2010年6月27日星期日

Giuseppe Zanotti’s Indian Sandal

When I saw these Giuseppe Zanotti sandals made of malachite stones, I was instantly reminded of my trip because the emerald green collar have a total tribal feel to them. The rocks are also set in copper, which based on this article, is supposed to be a metal that enhances the powers of the malachite, believed to be a protector stone. On a total aside note, while I am not necessarily superstitious, my aunt was once in a terrible car accident. The car was a total mess, but she escaped unscathed with the exception that the protective bracelet she wore snapped in half. Now, I have no idea if that was a coincidence or not, but I do know that I could never put a price on my aunt’s safety and if that bracelet had any ‘powers’, it was totally worth it.

Super Sale on Designer Shoes

Let the sales begin! That’s right, now that we’ve somewhat recovered from the winter sales, the spring sales are descending upon us. Amazon is having a super duper shoe sales on designer shoes – with some shoes sellling at an whopping 80% off.
Now, before I show you the incredible prices and selection, let me say that I performed some random comparison shopping for you. Compared to Zappos and also Endless (owned by Amazon) the prices are by far better on Amazon. Most likely, this might be because both Zappos and Endless allow free returns, whereas Amazon does not.
Without further ado, here are some of the shoes and brands on sale.

Giuseppe Zanotti Quad Zipper Boots

Your monitor is not playing tricks on your eyes. These Giuseppe Zanotti zipper boots have not one, not two, but four zippers. Functionality-wise, I’m a big fan of zippers and shoelaces. They help me ease my way into shoes and since my feet have a tendency to expand and shrink depending on the weather, shoelaces especially are wonderfully adjustable.
Sadly, these zippers appear to have no functional value. The description of the boots reads “simply pull on” but maybe that’s a good thing. Which zipper would I actually use with so many choices? Still, these boots are quite rockin’ and I’m already channeling my inner biker babe x 4.

Saks’ Shoe Heaven Has a Sale

Going to Saks’ Shoe Heaven is an experience, especially when they’re having a sale. The shoe floor is so big, it has its own zip code: 10022-SHOE! We’ve written about it before, but with this sale, it deserves a fresh look.
You take an express elevator (here’s a photo of Kellie Pickler in front of said elevator) to the eighth floor and start getting excited while you’re in the elevator, which says 10022-SHOE.
The shoe mecca has its own repair service, Charbonnel chocolate cafe and private room for VIP shopping. There is also a large selection of Roger Vivier bags and shoes against the wall adjacent to the VIP room. I don’t love the Vivier Pilgrim Pumps, but some of the bags are great.
The first thing that hits you when you come in is a tough, black, motorcycle-styled display by some of the most prominent shoe designers today, including McQueen, Choo and Louboutin. Yup, that trend is still rockin strong.
The above shoes are not on sale, unfortunately, but may be by this fall if there are any left.
I will post more photos later, but for now, I’d like for you all to know that it’s going on so you can check it out during your strolling midtown business lunch! Plenty of iconic Marni, Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes were on sale. That means that shoes that range from a bottom of around $500 to a top of around $1500 were on sale for around $200 to $500. Not bad.

Fashion’s Night Out

Last night, in conjunction with New York Fashion week, was Fashion’s Night Out. Anna Wintour was a key player in the organization of this event. I have read mixed reactions about it. One blog said that there was a lot of people, but not many purchases were made, that taxies, on the other hand, were the winners of the evening. Another blogger said the night was, a “huge success, bravo Ms. Wintour.” This post just shows who was doing what last night.
The photos show a lot of people on the streets and in the stores, mostly spectators photographing celebrities, notice this is what is happening in the photo of Beth Ostrosky.
Here is Rhianna at the World of Giuseppe Zanotti boutique. Trying a little hard there, Rhianna?
It looked like a model was doing yoga in a display area. These boots are wedges, the outer edge has lattice cutouts while the inside edge is solid. Pretty cool.
Camilla Belle, Nacho Figueras, Blake Lively and David Lauren at the Ralph Lauren Women’s store on Bleecker Ave. I noticed Ms Lively’s boots are probably the only boots on the street that are not black booties. I love both Camilla and Blake’s shoes.
Victoria Beckham posing to beat the band at Bergdorf Goodman. Giuseppi Zanotti is at the edge of the photo, wearing white Nikes. I love it.
Edited: Just for Shomore: This is Michelle Tractenberg, Designer Zanotti, Katy Perry and Rachel Bilson in World of Giuseppe Zanotti botique. He had been signing shoes all night long which explains the markers in his hand.

Steamy Fashion & Fab Shoes

Last week the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show was on TV. In case you missed it, you can watch the full show online over at CBS. While shoes weren’t the main attraction, there were plenty of fabulous and fierce shoes displayed on the runway that we feel compelled to highlight. Now I can’t say for sure, but it looks like many, if not all, of the shoes were designed by Giuseppe Zanotti (in both retail and modified for the runway form).

Up to 80% off LAMB, Zanotti, & more

I don’t usually like the phrase “Go, Shop, Save” since it normally involves a lot more spending to ‘get’ the supposed ’saving’ of money. But, at 80% off of some items this is a great time to look and see if any of the items that were unreachable at $100, $300, $400 are now within reasonable prices for those of us on serious budgets.
My recurring crush, the Harajuku Lovers ‘Paley’ is 20 bucks – yes, $20. Can we say, ‘Insane and tempting clearance prices!’ Holy cow, Christmas may be affordable after all.
This LAMB ‘Hip’ oxford also caught my eye at $120 down from $400. I love sexy oxfords for fall and winter outfits. There are also about 2 dozen other LAMB styles (Primarily hot, strappy sandals) on clearance as well.
And, let’s not forget Giuseppi Zanotti. This Giuseppi Zanotti E90172 is a great strappy platform that needs an appreciative home. This baby is $175 – down from $875 original retail. Check out the 6pm.com sale for even more styles.
So, what are you waiting for? These 6pm clearance specials tend to sell out quickly!

Ad Campaigns for Spring 2010

A ton of money goes into ad campaigns as the fashion industry tries to convince us to purchase their product. The US fashion industry alone spent $144 billion on advertising last year. Several lines have released some of their ads for Spring and Summer 2010. Some are great, some are not. Let’s have a look.
I am weary of the pouting, leggy girl, wearing nothing more than lingerie, heels and a come hither look, sitting or laying on a sofa/chair, with soft focus. Virtually every shoe, handbag, fragrance, lingerie, and cosmetic advertisement features at least three of these components. Snore.
Alexander McQueen’s ad is visually striking. It took me a while to find the shoes, then the girl. It’s a great ad, but the only thing I see is snakes.
Humor in ads almost always attracts me, which is why this Giuseppi Zanotti is one of my favorites. I can’t decide which is cuter, the boy or the shoe.
If the product is not attractive, such as the Alexander McQueen or Balenciaga shoes, then a striking advertisement will make no difference. I’m not buying it. With the Paciotti and Choo shoes, the ad is tiresome, but it does let me get a look at the shoes. The Zanotti ad is able to feature a shoe and not annoy me. That boy is SO cute. It does it’s job. Which ads work for you, which ones don’t?
Update: Here’s Chanel’s Spring 2010 which was shot by Karl Lagerfield.

Giuseppe Zanotti Spring Sandals

A walk past the Giuseppe Zanotti store at Madison and 67th revealed that they were selling these flashy studded white cutout sandal boots, which can be purchased online for $1250.
I personally love the minimalist white sandal with just one strap and the black and red heel. This is not the exact same shoe as it has a skull on the big toe (so many skulls on shoes lately!), but the price is the same: $485. Whew!
But these blinged-out babies? I’ll pass. They’re $675.
Some other pretty summer sandals shined from the window. I can’t wait for spring!
One thing I can say for him is he’s hardly ever boring!

Giuseppi Zanotti vs. Vince Camuto

The differences between these are minor, but noticeable when comparing them side by side. Which ones do you prefer: the originals from Zanotti, or the near-copies from Camuto?
Also, how do you feel about designer inspired styles that are near-knockoffs of higher-end designers? Such styles are legal at this time as long as no trademarks from the original design are copied onto the lower-end style – but should we demand more creativity from mid-end brands who can probably afford to invest in more original design talent rather than resorting to being runway copyists?
*I should note that a lot of Camuto designs are not so imitative. I love the brand, in fact, because they have been some of the best-fitting heels I have found for my arch height and shape.

Flirty Caovilla crushes at YOOX

I don’t buy shoes because they are in fashion or stylish, per se. I simply like them –
and if I think I will still like them seasons and years from now, I may be willing to
spend higher prices for that – as I perceive it – value. But, if I can find that same
shoe a little bit later at a discount, that is like a double-win.
As a result, I love YOOX. You can find fabulous after-season shoes at some great
discounts. As I slowly shape up my budget, I will definitely be visiting YOOX with more
regularity. As it is, my YOOX dreambox(wishlist) is almost always full.
So, here are a handful of Renee Caovilla sandals that I have been eying over at YOOX but
have not yet decided whether to add to my YOOX dreambox.
Rene Caovilla Women’s beaded ankle-wrap sandals $590 $355
I like these almost as much as the floral versions shown here. But, the price on these
beaded sandals is accessible, if not exactly cheap; giving them more than a slight edge
over the $835 floral version…and doesn’t that base price rising from $590 to $835 show
us just how much prices have changed over just a couple of years?
Renee Caovilla pailette platform slides $550 $385
These are cute, but I’m a little leary of slides. I’m occasionally clutsy on my feet, so
I generally like to have a slingback or ankle-strap to protect me from my occasionally
betraying ankles. Plus, my pants inevitably get caught between my heel & the top of the
slide. Annoying. But, if you want a different way to indulge current trends while clog
styles are still extra-hot on the fashion scene, these are refreshingly different. And,
once the current fad for clogs die down, they’ll still be an adorable pop of color.
Rene Caovilla platform demi-wedge sandals $570 $342.
Okay, here’s one of those YOOX downsides. I love how different these sandas are while
still being crazy-cute and sweetly-sexy. But there are currently no pairs in my size.
These are a possible dreambox entry anyway, just to remind me to keep an after-market eye
-out for these.
Rene Caovilla crystal sandals $590 $395
Ah, bling – always a great place to start on shoes. Yet again, my size is not available.

Gucci Brehat Ballet Flats

Say hello to the latest addition to my shoe collection. She is called the Gucci Brehat ballet flat. Here’s what I love about my Brehat. She’s comfortable, has a very slight 1/4 inch heel to support my arches, is easy to pair with most of my casual outfits, and although there is a slight Gucci signature striping on the heel and GG logos on the fabric, they aren’t screaming Gucci to anyone that glances at the shoes. The final point is key, I prefer not to be a walking advertisement to any company. The best part about my Gucci Brehat flats? They were on sale at 60% off at Nordies which brought my purchase down to a little under $150. The sole negative for me is that the upper material is fabric which means these shoes may get dirty and be difficult to clean. The silver color should mask some of the dirt and I intend to take them to the cobbler to see if there is any special sealant/protection I should apply beforehand.
Gucci white GG coated ‘Brehat’ ballerina flats are $300

Mulberry Moccasin Ballerina Flats

British fashion company Mulberry is best known for their iconic Bayswater handbag. In 2008, they added a shoe line to the brand with Bayswater pumps that matched the material of their handbags. For summer 2010, they put their best foot forward, so to speak, with new additions to the footwear line and called the shoes Moccasin (pictured above), Betty Bow, and Cookie. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Moccasin, but in all fairness moccasins have never been my cup of tea. However, this picture of the dog wearing the moccasins and a Mulberry collar is so adorable, it deserves an honorable mention.
You can purchase the Mulberry Moccasin on sale at Mulberry.com for £206.

Top Shoe Confections

Have you seen, read, or heard about Mihai Albu’s architectural shoes? The styles are, for the most part, imaginative, extreme, crazy, wild, wearable-art pieces.
In other words: Statement Shoes.
Via the Mihai Albu website:
Mihai Albu TT 103-SW [1199 RON/$350 USD] *
Okay. I know this first shoe isn’t really all that over-the-top or statement-y. But it is available for purchase online, so I thought I’d include it anyway. For the real show-stoppers, I thought I’d leave them as a surprise after the break.
Are you ready?

2010年6月24日星期四

Ruthie Davis does hardware right.

Can I get an Ooh La La?

That, boys and girls, is what happens when you take lowly cap nuts (screw-back fasteners) from the local hardware store and elevate them into the realm of art.

Shoes ase wearable art is one of the reasons I find shoes to be so irresistible. I love the emotional reaction that I get when a shoe is both wearable and artistic.

And, Ruthie Davis is always looking for a way too bring color, art, and drama to her shoes while never forgetting the wearable aspect of the wearable art/art-to-wear equation.

Back to the shoes. Or more precisely, these shoes. The nuts are a lovely alternative to the more common round or pyramid studs that are saturating the market right now…as seen on sandals, boots, and even flip-flops just about everywhere we turn.

These are just original enough that you will want to make occasions to wear them long after the current studded-everything trend has finally decided to die down.

Here are the versions I have been able find available for purchase online.

Joss Stone’s New Vintage America Collaboration for Nine West

The afore-shown boot also comes with a furry cuff. It’s called the STONE, and it will be $209 when it comes out along with the rest of Joss’ line at the end of August.

As you can see below, there is a small flower imprinted on the shoes. These flowers are inspired by Joss’ tattoos. She has flowers tattooed behind her ear, on her feet and across her body. So Allard saw them as subtle talismans to add to the shoes to give it the Joss spark, and Joss agreed.

The OSOJOSS is $149 and will be available in black and brown.

Below are the Creative Director of Nine West, Fred Allard (left) and Joss. Joss was oh-so-very-charming in person, in case I didn’t mention. She charmed us all with her grace and easy, carefree spirit.

But wait, before you go! You should know that though the collection comes out at the end of August, it will be available online in mid-July for pre-orders. We’re not sure of the exact date yet, but if we hear, we’ll be sure to holler. Until then, keep your eye out for these luxe, gorgeous, boho shoes and the contests and promotions that will surely come!

LD Tuttle ‘Sheer’ hybrid boots

I’m just feeling attracted to funky shoes today.

Great example?

This open-toed boot/sandal hybrid from LD Tuttle.



LD Tuttle ‘Sheer’ Cutout Wedge Open-Toed Sandal Boots $525 $366.99 at Saks.com

Hybrid styles are so much fun to look at. I particularly like the murky olive-brown tones and distressed leather appearance on these (just try to forget that someone actually named this color ’sludge’). They bring images to mind of what a post-apocalyptic debutante might wear. And yes, I do mean that in a good way. Tank Girl, anyone? Now, coming back down to the real world, these would look great with a pair of denim capris or add a look of lived-in comfort when matched with a flowy spring dress. I also love that molded heel; it helps these to stand out amid the sea of hybrid styles that are everywhere this year.

But, like many other boot hybrids that have caught my attention (of which I still can’t come up with a better name than ‘hybrid’ – sandal-boots is strange and cumbersome and open-toed boot doesn’t really capture the sandal side apparent in these styles), I still haven’t decided to take the ownership plunge on any of them. I see too many 90°+ days in the summer for covered ankles and too many under 45° in the winter for me to flirt with blisters and frostbite for the sake of fashion.

Some styles are only appropriate if you happen to live in one of those permanently-temperate zones where 70° is the norm. I do not happen to live in any of these magical, perfect-weather lands

LaRare by Nathalie Elharrar

If you are a high-heels lover and haven’t yet encountered the fetishistic shoe line LaRare by Nathalie Elharrar you are missing out. With a portfolio that includes work for names such as Balmain, Guy Laroche, Thierry Mugler, and Lagerfeld, this is a designer who already had a large body of work behind her when she released her own shoe line in 2007. And, by the way, mad props from me right now on her managing to find success with her new business project during what can only be described as one of the more turbulent financial environments the retail world has seen in decades. So many businesses – from the young to the well-established - floundered or failed over the last few years, that congratulations on the apparent success of the LaRare brand are in order.

All that, and I still haven’t managed to show you the shoes yet? How silly of me.

Jessica Alba in Louboutin Fastissima Pumps

Jessica Alba popped up on the Jimmy Kimmel Show in a Christian Louboutin Fall/Winter 2010 ankle bootie that I adore. The Louboutin ‘Faastissima’ bootie has a deep cut at the throat which shoelovers will know I’m fond of due to its elongating effect on the legs. Her Christopher Kane dress pairs well with the dress except I wish there wasn’t that odd cut-out near her chest and abs. Even though she certainly has the figure for it, I find it distracting and unnecessary.

Giuseppe Zanotti’s Strappy Floral Sandals

Rain, rain, go away.
Is anybody else having weird spring weather? Rain one day, clear the next, then right on back to more rain?
This is not the weather one expects when living proximate to an area nicknamed, ‘The Palm Springs of Washington’.
Madame Nature needs to tell Old Man Winter to back off, already. After all, summer starts in less than a week. Most of the flowers I’ve seen are – sadly – attached to fast-growing weeds that have been thriving in this rapidly shifting weather.
So, here are my consolation flowers for today:

Kristen Stewart in summer

I remember watching Oprah interview someone, years ago - I think it was Robert DeNiro. The actor said that acting had to be the most boring job ever. It is mostly repetition and sitting around while they prepare for five minutes of action. Oprah went on to say that most actors, without scripts, are not particularly interesting people. When I look at Kristen Stewart, I think of that interview. She doesn’t seem all that thrilled to be in the public eye; doesn’t seem to want to be talking to interviewers; and doesn’t seem to appear to be very interesting. In all fairness, her interviews in magazines have painted a fairly harrowing existence with her fans and paparazzi stalking her. I would probably appear aloof, too.
I have seen her in something other than the Twilight sagas and she can act, but the role she has to play in these Twilight movies is dreadful. Anyways, Kristen Stewart is abroad with Taylor Lauchner as they attend “Twilight Saga: Eclipse” premiers and photocalls. Since she first appeared in the spotlight, she has really improved her image. Let’s see what she has shown us so far.
In Sydney she wore black Sergio Rossi ankle boots. Her skirt is a Jenni Kayne from Spring 2010. Her shirt is a grey Market Bridgette tee.

In Seoul she wore a black Prabal Gurung Fall 2010 long sleeved mini shimmering dress, a wide leather belt and Jimmy Choo ‘Quiet’ black sandals.

For the Rome Premiere she wore a Marchesa Fall 2010 dress. I have seen mixed reactions to this dress. She wore black satin Roger Vivier sandals to complete the look.

Taylor looks good enough to eat after dinner.
In Germany, she looked liked a million bucks. I just wish she would get rid of the tough guy pose. She wore a Versace Fall 2010 and Camilla Skovgaard button booties. Love both the dress and the shoes.

Close up of the shoes.

Nice touch with the black toenails. This is my favorite look so far.

Sandals to Wear with Vintage Summer Dresses

Recently I have become obsessed with buying vintage, or vintage inspired, dresses. All of my free time seems to be consumed by trolling thrift stores, boutiques, and online shopping sites. Now that I have a healthy collection of vintage dresses, I need sandals that complement the vintage aesthetic I’m working. Rising to this challenge, I’ve selected some of my favorite summertime sandals.
As a fan of Kork-Ease shoes (I already own a pair of their Ava sandals – and they are so comfortable!), I’ve been thinking about buying a pair with a cork wedge.


Kork-Ease Myrna II Wedge in red (also available in black, white, green, and yellow) for $129 at Zappos

Since I’m a devotee of comfortable shoes, I love Dansko’s. They have a great selection of sandals with a heel, and heels do look great with summer dresses.


Dansko Sissy Sandal in brown (also available in black, white, red, and green) for $109.95 at The Walking Company
If you’re working a 70’s vibe with a vintage dress, clogs are a must have shoe.


Swedish Hasbeens Braided High Clog in white (also available in brown, red, and blue) for $199 at Endless.
During and after college I lived in Spain, and during my time there I fell in love with Campers. I still turn to Campers for a European mix of style and comfort.


Camper Laura Wedge Sandal in black/white (also available in all black, all white, brown, and blue) on sale for $142.45 (regularly $149.99) at Endless

I am always drawn to perfectly flat shoes. These sandals by Proenza Schouler are a great reinterpretation of the gladiator sandal trend (something I never got into).


Proenza Schoular Lace-Up Cutout Sandals on sale for $415.99 (regularly $595) at Saks

Christian Louboutin’s Winter 2010-2011 Line

There is nothing worse than the official Christian Louboutin web site. All you see are these awful green eyes and floating shoes. You are supposed to click on this little photo to pull the shoe up. Terrible.

I used to be all about Christian Louboutin shoes, maybe I am getting old, contrary, or just grouchy, but I didn’t see anything lustilicious. Lots of spikes, lots of studs, lots of metalics, lots of ultra high platforms, lots of over the top. Whatever.
Here is a glimpse of some of the shoes released last week.







These shoes do appeal to someone because there are about 200 counterfeit websites. Christian Louboutin released an update to the list of counterfeit sites a couple of weeks ago.
So, are any of these lustilicious for you? Maybe if I look at them long enough, I will change my mind.

shoes

I’m working in LA, and have had a chance to eat some really terrific Korean food in Garden Grove, a very Korean suburb, while I’m at it. If you’re ever there, check out Morangak, where the barbecued meat and vegetables were fresh and delicious. Here are a couple photos to entice you.


In every major city I visit, but particularly in LA, Korean food and products, as well as Korean spas, have long been my salvation from expensive mainstream products.
Why do some Korean women have such amazing skin? It’s not magic. It’s because they eat tons of antioxidant-loaded greens, kimchi and tea (green, barley, plum, persimmon, etc.), obsess over their creams, zealously protect with hats, ugly visors, staying inside and sunglasses, and spend lots of time at the Korean spa having facials and scrubs done. And any woman can follow that formula. I have used the Korean lotions and cleansers from Amore and Laneige for years, and they are much cheaper than Shiseido, with the same end results.
I’ve written about traditional Korean shoes and girly Korean shoes in Korea before. But lately I’ve been wondering about whether I can get Korean shoes here in LA. So far, all I’ve come across are a few pairs of excellent support shoes for cheaper prices at Home Mart in LA, but tomorrow I’m going to Koreatown again to check out a few shops, so if I find anything good for the ladies lacking foot problems, I’ll report back soon.
In the meantime, I highly recommend these support shoes. My mum tried them on and said they were very comfortable. Made for standing for long periods or walking, they are shaped to roll as you walk and have a high arch support for those who are sadly flat-footed (yours truly will probably be wearing them by age 35 while all my beautiful shoes sit in the closet).
You can check your sizes for Ebi shoes by calling Home Mart at (213) 908-0807. They are located at 808 S. Western.

2010年6月22日星期二

Deepwater drill ban in court, more Gulf fishing shut

Oil services companies were waiting on Tuesday to see if their legal bid would succeed in overturning a six-month ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico as more fishing areas were closed in response to the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
The ban by President Barack Obama's administration was imposed in response to the explosion aboard an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20 that killed 11 workers and ruptured a well owned by BP Plc (BP.L) (BP.N), unleashing millions of gallons of crude oil and causing an environmental catastrophe.
U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman promised he would decide by Wednesday whether to temporarily lift the ban while the case is heard. More than a dozen companies involved in offshore drilling operations filed the lawsuit, calling the ban "arbitrary and capricious."
"The government's unchecked authority has shut down this entire industry," argued lawyer Carl Rosenblum, representing the oil industry.
The lawsuit is the first seeking to reverse Obama's May 27 moratorium, which the companies say will force job cuts in the labor force needed to service offshore oil platforms. The ban has caused the shutdown of 33 deepwater drilling rigs.
The Obama administration argues that the moratorium is necessary to prevent further accidents while a presidential commission investigates what caused the BP well to rupture.
The spill, now in its 64th day, has soiled the coasts of four U.S. states, threatening tourism and fishing industries. It has seeped into ecologically sensitive wetlands and tested Obama, who has come under fire for his handling of the crisis.

2010年6月21日星期一

Judge considers request to block drilling ban

A federal judge could decide as early as today whether to block the Obama administration's ban on deep-water drilling, responding to a legal challenge mounted by drilling companies and backed by Louisiana state leaders worried the ban will cost jobs and tax revenue.
U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman said he would rule no later than noon Wednesday in a decision that could dictate the future of the White House plans to pause deep-water oil and gas exploration while an independent commission probes the cause of the April 20 blowout of BP's Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico. It destroyed the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, killed 11 workers and triggered the nation's worst oil spill.
Feldman heard arguments on the case Monday. It originally was filed by Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, La., and other oil field services companies have since joined the bid to block the ban on deep-water oil and gas exploration.
The companies argue that the ban on drilling in 500 or more feet of water is arbitrary and capricious because it halted activity at 33 permitted wells without any evidence they weren't complying with safety standards.
Separately, Houston-based rig owner Diamond Offshore has filed a lawsuit in federal district court arguing that the ban amounts to an unconstitutional taking of its drilling contracts.
Parties in that case are set to meet today with U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas of Houston to outline the hearing schedule for that case.
In appealing for a temporary restraining order to block the ban's enforcement, Diamond insists that the moratorium could cause widespread harm to the drilling industry.
"Tens, if not hundreds of thousands of individuals could lose their jobs," Diamond Offshore alleges. And other companies that serve deep-water drillers, such as caterers and tug crews, also are at risk, the plaintiff says.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell argued in a friend-of-the-court filing in the Hornbeck case that the ban threatens coastal economies and jeopardizes royalty revenue that would have been delivered to state coffers from suspended drilling projects.
The officials cite findings by the Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies that even if the ban lasts just five months, it will result in the direct layoff of 3,339 Louisiana workers and cost another 7,656 jobs indirectly in the state.
Instead of a blanket moratorium, Jindal and Caldwell argue, the administration can put federal inspectors on all deep-water drilling operations.
The Obama administration defends its ban — formally imposed May 27 - as necessary to prevent a repeat of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
In a court filing, the administration says the deep-water drilling delay will allow federal regulators time investigate the causes of the disaster and recommend additional safety measures.
Absent a court ruling to the contrary, it appears the ban will stay in place for now. William Reilly, co-chairman of a White House-appointed commission investigating the Deepwater Horizon disaster, told the New York Times it's unlikely the panel will recommend lifting the moratorium before it completes its report early next year.
In other developments Monday related to the oil spill:
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, which investigated the deadly 2005 explosion at BP's Texas City refinery, said it will study the company anew in a probe of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., who chairs the investigative subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, requested the investigation.
In a letter responding to them, board Chairman John Bresland said the investigation team will include some who were involved in the investigation of the March 23, 2005, explosion at the refinery.
The CSB reported in March 2007 that a combination of cost-cutting, a lack of vigilance and a lack of investment in training and mechanical integrity were factors in that disaster, but Bresland said that finding won't prejudice the blowout investigation.
"Although we will be vigilant for any similarities to the Texas City explosion ... we believe it is also important that this investigation be approached without any preconceptions," Bresland wrote.
Former Justice Department Inspector General Michael Bromwich was sworn in to lead a shake-up of the agency formerly called the Minerals Management Service.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has renamed it the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, and it's to be split into three separate organizations - the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement; and the Office of Natural Resource Revenue.
Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, commander of the spill response team, said BP will place flow-rate sensors in a new containment cap that may be placed on the Macondo well in the coming weeks. An existing cap and other equipment are now capturing about 25,000 barrels of oil a day from the well, but it's not certain how much still is entering the Gulf.

Crude Oil Declines as Optimism Over China’s Currency Move Fades

Crude oil declined for the first time in three days as optimism faded that China’s plan to add more flexibility in the yuan’s fixed exchange rate would strengthen the global economic recovery.
Oil gave up yesterday’s gains as equities fell on renewed concern that Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis will affect economic recovery. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. reduced its crude price forecasts today. The People’s Bank of China said June 19 it’s increasing the flexibility for the yuan, marking an end to the crisis policy of pegging the currency to the dollar.
“Traders realized that whatever the Chinese will do regarding the yuan will be gradual and so the likely impact on immediately boosting Chinese demand for oil will be modest,” said Victor Shum, a senior principal with energy consultants Purvin & Gertz Inc. in Singapore. “The European debt crisis, the fragile recovery of the U.S. economy -- those things still prompt investors to lock in profits when oil prices gain.”
Crude for July delivery dropped as much as 85 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $76.97 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and was at $77.06 at 1:45 p.m. Singapore time. Yesterday, oil rose 64 cents, or 0.8 percent, to settle at $77.82. The contract expires today.
The more-actively traded August contract declined as much as 85 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $77.76 a barrel, and was at $77.86 a barrel. Futures have dropped 2.9 percent this year.
China, the world’s most-populous nation, consumes more oil than any country except the U.S. China’s central bank said there’s no basis for “large-scale” moves in its currency even as it pledged increased exchange-rate flexibility.
Brent Crude
Brent crude for August settlement declined as much as 84 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $77.98 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in London, and was at $78.10 at 1:46 p.m. Singapore time. Yesterday, the contract advanced 60 cents, or 0.8 percent, to settle at $78.82.
Asian stocks fell for the first time in nine days after Fitch Ratings downgraded Paris-based BNP Paribas SA and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services said Spanish lenders face difficult years because of the nation’s slow growth. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.7 percent to 118.28 at 2:12 p.m. in Tokyo.
The S&P 500 lost 0.4 percent to 1,113.20 as of 4 p.m. in New York, wiping out an earlier advance of 1.2 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 8.23 points, or 0.1 percent, to 10,442.41.
“It was a pretty significant reversal for the U.S. equity markets, which feeds through to oil market sentiment,” said Toby Hassall, a commodity analyst at CWA Global Markets Pty in Sydney. China’s decision to end the yuan’s peg “is a double- edged sword. It’s going to negatively affect U.S. importers, those importing Chinese goods, but at the same time it can be seen as a positive to those exporting to China,” he said.
U.S. Inventories
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. cut its price forecasts for crude oil because commodity markets are “fragile” on concern growth in Europe and China will slow, the bank said in a report today.
“Commodity markets are generally rebounding strongly off their lows but sentiment remains fragile on European and Chinese concerns,” said analysts led by New York-based Allison Nathan.
West Texas Intermediate oil was forecast at $87 a barrel for a three-month period, down 9.4 percent from a $96 prediction Goldman Sachs made in a May 10 report. It also downgraded estimates for six-month and 12-month crude and for Brent oil.
Oil prices at the top end of the $70-to-$80 a barrel range are “a little high” at the beginning of the summer driving season in the U.S., said Purvin’s Shum. Gasoline consumption peaks from the Memorial Day weekend in late May to Labor Day in early September.
“When we go deeper into summer, if indeed there is strong demand growth for gasoline in the U.S., then there will be more reason for oil pricing to get to the top end of the $70-$80 range,” Shum said.

Burnett Struggles Again, Digging Too Deep a Hole

One poor start by Burnett was a blip, two were an anomaly and three were a disturbing trend. Four in a row, then, is a downright problem, and the Yankees now have to solve a pressing identity crisis: Who replaced the confident strike-thrower that thrived in April with the erratic guy who has a 10.35 earned run average this month? In 20 innings, Burnett has surrendered nine homers, and his overall earned run average has soared to 4.83 from 3.28.
Recently, he has been bothered by a bruised right foot, sustained when he was drilled by a grounder during his last start, but Burnett said it felt better heading into Monday’s game. Over all, his struggles have coincided with the absence of the pitching coach Dave Eiland, who began an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons on June 4, the day of Burnett’s first start this month. All nine hits that Burnett allowed came with two outs, and the first six runs scored on rallies that began with two outs and no one on base.
The Yankees might have had a better chance at overcoming that six-run deficit if a Cy Young Award winner had been pitching for the Diamondbacks. After toppling two Cy Young winners, Roy Halladay and Johan Santana, within a six-day span, the Yankees managed only three runs and had eight hits in eight innings against Rodrigo Lopez, who entered Monday at 2-6. Their lone extended rally produced two runs in the sixth, and Lopez foiled a potential comeback by retiring Mark Teixeira with runners on the corners to end the seventh. Brett Gardner was a bright spot, going 4 for 4 with two runs scored.
Burnett’s latest misery came on the same day that Manager Joe Girardi announced a significant, if temporary, change in the rotation. In keeping with their plans to restrict Phil Hughes’s innings, the Yankees will skip his scheduled start Friday in Los Angeles to give him three more starts before the All-Star break instead of four. His next start will come June 29 at Yankee Stadium against Seattle. By pitching so well, by logging so many innings, Hughes has accelerated their preservation plan. He has exceeded their expectations, going 10-1 with a 3.17 E.R.A, while pitching 82 1/3 innings across 13 starts — an average of six and a third innings per start. If he were to continue on that pace without extra rest, Hughes would demolish his professional season high of 146 in 2006.
“This is a hard guy to sit and miss a start, just because of how well he’s pitching for us,” Manager Joe Girardi said. “We can’t be short-sighted. We have to think of this year, and we also have to think of his future and not hurt this kid. Starters are not easy to develop, and it takes time. We want to make sure that we have him for a long time.”
The Diamondbacks, at 28-43 and mired in last place in the National League West, do few things well. Hitting home runs is one of them, though, and Justin Upton began the barrage with a mammoth shot onto the concourse in center field. Two singles followed, and Adam LaRoche crushed a first-pitch fastball over the swimming pool in right field. Burnett’s fastball has not been sharp lately, but then again, neither has his curve. One hung for the next batter, Mark Reynolds, and he pummeled it over the left-field fence. As each homer cleared the wall, Burnett just stood on the mound, dumbfounded. He threw 35 pitches that inning, and 17 more in the second, when Miguel Montero’s two-out double knocked in Upton.
A crowd of 47,229, the largest since opening day, packed Chase Field for a rematch of the 2001 World Series, not that anyone inside was thinking back nine years or anything. Certainly not three players from the Diamondbacks’ championship team — Luis Gonzalez, Matt Williams and Mark Grace — who were asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Or the fans who hooted when the video screen showed Gonzalez’s series-deciding broken-bat blooper in Game 7. Trying to drown them out, the Yankees fans let loose a long boo. They had practice with that reaction Monday night, when one of their own — Burnett — was the target.
INSIDE PITCH
The Yankees felt comfortable enough in JORGE POSADA’s ability to assume the bulk of the catching duties this trip that they dropped their third catcher, CHAD MOELLER. Their hope is that Posada, recovering from a fractured right foot, can catch four of the six games. He started Monday night. Replacing Moeller was COLIN CURTIS, a left-handed-hitting outfielder. He made his major league debut as a pinch-hitter in the fourth and flew out ... JESUS MONTERO and AUSTIN ROMINE are the Yankees’ most advanced catching prospects, but they have another, GARY SANCHEZ, whom they like just as much. In his second professional at-bat, Sanchez, 17, hit a grand slam Monday for the Yankees’ rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League.

Back-and-forth game ends with Reds winning

Eight innings at the Coliseum on Monday night went quietly as the Reds and A's managed a run apiece. Each team produced a run in the ninth to send the game to extra innings at 2-2.
Ah, then came the 10th. Nothing quiet about three homers in an inning.
Long balls by former Oakland catcher Ramon Hernandez, Joey Votto and Scott Rolen propelled Cincinnati to a 6-4 victory.
Hernandez led off the 10th by taking Michael Wuertz off the left-field foul pole. With one out and a man aboard, Votto greeted Cedrick Bowers with a bolt to left-center for a 5-2 game.
That was Votto's 15th homer of the season. Rolen followed Votto with his 15th of the season, and Cincinnati owned a four-run edge.
Wuertz (2-1) would take the loss, ending his personal winning streak at seven games. He had not collected an "L" since May of last year.
The first three A's hitters reached base in the bottom of the 10th. Groundouts by Ryan Sweeney and Kevin Kouzmanoff each brought home a run.
Jordan Smith, the Reds' third pitcher of the inning, struck out Jack Cust to end the proceedings. Smith picked up his first major-league save.
In the ninth, pinch-hitter Jay Bruce's two-out, RBI single off Andrew Bailey put the Reds up 2-1.
That lead lasted about as long as it takes public-address announcer Dick Callahan to say Kouzmanoff's name.
The Oakland third baseman led off the bottom of the ninth by driving the first pitch from Francisco Cordero the opposite way. The ball had just enough carry to clear the fence in the right-field corner.
Kouzmanoff's eighth homer of the season got the A's even. He went 2-for-5 and is 33-for-79 (.418) in June. Oakland, though, is 6-14 this month.
Besides Kouzmanoff, the A's other encouraging sign Monday night was the performance of starter Gio Gonzalez.
The left-hander took losses in each of his previous two starts, against the Giants and Cubs, but his line Monday: seven innings, four hits, one unearned run, one walk and nine strikeouts.
The K's were one shy of his career high, set against the Angels on Oct. 2.
"Just trusting my stuff, building my confidence back up," Gonzalez said, "and just believing I could throw my curveball for a strike."
Manager Bob Geren called it "a real good swing-and-miss curveball."
Reds manager Dusty Baker got another solid outing from rookie right-hander Mike Leake. Cincinnati took Leake with the eighth overall pick in last year's draft. Leake, who went to Arizona State, did not pitch an inning in the minors.
Leake worked six innings, allowing one run on five hits. He walked four and struck out two.
Before the game, Baker talked about how Leake (5-1, 2.92 ERA) has been able to thrive without a minor-league education.
"He knows how to make adjustments," Baker said. "The guy studies. He pays attention."
Baker, who managed the Giants for 10 seasons (1993-2002), earned career win No. 1,352, tying him with Chuck Tanner for 26th place.

Honduras want to end on a high

As Spain (second) and Switzerland (third) are only on three points after a loss and win apiece, there is still a slight chance for Honduras to advance to the second round if they produces a big win over the Swiss and Spain go down to Chile.
But Rueda is worldly enough to know such results are unlikely and has called on his players to produce their best for the simplest of reasons.
"(We want) to end on a high for the good of Honduran football," Rueda said.
"We'll now have to see if the players can bounce back mentally and go out and give their all.
"We had two or three chances but we weren't clinical enough to score," he added.
"I'm expecting another difficult game against Switzerland, although it will be very different to the one today."
Honduras produced a few nervy moments for a Spanish defence, still smarting from a shock 1-0 loss to Switzerland in the Group H opener.
The Europeans had already missed a number of chances before a deflected Walter Martinez cross threatened the Spanish goal, forcing stopper Iker Casillas into an unusual clearance with his knees.
But any resistance was soon snuffed out as a sensational solo effort from striker David Villa saw Spain open their account in South Africa.
Villa scored again in the second half, but should have had a hat-trick as he missed a penalty late in the encounter, the Spaniards laying siege to the Honduran goal after the break.
"We went down fighting," declared defender Osman Chavez.
"We came up against a great national side and I think that we did pretty well. It's no mean feat to make a team of their calibre sweat.
"So, even though we lost, I think we've got something to be pleased about.
"We're not totally down and out ... (so) we're going to keep working right until the end to try and make it through."

Tops Film Merchandise Shipments

Panjiva, a company that tracks international trade, has calculated that the Pixar picture has moved more merchandise than any other recent movie -- and that it's not a terribly close contest.
Toys, furniture, scooters, calculators and other such stuff emblazoned with images from the $110 million weekend champ Disney/Pixar's latest hit was packed into 724 massive cargo containers shipped to the U.S., according to Panjiva.
Panjiva looked at the 40 biggest films from the past 18 months, then checked incoming shipments of merchandise related to those titles using the official bills of lading. That means items manufactured in the U.S. are not counted, including 12 million McDonald's restaurant drinking glasses promoting "Shrek Forever After," though they were recalled anyway.
The majority of movie-related merchandise comes from China , said Panjiva CEO Josh Green. Besides the Shrek glassware, a notable exception was "Iron Man 2" bed sheets that came from Pakistan . "Iron Man 2," in fact, was second to "Toy Story 3" in the merchandising contest, scoring 474 shipped containers.
Proving there's not necessarily a correlation between volume of merchandise and box office performance, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" was third with 403 shipments, even though the movie grossed a disappointing $150 million domestically. And after that is "The Princess and the Frog" with 321 shipments and $103 million at the domestic box office.

'American Idol' lowers age eligibility

Fox said in a statement Monday that the age eligibility to audition for the upcoming 10th season of the singing competition would be lowered from 16 to 15 years old. The maximum age to audition remains 28.
"American Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said in a statement that "a lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16."
Auditions for the next season will begin July 17 in Nashville, Tenn. Other audition cities include Milwaukee, New Orleans, San Francisco, East Rutherford, N.J., and Austin, Texas.

Miley Cyrus, 'Can't Be Tamed'

If Miley Cyrus's career can be measured in Britney Years, she is now in Phase Two, after the teasing but wholesome debut but before The Era Of K-Fed. With her adolescence and starmaking vehicle "Hannah Montana" both coming to an end, the 17-year-old Cyrus must ready herself for adulthood, and "Can't Be Tamed," her third solo disc, is the declaration of independence that years of "Behind the Music" specials have taught us it must be.
For Grown-Up Miley to live, Teen Pop Miley must die, and her/its demise is explicitly detailed in "Robot," Cyrus's lament about the existential misery of life as a Disney-bot: "I need to breathe/I'm not your robot/Stop telling me I'm part of this big machine/I'm breaking free," she informs her captors.
Free to do what, Cyrus doesn't say, but like any female pop singer from 15 to 45, it must necessarily involve Lady Gaga: "Tamed" has been so thoroughly Gaga-fied, so faux electro-disco-fied, Cyrus seems to have merely traded one overlord for another.
She sounds better singing semi-stripped-down untrendy pop songs such as "The Climb," which, whatever their studio sweetening, don't rely on robot noises for their kick. But "Tamed" has little interest in deft little lighter ballads, nor in any real expression of Cyrus's personality. Cyrus has always seemed real-ish, as if underneath the sparkly headbands she was really a cranky 40-year-old cocktail waitress who smoked. But "Tamed" doesn't take advantage of her vinegary personality, dividing itself between disposable, tinny dance pop tracks and generically sweeping, echo-y ballads.

High court backs law barring advice to terrorist groups

The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a federal law that forbids providing training and advice to terrorist organizations even about entirely peaceful and legal activities, saying it does not violate the free speech rights of those who want to help.
Discuss COMMENTS (1) The court ruled, 6 to 3, that Congress and the executive branch had legitimate reasons for barring “material support’’ to foreign organizations deemed to be terrorists in the USA Patriot Act.
Those challenging the law “simply disagree with the considered judgment of Congress and the executive that providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization — even seemingly benign support — bolsters the terrorist activities of that organization,’’ Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority.
“That judgment, however, is entitled to significant weight, and we have persuasive evidence before us to sustain it.’’
He was joined by the court’s conservatives — Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel A. Alito Jr. — as well as its most liberal member, retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.
Justice Stephen G. Breyer took the relatively unusual step of reading his dissent from the bench, saying the court had abandoned its role of protecting individual liberties under the First Amendment because of national security threats Congress did not adequately justify.
“In such cases, our decisions must reflect the Constitution’s grant of foreign affairs and defense powers to the president and to Congress but without denying our own special judicial obligation to protect the constitutional rights of individuals,’’ Breyer said.
“That means that national security does not always win.’’
He was joined in the dissent by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.
The Obama administration said the law has been used about 150 times since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks. But it has rarely been used for the kind of speech involved in this case.
The aid groups that challenged the law had trained a Kurdish group in Turkey on how to bring human rights complaints to the United Nations and assisted them in peace negotiations. They suspended the activities when the United States designated the Kurdish organization, known as the PKK, a terrorist group in 1997. The groups wanted to give similar help to a group in Sri Lanka, but the United States designated it a terrorist organization in 1997.
Nearly four dozen organizations are on the State Department list, including Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, Basque separatists in Spain, and Maoist rebels in Peru.
The humanitarian groups, including the Humanitarian Law Project, an organization based in California; Ralph Fertig, a civil rights lawyer; and Nagalingam Jeyalingam, a physician; want to offer assistance to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in Turkey or the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka.
In other action yesterday, the justices:
■ Decided to allow a new trial for a woman who got breast cancer after taking hormone replacement therapy and is seeking punitive damages against Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. The justices rejected Wyeth’s attempt to block the trial because it is to be limited to punitive damages. Wyeth is a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest drug company.
■ Ruled that a federal judge went too far when he banned the planting of genetically engineered alfalfa seeds after reports that the plants might harm the environment. The court, on a 7-to-1 vote, reversed a federal appeals court ruling that had prohibited Monsanto Co. from selling alfalfa seeds because they are resistant to the popular weed killer Roundup.

Nebraska Town Votes to Banish Illegal Immigrants

Residents of a small city in eastern Nebraska voted Monday to banish illegal immigrants from jobs and rental homes, defying an earlier decision by the city’s leaders and setting off what is all but certain to be a costly and closely watched legal challenge.
In Fremont , a meat-packing town of about 25,000 people, unofficial results from The Associated Press late Monday showed that 57 percent of voters approved a referendum barring landlords from renting to those in the country illegally, requiring renters to provide information to the police and to obtain city occupancy licenses, and obliging city businesses to use a federal database to check for illegal immigrants.
Opponents of the new law, including some business and church leaders, had argued that the City of Fremont simply could not afford the new law, which is all but certain to be challenged in court. In a flurry of television commercials and presentations by opponents in the final days before Monday’s vote, opponents said paying to defend such a local law would require a significant cut in Fremont city services or a stiff tax increase — or some combination of the two.
“There were a lot of tears in this room tonight,” said Kristin Ostrom, an opponent who gathered with others in an old V.F.W. building to await the results. “Unfortunately, people have voted for an ordinance that’s going to cost millions of dollars, and that says to the Hispanic community that the Anglo community is saying they are not welcome here. They thought they were coming to a small-town community with small-town values.”
But advocates argued that federal authorities had failed to enforce their own immigration restrictions, leaving places like Fremont — with a small but growing Hispanic population — to take care of such matters themselves. They complained that illegal immigrants were causing an increase in crime, taking jobs that would once have gone to longtime residents, and changing the character of their quiet city, some 30 miles of farm fields from Omaha.
Within minutes of the results being announced, officials from the A.C.L.U. Nebraska pledged to file a lawsuit as quickly as possible.
“If this law goes into effect, it will cause discrimination and racial profiling against Latinos and others who appear to be foreign born, including U.S. citizens,” Laurel Marsh, executive director of A.C.L.U. Nebraska , said in a statement issued late Monday. “The A.C.L.U. Nebraska has no option but to turn to the courts to stop this un-American and unconstitutional ordinance before the law goes into effect. Not only do local ordinances such as this violate federal law, they are also completely out of step with American values of fairness and equality.”
Fremont’s Hispanic population, practically nonexistent two decades ago, has grown to about 2,000 people, according to some estimates. No one knows how many illegal immigrants live in Fremont, and the estimates (depending on which side of this debate one is on) vary enormously.
Still, some in Fremont point, with worry, to other Nebraska towns — places like Schuyler and Lexington — as communities that no longer look or feel the way they once did.
In recent years, numerous towns and cities around the nation have considered adopting laws restricting illegal immigrants. But in most cases, political leaders and town councils have been the ones to pass the provisions — not the voters. And the laws have proven politically-tangled: measures in towns like Hazleton, Pa., and Farmers Branch, Tex., are still being fought in court, while some other cities (facing the prospect of drawn-out legal battles) have dropped the issue.
That almost happened in Fremont. Two years ago, a City Council member in Fremont suggested the city should pass a law on illegal immigrants. But after two emotional hearings — with what both sides said was participants from all over the state, the Council voted 4 to 4 on the proposal. The longtime mayor then voted against it, saying that he, too, was opposed to illegal immigrants but had come to believe that the question was one that had been, legally speaking, left to federal authorities, not Fremont.
Some residents were outraged by the choice, and began collecting signatures on a petition to put the question to a vote — the vote that ultimately came on Monday.
As residents of Fremont began considering what the decision would now mean, details of the new law were a new matter for debate. Some noted, with puzzlement, that the law would not apply to the area’s two biggest meatpacking plants (including Hormel, the largest employer) because they are just outside the city’s official boundaries, and that the law would also not apply to “casual labor for domestic tasks” around Fremont homes. But some said they believe the housing requirements — and new $5 occupancy license rule — might apply to people living in nursing homes.

Investigators claim US money is funding Afghan Taliban

The convoys are attacked if payments are not made, according to allegations in a US military document.
The congressional report follows a six-month investigation.
The document states that trucks carrying food, water, fuel, and ammunition may be supplying up to $4 million (£2.7m) per week to the firms.
A US congressional committee is expected to hear the evidence on the investigation from senior officials at the US Department of Defense later on Tuesday.
'Vast protection racket' The congressional subcommittee that carried out the investigation says that bribes are paid to the Taliban and virtually every governor, police chief and local military commander whose territory the convoys pass through.
One of the security companies in question is alleged to be owned by two cousins of the Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
The report released late on Monday says the security agreements violate laws on the use of private contractors, as well as US Department of Defense regulations.
The report states that "although the warlords do provide guards and coordinate security, the contractors have little choice but to use them in what amounts to a vast protection racket".
The document states that security companies hired under the Afghan Host Nation Trucking are the ones funneling the money.
Watan Risk management is one of the largest security providers in Afghanistan and one of the companies currently under investigation.
The military report states that representatives of the company allegedly negotiate or dictate the price of safe passage in a given area. The company then issues warnings to trucking companies who are late in paying or refuse to pay the sum.
A spokesman for the Army Criminal Investigation Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, confirmed to the AP news agency that the inquiry is taking place.

Orszag to resign as White House budget director, source says

As head of the Office of Management and Budget, Orszag has been one of Obama's top lieutenants on two of the president's signature legislative efforts: the stimulus bill, passed early in the administration, and the health care overhaul passed this year.
He also generated some headlines of his own, with the news that he had fathered a child with ex-girlfriend Claire Milonas, a Greek shipping heiress, and that he had become engaged to ABC News reporter Bianna Golodryga. Their wedding is planned for September.
The exact timing of when Orszag would leave the administration remained unclear, the Democrat said, speaking on condition of the anonymity to avoid souring relations with administration officials. Orszag's plans to quit have been rumored for months in Washington, particularly once he wrapped up budget planning for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
OMB spokesman Kenneth S. Baer said late Monday that "Peter's focused on his work, not on Washington speculation."
Many past budget directors have left the job after two years, and news of Orszag's wedding plans only increased speculation about whether he would stay on. Bloomberg News first reported Monday night on his plans.
An administration official suggested privately that Orszag might delay his departure until the OMB issues its "mid-session review," or the revised estimates of budget receipts, outlays and budget authority for fiscal 2010 to 2020. That review is due July 15.
Orszag, 41, has been at the center of some of the most fierce and contentious Washington debates for more than three years: He was head of the Congressional Budget Office for two years under President George W. Bush before joining the Obama administration.
The White House is preparing the administration's next budget, which would necessitate a speedier timetable for nominating a replacement at the OMB. The position requires Senate confirmation, which could spark a confrontation with Republicans over the administration's economic policies.

NYC car bomb suspect pleads guilty, calls it 'war'

Calling himself a Muslim soldier, a defiant Pakistan-born U.S. citizen pleaded guilty Monday to carrying out the failed Times Square car bombing and left a sinister warning that unless the U.S. leaves Muslim lands alone, "we will be attacking U.S."
Wearing a white skull cap, prison smocks and a dark beard, Faisal Shahzad entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Manhattan just days after a federal grand jury indicted him on 10 terrorism and weapons counts, some of which carried mandatory life prison sentences. He pleaded guilty to them all.
U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum challenged Shahzad repeatedly with questions such as whether he had worried about killing children in Times Square.
"One has to understand where I'm coming from," Shahzad calmly replied. "I consider myself ... a Muslim soldier."
The 30-year-old described his effort to set off a bomb in an SUV he parked in Times Square on May 1, saying he chose the warm Saturday night because it would be crowded with people he could injure or kill. He said he conspired with the Pakistan Taliban, which provided more than $15,000 to fund his operation.
He explained that he packed his vehicle with three separate bomb components, hoping to set off a fertilizer-fueled bomb packed in a gun cabinet, a set of propane tanks and gas canisters rigged with fireworks to explode into a fireball. He also revealed he was carrying a folding assault rifle for "self-defense."
Shahzad said he lit a fuse and waited 2 1/2 to five minutes for the bomb to erupt.
"I was waiting to hear a sound but I didn't hear a sound. ... So I walked to Grand Central and went home," he said.
Shahzad dismissed the judge's question about the children by saying the U.S. didn't care when children were killed in Muslim countries.
"It's a war. I am part of the answer to the U.S. terrorizing the Muslim nations and the Muslim people," he said. "On behalf of that, I'm revenging the attack. Living in the United States, Americans only care about their people, but they don't care about the people elsewhere in the world when they die."
Cedarbaum also asked Shahzad if he understood that the people in Times Square might not have anything to do with what happened overseas.
"The people select the government. We consider them all the same," Shahzad said during the hour-long hearing.
Shahzad made the plea and an accompanying statement as Cedarbaum began asking him a lengthy series of questions to ensure he understood his rights.
She asked him if he understood some charges carried mandatory life sentences and that he might spend the rest of his life in prison. He said he did.
At one point, she asked him if he was sure he wanted to plead guilty.
He said he wanted "to plead guilty and 100 times more" to let the U.S. know that if it did not get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, halt drone attacks and stop meddling in Muslim lands, "we will be attacking U.S."
Sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 5.
The Bridgeport, Conn., resident was arrested trying to leave the country May 3, two days after the bomb failed to ignite near a Broadway theater.
Authorities said Shahzad immediately cooperated, delaying his initial court appearance for two weeks as he spilled details of a plot meant to sow terror in the world-famous Times Square on a warm Saturday night when it was packed with thousands of potential victims.
The bomb apparently sputtered, emitting smoke that attracted the attention of an alert street vendor, who notified police, setting in motion a rapid evacuation of blocks of a city still healing from the shock of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
According to the indictment issued last week, Shahzad received a total of $12,000 prior to the attack from the Pakistani Taliban through cash drop-offs in Massachusetts and Long Island.
Attorney General Eric Holder said after the plea: "Faisal Shahzad plotted and launched an attack that could have led to serious loss of life, and today the American criminal justice system ensured that he will pay the price for his actions."
FBI New York Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos called the plea "right on the mark" and praised the work of "ordinary citizens who alerted law enforcement of suspicious activity."
Shahzad was accused in the indictment of receiving explosives training in Waziristan, Pakistan, during a five-week trip to that country. He returned to the United States in February.
The indictment said he received $5,000 in cash on Feb. 25 from a co-conspirator in Pakistan and $7,000 more on April 10, allegedly sent at the co-conspirator's direction. Shahzad said in court Monday that the Pakistan Taliban gave him more than $4,000 when he left training camp.
Shahzad, born in Pakistan, moved to the United States when he was 18.
Pakistan has arrested at least 11 people since the attempted attack. An intelligence official has alleged two of them played a role in the plot. No one has been charged.
Three men in Massachusetts and Maine suspected of supplying money to Shahzad have been detained on immigration charges; one was recently transferred to New York.
Federal authorities have said they believe money was channeled through an underground money transfer network known as "hawala," but they have said they doubt anyone in the U.S. who provided money knew what it was for.

Busting Acne Myths Requires Individualized Treatment and More Research

you have acne, you know the deal- everybody has a cream or suggestion to help you get clear skin. But how do you separate myth, medicine and folklore to find an acne treatment that works for you? That’s what researcher Parker Magin set out to do in a study entitled, A systematic review of the evidence for ‘myths and misconceptions’ in acne management.Magin and co-researchers from the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, conclude that clinicians cannot be "didactic" when making acne treatment recommendations that are based on diet, hygiene and sunlight exposure. According to Magin, acne treatments should be individualized.Meanwhile, the Academy of Dermatology has published a press release touting, The Stubborn Truth About Acne: Myths and Misconceptions. Though this article discusses a recent Stanford University survey that examined acne myths held among young adults, it offers no solid advice for securing an acne antidote. Moreover, its meaning is paradoxical.For example, the article headlines Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D. who is an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard University. Dr. Kimballs sums up the survey on acne by saying "that substantial differences still exist between popular belief and scientific support, yet this does not change the way patients attempt to care for their acne."Dr. Kimballs’s comments at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology casts a discrediting shadow over her groundbreaking research that aimed to separate acne fact from fiction. Just two years ago in 2003, Dr. Kimball was apart of a Stanford University study investigating the effect of stress on acne. Then, Dr. Kimball concluded that, "increased acne severity was significantly associated with increased stress levels? while self-assessed change in diet quality was the only other significant association." The results of this study suggested that the link between acne, and diet and stress are no longer hypothetical but warrant further examination.Another investigation aiming to demystify acne came for Dr. Loren Cordain. Cordain and his associates explored the link between diet and acne in a study called Acne Vulgaris: A Disease of Western Civilization. Cordain noted that Kitavan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Ach hunter-gatherers of Paraguay had no active cases of acne. This prompted the question, "So why does acne vulgaris affect 79% to 95% of the adolescent population in westernized societies?"Cordain found that genes alone do not cause the disparity of acne incidences between non-westernized and modernized societies. Other factors must enter the equation.Acne can arise from hormonal shifts, stress upheavals and a host of other causes. Your best defense against acne is observing yourself and noting what conditions, foods and emotions aggravate your acne situation. From there, you can use self-care to reduce acne flare-ups.Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work "Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

Use Essential Fatty Acid To Help You Prevent or Eliminate Your Acne

eliminate or clear your face of acne it will require you take a variety of health steps. The use of essential fatty acids is but one step. I have identified 10 different steps but will only discuss one step in this article – using essential fatty acids.
Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is of prime importance in clearing acne. It’s these fatty acids that help to control the production of excess androgens – the hormones that surge during the teen-age times It is androgens, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne.The three fatty acids you need to get daily are:omega-3omega-6omega-9When you are deficient in these essential fatty acids, you will have,A weaken immune systemInflammatory disordersPoor skinSkin eruptions and other wounds that won’t healSebum production increases (this is what happenswhen you have acne)Sebaceous glands size increasesEating essential oils are necessary to provide you the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds.Here’s what you need to do. Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids.The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9. This oil is found in avocados and somewhat in olive oil.Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oil (olive oil), so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oil (flax seed oil) into your diet.You can get omega-3 oil from,avocadossesame seedspumpkin seedswalnutsdark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)wheat germ oilsalmonsardinesalbacore tunaOr, you can take one to two tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods.

5 Acne Treatment Tips You Can Use Today

ling with acne can be embarassing at any age. Luckily, there area number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is lessprone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of youracne starting today.1. Exercise – Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting offnegative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem anddepression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward offacne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you puton your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might lookgreat in the movies and on magazine models, but if you aresusceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tendto trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy.Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends toallow more air to get to your skin.And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wetfrom perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, cleanclothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirtyheadgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acneproblems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workoutsessions.2. Cosmetics – To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that aresimilar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labelednoncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain aflaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clogpores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactionsare coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes amatte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note themore the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more thepores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavierconcentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions,meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surroundingfacial areas.3. Diet – Studies show that diet does not play a role in either thecause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acnepreventative care is this: what is best for your body is best foryour skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of yourbody. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins,minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and helpconquer acne breakout.4. Hygiene – A healthy skin regimen should include no harshscrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skinirritation or possible over production of oil to replace what haswashed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentleexfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruitshell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products whenpossible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and causeyour glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Rememberthat these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or pickingblemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, furthertroubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seekhelp from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.5. Shaving – Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent wayof exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention andspreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. Andfor some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help ridwhiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areaswith infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive,open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use ashaving cream for sensitive skin!James B. Allen is the publisher of Power Living Press.

Acne and Vitamin Supplements

years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched for and studied all of the various causes of acne. Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as "extra oil secretion". So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the "diet causes acne" argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.So, you can see where this is going?more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and is the editor of acne treatments website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

3 Easy Ways to Treat Body Acne!

you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline?Don’t worry. You are not alone! Lot’s of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back. To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels. Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating – such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out. At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts. If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.Venkata Ramana is a Health Enthusiast. Visit his Acne and Depression websites and gain maximum Information to stay fit and healthy.

Emotionally Dealing with Acne

is a fact that nearly 17 million people in the United States alone currently have acne. Thus, acne is the most common skin disease. However, if so many americans are afflicted with this skin disease, then why is there a social stigma with acne? Due to the ever increasing social and media pressure on americans to become as beautiful as they can be, acne can be a detering blow. If acne is untreated, then it can lead to disfiguration of the skin and permanent scarring affecting self esteem for years to come.First, acne must not only be treated physically, but emotionally as well. Since acne predominantly affects teens during puberty, which is a stage of generally low self-esteem as the body develops, acne can cause deep emotional scars as well. How does a teen, who is constantly bombarded by media influences telling them that they have to look perfect, accept acne as a common problem that should have no effect on their personal worth?There are several tips that these teens can do that can help overcome acne emotionally.Attend Motivational Summer CampsJoin Clubs at SchoolParticipate in SportsDevelop a TalentWork at a Part-Time JobThese tips help build self-esteem that acne breaks down. For instance, if a teen participates in sports, then not only will they feel that they are part of a group (comradery) but also revel in the accomplishments of the team. A Part-Time job gives the teen a sense of worth, that they can be a valuable part of the work force. The money earned helps gives the teen more self-worth, that they have earned it. If the teen has a natural talent, such as music, the parents can encourage the teen to develop the talent.Developing a talent not only instills within the teen a healthy work ethic (practice), but seeing the gradual improvement will help boost self-esteem.Perhaps the largest resource that teens can use to overcome the emotional scars of acne is their parents. If parents talked to their teens regularly, and have open conversations with their teen about their acne, then the teen will feel less ashamed of their dilema. Parents can also relate their own experiences with acne, since most americans deal with pimples and zits at least in some point in their life. Parents can also get advice from other parents on how they have helped their teens deal with acne.On AcneRelief.org there is a forum where both parents and teens can write about their own experiences with acne, and learn from what others have written.While acne can be devestating for teens during the developmental years of puberty, the worst scarring can be emotional, not physical. Teens should always remember that acne is a common skin disease that affects many americans. If acne is hurting their self-esteem, parents can boost their self-worth by maintaining open conversations with their children and encourage activities such as clubs, sports, and developing talents.Dan Goggins is a recent college graduate with interests in small businesses and family life. You can read family and business advice at his website.

Heres The One Thing You Can Start Doing Today

probably don’t know this yet but product wastes and toxic build up in your system is one of the main reasons why you have acne or why your skin breaks out.
You see, your body has 4 channels of elimination…your bowels, kidneys, lungs, and your skin. Your bowels and kidneys are the primary channels that your body expels product wastes and toxics through.The only time that your body expels product wastes through your lungs and skin is when your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with product wastes and toxics or when your bowels becomes sluggish.When this happens, your body will take some of the product waste and expel it through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). Resulting in acne breakout.However, you can prevent this from happening by increasing “fiber” intake. Fiber will absorb these toxins and product waste, and help your bowels sweep them out of your system fast.So by taking enough fiber, you’ll be able to speed up your bowels transit time thus, preventing your body from expelling toxics through your skin and preventing acne.So your next step is to start eating the type of foods that contains the highest amount of fiber.What types of food contains the highest amount of fiber? Fruits and non-starchy vegetables.Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, raspberries, and strawberries. And vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, parsnips, and potatoes. These contains the highest amount of fiber.But this does not mean that you go out and eat as much of these high fiber foods as you can.You should only consume enough so that your bowel transit time is between 12 to 18 hours. In other words, try not to consume too much fiber in day or else your transit time may be too fast causing nutrients to pass through your system without being absorbed. So if your transit time is under 12 hours, you may want to reduce the amount of fibers consume each day.However, if your transit time is more than 24 hours then you really need to consume more fiber intake or else your body will start expelling these product wastes and toxins through your skin (resulting in acne breakout).For me it’s about 32 grams of fiber a day but it may be different for you, so you should really test it out for yourself and see how much grams of fiber you should be consuming each day. It’s probably best to start out with 30 grams of fiber a day and go on from there.How much grams of fiber does each fruit and vegetable contain? For the fruits I’ve listed above it’s about 3 grams each and the vegetables are about 2 grams each. However, I do recommend you consume more vegetables than fruits because fruits are high in natural sugar.While consuming more fiber alone will not stop acne it can help in preventing acne. And that’s one portion of the pie in fighting acne.Houa Yang is the author of “The Definite Guide To Acne Free Skin.” It reveals the same method he personally used himself to get rid of acne in 3 days and stop it from ever coming back for the past 4 years…without any prescription drugs or acne medications! For more info visit: http://www.howtogetridofacne.com

2010年6月1日星期二

INSANITY WORKOUT INCLUDES

Insanity Workout Fitness Guide… The Insanity Workout Fitness Guide is concise and to the point. It’s going to give you a little background on how the program was designed, and a full breakdown of what to expect from month 1 and month 2 of the program. It outlines steps to get started and offers tips and suggestions to get you prepared for the intensity of the Insanity Workout. The Insanity workout is a journey into transformation. It’s not for everyone. It will put your mind and body to the ultimate test. If you’re dedicated and ready for the challenge, you won’t find any other workout system that will give you these kinds of results in such a short amount of time—period. Insanity Workout Elite Nutrition Guide… If you think working out alone (even at the intensity of the Insanity Workout) is enough, think again! While exercise at any degree will get your body in better shape, you need to get a handle on your daily diet. This is where a lot of folks ultimately fall short. And, lets also get something straight for the record. This does not mean STARVE yourself! In fact, not eating can actually have the reverse effect! Eating several balanced meals a day actually engages your metabolism, allowing your body to continue burning calories. On top of that, when you’re involved in an intense workout regimen, like the Insanity Workout, your body NEEDS fuel to perform at it’s best. The bottom line is, you need to eat, but you need to eat the right way… That’s where the Insanity Workout Nutrition Guide comes in. You won’t be left in the dark wondering what foods are the right foods, or even how much and when you should be eating. We’ve got you covered. The Nutrition Guide is a customized eating plan that starts with calculating your current caloric needs and then offers an extensive list of recommended foods, and provides daily meals and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. It guides you through month 1 and month 2 of the program. When you move into the second month, your workouts change and thus, so does your nutrition plan. You won’t be stuck eating the same thing everyday either, it’s flexible and customizable to work for you. The Insanity Workout Elite Nutrition Guide, in effect, takes the guess work out of eating right.

Will It Help You Lose Weight?

The insanity workout is a new exercise method which is earning much approval from exercise gurus and is becoming more widely used. The insanity training may be done by any person that has a DVD player and necessitates little supplemental stuff beyond the initial DVD purchase. The insanity workout program concentrates essentially on interval training and correct form. The insanity system is a 60 day approach which is broken down into nine DVD’s. the initial 4 weeks of workouts has five DVD’s in total each of which contain a daily training. The very first 4 weeks of workouts concentrates mostly on aerobic and anaerobic interval training that helps to increase whole body conditioning. The five DVD’s for the first 4 weeks are as follows: Plyometric Cardio Circuit – This is the forty minute training that concentrates on burning body fat making use of cardio intervals. Pure Cardio – This is the forty minute supreme cardio training that doesn't allow for any breaks. Cardio Recovery – This 35 minute training concentrates on recuperating your weary muscles to prepare for more cardio Cardio Abs – This high intensity training lasts for 20 minutes and concentrates on burning fat and building a strong core. Core Cardio& Balance – This training will be utilized each day for a whole 7 days and is a forty minute cardio session. Following the very first 4 weeks, the workouts become considerably more extreme and are still oriented in the direction of circuit in addition to interval training. A summary of the second month’s four DVD’s are as follows: Max Interval Circuit – During this 60 minute training the circuit become much more challenging as compared with the very first 4 weeks. Max Cardio Conditioning – This training is a difficult 50 minute cardio session. Max Interval Plyometrics – This fifty-five minute training concentrates mostly on strengthening your legs via plyometrics. Max Recovery – This 50 minute training concentrates upon muscular recuperation along with stretching. For more information, stop by and read our insanity workout reviews

Is It Safe Insanity Workout For Health

It gets insane scenario when you are called couch potato for a longer time repeatedly. If you have been wasting your time in a gym to get a ripped and hard shaped body but not achieved the body you wanted to. Here is the perfect solution to get the best shape with the Insanity Workout. It is the 60 days of intense workout program that provides you the total body fitness program. Max interval training requires a high and intense workout with 110% effort. You can even take a very short break in between the workout. After that you can get going again. If you want to get an instant result you should repeat the same workout technique, it will give you a faster results. Shaun T a famous choreographer and a fitness trainer bring a solution and perfect formula in a10 workout discs. This complete package will assist you and provide with it a method for improving the resistance, strength, ab and power with a core training move. The mind blowing secret is put on a DVD, which consists of complete instruction about the way to do work out, in this you don’t have to use any weights or equipment or weights. The ten 10 workouts program: Dig Deeper or a Fit Test for 30 minutes Core Cardio and Balance for 40 minutes Cardio Power and Resistance Cardio Recovery and Max Recovery for 80 minutes Max Interval Plyo Plyometric Cardio Circuit for Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs for Cardio Abs Max Interval Circuit for Max Cardio Conditioning and Cardio Abs for 40 minutes The workout program also comprises: Elite Nutrition Plan - The nutrition plan has to be real great to achieve a great body. It fuels the entire body. Fitness Guide - It can help you distinguish the results with the probable result expected. Fitness Guide is an easy and short to understand. It contains of complete information about the workout program. Insanity Calendar - Calendar is an organized in 1 and 2 months to set a goals, track, experience the progress as well as it keeps you motivated. Free Online-Support Tools - It provides access to experts so you will feel motivated round-the-clock. Thus, you can get the six pack abs you once dreamt off.

Starting Insanity Workout/Nutrition Plan

While sitting at home eating I saw the for Shaun T's Insanity. It looked like a really hard but awesome workout, so I decided to order it and see how I would do. I noticed that mosst of the people in the informercial were basically already semi-fit, so I want to see how the program works for someone who is really overweight and can't do a single push up. I just clocked in my weight at 198lbs this morning and at 5'7 that's really high for me. I'm looking to lose about 30-40lbs. So I'm going to see what this program can do for me. Basically the program consists of about 10-13 dvds (depending on what you order) and a nutrition plan. The program is supposed to be for 60 days. That's do-able I think. Each dvd has a different workout for a different day 6x per week. The first month the videos are about 39 minutes or so. Month 2 they to up to about an hour or so. Each workout is supposed to be super intense and I heard that most people (even those that are thin and fit) can't even get through it. So we'll see how I do. The hardest part for me in sticking ot the 60 day plan will be the nutrition. The program comes with a nutrition manual that says you're supposed to eat 5 300 calorie meals per day (you can increase it based on your caloric needs). I LOVE fast food! So that's hard to give up. Plus my weight doesn't respond well to changes in my life. Everytime something changes my weight always fluctuates. But hopefully have a stricter diet plan will stop that from happening next semester when school begins again. I'm going to try to post a couple of times per week for updates. I'm hoping blogging will keep me focused on the program. And so begins my 60 day INSANE adventure.

The Insanity Workout Infomercial

Like many people, your first exposure to the Insanity Workout system may have been late at night in front of the television. The Insanity Workout Infomercial has led many to the system because it shows just how high energy and how effective this program is. The program is all that the infomercial offers and more. It is the opportunity to get the body of your dreams, in the privacy of your home, for minutes a day. Just like the P90X infomercial before it, the Insanity Workout infomercial does an excellent job of building enthusiasm for the product. It has all the necessary components of a successful advertising package for a fitness program. It shows the components, the intensity, and perhaps most importantly: the potential results. The Insanity Workout infomercial will likely continue to grow in popularity as people learn about the program and how it has worked for people they know. Check out our Insanity product page for some videos similar to the infomercial, showing exactly how the program works. Shaun T. is serious about his own fitness and is serious about yours as well. This program isn’t a “walk in the part”, more like a “running of the bulls”. You will get tired and you will want to quit. But your dedication and commitment to your fitness will keep you in the game—producing results you will never believe. If the Insanity Workout infomercial makes it seem too good to be true: it’s not. This workout program will get your body into top shape as you do high intensity intervals that will push you to your limit.