and fashion in all of their clothes today.

Are you searching for the latest woman fashion dresses? Or are you in search of accessories for women dresses? Please visit the Baby Phat portal where you can choose from the wide variety of collections there and purchase it online. The products of Baby Phat are similar or identical to the latest fashion. The products may be a jeans or even a cell phone, you are guaranteed the products of the latest fashion. The online purchase method of Baby Phat is fool proof.

Baby Phat website has now added shoes and cocktail dresses as a value addition for its sale. Baby phat sell kids wares and baby wares now. The cell phones introduced in the market in 2003 by Baby Phat has grabbed the public attention and now it is a public attraction. The perfume introduced in the market by Baby Phat is one of the hottest products in America now.

It Always Come Down to Words by ROBERT JOHNSTON

"The Importance Of Copy
It has often been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. However, when it comes to marketing, 1000 words can be worth a picture perfect P&L. The words on everything from your business card to your advertising flyer convey an important message. The right words can mean a sale. The wrong words can translate to a missed major opportunity.

The sales copy included within your promotional materials conveys to the public exactly who and what your company is. Large corporations employ a deep level of psychological and industrial design analysis when formulating their message. You most probably do not have such abilities. However, there are alternatives for the small business owner. Many freelance advertising copy writers are available. Some have rates which won't bust your corporate budget.

In addition to the actual words it is important to give careful consideration when selecting colors, images and other design elements. All combine to exude one coherent message. If you are attempting to sell meditation tapes, then you probably wouldn't want a bright red logo with busy surrounding graphics. Conversely, if you are promoting hip hop bands, then you most probably won't seek relaxing colors when doing your flyer printing.

Start With A Burst Putting Your Best Stuff First

Consumers (especially of the younger demographic) have limited attention spans. Odds are high that if they aren't fully engaged at the beginning of your sales copy, then your postcard marketing campaign will just produce additions to your potential customer's circular files. The title and subtitles of all materials must be both eye catching and informative. They must impart to the reader a desire to continue further into your copy, or the remaining words might as well be invisible.

If you have a limited marketing budget for outside assistance it is best to deploy it for consultation strictly relating to the top of the page. If you capture your audience's attention initially the rest of the ride is downhill. Conversely, turning them off at the start presents a tall mountain which most often proves impossible to overcome.

Know The Crowd To Which You Are Playing

Predicate to effective ad copy is good market research. Who are your potential customers? What are their likes and dislikes? What is their sociology and demographics? These are all important questions to answer prior to even starting the creation of your message and brand. Failure to know who is in the stands can lead to a professional wrestling presentation being made to an opera audience.

Market research can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are many free resources available online. Look at competing companies within the same space. Especially scrutinize the successful ones. Talk to family or friends who are of the right demographic, and bounce your ideas off of them for feedback. There are many tools a creative small entrepreneur can employ to help better understand their marketplace.

Get The Word Out

There are many modalities to convey your message once it is crafted. Internet marketing is a familiar avenue to many of you. Offline activities can also prove to be just as effective. Devising good advertising flyers and engaging in postcard marketing campaigns are both proven paths. Methods for broadcasting your message are limited only by your imagination.

Know your audience. Craft the right message. Get it as widely distributed as possible. These three steps, if done effectively, will bring your business into the big leagues.

The Importance of Using Pop Culture References when Writing Rap and Hip-Hop Lyrics by Jason Tyler

One of the most common techniques used by signed artists when writing rap and hip-hop lyrics is to use pop culture references. Study any artist’s lyrics and you’ll find cultural references scattered throughout their verses. A pop culture reference is when an artist 'name checks' something that is part of modern day culture usually by way of metaphor or simile. There are many examples of what references to use eg sports stars, videogame characters, and television characters etc, basically anything that your audience may be familiar with. Here are two examples and with each one the cultural reference is underlined and explained:

‘When I stroll through the hood kids don’t dare jump me,
Coz I’m tougher than M Bison on level nine difficulty,’

Anyone whose played videogames in the last ten years knows that M Bison is the last boss of Street Fighter 2, and a particularly tough one at that. This line states that I’m tougher than him on the maximum difficulty setting. Using this line will make the listener think ‘yeah, I remember him! wow that’s clever!’ and grab their attention. Here’s another example:-

‘I’m a Dope MC, the killer punch thrower,
Knocking you out like I’m Rocky Balboa,’

This line references the famous fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. Again this line will catch people’s attentions due to the fact that everyone knows who he is!

Below is a list of pop-culture references that will go down well when writing rap and hip hop lyrics:-

-TV and Film: eg TV and film characters, locations, shows etc

-Celebrities: eg celebrities and what they get up to

-Music: eg artists and songs

-Videogames: eg videogame characters, locations, vehicles etc (see the first original example)

-Literature: eg characters and events from novels, comics etc

-Historical People/Events: eg various people and events from the past eg The Vietnam War,

-Sport: eg sports starsteamsvenues

-Political Figures: eg people involved in politics

-Landmarks: eg famous landmarks and places

-Companies and Businesses: eg famous companies and brand names

It’s hard to pin point exactly why they work well in rap and hip hop lyrics, but it seems that hearing something mentioned in someone’s lyrics that you personally know about just seems to grab your attention. One TV program which is well renowned for its use of pop culture references is Family Guy. Every episode is packed with references to pop culture ranging from Star Wars characters to famous celebrities. This is why the show works so well. If you really want to write commercially successful raps then it’s important that you use these in your raps so the audience can connect with you.

It’s important to note that you should use cultural references that your intended listening audience will understand. If you’re writing commercial hip-hop which is aimed at teenagers then referring to an obscure seventies TV show will not work well as they won't understand what you're referring to. On the other hand if you’re writing intelligent hip-hop it would work better as you’ll be writing for a mature older audience. Also the same applies to location. If you’re a British emcee you should stick to British cultural references as your target audience will appreciate them more. There’s no point name checking that famous ice hockey player as most British people won’t be aware of him!

Where to Find Effective Cultural References

Anyone raised in a certain culture will already have a wealth of references available to use, but then again you’re limited by what you know. Someone who isn’t really into sport will not know much on the subject and therefore won't be able to use as many sport related cultural references as other emcees. Remember the wider the range of cultural references you use the more people you’ll be able to connect with. The best place to find potential pop culture references by far is the website www.wikipedia.org.

For those of you don’t know Wikipedia is an online encyclopaedia where anyone is allowed to update the pages. It contains articles on just about anything. By looking through this you can find everything you need to know on just about everything- from pop star’s controversies to TV program characters! I normally have a Wikipedia session every week where I grab my rhyme book then start browsing through Wikipedia looking for any ‘references’ I can use in my rhymes. When I do find something interesting I make a note of it in my rhyme book. I don’t always come up with full bars, but the important thing is the ideas and punches are there. I normally come back later and turn these ideas into full bars. I can then use these bars when I come to write full rap verses.

Stay tuned for more articles on writing rap and hip-hop lyrics

The Same Formula over and over Again by by Jonathan Daniel

I hear it every day. Just hook me up with a beat with three verses 16 bars each, and two hooks, eight bars each. This is the standard formula used by three fourths of hip-hop producers today. For the most part, this is not a bad thing. But in some situations, it can be problematic.
One of the pros to this formula is that it makes it easy for producers and artists to match lyrics with beats. If an artist is purchasing premade beats from a producer, he usually expects the beats to be broken down using this formula and composes their song accordingly. This helps business transactions flow faster, and provides a level of comfort for the artist and producer.

This brings me to the con. Just today, I listened to a hip-hop album by an artist whose name I won't mention, and for the most part I was impressed. However, one issue that was hard to get past on the album was the fact that every single song on the CD used this very formula. Every song started with an eight bar intro, three verses, 16 bars each, three hooks, 18 bars each, and every song ended with the music fading out.

While the production was very impressive, this formula stood out like a 747 in a grocery store parking lot. I must admit that I am guilty of this too. Probably three fourths of my beats use this formula, and also three fourths of my songs. Today I am issuing a challenge to me as well as other producers and artists to be more creative and venture beyond this monotonous formula. A few skits and interludes on a CD are not enough to make up for this laziness.

The hooks on some rap songs even sound like the first eight bars of a verse with a little overdubbing and adlibs. Sometimes it is best for the listener not to know exactly when a song is going to change. Come on, people, let's surprise our listeners. There are dozens of ways to do this, but you must experiment and see what is best for you. Let's not get so caught up in our deadlines and determination to expose our craft to the point that we end up with what I like to call an assembly line song.

I am talking to three fourths of producers in the industry including myself not to be putting anyone down but to motivate us all to take responsibility for the shortcuts that put a damper on our creativity. I love music, and I love to expose it to the world, but if I discipline myself just a little bit more, maybe I can satisfy those with a thirst for a break from the norm. Let's be more inventive and unpredictable.

Summer in the city: Birmingham and the festival frenzy by Isla Campell

For many people, the UK’s festival season is as good as it gets in terms of letting loose, relaxing and watching their favourite bands. Indeed, 3 or 4 days camped in a field with nothing to do but eat, drink and dance may be the ideal way to wile away the summer months, with numerous festivals to choose from throughout the UK.

But for many other people, the prospect of lying in a mud-filled field for a whole weekend just isn’t their idea of fun. After all, the UK weather isn’t exactly the most reliable, even in the summer months. And this is where city festivals have a major advantage over rural festivals, where camping can be exchanged for pampering, and pies can be swapped for paella.

Birmingham, for example, is a veritable festival hotspot. And it’s not entirely surprising, given that it’s the second biggest city in the UK, and the largest of England’s ‘core cities’. Situated within the West Midlands County, Birmingham really comes into its own in the summer months and is home to a festival frenzy, focussing on music, the arts and even food.

The Bass festival takes place throughout June, and is spread over a few cities. The Birmingham segment has everything from live jazz and Hip-Hop, to a graffiti exhibition and even a DJ Masterclass.

Then, there is the BBC Good Food Show, which takes place over 5 days in June at the Birmingham NEC. And for many, this is the perfect summer day out, with alfresco dining, amazing food and wine and even shopping. In 2008, top TV celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and James Martin will be showing off their culinary skills in the Good Food Show’s summer kitchen; so turn up, take notes and learn from the masters.

And for the more traditional arts, there is the New Generation Arts (NGA) Festival, which is hosted by Birmingham University with venues spread throughout the city. Running over the course of 15 days in June, there is the opportunity to watch films, visit digital media exhibitions and even attend a day of creative writing presentations and readings.

But for those who enjoy a good old-fashioned music festival and can’t put up with the hassle of camping in a field, then there is the 20th Annual City Stages music festival in downtown Birmingham. Taking place over 3 days, massive international-selling artists help create a phenomenal festival experience in a city environment ensuring hotels in Birmingham are bursting at the seams.

Indeed, throughout the summer months, Birmingham hotels are positively thriving, and it’s hardly surprising, given the eclectic mix of festival experiences on offer. So ditch that tent and prepare to be pampered this summer, Birmingham is where it’s all happening.

Will The Next Generation Of Leaders Please Stand Up? by Todd A. Smith

When an assassin's bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, the Civil Rights Movement was at a crossroad. Many people in the movement did not have supreme confidence, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, in King's successor and confidant, Rev. Ralph Abernathy and consequently many of his protests ended in embarrassment.
Abernathy had been instrumental in the Montgomery bus boycott and the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference but often clashed with the more charismatic Jackson over the organization's direction after the assassination of King.

Nevertheless, Abernathy held the SCLC's top position until 1977 when he ran unsuccessfully for the Georgia congressional seat. Unfortunately, Abernathy did not have the leadership abilities of King, and the fierier Jackson replaced him in the hearts of many African Americans.

Jackson, along with other leaders such as Al Sharpton, would go on to lead the cause for Black issues well into the new millennium.

However, with new issues confronting the African American community, who will step up to the plate when the old school leaders pass on the torch to the younger generation?

Many within the Black community, such as renowned journalist Jason Whitlock, have recently criticized Jackson and Sharpton for attacking White bigots such as Don Imus and not spending adequate time addressing issues that have developed because of the behavior and apathy of African Americans. Whitlock even went so far as to compare the current group of leaders to terrorists such as the Ku Klux Klan.

Whoever accepts the torch from our predecessors will not only have to deal with bigotry from White America but also internal problems in Black America such as drug abuse, violence, high rates of sexually transmitted disease and extremely high incarceration rates.

In a previous era, the younger generation looked to the preachers and teachers for guidance. However, in the 21st century many young African Americans are turning to entertainers and athletes for that guidance and direction.

Rappers have become the role models in the new millennium, becoming huge influences in the world of fashion, jewelry and vehicles. Unfortunately, many hip-hip artists seem more content to use their celebrity for negativity as opposed to promoting positive images for the younger generation.

If a rap artist can influence a teenager to buy a certain car or purchase a $1000 grill they can certainly persuade that same teenager to avoid the pitfalls of the thug life they so often glorify.

When an educated professional from corporate America counsels a young child, the child often views that adult as out-of-touch with the grim realities of poverty, drugs, and violence that they face on a daily basis.

However, those same children often relate better to athletes and entertainers who sometimes come from similar backgrounds and were able to succeed against the same seemingly insurmountable odds.

With that influence, many in the world of hip-hop could have the same impact that Dr. King and Malcolm X had on the youth of the 1950s and 1960s.

Imagine the late Tupac Shakur urging the youth of the 1990s to avoid the dangers of the street life by turning away from a life of crime and using their experience to encourage the younger generation to avoid the same pitfalls.

Imagine Kanye West urging the youth of today to pursue a college education and using that knowledge to have an impact on the less fortunate in American and in countries like Sierra Leonne.

Imagine 50 Cent using his experience as a drug kingpin who endured a vicious attack by his adversaries encouraging the next generation that they can climb any mountain and overcome any obstacle no matter how dire the situation may seem.

Despite the need for young Black leaders to address internal problems, there is still a need for young soldiers to address the ills of racism and discrimination that African Americans endure on a daily basis.

New Black Panther Party leader Quanell X is poised to take the torch from leaders like Jackson and Sharpton.

Quanell X began his career as a Nation of Islam activist after spending a brief time in jail for possession and dealing crack cocaine in 1989. Once a "young street thug," Quanell improved his image to set a better example for the young people he leads. He is known for always wearing business suits and being clean cut.

The activist made a name for himself around the country for protesting the systematic discrimination that permeates through all levels of government and politics, often acting as a voice for oppressed people who have no voice.

Historically, Whites as well as Blacks have not always praised the voices of Black activists. However, the need for young leaders to put their livelihood on the line for the betterment of their people will always be necessary as long as inequalities exist in American society. The Black community is in desperate need of a unifying and uplifting voice to encourage the next generation to reach for the sky. Will that next leader be you?

Concert backstage passes by Orane Derriere

Concert backstage passes are passes that are made for music events and give access to concerts and festivals, for any type of music whether it's rock, hip-hop, alternative, electronic music, pop, country, jazz, classical, etc ...
Concert backstage passes can divided in four categories:

· All Access Pass: This is the most important pass, as it usually gives access to the show, to the backstage area as well as to the pre-show and post-show parties. Because of its importance, the all access pass is only released to a few people, which include the performers, their entourage, their management, their crew as well as to the staff working at the venues. All access passes are usually distributed by management. · Crew Pass: as its name implies, this is a pass specifically designed for the crew, which is composed of regular employees as well as the temporary help that might be hired to help setting up the stage, carrying the amps and instruments, checking tickets, etc ... · VIP Pass: this pass gives access to the performance as well as to the parties. VIP passes are usually distributed to friends of the performers, contest winners and fan club members. While they are usually free, they sometime can be bought as part of some deluxe packages that include meet and greet with the artists. · Press Pass: this pass is given away to members of the press, which include journalists, music critics, freelance photographers and music bloggers.

Concert backstage passes are generally laminated, feature the type of access available and must be worn around your neck. In some rare cases, they can even feature a picture and the name of the holder. Concert backstage passes can also be found in the form of simple wristbands, which color indicated the type of access granted.

The History of the Jamaican People and Their Culture by Stephanie Larkin

Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, but this country is also called home by millions of people. Most tourists never learn about the history of the Jamaican people, but if you're planning to vacation here, you will enjoy and understand it more if you better understand their culture.
Early History of Jamaica

The history of Jamaica begins with the natives that inhabited the island before Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1494. These people, the Taino, were the original residents of the island, but they quickly died out with the arrival of Spanish colonists. They were peaceful people and thrived in the agricultural industry. The smallpox epidemic that European settlers brought to Jamaica caused their ultimate extinction. Today, there are no known direct descendants of the Taino people, but branches of the same family tree from other tribes do still exist in Puerto Rico, Aruba, and parts of South America. Due to intermarrying, however, some of the inhabitants of Jamaica may still carry a Taino bloodline.

Jamaica, like the United States, is known as a melting pot due to European settlement, most of which was British. This was also a hub for slavery in the Americas until 1838, when the practice was abolished by the English who still owned the island. During this time period, Jamaica was also a hot spot for pirates. It remained in British control on varying levels until the 1960s.

Jamaican Language and Religion

Because of this port-based country's draw for various groups of people, the culture you will find on this island is a mixture of the cultures of the native people, most of whom are Spanish and English settlers, African slaves, and tourists from around the world who decided to move to this island. English is the official language of the country, but most people speak Jamaican Patois, which some consider to be an English dialect while others consider it to be a separate language.

Although Jamaica is a small country with under three million inhabitants, its culture has influenced the world. Without Tainos-influenced Jamaica, we would not have words such as canoe, hammock, and barbecue. The hammock is an ever-popular way to relax in the sun, and in the 16th century, Jamaicans created hammocks as a way to change sailors' sleeping quarters. It was much cleaner than the traditional bug-filled beds of soggy straw which lay on the ground.

Jamaica's culture is deeply rooted in religion. Due to the high number of missionary immigrants initially, Christianity is by far the strongest religion in this country. However, an offshoot of traditional Christianity called Rastafari developed in Jamaica, and this religion (made more famous in the Western World by musician Bob Marley) is the backbone to much of Jamaica's musical and spiritual practices. This religious sect is based on the Old Testament with the belief that Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is the true descendant of Christianity.

Jamaican Music

Music is one of the most important parts of Jamaican culture, in part due to its strong ties to the church. This small nation is home to a number of musical genres, including reggae, dance hall, and ska. This is also the birthplace of toasting, a chant/speech style of music with a strong beat, which is said to be one of the grandfathers of today's rap and hip-hop culture. Some of the most famous Jamaican musicians include Bob Marley, The Skatalites, Alton Ellis, Peter Tosh, Beenie Man, and most recently Sean Kingston. In addition, a number of artists have cited Jamaican music as an influence in their work. These artists include rock bands such as The Clash and The Police, and rap artists Wu-Tang Clan.

Dance is quite important in Jamaican culture. These include both religious types of dancing, which are an integral part of ceremonies, and secular dancing, which is a response to the reggae, ska, and dance hall music that became so popular in this country in the 20th century. Other nearby islands, like Trinidad and Tobago, also influenced dance in Jamaica.

Jamaica Today

Today, Jamaica is still a melting pot of cultures. Over all cultures, however, the focus has slowly been shifting to tourism and the environment, and today most major cruise lines have ships that port in Jamaica. There is also a keen awareness of the decline in healthy coral reefs in this country, and a movement to bring them back.

Jamaica might be a tiny island, but this country has a big personality. If you're traveling to Jamaica, take a moment to find out more about the culture of the Jamaican people. They are some of the most friendly, welcoming people you'll ever meet.

City tourist guide to Sheffield by Ms Leisha Greenfield

Sheffield's significance as the steel manufacturing centre of the UK declined dramatically over the decades leading up to the 80s, but the city has been rejuvenated and now stands as the fourth largest in the country, with a bustling creative industry and affectionately dubbed as 'the biggest village in the country'.

The city centre is separated into four sections: Cultural Quarter, the Shopping Quarter, the Business Quarter and the Devonshire Quarter. Each of the city's sections offers a different slice of city life, and comes equipped with shops, cafés, restaurants and bars that befit the quarter's unique atmosphere.

Home to the World Student Games of 1991, and officially named the National City of Sport, Sheffield has all the sporting facilities one could wish for! And with 150 woodland areas, 50 public parks, and the Peak District minutes away, Sheffield has much to offer for a weekend break.

History

A market town has existed in the area now Sheffield since the ninth century. In the seven centuries that followed, the area pioneered developments in the steel industry and Sheffield became known as the UK centre of steel production.

The collapse of the British mining and manufacturing industries had a devastating effect on the city, but the area has recovered well and been officially named the National City of Sport.

Weston Park Museum features exhibits and displays documenting Sheffield's long and significant history and is located across the road from the Sheffield Children's Hospital. Important historical buildings include Bishops' House, boasting many of its original fifteenth and sixteenth century fixtures, and The Old Queen’s Head, a fifteenth century pub in the city centre.

Art Galleries

There are two art galleries in Sheffield city centre: The Graves Art Gallery and the Millenium Galleries.

The Graves Art Gallery is based inside the 1930s central library, and houses an extensive collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art from around Britain and Europe. The permanent displays include works by Picasso and Pierre Bonnard, and attempt to document the significant art movements of the period.

The Millenium Galleries is a complex comprising four separate galleries: The Special Exhibition Gallery, home to temporary exhibitions; the Metalwork Gallery, displaying Sheffield's historical steel products; the Craft and Design Gallery, home to craft and design works; and the Ruskin Gallery, a donation of art from the nineteenth century artist and writer John Ruskin.

Theatres

The Sheffield Theatres complex is the largest of its kind outside of the capital, and comprises three separate theatres: the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Studio Theatre.

The Crucible is the main producing theatre in the complex, and plays host to the annual World Snooker Championships. The auditorium is large, seating just less than a thousand people, and stages an impressive variety of drama, musicals and amateur theatre.

The Lyceum is the main receiving venue for large-scale touring productions in Sheffield, and seats more than eleven hundred people. Located in a listed building, the theatre hosts a range of productions, including opera, ballet and dance.

The Studio Theatre is the newest and smallest of the Sheffield Theatres venues, and tends to stage critically acclaimed, small-scale performances by touring companies and local groups.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Sheffield are plentiful, and the majority of these restaurants and cafés can be found located around the west of the city, in West:One and on West Street, and further out in the south, on London Road.

West:One is a complex in the city centre, comprising a number of stylish and modern restaurants. Las Iguanas is one of these; serving authentic Latin American cuisine and a range of cocktails.

Alaturka, regarded as Sheffield's finest Turkish restaurant, is based on London Road. Further along is Vietnamese Noodle Bar, a cheap and high quality establishment with an incredibly varied clientele.

For fine dining, Thyme has two restaurants in the city and Nether Green is home to a Rafters restaurant.

Pubs/Bars

Pubs popular with the large student population in Sheffield include The Cavendish on West Street, a 'Scream' pub, and Walkabout, an Australian-themed bar just around the corner. The Sheffield University union pub, Bar One, is one of the most successful union bars in the country and is only open to students and their friends in the evenings. Hubs in the Sheffield Hallam University bar and located in the building that was once the National Centre for Popular Music.

Sheffield has plenty to offer real ale drinkers, and the largest range can be found in The Devonshire Cat in the city centre. The Sheaf View Inn in Heeley is incredibly popular with real ale connoisseurs, and is listed in The Good Beer Guide.

The Showroom is based in the Cultural Quarter, and is frequented by many of the media professionals who work in the area.

Nightclubs

Corporation nightclub is a rock club, rated highly by Kerrang!. The club is open four nights a week and offers a variety of ska-punk, metal, indie, hardcore, punk and emo sounds.

The Leadmill has been open since the 80s, and functions as a nightclub and live music venue. There are gigs most evenings, and those attending the gigs are usually admitted to the club free of charge.

Gatecrasher One is one of the north's most popular clubs, and is open five nights a week, offering house, hip-hop, r'n'b, classic pop, and more.

Kingdom nightclub comprises four rooms, including a private members' bar, and plays pop, disco anthems and r'n'b. The Plug, also in the city centre, presents live music, rave and techno; and is located around the corner from Niche, a speed garage and funky house venue.

Shopping

Sheffield City Centre is separated into four clearly labelled zones, and is gradually being pedestrianised, making city centre shopping a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

The Devonshire Quarter, in the west, is home to a range of designer boutiques and unusual or bohemian retailers, and a small shopping centre known as The Forum. Budget stores and supermarkets are located on the Moor, in the south, along with fresh fruit and vegetable outdoor markets. The city's indoor market is based in the north of the city centre, Castle Market, and comprises hundreds of units.

Meadowhall Shopping Centre is located a short drive from the city centre, and is home to nearly three hundred retailers. Unlike many shopping centres, Meadowhall is home to both major chain stores and independent retailers, offering a range to suit everybody. There is a large multi-kiosk food court, a crèche and twelve thousand free parking spaces.

Sports

Sheffield hosted the World Student Games in 1991 and has been officially named as the National City of Sport.

The primary leisure centre, of the thirteen in the city, is Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Ponds Forge comprises a regional size leisure pool, the Great Britain Diving Squad's diving pool and the Olympic swimming pool. There are also three fully equipped gyms, a large sports hall and numerous sports coaching facilities.

Don Valley Stadium, the largest athletics stadium in the UK, boasts an eight-lane all-weather track, six long-jump pits, an eighty-five-metre indoor track, and much more.

Ice Sheffield is an Olympic-sized ice rink, with lessons and development sessions for skaters of all abilities. Climbing facilities are available at The Edge, in the city centre; and there are numerous golf courses located around the city.

Tourist information on Wakefield by Ms Leisha Greenfield

The Wakefield borough comprises more than forty towns and villages, including woodlands and countryside, and the principle city has a population of almost 80,000 people.

The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages, and much time and care has been devoted to preserving and excavating the city's archaeological treasures. But the numerous museums, heritage centres and historical sites do not detract from the city's vibrant, modern atmosphere.

The thriving nightlife, cultural facilities and top quality restaurants make the city a popular place to visit, and the £100million regeneration plans are sure to further increase tourism to the area.

History

Wakefield has existed since the medieval era, and gained industrial importance from its cloth-dealing industry. Coal mining provided much employment in the area, and Wakefield was hit hard by the closure of the pits during the mid- to late twentieth century.

Caphouse Colliery, the oldest working mine in the country, has since been converted into the National Coal Mining Museum, providing tours several times a day, exhibitions and educational events.

Sandal Castle, immortalised by the rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York', is the ruin of the castle at which the Duke of York was defeated during The War of the Roses, and is open to the public today.

Art Galleries

The Wakefield Art Gallery is home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Local sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, are well reflected in the gallery's collections. The gallery is close to the city centre and located in a nineteenth century town house.

The Hepworth will replace this gallery in 2008, as it is believed The Wakefield Art Gallery is not able to display the works to their best advantage.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is based in 200-year old landscaped gardens, and comprises four exhibition areas, showcasing a variety of sculptures and art installations.

Theatres

The Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House comprises three levels and seating for 500 people. The building is Grade II listed Victorian, and retains much of its original dramatic ambience and acoustics. The theatre is incredibly successful, with an annual turnover of £1million, and presents a busy programme of drama, comedy, musicals and lectures. As with many theatres, its most popular production is that of the annual Christmas pantomime.

The Wakefield Cycle is the performance of 32 plays, based on Bible and folk stories, in various locations around the city over 32 days. The 'cycle' is an ancient British tradition, but Wakefield’s is one of only four remaining. No dates have yet been set for 2007.

The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School stage performances twice a year.

Restaurants

The Cow Shed is the sixteenth century, Grade II listed building that inspired Joanne Harris's novel, 'Chocolat'. The restaurant serves contemporary grilled food and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Catering for up to 60 people is available.

The Kaye Arms serves contemporary British cuisine and snacks, with an extensive, international wine list. The restaurant is family-run and has been trading for forty years.

Rinaldi Ristorante Italiano is an Italian fine dining restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive choice of specials. Other Italian fine dining restaurants include Valentinos and Bella Roma.

Spice Cottage and Aggrah are popular Indian restaurants that serve quality food at reasonable rates. Thai Kitchen's prices are higher, but its dishes are authentic Thai that have been praised by critics and customers.

Pubs/Bars

The Westgate Run is a 500-yard stretch, that forms a popular (and notorious) pub-crawl.

Harry's Bar is one of twenty on The Westgate Run, voted 'Pub of the Season' in Spring 2006 by CAMRA, and listed in Good Beer Guide.

The Redoubt is another real ale bar, and regarded as the start of 'The Run'. The pub is separated into snugs, lounges and games room, and staff are said to be friendly and welcoming. The Union is another place to start, and serves a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Escobar is a more upmarket establishment, with higher prices and playing host to live music events and DJs in the evenings. Mex is a reasonably priced cocktail bar, and Pink Lizard is an upmarket cafe-bar.

Nightclubs

Club Ikon is one of the most popular clubs in the city, and offers trance and hard house, including a Ministry of Sound night. There are separate nights for under-18s and over-21s, but the majority of nights are for the 18+ crowd.

Mustang Sally's is a popular student club, presenting cheesy pop and commercial dance. ICE nightclub is also loved by students, and offers techno, tech-trance, hardstyle and house music most nights, and r'n'b, hip-hop and funk on others.

With a capacity of 1400, Club Havana is the largest of the club, bar and lounge complexes in the city. The club is open every night, and presents 70s and 80s retro, soul and funk.

Zeus is the city's most popular gay club, offering chart music and sing-along classics.

Shopping

Wakefield’s markets have been in existence since 1204, and there are currently eight of them. Regular markets trade in food, electricals, new and second-hand clothing, and much more. Specialist markets held at various times throughout the year include a Farmers Market and a Victorian Market. There is a second-hand market on Tuesdays and a Car Boot Sale on Sundays.

The Ridings Shopping Centre comprises 90 stores, including major retailers such as Miss Selfridge and Marks and Spencer. There is a multi-kiosk food court with family entertainment and seating for 300 people, secure parking, and a car hand wash and valet service.

Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre includes 50 stores, a multi-kiosk food court and secure parking.

Sports

The Wakefield Superbowl comprises 28 ten-pin bowling lanes, an amusements area, a cafe and licensed bar; and provides different special offers every day. F1 Indoor Karting is another choice for a family day out, and is open seven days a week.

Knottingley Sports Centre is one of five leisure centres in the city, and comprises a large pool and licensed snack bar. There are athletics and martial arts classes, and fitness facilities. Lightwaves Leisure Centre is larger, and comprises a leisure pool with wave machine and slides, and facilities for badminton, squash and five-a-side football.

Pontefract Golf Centre is an ideal course for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed game. Spring Mill Golf Course offers tuition for children and the more experienced.

City tourist guide to Sheffield by Ms Leisha Greenfield

Sheffield's significance as the steel manufacturing centre of the UK declined dramatically over the decades leading up to the 80s, but the city has been rejuvenated and now stands as the fourth largest in the country, with a bustling creative industry and affectionately dubbed as 'the biggest village in the country'.

The city centre is separated into four sections: Cultural Quarter, the Shopping Quarter, the Business Quarter and the Devonshire Quarter. Each of the city's sections offers a different slice of city life, and comes equipped with shops, cafés, restaurants and bars that befit the quarter's unique atmosphere.

Home to the World Student Games of 1991, and officially named the National City of Sport, Sheffield has all the sporting facilities one could wish for! And with 150 woodland areas, 50 public parks, and the Peak District minutes away, Sheffield has much to offer for a weekend break.

History

A market town has existed in the area now Sheffield since the ninth century. In the seven centuries that followed, the area pioneered developments in the steel industry and Sheffield became known as the UK centre of steel production.

The collapse of the British mining and manufacturing industries had a devastating effect on the city, but the area has recovered well and been officially named the National City of Sport.

Weston Park Museum features exhibits and displays documenting Sheffield's long and significant history and is located across the road from the Sheffield Children's Hospital. Important historical buildings include Bishops' House, boasting many of its original fifteenth and sixteenth century fixtures, and The Old Queen’s Head, a fifteenth century pub in the city centre.

Art Galleries

There are two art galleries in Sheffield city centre: The Graves Art Gallery and the Millenium Galleries.

The Graves Art Gallery is based inside the 1930s central library, and houses an extensive collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art from around Britain and Europe. The permanent displays include works by Picasso and Pierre Bonnard, and attempt to document the significant art movements of the period.

The Millenium Galleries is a complex comprising four separate galleries: The Special Exhibition Gallery, home to temporary exhibitions; the Metalwork Gallery, displaying Sheffield's historical steel products; the Craft and Design Gallery, home to craft and design works; and the Ruskin Gallery, a donation of art from the nineteenth century artist and writer John Ruskin.

Theatres

The Sheffield Theatres complex is the largest of its kind outside of the capital, and comprises three separate theatres: the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Studio Theatre.

The Crucible is the main producing theatre in the complex, and plays host to the annual World Snooker Championships. The auditorium is large, seating just less than a thousand people, and stages an impressive variety of drama, musicals and amateur theatre.

The Lyceum is the main receiving venue for large-scale touring productions in Sheffield, and seats more than eleven hundred people. Located in a listed building, the theatre hosts a range of productions, including opera, ballet and dance.

The Studio Theatre is the newest and smallest of the Sheffield Theatres venues, and tends to stage critically acclaimed, small-scale performances by touring companies and local groups.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Sheffield are plentiful, and the majority of these restaurants and cafés can be found located around the west of the city, in West:One and on West Street, and further out in the south, on London Road.

West:One is a complex in the city centre, comprising a number of stylish and modern restaurants. Las Iguanas is one of these; serving authentic Latin American cuisine and a range of cocktails.

Alaturka, regarded as Sheffield's finest Turkish restaurant, is based on London Road. Further along is Vietnamese Noodle Bar, a cheap and high quality establishment with an incredibly varied clientele.

For fine dining, Thyme has two restaurants in the city and Nether Green is home to a Rafters restaurant.

Pubs/Bars

Pubs popular with the large student population in Sheffield include The Cavendish on West Street, a 'Scream' pub, and Walkabout, an Australian-themed bar just around the corner. The Sheffield University union pub, Bar One, is one of the most successful union bars in the country and is only open to students and their friends in the evenings. Hubs in the Sheffield Hallam University bar and located in the building that was once the National Centre for Popular Music.

Sheffield has plenty to offer real ale drinkers, and the largest range can be found in The Devonshire Cat in the city centre. The Sheaf View Inn in Heeley is incredibly popular with real ale connoisseurs, and is listed in The Good Beer Guide.

The Showroom is based in the Cultural Quarter, and is frequented by many of the media professionals who work in the area.

Nightclubs

Corporation nightclub is a rock club, rated highly by Kerrang!. The club is open four nights a week and offers a variety of ska-punk, metal, indie, hardcore, punk and emo sounds.

The Leadmill has been open since the 80s, and functions as a nightclub and live music venue. There are gigs most evenings, and those attending the gigs are usually admitted to the club free of charge.

Gatecrasher One is one of the north's most popular clubs, and is open five nights a week, offering house, hip-hop, r'n'b, classic pop, and more.

Kingdom nightclub comprises four rooms, including a private members' bar, and plays pop, disco anthems and r'n'b. The Plug, also in the city centre, presents live music, rave and techno; and is located around the corner from Niche, a speed garage and funky house venue.

Shopping

Sheffield City Centre is separated into four clearly labelled zones, and is gradually being pedestrianised, making city centre shopping a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

The Devonshire Quarter, in the west, is home to a range of designer boutiques and unusual or bohemian retailers, and a small shopping centre known as The Forum. Budget stores and supermarkets are located on the Moor, in the south, along with fresh fruit and vegetable outdoor markets. The city's indoor market is based in the north of the city centre, Castle Market, and comprises hundreds of units.

Meadowhall Shopping Centre is located a short drive from the city centre, and is home to nearly three hundred retailers. Unlike many shopping centres, Meadowhall is home to both major chain stores and independent retailers, offering a range to suit everybody. There is a large multi-kiosk food court, a crèche and twelve thousand free parking spaces.

Sports

Sheffield hosted the World Student Games in 1991 and has been officially named as the National City of Sport.

The primary leisure centre, of the thirteen in the city, is Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Ponds Forge comprises a regional size leisure pool, the Great Britain Diving Squad's diving pool and the Olympic swimming pool. There are also three fully equipped gyms, a large sports hall and numerous sports coaching facilities.

Don Valley Stadium, the largest athletics stadium in the UK, boasts an eight-lane all-weather track, six long-jump pits, an eighty-five-metre indoor track, and much more.

Ice Sheffield is an Olympic-sized ice rink, with lessons and development sessions for skaters of all abilities. Climbing facilities are available at The Edge, in the city centre; and there are numerous golf courses located around the city.

Huddersfield city guide by Ms Leisha Greenfield

Huddersfield was dubbed 'the poetry capital of Europe' for its thriving creative industry and numerous poetry publishers, editors and writers, and regular readings and poetry events, and the city's reputation for creative excellence is deserved. The Kirklees Media Centre is home to seventy creative businesses and there are half a dozen studio units available to hire in the city centre alone.

Huddersfield's role as a creative centre is reflected in its dozens of theatres, performance spaces, galleries and art studios, and the country's rising 'cafe culture' is certainly apparent here.

Set into 160 miles of the Pennines and encompassing surrounding villages, such as Holmfirth, Huddersfield combines the best of city and rural life.

History

History in Huddersfield dates back to a mention in the Doomsday book, when it was the village of 'Oderesfelt'. Today it is a city with a population of 150,000, and the third highest number of listed buildings in the United Kingdom.

Oakwell Hall is a sixteenth century manor house, its seventeenth century fixtures and fittings restored or reproduced. The Hall is set into 100-acres of country park, picnic areas, nature trails and an adventure playground, and is open to the public.

The Red House Museum was once a seventeenth century home, home to close friends of Charlotte Brontë’s. The home is now a museum devoted to seventeenth century servant life, with a Brontë exhibition in the barn.

Longley Old Hall is another historical family home, this one a fourteenth century timber-framed building.

Art Galleries

The art exhibition spaces in Huddersfield are too numerous to mention, but the Huddersfield Art Gallery is the largest, with 2000 twentieth century paintings, prints and sculptures. The venue also hosts music concerts and festivals, and original art is available for £2 for the Art Vending Machine.

Stansfields Gallery is home to workshops and an exhibition space in the gardens. Park View Studios exhibits works by Tony Chisholm, a local artist.

There are three more large galleries in other parts of the borough: The Lupton Square Gallery in Holme Valley, the Bruton Gallery and the Ashley Jackson Galleries in Holmfirth.

Theatres

The Lawrence Batley Theatre is the largest of many theatres and performance spaces in Huddersfield, and located in an early nineteenth century Methodist church. There are two auditoria and a busy programme of productions of drama, comedy, dance and music.

Cragrats Theatre, in Holmfirth, seats eighty people and presents small-scale touring performances and productions by the in-house theatre company. The theatre is located in Holmfirth.

Proper Job Theatre Company is an organisation that presents drama in schools and on educational sites to emotional wellbeing. Mikron Theatre Company is a small-scale, touring drama group that use drama and music as tools to explore educational, historical and social themes.

Restaurants

For traditional British cuisine in upmarket surroundings, The Olive Branch has been listed in Good Food Guide on more than one occasion and offers idyllic countryside views, and the Grade II listed hotel, The George, is open and newly refurbished. Bradley's serves high quality British dishes in a more relaxed atmosphere, and is owner-run.

Cragrats is a fine dining restaurant, with chic leather and suede furnishings, serving unique, high quality cuisine and open until 9pm.

Popular Indian restaurants include Kebabeesh, Shabab and Elahi Tandoori; and in Holmfirth is The Wrinkled Stocking, tearooms devoted to Last of the Summer Wine.

Pubs/Bars

Huddersfield CAMRA particularly recommend The Rat and Ratchet, The Sair Inn, and Rose and Crown which has received mentions in the last thirty editions of Good Beer Guide, and awarded The Grove Inn its 'Pub of the Season' accolade in 2006.

There are branches of Wetherspoon and O'Neill's in the city, as well as Revolution Vodka Bar with DJs every night, a license until 2am and free entry.

Vox Bar serves a range of unique and classic cocktails, real ales, beers and food, and plays continental chillout music.

Nightclubs

Huddersfield has several night clubs. The Camel Club opens four nights a week, to a capacity of 450 people, and presents a mix of pop, commercial dance, underground music and a punk, rock, ska and metal night on Fridays.

Club Tokyo comprises four themed rooms – Club, Basement, Courtroom and Bar – with funky house in the first, indie and rock’n’roll in the second, r'n'b in the third, and funk and disco in the fourth. The venue hosts live bands on non-club nights. The official afterparty is held at Rouge, open until 6am.

Visage and Ethos comprises The Union, Visage and Ethos, with a total capacity of 3000 people over the three venues. Music includes chart, commercial dance, funky house, disco, hip-hop and r'n'b from the 60s to the present day.

Shopping

The Kingsgate Centre is the main shopping mall in the city, and is home to more than thirty stores and half a dozen cafes and bars. Close by is The Packhorse Centre, comprising a dozen budget jewellery, clothes and gift stores. The Byram Arcade is a shopping and office complex, with units currently occupied by creative businesses, independent publishers and music, gift and art stores.

Huddersfield Queensgate Market is a huge indoor market, trading in clothes, food, electricals and more, with a cafe and hairdressers on site. There is also an open market and specialist markets throughout the year.

Sports

Huddersfield Sports Centre is one of fourteen leisure centres in the city, and comprises two pools, health and fitness suites, a climbing room, sports hall, bowling hall, junior gym and an Ofsted-registered creche. Free childcare is available, and first time visitors do not pay to use the pool.

For those interested in outdoor climbing, Huddersfield Climbing Club are active in the area.

Castlefields Golf Club is one of fifteen in the area, and covers 2406 yards; Huddersfield Golf Club is an 18-hole course with an eighteenth century clubhouse. There are also numerous hiking paths and horse-riding trails set into the picturesque Pennine valleys around the city, and White Rose Potholing Group take groups out every Sunday.