Oxnard College offers free English classes for workers

Oxnard College is offering free English classes for workers at local businesses.

The idea is to teach employees the English they need to do their jobs, said Christopher Jones, project director. So a hotel might request a class focusing on housekeeping terms. Or a hospital could offer a class on medical terms.

“The gist of this program is vocational,” Jones said.

The college received a $399,000, two-year grant from the chancellor of the California Community College System to start the pilot program, which has 400 spaces available.

The classes are for people already working at a company, as well as for those who want to get a job but need to improve their English, Jones said. The classes can be held right at the company.

So far, two companies have signed up — Catalytic Solutions Inc. in Oxnard, which makes catalytic converters, and Deckers Outdoor Corp. in Camarillo and Ventura.

Deckers, which markets Ugg boots and Teva sandals as well as other products, has about 30 people in the classes, said Lou Flores, human resources manager.

The company signed up for the program because it wanted to improve communication between workers and managers, he said.

“Our manager likes to go out on the floor and talk to people directly,” Flores said. “We also wanted to give employees opportunities to take new positions. We look at it as an opportunity for both the employees and for us.”

Before starting a class, Jones and an instructor visit the company and ask for a list of items the employer wants workers to learn. The schedule is flexible, but generally it involves two-hour classes, twice a week, over 12 weeks.

Eliza Dushku Is All Dolled Up

Eliza Dushku is all dolled up at the Dollhouse event during Paley Fest 09 on Wednesday (April 15) in Hollywood. (She wore a Moschino Cheap and Chic lilac sleeveless dress with tie died grosgrain straps and crystal beading.)

The 28-year-old actress was recently featured in Allure magazine with four other women as part of the magazine’s annual nude issue. “I grew up with three brothers, and I was never shy about covering up,” Eliza said. “It got to the point where my mom was like, ‘OK, honey, it’s time to put some clothes on now.’”

These days, Eliza says, “I’ll strip down to my underwear and my Ugg boots when I eat lunch in my trailer.” She also shared about filming intimate scenes. “Love scenes are much more multidimensional, because often you have two people who have just met and you’re rolling around, and it’s more awkward than when you’re posing alone.”

30+ pictures inside of Eliza Dushku as all dolled up…

Uggs no passing fad for those in the know

UGG boots have once again padded out of the loungeroom and on to the street in a celebrity-led revolt against teetering high heels.

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has long been a fan, but now teen sensation Miley Cyrus has joined the parade.

Even Sarah Jessica Parker, whose character in Sex & the City was known for her love of Manolo Blahniks, has cast off the sexy heels in favour of the supersoft boot.

Angelina Jolie, Sienna Miller and Leonardo DiCaprio have also been wearing them.

Owner of Skinny’s sheepskin stores Bruce Harlow has been supplying the woolly footwear since the mid-1970s. “I think I’m just about the only one in Queensland who’s still making them,” he said.

Skinny’s stores stock about 45 styles in 10 colours.

And, if he doesn’t have it in stock, Harlow isn’t afraid to buck convention to give customers what they want.

“I’ve made a lot of freaky boots for people. I made ones that went right up to the crotch,” he said.

“It took a lot of skin and they had zips in them but that was what she wanted.”

Harlow has even replaced soles and inner soles on boots he made 20 years ago.

“I can’t tell you how many times people have come into the shop and they’ve got their boots all taped up,” he said.

“They do anything to keep them together for as long as possible.”

Shopper Alice Dykes, 17, from Benowa on the Gold Coast said she would seriously consider getting a pair after trying them in Skinny’s Myer Centre store this week.

Campus pet peeves

???There are many things that get under my skin: for example, slow drivers, snoring, smoking, Ugg boots, reality television and Paris Hilton. But those are issues for another time.

??? I am here to talk about campus manners ? or lack thereof.

???The last thing I should have to hear while I am reading over notes or typing a paper in the library is the latest Lil Wayne ring tone, followed by a 20-minute conversation about the mindless details of a person’s life. I mean, seriously, just put the phone on vibrate and take the call outside.

???There is no reason myself or others in the library should have to listen to you and your girlfriend or boyfriend shoot the breeze.

???Maybe their idea of a library is different from mine. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet places where you can get work done without rude distractions. Apparently, it is a place where people can utilize their rollover minutes to talk about the previous episode of CSI or Bret Michaels Rock of Love.

???Another issue that ties into being respectful to those around you is eating. Everybody needs to eat, and if you are like me you enjoy eating.

Fortunately, I am here to break the news: there is a time and place to snack and indulge. I also understand UB is a diverse population and we all come from different backgrounds, but eating chips/pretzels/Subway or Burger King in the middle of class is unbelievable. ???Come on now, I should be listening to the teacher, not the person next to me making love to their bag of Doritos.

Now me, not being a confrontational person, I just grit my teeth and stand in awe of these individuals and their crazy actions. I do, in fact, find it ironic that a person can talk on his or her phone or eat food right next to me, but if I were to ask them politely to stop, I would be the rude one.

???Obviously, all people do not see these actions as rude or distracting. This is why I would be entirely in favor of some sort of enforcement of no cell phones and food allowed in libraries and classrooms. Now I’m sure we have all been there, whether you were the annoying or the annoyed, but I think it is time we consider others around us.

???Sure, there will be distractions when we are in public, but I think it’s time to start acting our age and being respectful of others around us. Hold doors, say please and thank you, chew with your mouth closed and for the love of God, be respectful of others around you.

‘Bruno’ Trailer, Sneak Peek Raise Our Expectations

The “Brüno” trailer has arrived in all its red-banded glory, complete with outrageous public stunts, nude bedroom brawls and adult toy fights. It’s a Sacha Baron Cohen production — what did you expect?

As the trailer’s opening reminds us, three years ago, Cohen introduced the world to a little-known Kazakhstani journalist named Borat, whose crude, provocative, “lavatorial” — and, of course, insanely hilarious — comedy appalled and enchanted audiences. The movie that bears his name went on to gross almost $130 million at the box office. By all accounts “Brüno” — yet another spin-off of a character from “Da Ali G Show” — is even cruder, more provocative and perhaps even more hilarious than “Borat.” And given Cohen’s increased exposure this time around, the film is looking to do even bigger business.

Combining the footage in this trailer with word coming out of last month’s South by Southwest Festival, where Universal Pictures screened 22 minutes of “Brüno,” we can begin to piece together a rough idea of what this still-mysterious movie about a gay Austrian fashion reporter will deliver at movie theaters starting on July 10. Turn back now if you’re even mildly spoiler-averse.

The film begins as Brüno gets ready for Milan fashion week. Perhaps in preparation for his assignment, he tries on a see-through plastic blazer and then dons a pink unitard, with matching Ugg boots and protruding genitalia. He ends up opting for a jumpsuit made entirely out of Velcro. Backstage at a show by Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, he sticks to curtains and high-priced garments before tumbling out onto the actual runway.

The flamboyant Austrian gets fired for making such a mess of things, and thus begins his journey: He travels to America to become a star. Taking a cue from Brangelina and Madonna, Brüno decides to adopt an African baby. We actually see him remove an infant from a cardboard box (with air holes punched in it, of course) from a luggage carousel at the airport.

From there he stages an outrageous photo shoot (Brüno hugging the baby while wearing a beekeeper suit and surrounded by a swarm of bees) and heads to the made-up “Today With Richard Bay” show, a Jerry-Springer-style talker in which Brüno says he gave the child a “traditional African name: O.J.” The show devolves into a full-on brawl.

At some point, Brüno seems to lose custody of the baby and decides to reinvent himself as a straight man. The first stop in this quest might be a Sears store, where he tells an unsuspecting clerk, “You might find this very hard to believe, but I am gay.”

Brüno’s other attempts to engage in purportedly macho activities include: finding his way into a swingers’ party and then into the bedroom with an aggressive, silicone-enhanced woman who mercilessly whips him; joining some sort of military training camp, where he stylizes his uniform with a little help from Dolce & Gabbana; and going on an overnight hunting trip with a group of camouflaged Southerners.

“Look at the four of us,” he says as they sit around the campfire. “We are so like the ‘Sex and the City’ girls.”

“Oh, no we aren’t either,” comes one uncomfortable response.

“I ain’t neither one of ‘em,” another hunter says. “I’m Donnie.”

“That is such a Samantha thing to say,” Brüno quips.

With more than three months until the movie’s release date, we can surely expect much more of “Brüno” to trickle onto the Web. For now, we’ll just have to savor this first two minutes and 35 seconds of insanity. Brüno putting his infant on the handlebars of a Vespa? Brüno showing up at the mall handcuffed to a man wearing nothing but boxers and a few leather straps? Sacha, can we have some more please?

Eva Longoria Has a Laugh with On-Set Family

Though she’s disappointed her hubby Tony Parker’s San Antonio Spurs lost to the Cleveland cavaliers yesterday, Eva Longoria bounced back with a big smile on the set of “Desperate Housewives” on Monday (April 6).

The brunette beauty sipped her coffee in between takes, filming scenes alongside on-screen husband, Ricardo Chavira, and their children, Juanita and Celia.

Upon finishing up the morning shoot, Longoria changed into some comfy sweats and UGG boots as she made her way to her nearby car.

In related news, it was recently reported that motorcycle crash victim, Gale Harold, will be returning to his role on “Desperate Housewives” beginning May 3 after six months recovering.

“Quite frankly, I think he looks even better [than before the crash],” series creator Marc Cherry jokingly told press.

One-Liners Abound in Political Satire Debate

Students were treated to a “Freaky Friday” moment Monday night in the Marvin Center Amphitheater when the Political Satire LLC hosted a laugh-a-minute mock debate.

Brand Kroeger ’09, chairman of the College Republicans, and Cory Struble ’09, president of the College Democrats, squared off in an uproarious debate where they posed as a member of the opposing political party much to the amusement of attendees, who largely were members of each student org.

Michael Komo ’11, president of the LLC, posed as Anderson “Silver Fox” Cooper, and Jen Goldstein ’11, an LLC member, was Campbell “No Bias, No Bullshit” Brown. The pair moderated the speedy debate.

The Political Satire LLC is a living and learning cohort residing in Guthridge Hall, and began last year as an LLC in Thurston Hall. Goldstein said the group meets once a week to watch programs like “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report,” but they also hold one or two events a month (sometimes a charitable event).

Kroeger, as a Democrat, entered draped in a LGBTQ rainbow flag, wearing aviators with a bright green suit, a bright pink shirt, and Uggs. With a flamboyant attitude and exuberant responses, Kroeger kept the audience in stitches with his sexually explicit puns and egging on his opponent.

Struble, as a Republican, entered accompanied by his “pro-life, trophy wife” Cindy, played by CD Membership Director Jessi Gordon ’11. With a tweed coat and waving an American flag, he spoke in a southern-esque accent, and brought along several props including an actual trophy for his wife, who he demanded was not allowed to speak.

Throughout the Lightning Round of fast answers, the Crossfire section where Kroeger and Struble could question each other, and the Q&A with the audience, the laughs were nonstop, as punch lines were continuously met with raucous laughter.

Below are some of the more notable remarks from each individual. As Komo reminded those gathered at the beginning of the event, all comments were made in jest as the two are actually good friends, so the audience was asked to not “get offended, and leave with a smile.”

“Democrat” Kroeger said:

·    his favorite senator was Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) because his “moonlight drives around the vineyard are to die for.”

·    his favorite state was Florida because it’s the “you-know-what of America.”

·    former Vice-President Dick Cheney actually was not a bad guy because “Dick shot a guy in the face…that’s pretty badass.”

·    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was his “second favorite lesbian.”

·    President Barack Obama’s first 100 days have been successful because Sasha and Malia’s swing set was slipped into the stimulus bill, and Michelle planted a new garden.

·    the government has to stand up for polar bears and unicorn ponies before former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin hunts them too.

·    Struble was racist even against penguins, and they are black and white.

“Republican” Struble said:

·    his favorite senator was former Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) because he had a “wide stance on the issues.”

·    his ideal evening would include a “hot night of abstinence” with his trophy wife.

·    Ronald Reagan was his “ideological savior.”

·    his most-hated country was Massachusetts because it’s the only place where “same-sex marriage is mandatory,” but hunting is illegal.

·    even fetuses have a right to bear arms because “life begins at conception.”

·    every child under 5 years old, including fetuses, should be given an Uzi gun.

·    he was against DC voting rights because they are between a man and a woman. If DC earns voting rights then the government will have to let animals vote, then the animals will want to adopt too.

·    his foreign policy objective was to “invade more countries and make some theme parks.”

The comedic pair even had each other cracking up during a night when questions like “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” received over-the-top responses.

Goldstein said she was happy with the success of the event, and was able to pull off a “school-wide event” rather than just for the LLC. She added that the Political Satire LLC plans to make the debate an annual event.

Ugg! Lambskin row breaks out over boots brand

A row is escalating in Tasmania over the supply of sheepskins used to make ugg boots for the US market.

The globe’s largest meat processing company, JBS Swift, is expected to front an Australian Senate hearing to answers questions about alleged abuse of market power.

It follows a complaint made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in February about the Brazilian-owned company.

The Tasmanian hide and skin processor, Cuthbertson Brothers, has alleged that production had been halved because the business could no longer tender for skins from the Longford abattoir, which Swift bought last year.

Company manager, Wayne Jones, said by locking the firm out of the Longford facility, Swift was using its market power to force Cuthbertson Brothers out of business, which was clearly in breach of the Trade Practices Act.

“The majority of sheep and lamb skins we produce go to the US as high quality uggs which are then sold as a premium Tasmanian product,” Jones said.

“Unless something is done to stop Swift abusing its market power, Tasmanian uggboots will be lost, as well as a valuable export market”

Jones said Cuthbertson Brothers were once 80% of the market. Since December, the company had only been able to get a “dribble” of sheep and lamb skins from Swift.

Becher Townsend, who represents small independent retailers in Tasmania, told Inside Retailing Cuthbertson Brothers had slipped from having 80% of the market to between 10% and 20%.

“It’s savage for them. They’re copping it in the neck,” he said.

“It’s a family company, over 150 years old, the same family that owns Blundstone boots.

“The long and the short of it is the lamb skins are sent to the largest tannery in the world, Hinnan Proposer in China, and used to make high end consumer goods and in particular ugg boots. From what I can gather the vast majority, but not all, of branded ugg boots (Billabong, EMU, UGG, etc) sold in Australia would have come from this organisation.

“The top 10% of the lambskins processed annually go to make the ugg boot and the top 10% just happens to come from Cuthberton’s in Tasmania.

“That’s because of the high quality and clean-ness of the skins. Interstate, lambskins end up with grass seeds through them. Down in Tasmania, they don’t” Townsend said.

“As a result of what’s happening, the ugg boot is suffering as a result,” he said.

“It’s ironic, but if I walk down the road to Sheepskins & Opal World (in Hobart), I’d buy a pair of ugg boots which are probably made from Tasmanian lambskin, sent to China, value-added and sent back here to be sold to tourists, particularly from south-east Asia”.

Townsend said Swift had closed an abattoir on King Island last week for six to eight weeks in order to “review services”.

“So they are also jeopardising the King Island brand - all the food and dairy products - and that one is deeply distressing to watch.”

Pamela’s a pup’s bosom buddy

Pamela Anderson reportedly refused to act alongside a dog in her new film.

The animal rights campaigner was upset when she discovered she would be starring alongside the canine in Superhero Movie, because the scene goes against PETA’s guidelines for using real animals in movies.

A movie insider said: “Pamela left the set and went for a walk. She needed a time out. She was that upset.”

In the scene, Pamela’s Invisible Girl character was required to call for her Invisible Dog, who only becomes visible as it is picked up by the busty blonde.

Even though director Craig Mazin worked around the actress’ refusal by piecing together some shots of the dog that were filmed when the actress wasn’t around, the scene failed to make the final cut.

The Motion Picture Association of America’s Ratings Board disapproved of a bestiality joke in the scene which suggested the dog had been sexually satisfying a superhero professor.

Pammie has a strong connection with PETA, and even stopped wearing her beloved Ugg boots sheepskin boots after she realised they were made from animals.

She wrote on her blog: “I’m getting rid of my UGGs. I feel so guilty for that craze being started around my Baywatch days - I used to wear them with my red swimsuit to keep warm - never realising that they were SKIN!

“I thought they were shaved kindly. People like to tell me all the time that I started that trend - yikes!”

Modern dress is code for sinful sexual desires

For those of you who know me, you know I’m a raging Republican whose main goal is to coerce The University of Montana to become the most conservative college campus in the nation.

In fact, I support assistant law professor Kristen Juras’ attempt to remove the Bess Sex column from this ragingly-liberal college newspaper so much that I’m going to take her old-fashioned principles one step further.

Students, in order to save your souls from the propaganda of America’s MTV culture, I’m determined to see a dress code enforced on this campus.

That’s right, girls. No more slutty outfits that make you look like you should be on the Stockman’s dance floor on a Saturday night instead of in Anthropology 101 on a Wednesday afternoon. No more outfits that merely consist of a t-shirt, tights and Ugg boots, which make you look like you forgot to put pants on.

No more Chacos or flip-flops before May and no more skirts that show your coochie when you bend over. Unless you’re a sexpert or a stripper on your way to Fred’s Lounge, you don’t have the professional authority to dress like one.

For the men, I’ll reverse the horrible trend started by the Beatles in the ‘60s and promote short hairstyles, which means there will be no more free-flowing dreadlocks bobbing around campus.  We all know those dreadlocks really mean you’re just a raging pseudo-hippie and you like having unprotected sex on drugs.

Just look around you. I know you’ll see one of these people in nearly every one of your classes, and I’m tired of it. I pay tuition to go to this university, so I should have a say in what the students wear, because their scandalous outfits affect my learning capabilities.

Students should have to dress for class the same way they dress for church. It’s disrespectful to your teachers to come to class wearing next-to-nothing.

Freedom to wear what you want comes with responsibilities, and it is inappropriate and unprofessional to dress like the stars you see on MTV.

Sex is so pervasive in our culture that it’s even infiltrated your minds when you decide what to wear in the morning. College is a place for learning, not a place to express your post-pubescent sexual desires through what you wear.

So dig out that chastity belt, quit reading the Bess Sex column, and for God’s sake, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.

Let’s work together to save our souls from the sin of sexuality before we all go to hell — the only place it’s warm enough to wear mini-skirts all year long.

I love uggs .

New father Gareth Gates steps out in tatty jeans… and Ugg boots

It’s usually new mothers who look a little bedraggled - so what’s Gareth Gates’ excuse?

After becoming a father for the first time yesterday, the former Pop Idol runner-up emerged from his London home looking a little more than scruffy in ripped jeans - and Ugg boots.

Uggh!: Tatty Gareth Gates leaves his house wearing ripped jeans and Uggs

The 24-year-old was on his way to hospital to see his newborn daughter Missy. His wife Suzanne gave birth to their 7lb 8z child yesterday.

The singer and former lover of Jordan is currently starring in the title role in the West End production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The 24-year-old star, who shot to fame in the first series of Pop Idol, said: ‘We are so excited, Missy is beautiful and we can’t wait to spend time together as a family.’

In a recent interview, Gates said of dancer Suzanne: ‘She’s like my mum, really. I always wanted to be with a woman who has the same mindset and wants to look after me like my mum. She loves me, but she’ll never be my mum and she knows that, bless her.

‘She knows that my mum’s the most important person in my life. Because I see my mum and dad as such amazing friends, I think I’ll be a really good dad.’

Judging by Gates’ choice of clothing today, let’s hope little Missy takes after her mum in the fashion stakes.

Fug Girls: Keep Homeless-Celebrity Chic Off the Runways

After the largely dark, recession-tinged array of clothes shown during New York Fashion Week, we’ve been eager to bask in the dramatic, fanciful quirk of Milan’s collections — the searing-hot pinks at Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci’s polka dots, and the baguette hats and handlebar-mustache dress that only Agatha Ruiz de la Prada could hallucinate. So it dismayed us to discover that the Dsquared2 collection — the same boys currently putting the touring Britney Spears in headdresses and feathered epaulets — looked more like a Walk of Shame than a runway show. Is it possible that the pervasive, sloppy-starlet style we’re most accustomed to seeing in Us Weekly’s “Stars: They’re Just Like Us” section (”They look hung-over!”) actually is crossing over to the catwalks?

For years, we’ve been baffled by otherwise adorable actresses embracing their inner slobs. Homeless chic made for a brilliant parody in Zoolander, but that movie also theorized that you could brainwash someone into committing murder by playing “Frankie Goes to Hollywood.” It was never meant to be taken seriously. When the satire became celebrity street attire, we threw up our hands — and on occasion, our lunches. An untidy aesthetic can be excused when you’re popping out for some groceries, and sometimes, the unpolished thing can be very sexy. But there’s carelessly cute, and then there’s looking like it’s been laundry day for the past eighteen months: Mary-Kate famously pioneered ripped hose paired with mountains of heavy layers (and $2,500 shoes). Lindsay Lohan spent the last two years in leggings and unwashed-looking concert tees. And despite Blair Waldorf’s testimony that tights are not pants, Mischa Barton actually did treat a mangy old pair of brown hosiery as if they were real trousers. Grunge was one thing; what these girls did seemed more like grime.

Which is why it’s alarming to see the ensembles celebrities wear for morning-after coffee runs actually appear, in some form, on the allegedly sophisticated European catwalks — in Dsquared2’s case, complete with real Starbucks cups, in case the point had not been made finely enough. It felt like a derivative cocktail of Olsen, Barton, and Nicole Richie, with a dash of Miss Sixty and an assist from Katie Holmes’s pegged boyfriend jeans.

We hope this is merely an artistic statement on how our collective economic woes may make us all a tiny bit less self-obsessed. Because if Mary-Kate Olsen’s castoffs are hot for fall, then by spring 2010, there may be nowhere left to go but Pam Anderson–style track pants, tank tops, and Ugg boots. At a time when we’re seriously considering stuffing all our money under a floorboard, fashion should be our escape. Who wants to bankrupt herself in order to look … well, bankrupt?

I love uggs .

Boot haul helps stamp out crime

A £2,000 haul of designer boots was found by police during their clean up Cardiff operation.

The Ugg boots were recovered alongside stolen motorbikes and industrial tools, many of which have been traced back to burglaries in Cardiff and Penarth.

Police released the details after the latest leg of their Operation Clean Sweep in Llanrumney and Rumney.

The operation is moving through the city area by area.

Warrants were executed in Llanrumney and Trowbridge and five arrests made for offences ranging from handling stolen goods to burglary.

The Uggs, which may have been fake, have been handed over to the council’s trading standards department.

Cobbling together a traditional expertise

From brothel creepers to Ugg boots, cobbler Dennis Clarke can chart his career through fashions in shoes.

And as the 71-year-old nears the end of his career, business has never been so good.

“The credit crunch has been good for us,” he says. “People are getting their shoes repaired instead of buying new ones.”

Mr Clarke took over the tiny shop in Bell Street, Wolverhampton, opposite the shiny new Wulfrun Centre in 1967. He was offered a unit in the shopping flagship but never gave it serious consideration.

“I wasn’t going to pay their fantastic rates and rent,” he says. “And it’s worked out well. I charge a few quid less than the repairers in the shopping centre but they’ve got carpets and nice clean counters.”

Dennis’s glass display counter is randomly stuffed with laces, inner soles and used plastic bags. Shoes ready for collection are piled high on shelves on the left of the counter. A sign warns customers that any footwear not claimed within three months will be sent for recycling. A surprising number fall into this category.

 Mr Clarke started in the cobbling business in 1953, working in Blackheath, Brierley Hill and Dudley for Modern Shoe Repairs, later taken over by Mr Minet.

After National Service and a spell at Smart Shoe Repairs in Wolverhampton, he opened Densen’s Cobblers with business partner Eric Cartwright and another shop in Dudley Road.

After Eric died in 1983, Dennis just kept on the Bell Street business. The finishing machine dominates the narrow workshop at the back. Its multitude of functions include levelling heels before he starts works on them, trimming soles and giving the shoes a shine.

Unlike most cobblers, Dennis also has a stitching machine. Nearly all soles and heels these days are stuck on but only an old-fashioned stitch will do for welted shoes. Generously he allows his mates in the cobbling world to use the machine when they need it. Airguns have taken the place of hammers for knocking nails into soles.

“But when it breaks down, you’ll find me with nails in my mouth hammering away, just like an old-time cobbler,” he chuckles.

He also uses the nails as a code to record when a pair of shoes was brought in, knocking in an extra nail in the right shoe to identify the month - under the fourth nail for April, for example - while the left shoe indicates which week of the month. “If people want to argue about when they left them, I just turn them over and look at the soles.”

Another relic in this retail gem is the cash register which is pre-digital and can only ring up single figures. He closes Sundays and half-day Thursdays and says he wouldn’t know what to do with himself if he retired.

But after 56 years in the business, it is now a consideration. He adds: “I like work, so I’ll hang on until they close me down.”

Different Types of Uggboots

Ugg boots are available in a multitude of sizes, colors, styles and fabric options. And it is no longer necessary to know someone living “down under” in Australia who can hook you up with a pair. Retailers nationwide and around the globe are stocking these best-sellers. It is even possible for you to own a pair without even having to leave the comfort of your own home. There are countless Internet web sites selling this hot item. Of course, once you receive your brand new pair of Uggs, you will want to get out of the house and show them off!

Uggboots are made in sizes that will fit every member of the family – infants, children, women and men. Full sizes, half sizes, and all sizes in between are available, if you willing to spend the time looking. But don’t worry; it will not take long to find the perfect size. What may be difficult is picking out the perfect color.

Chestnut, black, lilac, blue, pink, brown and natural sand are just a few of the many different color options that you can find for Uggboots. In fact, these trendy boots are so fashionable that you will want to purchase several pairs in different colors. Imagine owning different colored Uggboots to wear to match your different moods. Red is sure to be an attention-getter. Natural give the wearer that casual look. Pink is perfect for that flirty, girly look. And classic black is a color that is sure to go with everything. Uggboots are available in a variety of fashionable styles. You can purchase tall Uggboots or short. If you are unable to decide between tall or short, you can split the difference and get the three-quarter boot length. And if wearing the popular boot by day is not enough for you, they are even available in a slipper style. The latest style to hit the market is a clog style. And more styles are arriving every day.

And there are more. The tall Uggboot style can be found with additional fleece detail on the outside , making this style the ultimate in femininity. When practicality is more important looks, Uggboots are available with a tough molded sole and additional reinforcement in the heel and toe area. This style is great for wearing in slippery areas where traction and resistance can help the wearer avoid potentially dangerous falls.

And the exterior look does not end with color or with sheepskin. These boots are also available in your choice of suede or leather on the outside. A high-quality Ugg boot will with pure Australian merino sheepskin, but imitation fabrics abound. Zippers and straps and elasticized sides are just a few of the other options that will change the look of this must-have boot.

Big, clunky soles or smooth soles, tumbled leather or milky-smooth leather, real sheepskin or an imitation, short, tall, or somewhere in between, Uggboots are the “in” thing to have in your closet this season. And you’re sure to find a pair that fits your budget.

Best Man Wanted. Must Be Rush Fan

A man without a woman is like a pistol without a hammer, wrote Victor Hugo. But a romantic comedy without a female lead, well, that’s just a fine bromance and now Hollywood business as usual, as most recently demonstrated by “I Love You, Man,” a fitfully funny comedy that owes much to Judd Apatow, the king of such sublimated man-on-man affairs. Though Mr. Apatow isn’t officially credited, his DNA is all over this bromance, which stars Paul Rudd as a wuss who mans up by befriending a guy’s guy (Jason Segel) whose masculinity is so secure he wears Ugg boots and shorts to walk his wee dog.

Though he shares the soft-body profile of the typical Apatow hero — a gentle belly swell, the suggestion of an A-cup — Mr. Segel has butched up somewhat to play Sydney Fife, a surprising object of platonic affection for Peter Klaven (Mr. Rudd). The last time Mr. Segel appeared on the big screen was in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” in which he played the feminized hero, a man who cries over his broken heart.

In that film he’s so coded female that his new (female) love interest jokes, “I can see your vagina” when he balks at jumping off a cliff into the ocean. Here, though, it’s Mr. Segel who plays gender police and deploys the requisite gyno-joke by affectionately telling Peter to take his tampon out, guy-speak for chill.

Exclusive: X Factor stars go on Scottish shopping spree

X FACTOR stars Ruth Lorenzo, Daniel Evans and Laura White went on a shopping spree before they left Scotland.

And big-hearted Ruth splashed out on a pair of Ugg boots for her fellow performer Rachel Hylton.

The stars of the reality TV show were splashing the cash at Xscape, Braehead, near Glasgow, after their two sellout gigs at the city’s SECC.

They will return to the Braehead Arena for two more sold-out shows this weekend.

The singers enjoyed a bite to eat after their shopping, and Ruth put her recent 10k training to good use as she whizzed round shops including designer store Gravity.

The Spanish singing sensation was keen to get her hands on a pair of Ugg Cardigan boots and couldn’t decide what colour to buy.

It turned out generous Ruth wasn’t eyeing up the boots for herself - she was looking to purchase presents for fellow performers Alexandra Burke and Rachel Hylton.

Gravity manageress Paula Strange said: “They just came into the store and it was really funny when we realised who they were.

“Laura began humming away to an Aleisha Keyes song and seemed quite shy, while Daniel was checking out the kids clothes at the front of the shop.”

It was Ruth who was in her element as she checked out a variety of different-coloured Uggs.

Paula said: “Ruth was really chatty and took it in her stride. She said she loved Glasgow and the crowd was brilliant. She even gave me her email address and told me my family and I could meet them all before the show starts next week.

“Ruth bought a green pair of size six and a half Ugg Cardigan boots for Rachel, but couldn’t find any pink ones in a size eight for Alexandra.

She said whenever she, Alexandra or Rachel see something they like, they buy it for each other. She said they got on really well and are all friends.”

The star shoppers only had a few hours to spare in between rehearsals and after thirty minutes in the shop, went next door to Billabong, where Ruth bought a Local Celebrity T-shirt as worn by Robin Williams, Paris Hilton, Justin Lee Collins and a posse of other big names.

Rupert Pedley, owner of Liberance, who are partners with Billabong, said: “Laura bought the white one with Daddy’s Girl and a big heart on it and said she hoped to wear it at the show.

“Ruth also bought a selection with the logos Yes It’s Really Me! Play, Glitz, and Night Owl. They thought they were funny and original and ended up spending about £150 before heading into a taxi.”

Alexandra also managed to spend some cash but she kept tight lipped about what was in her bag. Eoghan had earlier been on a shopping trip with Aston from boy band JLS in a the city centre of Glasgow.

Aston revealed: “Eoghan and I walked all the way from our hotel to HMV and then along Sauchiehall Street.”

Eoghan added: “Yeah, I treated myself to an Apple i-Book.”

Everything you need to know

Dear Joe,

I know that I go to a tough school, but I can’t take any more whining. I’m surrounded by complainers, and feel as if they’re always raining on my parade. Any ideas on how to change their attitudes, or make me more complaint resistant?

—Whiny in West Wing

Dear Whiny,

You would think that living in a wonderful city, receiving a great education, and having the world at your fingertips make you happy. Unfortunately, Whiny, for those who are always trying to take from the world, nothing is ever good enough. A week-long vacation to a community college in Bulgaria would teach them a lesson in being thankful. As much as we would like to change the wave of negativity that floats around campus, there’s not much we can do. Like sun radiation, or Ugg boots, some experiences simply have to be dealt with. The difference is the protective measures we take against them. Avoid unreasonably negative people. For instance, those who complain about cookies, funk music, and high fives are suspect for investigation.

You should probably note that all people can be whiny at some times. It’s a natural product of being overworked and eating at Skibo Coffeehouse. An important responsibility of friendship is helping friends feel better. When a friend is starting into the downward spiral of misery, try to lift him out before it’s too late. And contrary to popular belief, LEN’s law does not occur. No matter how helpful you are in spreading your optimism, no one will steal your sunshine.

Turn that frown upside down, Joe

Dear Joe,

Don’t laugh at me, but I have a stamp collection. Even for being a Carnegie Mellon student, I get harassed every day for searching through catalogs and the Internet to find that perfect stamp. Why is everyone so hostile toward stamps?

—Posted in Porter

Dear Posted, If you were five years old, I would say that everyone is just jealous of your totally awesome stamp collection. The fact of the matter is: stamp collecting is dorky, even at Carnegie Mellon. Your activity falls into the “classical nerd” category. These are tasks considered “cool” to nerds 40 years ago, but now have given way to blogging, Internet gaming, and hygiene. Examples of classical nerd activities include wearing suspenders, bug or stamp collecting, cartography, and pen pals. Unfortunately, these activities are feverishly fun, which means they’re hard to get rid of when you realize that Eisenhower’s not in power.

Does this mean that you should give up your passion? Absolutely not, Posted. Fight the good fight and defend your quirky and somewhat antiquated hobbies. It’s people like you who tell the world how everything is sorted or what kind of glue goes best with balsa wood for that perfect model plane. Maybe the newer nerds aren’t impressed with your toys, but so be it. At least collecting stamps doesn’t result in repetitive stress injury.

Return to Sender, Joe

Isla Fisher admits she detests shops as Confessions of a Shopaholic is released

Sexy actress Isla Fisher has admitted she detests shopping despite her role in the Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The movie, based on Sophie Kinsella’s famous novel, follows a designer label addict around New York as she tries to overcome her credit card busting habit.

Isla, 33, plays giddy character Becky Bloomwood, but says she’d rather slob about in pyjamas and ugg boots then splash the cash on flashy clobber.

The Wedding Crashers star prefers to snub glitzy parties in favour of a quiet night in front of the TV with funnyman husband Sascha Baren Cohen.

Isla insists she is a far cry from her shoe-addicted alter ego Becky: “I dont really like shopping, its a bit of a drag to be honest.’

“I dont feel any pressure to own all the bright and shiny objects in the film.

“I’m nothing like that character and I couldn’t keep that up.

“The character unfortunately focuses too much of her attention on appearences and what’s on the outside.

“I am quite the opposite. I’m definitely not a fashionista!

“I couldn’t stay long in heels, I would rather be at home in my pyjamas and uggs .

When Fads Unravel

When investing, it can be difficult to determine whether the fired-up growth stock you’re eyeing is actually just a fad. People who invested in Crocs at the stock’s crazy highs have learned the perils of such a situation. The shoe company’s fourth-quarter results provide little reason for anybody to believe that Crocs shares can regain their former overpriced glory.

Crocs did beat analysts’ expectations. However, it reported a net loss of $33.2 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to a profit of $38.3 million, or $0.45 per share, during the same period last year. The fourth-quarter net loss included major foreign exchange rate losses; without those, the company still would have reported a net loss of $17.1 million, or $0.20 per share. Revenue plunged 43.9% to $126.1 million.

Crocs also forecast a net loss for the first quarter, guiding in the range of $0.32 to $0.17 per share.

The company emphasized its improved cash position, accounts receivable, and inventory levels, and these are of course important elements. Cash is king these days, and Crocs’ major inventory buildup and mounting accounts receivables hinted at big trouble on the way when the stock first began its downward spiral. However, Crocs’ constant emphasis on the poor economy’s negative impact may be a bit misleading. Although I have no doubt that the consumer spending slowdown is taking a bite out of Crocs, it’s also been clear that the fad element of the company’s shoes is rapidly unraveling. That implies that the heady growth of yesteryear is over, even when consumer spending revives.

Faddish stocks like Crocs and Heelys are dangerous for investors, even if Microsoft  founder Bill Gates apparently believes that Crocs is a good stock.

Navigating the dire economy won’t be easy for discretionary stocks like Crocs. Fellow footwear maker Skechers recently got trampled. On the other hand, these tough times could provide investing opportunities. I’ve wanted to take a deeper look at Deckers lately; its UGG boots may be a fad, but they’ve shown remarkable staying power for years now, remaining hot even through last year’s holiday shopping season.

But in Crocs’ case, I continue to firmly advise investors to steer clear. Even though it may look cheap trading in penny stock territory, I don’t believe it will ever come near its former growth rates. Buyer, beware.

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