layne bryant http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for layne bryant Copyright 2008 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:54:02 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/layne+bryant How To Buy Plus Size Clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-plus-size-clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-plus-size-clothing#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:20:01 +0000 full figured lingerielayne bryantlane byrantlane bryantself confidencemeasurementstrendy clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-buy-plus-size-clothing measurements needed to buy the right sized garment. Since all women are built differently, you should bring with you hip, thigh, waist, and bust measurements so you will be able to buy plus size clothes with confidence. Knowing your measurements will also allow you to shop without having to try items on. This will save you time when shopping during your lunch break or when you are shopping on the weekend and the dressing rooms are crowded. stores have plenty of items to choose from and you will be able to buy anything you are looking for.

At a store, you will find many items including active wear, casual wear, career wear, and formal wear. You will also find a large variety of . It is important to buy quality pieces that can be worn with many different outfits. Buying lingerie that is too small or too large will not help your posture, your appearance, or you . Being measured for lingerie will help you find the perfect size. Once you have bought items to go underneath your clothing, you should invest in womens clothing that will last for a few seasons. Even though will give you an up to date look, you should still purchase some classic pieces that you can use for different occasions.

Combining classic and trendy pieces will make your wardrobe stand out from the rest. At stores, you will be able to find a variety of classic and trendy clothing. Once you have purchased a few basic pieces, you should find one or two formal items that can be worn for weddings, parties, and other events. You will also be able to buy shoes and accessories to go with your new outfits. If you need assistance, one of the lane bryant sales assistants will be able to help you. If you find an item that you like, but not in your size, you may be able to have the item shipped from another store.

As a woman, you will need a variety of different outfits that fit your lifestyle. Brian Lanye stores are great places to find clothing for plus sized women that will last for a long time. You can return items if you decide you don't like them or you can exchange them for other items in the store. When shopping at lain byrant, you will be able to add new items to your existing wardrobe or you will be able to create a new one that will last for a few years. These are clothes that are worth the investment. Jeff Carlisle is a freelance editor for Lane Bryant Coupons. Read more and find great deals and discounts on Lane Bryant Coupons products at http://www.CouponCart.com/laneBryant/index.aspx. ]]> Plus Size Findings At Lane Bryant http://www.artwoo.com/article/plus-size-findings-at-lane-bryant http://www.artwoo.com/article/plus-size-findings-at-lane-bryant#comments Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:20:01 +0000 full figured lingerielingerie marketlingerie lingeriesize lingeriesized womenlane bryantsized clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/plus-size-findings-at-lane-bryant Lane Bryant is the leader in the plus size fashion industry. They carry sizes 14 to 28, and have all the ingredients of making a fabulously stylish plus size woman.

Plus size clothing is Lane Bryant's specialty. They offer a variety of stylish clothes for plus to satisfy all types of clothing needs. Whether you need clothes for work, to enhance your dating and social life, or just for play and everyday wear Lane Bryant has a variety of clothing for plus sized women, and they are stylish and flattering for larger body types.

If it is accessories you need, Lane Bryant also has all of the things that you need to take your outfit to the next level and make it complete. Whether it is a belt, necklace, or a pair of earrings that you need, Lane Bryant has it available and at great prices. They may not be diamonds, but Lane Bryant offers a variety of beautiful accessories for all occasions, for work and play. Not only do they offer you the components of an awesome wardrobe, but they also give you everything you need to make the last finishing touches

Outside of plus and accessories, Lane Bryant also carries plus . Lingerie for plus sized women is an often untapped market; lingerie for plus sized women is an important industry because of this fact. It can be hard to find lingerie that covers everything appropriately, but still looks and feels good. Lingerie for a woman should be sexy, regardless of her size. is available on the Lane Bryant website and at any of your local Lane Bryant stores, but there are great deals available from Coupon Cart and Lane Bryant on http://www.LaneBryant.CouponCart.com. The thing about Lane Bryant lingerie for plus sized women that sets it apart from other competitors in the plus size is that Lane Bryant lingerie is flattering. It is not designed to squash and conceal, but lift and glorify all of your womanly curves in a flattering, classy and distinguished manner. With Lane Bryant lingerie and even clothing, you never have to worry about accidentally letting it `all hang out.'

So you can finish out your day as stylishly as you carried it out, Lane Bryant even offers a line of sleepwear. The sleepwear the company offers is the ultimate in comfort, and is a great option for those days when you just want to relax around the house. None of the pajamas that they offer are too badly priced, either so you aren't going to have to pay out of your left ear for an outfit the world will probably never see (except on those really, really bad days). Jeff Carlisle is a freelance editor for Lane Bryant Coupons. Read more and find great deals and discounts on Lane Bryant Coupons products at http://www.CouponCart.com/laneBryant/index.aspx. ]]> The Tradition Continues - From Players To The Fans That Idolize Them http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tradition-continues-from-players-to-the-fans-that-idolize-them http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tradition-continues-from-players-to-the-fans-that-idolize-them#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:29:36 +0000 denny chimestide fanssunny autumnthin red linealabama experienceroll tideautumn day http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-tradition-continues-from-players-to-the-fans-that-idolize-them Thin Red Line, and even the Red Elephants. With so many names, how do know who they're talking about? From the Tide tradition, that's how. Alabama fans are proud of their past and pass their traditions on to their children at as young of an age as they can comprehend it! "" is a praised phrase as a child while the term "War Eagle" is considered right on up there with "shut up" and "butthead." Yes, tradition is a special part of the that fans love to relive on game day and when walking through campus on a day. Little girls dressed in line with their hopes of one day being an Alabama Cheerleader. Young boys running across the Quad playing their own game of football before the real game begins. Grandparents telling stories of Bama back in it's glory days with the Bear as coach and times when Alabama was a shoe-in for the National Championship Title.

Some are past players of the Bear and seem to always feel in the spotlight one last time when they step inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium, even if they had played at Legion Field, or elsewhere. The only thing that matters is where the Tide calls home. Today, that is Bryant-Denny Stadium named after the legendary Paul W. "Bear" Bryant who's name you can find in various places all over town, and , who also has his legacy spread out over campus. Honoring them before were monuments, street names, and even museums, but having the stadium coined after them was quite an honor for those respective families. Anything that has to do with Alabama football has a serious reputation to uphold. With more National Championships, SEC Championships, Bowl Appearances, Bowl Wins, SEC Conference Wins, and most consecutive SEC Conference Championships than any other team in the NCAA, the Crimson Tide and it's players are looked upon by fans to continue this tradition and be the team to beat for years to come.

Alabama's historical rosters and current game attendants include Kenny "the Snake" Stabler, legendary Joe Namath, and Barry Krause among others. Stabler, Namath and one hundred and forty-five others are forever remembered along the Walk of Fame at Denny Chimes. A tradition since 1948, it immortalizes spectacular players like no other team and the tradition of doing so is one of the most important in Alabama history. Players of the Tide can be found on occasion greeting fans at the Paul W. Bryant Museum, signing autographs, and sometimes even sitting next to lucky fans at the games. At the University of Alabama, it's all about the fans, and the experience of Alabama Football. You can guarantee student tickets will be sold out within the first thirty minutes they're made available, and if you want to get your hands on one, it won't be a cheap buy. Fans of the Tide are dedicated, and some of the best college football fans out there! Roll Tide!Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the SEC and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Check out his Alabama Crimson Tide Merchandise at www.sportsfantreasures.com]]> Golden State Warriors Tickets - Is This Team Ready To Take The Nba By Surprise? http://www.artwoo.com/article/golden-state-warriors-tickets-is-this-team-ready-to-take-the-nba-by-surprise http://www.artwoo.com/article/golden-state-warriors-tickets-is-this-team-ready-to-take-the-nba-by-surprise#comments Sat, 02 Dec 2006 14:27:07 +0000 golden state warriorspatrick obryantdisdainnba fanssalary capmatchcoach mike http://www.artwoo.com/article/golden-state-warriors-tickets-is-this-team-ready-to-take-the-nba-by-surprise Golden State Warriors tickets have been an afterthought for years. In fact, most don't even realize that the Warriors have a history that's rich with winning. In recent years, though, the Warriors have been nothing short of a disaster. They've never been a serious threat for the playoffs, and even with some young and talented players on the roster, they've been an also-ran at best.

Is that about to change? We'll take a look at the Warriors below and attempt to speculate as to what their season will look like this year.

Additions

The biggest addition came at the top. Montgomery was unexpectedly fired during the offseason and replaced with Don Nelson, who had led the Warriors to the playoffs in his first stint in the Bay Area in the early 1990's. Nelson is known as a bit of a mad scientist, constantly tinkering with roles and game plans, and this is a quirky roster, which could lead to a good .

The Warriors were also strapped against the due to a series of disastrous signings the previous year, so player movement was relatively minimal. The best thing the Warriors did was trade Derek Fisher away in a salary dump, but got nothing but spare parts and bench players in return. It was a necessary move, however, as the Warriors needed to cut costs and create flexibility in future years.

The only other player move of note was drafting another center in the first round, and it seems that the Warriors have been searching for a quality pivot since the days of Joe Barry Carroll. The Warriors tabbed Patrick O'Bryant from Bradley. There are many doubts surrounding O'Bryant, and most don't think he'll be able to contribute early because of Nelson's for rookies and the fact that O'Bryant is seen as a "project," which is a dreaded word for centers. It's safe to say that O'Bryant won't be moving Golden State Warriors tickets by himself this season.

Strong Suit

The Warriors aren't known for doing any one thing better than anyone else, but they are young, athletic and extremely talented. If Nelson can get perennial head case/locker room problem/training room regular Baron Davis to play to his unlimited potential, he'll be a miracle worker.

If that happens, however, Davis will make the other young potential stars even better, as Jason Richardson and Ike Diogu are either already somewhat known by NBA fans or about to hit the headlines. The Warriors also have shooters who can light it up if their point guard ever learns to get good shots for them. Mike Dunleavy and even Troy Murphy need open looks, as they can't create their own shots, but if they get them, the Warriors could be deadly.

Outlook

The Warriors appear to be what they are every season - young talented, and dripping with the dreaded "p" word - potential. If they can put it all together, if Nelson can keep everyone happy, if Baron Davis can stay healthy and toe the company line, the Warriors could indeed be a surprise. That's a lot of "ifs," however, and probably too many to be answered in one season. Golden State Warriors tickets will guarantee you a high-flying show, but you won't be seeing them in the playoffs in the spring of 2007. Written by Jay Nault, sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com/ . StubHub sells Golden State Warriors tickets: http://www.stubhub.com/golden-state-warriors-tickets/ sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. ]]> NBA: Prolific Scoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/nba-prolific-scoring http://www.artwoo.com/article/nba-prolific-scoring#comments Tue, 02 Jan 2007 08:27:02 +0000 los angeles lakersbasketball playerpro basketballwilt chamberlainwinning the gameball hogkobe bryant http://www.artwoo.com/article/nba-prolific-scoring basketball players who have many different talents, and some teams have players who specialize in the defense and others that specialize in offense. Yet there is one player who can do it all. This talented NBA player is . He is probably the best player in the entire NBA. During one game, he scored a whopping eighty-one points. This caused him to score nearly 60 % of the total score for the , which is an astounding percentage. Some people feel that he is merely a , and sometimes he may actually be a ball-hog, but being one isn't a negative thing. It's actually a positive thing because he's doing a great deal to help his team make it to the play-offs. One player can't possibly win a game by himself, so obviously the entire team has to contribute, and they definitely do.

Although Kobe Bryant is an awesome player, and has scored such high amounts per game, there is another basketball player who has outscored him. This person is , and he is currently deceased. Chamberlain scored an amazing one hundred points in a single game. He played for the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, yet he retired from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Again, though, we can't forget about the importance of the other players and their significance in assisting the team in , and ultimately the championship. Besides just scoring a play in defense, there are many players who contribute by assisting and getting rebounds and blocking shots. Every pro basketball player has his area of expertise. Some players don't do well at making free-throw shots, but they may do well making regular baskets. On the other hand, a player may do excellent at making all or most free-throw shots, but not as well making regular shots. Wilt Chamberlain was famous for his 'underhand' free throw shot, which he did very well at.

Although Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons plays pro basketball very well, he doesn't do very well with free-throw shots. Perhaps it is because of the pressure that placed on him in that moment, especially if scoring could mean the difference between winning or losing the game.

So, as you can see, there are some really prolific NBA players, no matter if they score immense amounts or block many shots Leon Groom writes about http://www.nbagearshop.com/Coupons/NBAStore.com.html, http://www.nbagearshop.com and http://www.nbagearshop.com/Coupons/Football%20Fanatics.html ]]> A New First Line Of Defense http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-new-first-line-of-defense http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-new-first-line-of-defense#comments Wed, 03 Jan 2007 10:27:07 +0000 security camerassecurity camerapursepascalfortunatelymiscreantcontact http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-new-first-line-of-defense purse, pushed her against her car, and ran away... straight into a golf cart driven by campus police. The mugger was caught, placed in handcuffs, and held until county sheriff's deputies arrived to take the away. The woman got her purse back. Then, turning to the covering the action in the parking lot, Campus Police Sergeant Jack Emmett gave a thumbs-up to Campus Police Chief Sam Acres... and unhandcuffed Campus Police Officer Gregory Layne. The test was a success.

Fraleigh College isn't the only gathering-place installing in order to make people safer. The Northside Church of Clement has also put the cameras up in its parking lots, monitored by a security officer in the office who is in constant radio with her fellows in the field. "We've got a lot of people here after dark -- especially moms with their young children," Security Director Christine Fargo said. "Pastor Jake asked me how we could make them safer."

The answer Northside and Fraleigh both discovered was closed-circuit video monitoring of their parking lots and other open areas during hours of darkness. "During the daytime, we've got good visual coverage of these areas without cameras," Acres assured me. "At night, with the recent uptick in violent crime, we decided we needed an extra edge. , the Trustees agreed and ponied up for the system."

Jacob "Pastor Jake" , Northside's spiritual leader, also found the cameras to be a worthy investment. "We can only afford so many security officers. The cameras increase their effectiveness. They're our new first line of defense." With the new evening children's programs at the church, Pascal says, it was time for new ideas. And with the new advances in camera technology, "it was a no-brainer," Fargo said. Visit our Security Camera Store for Home or Business~ http://www.securitydefenseoutpost2.com ]]> Construction Industry Firms Have Huge Opportunity In Search Engine Marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-industry-firms-have-huge-opportunity-in-search-engine-marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-industry-firms-have-huge-opportunity-in-search-engine-marketing#comments Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:15:00 +0000 pay per click marketinginternet marketingindustry sectorsgeorge wimpeytravel sectorsgooglesearch engine http://www.artwoo.com/article/construction-industry-firms-have-huge-opportunity-in-search-engine-marketing industry sectors in the construction industry when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities available online. While this is a problem, it represents a huge opportunity for forward thinking firms that want to make sure they get in early.

In comparison to other sectors such as finance, recruitment, online retail and travel, there are a small number of firms really taking online marketing seriously. Therefore, low competition equals far lower costs of entry for internet marketing activities such as and optimisation. For example, finance sector firms are paying up to =A320 per click on for phrases such as debt management which compares to as little as 50pence a click for bidding on phrases such as `construction services'. Furthermore, competition for natural search engine rankings is insignificant in comparison to finance and .

The people responsible for bringing the industry up to speed with allocating money to search engine marketing are the Marketing Managers and Marketing Directors of the major construction firms. To assist I have released a 28 page eBook written specifically for Marketers in the Construction sector. This can be downloaded free from http://www.clickthrough-marketing.com/resources/construction-report.php

The ebook contains search engine key phrase analysis on 23 key areas of construction including; machinery, plant hire, property development, building, architects and engineering. Also included is a fascinating insight into the most popular brands being searched for online =96 in April 07 the top 4 were Persimmon, Bryant, and Belway Homes. The research in this industry report is based on search behavior and data on search engines from the 31 days of April 2007 and contains exact Search Phrase and No. of Searches.

There are vast numbers of people searching for all types of construction products and services, plus competition on Google, Yahoo and MSN is low because only a small number construction companies have an effective Search Marketing campaign in place.

What does this research tell us? Market share comparisons =96 the number of searches for each phrase gives an insight into the comparable number of searches of each search phrase type. For example, `Building Material' (87,124 searches) is more than 2 times larger than `Builder Merchant' (36,492 searches).

Brands market share comparisons - the number of searches for each phrase including a brand gives an insight into the comparable number of searches for major brands in the construction sector. For example, `Persimmon Homes' (165,640 searches) is more than 3 times larger than `Bryant Home' (45,086 searches).

Most Popular Phrases =96 up to 100 of the highest count search phrases for each category are included in this report. This gives a starting point for identifying which areas your Search Engine Marketing efforts should begin and which phrases may give some `quick win' opportunities from Pay Per Click Marketing.

To download the free industry report go to: http://www.clickthrough-marketing.com/resources/construction-report.php About ClickThrough ClickThrough Marketing is a search engine marketing company focused on helping businesses reach new customers via the online market place including the major search engines. We offer managed search engine marketing services that increases your online exposure, search engine rankings and web sites ROI. ClickThrough Marketing Web: http://www.clickthrough-marketing.com ]]> Project Runway Review http://www.artwoo.com/article/project-runway-review http://www.artwoo.com/article/project-runway-review#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2006 08:27:25 +0000 fashion weekfashion directorparsons school of designheidi klumtara connersasha cohenproject runway http://www.artwoo.com/article/project-runway-review Project Runway is a competition-based show that features a group of talented clothing designers who are competing to show their own fashion collection at New York City's Fall or Spring at Bryant Park. The honor of showing in one of the primary tents at Bryant Park is an honor that cannot be bought or quickly earned. Famous designers like Vera Wang, Dolce and Gabanna, or Calvin Klein are the top-attended shows at Fashion Week; however since the first airing of Project Runway in December of 2004 the competing designers have brought in huge audiences.

The Project Runway series is hosted by German supermodel and can be seen on the Bravo cable television network. The judges are pulled from some of the top fashion design houses or fashion and beauty magazines that America has to offer. Michael Kors is a famous American designer and has served as a judge on the show during all three seasons. The other primary judge, besides Kors and Klum, is Nina Garcia who is the for the top-rated Elle magazine. While Kors, Klum and Garcia make up the core of the judging panel, there is always a third guest judge who is brought in according to the style or challenge of each episode. For example, in Runway's Season Two, world-class Olympian figure skater served on the panel to help judge the skating costumes that had been designed and constructed by the design contestants. Other guest judges included: the legendary Diane Von Furstenberg, musician Sarah Hudson and , Miss USA. One of the recent Project Runway challenges instructed the contestants to sketch, design and construct Tara Conner's evening dress for the Miss Universe pageant.

The competition is based in New York City, and much of the design work and judging take place at . The Chair of Fashion at Parsons, Tim Gunn, has become a figurehead for the show and serves as a mentor to the contestants. His oft repeated reminders to the designers to "Make it Work" and "Carry On" have become two of America's most famous catch phrases. Tim Gunn's sophisticated and calm approach to the design process enables the designers to turn out couture clothing on a small budget and even smaller time schedule. Frequently, each designer is given $100.00 to spend at Mood Designer Fabrics in the Garment District in order to make a dress that would appear to a consumer to be well over $1000.00 retail. The time constraints placed upon the designers are stress-inducing. Merely a day or two is given to create, shop for and construct tailored and unique pieces that speak to each designer's particular aesthetic sensibility. Each look is then worn on the runway by a group of fashion models selected to appear on show. While the look is paraded down the runway, the judges take notes and ascribe a score to each design. Once all looks have been shown, the designers are told whether they received a high, middle or low score and are eliminated accordingly. Typically one or two designers are eliminated per episode.

When the last three designers remain, all three are given a budget of $8000.00 and sent home for three months to construct a collection of 12 pieces to be shown at Fashion Week in New York. Once the collections have been shown, one designer is chosen as the winner of Project Runway. He or she wins $100,000 to start their own collection, a new car, and an apprenticeship at a major fashion house. Find out more about Project Runway at http://www.reality-revamped.com ]]> Buying A Digital Camera To Replace Your Old Film Camera http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-digital-camera-to-replace-your-old-film-camera http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-digital-camera-to-replace-your-old-film-camera#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2006 22:27:13 +0000 digital camera reviewsolympus digital camerabuying a digital cameranew digital camerahighest qualitynikon 35mm slroptical zoom http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-digital-camera-to-replace-your-old-film-camera highest quality I can afford. That way my investment holds its value for a long time and I'm not tempted to replace it so soon.

I didn't buy a digital camera when they first came out. All you could get were 1 megapixel models with no capability. Maybe a good replacement for the cardboard throwaways you get at the supermarket, but I much preferred the quality images I got from my (now 20 year old) film camera.

When I finally did buy a digital camera a few years ago, I picked up a slightly used 2.1 megapixel from with a 3x autofocus optical zoom. At the time, it was as good a value as you could get when , but technology being what it is - it's now considered a midrange consumer level camera.

Well, while I'm still satisfied with my Nikon film-based camera, I've been thinking about buying a for a few months now. That's because I've seen the amazing shots that my friends have taken with their cameras, and I want to be able to get the same results. In addition, I'm using my 35mm SLR much less these days just because it's so much more convenient to use my digital camera, and I've got a bag full of film that I've never found the time to have developed. It's finally time to buy a new digital camera to actually replace the 35mm camera.

Towards that end, I've been reading online guides and to catch up on exactly what to look for when buying a digital camera. This research is very helpful, as I evaluate which cameras are easy to use, produce high-quality photos, come packed with features, and are the best bargains. In fact, these resources make the task of buying a digital camera easier than I imagined it would be.

Since I've been doing all this research beforehand, I'm ready to make my purchase now that I've decided that buying a digital camera is the right move for me. I've read about people getting fantastic bargains from online stores, so that's where I'll look first. I also read store reviews as part of my research into buying a digital camera, so I know which websites were trustworthy and which ones to avoid. As a result, I'll be able to complete my purchase without a single problem.

Now that I've made the decision, I really can't remember what was preventing me from buying a new digital camera a long time ago! I can't wait to get it so I can play around with the settings, and try out the different features that are available on these newer digital cameras. If you ask me, this is the way photography was meant to be.

If you've been thinking about buying a digital camera, I recommend that you go ahead and do it sooner rather than later. You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to take pictures with this kind of equipment and how much better the pictures turn out. Brandon Layne is a "serious amateur" using both film and digital cameras to shoot primarily outdoor and action shots, and publishes a review of many digital cameras at http://digitalfotoinfo.com/digital-foto/digital-camera-review ]]> Fashion -- Not Just For Skinny Bitches http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-not-just-for-skinny-bitches http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-not-just-for-skinny-bitches#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:36:30 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/fashion-not-just-for-skinny-bitches "I'm tired of thin people telling me what to do," is Janette's new motto. Have you noticed how the thin people always have an opinion on what you should wear and whether you should feel comfortable in a locker room or at the beach? Our B-FAB (Beautiful Fat Ass Babe) friends don't do that to us. They know that we will wear what we're comfortable in and that it's none of their business. Our B-FAB friends trust that we have a mirror and that we know what we look like. Dressing the B-FAB butt can be a fabulous experience if you can just stop criticizing yourself long enough to notice how good you can look.

Plus size clothing is now so much more available that it was back when we were little.

There was a time when you could maybe catalogue order from Lane Bryant or Newport News but you couldn't walk into a nice shop and find a gorgeously styled outfit that was cut for your body type. Now you can. There are chain stores galore -- Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug Plus, Catherine's, Chico's. It is so much more comfortable for a B-FAB (Beautiful Fat Ass Babe) to go to a store where there is an abundance of things that will fit her. It's wonderful to go into a store filled with women who look like she does instead of being the one lone fat girl hoping to find something in the Junior department at Macy's.

We do, however, hold many plus size fashion manufactures criminally liable for some of the fabrics they try to foist on us. We'd like to be crystal clear here. Double-knit polyester doesn't look good on anyone not even a S-FAB (Skinny Fat Ass Babe). There are size 8's out there whose cellulite would defy the doubleknits they try to force us B-FABs into. Is this a conspiracy? Have the hard-body young-ones decided to flush the adipose carriers out in the open with this flammable synthetic we call "double-knit turquoise pants". Don't do this to yourself. There is no reason to look or feel that way. In summer, for god's sake, try linen. It's loose, light, cool and shows it's own wrinkles instead of your dimples. Linen wrinkles in a way that works (unless you're on Daytime TV wearing the horrifying outfit with the linen jacket that Janette chose when we taped the Tyra Banks show... sometimes we all make mistakes. There was a reason why that happened and if you come to our website and ask, we'll tell you.)

If you happen to have a stomach that is kind of like a big jiggly bowling ball beneath your belt, it might not be the best choice to wear knit pants and a stretchy little t-shirt with a bare mid-riff. Since Janette won't wear a bathing suit or form fitting clothes she has been questioned about whether or not she does, in truth, embrace her BFA (Big Fat Ass). If that's what you think you may be missing the point of embracing your big fat ass. Embracing your BFA doesn't mean that you convince yourself that you look like Jessica Simpson. It means that you recognize that there is a bias in this country that only calls thin beautiful. It means you find the beauty and the gifts in who you are as you are. Embracing your ass when it comes to fashion means that instead of wearing the fashions that look best on Paris Hilton that we choose things that are the most comfortable and flattering for us. It means choosing outfits that boost our confidence and remind us that we are actually NOT operating with a handicap. We can be as hot as anyone else. (Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, That girl America who is Ugly Betty. Lots of B-FAB are infiltrating the pop culture making more and more room for the rest of us.)

B-FAB's look best in natural fabrics. Let's face it -- anyone looks best in natural fabrics. If you can afford to go up a notch from the chain stores to boutiques there are finally fashion lines that create gorgeous clothes with great styling and fabrics. FLAX, Cut Loose and Cynthia Ashby to name just a few. Luna Luz has a tie skirt that would make any B-FAB feel like a million bucks.

Do you know what clothing is for? It's to make you feel good about yourself. It's not about conforming your tastes to what the media has created.

It's about inhabiting our bodies with pride and finding the look that makes us feel like who we want to be.

Let's make it our mission to stand up and show that B-FABs are quite stunning just as we are. B-FAB power rules. Come join us.Laura Banks and Janette Barber are the bestselling authors of Embracing Your Big Fat Ass (Atria). They write about positive body-image, weight-acceptance, self-esteem with humor. It's time to love your BFA (Big Fat Ass). Janette is a 6 time Emmy-Award winning producer/writer and Laura is a columnist at Tarot.com. Embracing Your Big Fat Ass.]]> Los Angeles : Things To Do In The City http://www.artwoo.com/article/los-angeles-things-to-do-in-the-city http://www.artwoo.com/article/los-angeles-things-to-do-in-the-city#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2006 08:27:05 +0000 knotts berry farmstaplesplanjamthings to do in los angelesuniversity of southern californialos angeles clipperslos angeles lakers http://www.artwoo.com/article/los-angeles-things-to-do-in-the-city
Landmarks and Monuments There are a lot of . Shopping and touring the monumental landmarks, including the Los Angeles County Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kodak Theatre are usually considered a must among visitors. Los Angeles offers a rich blend of culture and preservations, most of which are appreciated by people from all over the world.

The architectural landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bradbury Building and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels are also located in the area. Tourists are sure to find such monuments worthy of a visit. If the people are lucky, they may even catch some functions or events which they can check out while they are in the vicinity.

Recreation and Amusement Establishments There will be of course a wide array of recreational activities to consider as well. With lots of amusement and recreational centers located around Los Angeles, people are sure to have the time of their lives in each of them. The better known amusement centers in the area include Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and Knott's Berry Farm.

Los Angeles is also home to some of the greatest sports teams around the country. For and fans, your roads will lead you to the Center where you can catch stars like Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom in action during the NBA season. For the baseball fanatics, seeing the Dodgers in action at Chavez Ravine will surely be a treat. Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the . Use to find http://losangeles.planjam.com/activities.html and other fun http://www.planjam.com ]]> Curing Athletes Foot With Sneakers http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 19:15:53 +0000 national basketball associationsports personalitiesdanica patrickkobe bryantinterests and hobbiesdavid beckhamsports shoes http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers interests and hobbies of most people. There is a sport for every human being in this planet. If you do not have one, it is only because you did not go around looking for that one sport for you or worse you never tried any sport at all.

Every clique and every country has a favorite sport they love and extensively promote. Europe will never be the same without football. The United States of America can never have enough of the and Superbowl. Sports channels like ESPN and Star Sports thrive on healthy ratings and steady support from advertisers.

It follows then are just as well loved around the world. Michael Jordan has Nike. was once poster boy fro Adidas. inspired a lot of women to get into auto racing.

was style icon for both football fanatics and those who just think he carries of all types of clothing really well. These athletes can attest ho dressing up right can make or break a race or a game. They have to pay attention to details down to the shoes they are wearing.

Choosing the right pair of shoes is vital in almost all sports. One chain that increasingly gaining popularity is Athlete's Foot. The store name doubling as brand name is very smart. One might think that it is a bad choice considering the bad picture that comes to mind when Athlete's Foot is mentioned but upon closer look you will realize that and athlete's foot and footwear can make a lot of difference in the athlete's over all performance. This is why Athlete's Foot is a very marketable brand name because it speaks for itself.

So for athletes and would be athletes, it is safe to go into one outlet and go over the various brands and designs that these brands have to offer. For sure they have all sorts but one thing that people, both athletes and non-athletes, should have is a pair of sneakers. A pair of sneakers is basic footwear that is ever comfortable and dependable for everyday wear. It is then acceptable to splurge on an expensive but quality wise worth it sneakers. A person should have at least one pair or better yet two so one can alternate. Low Jeremy maintains http://Athletes-Foot.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> Curing Athletes Foot With Sneakers http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers#comments Sat, 03 Feb 2007 08:27:11 +0000 football fanaticsdanica patrickespnsports shoesdavid beckhamathletes footkobe bryant http://www.artwoo.com/article/curing-athletes-foot-with-sneakers
Every clique and every country has a favorite sport they love and extensively promote. Europe will never be the same without football. The United States of America can never have enough of the National Basketball Association and Superbowl. Sports channels like and Star Sports thrive on healthy ratings and steady support from advertisers.

It follows then sports personalities are just as well loved around the world. Michael Jordan has Nike. was once poster boy fro Adidas. inspired a lot of women to get into auto racing.

was style icon for both and those who just think he carries of all types of clothing really well. These athletes can attest ho dressing up right can make or break a race or a game. They have to pay attention to details down to the shoes they are wearing.

Choosing the right pair of shoes is vital in almost all sports. One chain that increasingly gaining popularity is Athlete's Foot. The store name doubling as brand name is very smart. One might think that it is a bad choice considering the bad picture that comes to mind when Athlete's Foot is mentioned but upon closer look you will realize that and athlete's foot and footwear can make a lot of difference in the athlete's over all performance. This is why Athlete's Foot is a very marketable brand name because it speaks for itself.

So for athletes and would be athletes, it is safe to go into one outlet and go over the various brands and designs that these brands have to offer. For sure they have all sorts but one thing that people, both athletes and non-athletes, should have is a pair of sneakers. A pair of sneakers is basic footwear that is ever comfortable and dependable for everyday wear. It is then acceptable to splurge on an expensive but quality wise worth it sneakers. A person should have at least one pair or better yet two so one can alternate. Low Jeremy maintains http://Athletes-Foot.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. ]]> Buying Women's Clothing Online Can Be a Real Time Saver http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-womens-clothing-online-can-be-a-real-time-saver http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-womens-clothing-online-can-be-a-real-time-saver#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:23:15 +0000 virtual shoppingclothing shoppingquality clothingslacksdifferent styleschunkskirt http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-womens-clothing-online-can-be-a-real-time-saver skirt.

Unfortunately, I'm so busy in my every day life that I often found myself without the time to find good, that I really loved. I'd find myself either buying something I wasn't really in love with simply because I didn't have the time to look for the perfect out fit or I'd end up not getting the new outfit I wanted simply because I didn't have the time to look for it.

That's why I'm so glad I finally started doing my online. I can in the comfort of my own home and browse at my leisure. I don't have to take a dedicated of time any longer, I can simply browse for 20 minutes while dinner is cooking and pick up right where I started after putting the kids to bed.

Another thing that works out great when buying my clothes online is that I'm able to check out a ton of different stores quickly and easily. I used to go to the mall and have to shop through several different stores. Often, the clothing I'd eventually decide on would be at one of the first stores I'd looked at, and I've have to go back and find the article again. With online shopping I can add items to my cart and once I'm done browsing I can go back and look at everything I've been considering. Then I can either buy the items or I can remove them from my shopping cart.

I was worried when I first started shopping online that the prices would be higher. In fact, the prices are often lower online. I'm able to price check with the click of a few buttons and find out the best deal I can get for a pair of or a skirt I'm looking for. Most online stores even accept coupons, which is perfect for me because I always like to take advantage of Catherines coupons. You can even find companies who will offer free shipping if your order is over a certain dollar amount if you look hard enough.

My time is really precious, as I work full time and want my time at home to be spent in a quality way with my family. The ability to do all of my shopping online has allowed me to no longer have to waste time away from my family or drag my kids through the mall, trying to keep an eye on them while shopping at the same time. I don't know why it took me so long to realize what a great idea it is to do my clothing shopping online, but I am certainly glad I finally came around.Article by Cindy Davies. Check out current coupons available for jtv.com and lanebryant.com.]]> Buying Clothing Gifts Online http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-clothing-gifts-online http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-clothing-gifts-online#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:58:13 +0000 brick and mortar storebrick and mortartraditional brickvirtual storeschristmas shoppingtime saverlate in the day http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-clothing-gifts-online store. For one thing, it can be a huge . Going to the mall takes a lot of time out of your day, from parking to walking through several different stores to finding your spot again and dealing with the traffic as you're leaving. Shopping online enables you to shop at several different stores without having to move at all.

It is especially a time saver during Christmas. Everyone on my list has different styles and tastes. Going through 5 or 10 different stores at the mall can take hours. By the time I get to the last few stores I'm often so exhausted that I just end up grabbing anything that looks OK, as opposed to taking the time to find something really nice. This leads to unfairness, as some on my list will get really nice things and others will end up being somewhat of an afterthought.

Another thing I especially like shopping online is that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Often times the best time for me to shop is late at night after all of my other responsibilities are taken care of. Most places close at 8 or 9 at night, so shopping in my pajamas right before I go to bed would not be an option. With online shopping I can wear whatever I want and shop as early or as I please.

I really like the ability to return merchandise you buy online as well. Several of my family members and friends don't live in areas with a lot of malls or chain stores. If I bought them clothing in a physical store, they would likely be unable to return it if it didn't fit right or was not to their liking. With online shopping, they can simply send it back to the retailer and either get a different size or get a credit to be able to buy whatever they'd like. This saves both my time and the time of the person I'm buying the gift for.

Shopping online also enables me to get the best deals out there. I can compare different prices instantly and even things like Lane Bryant coupons that will save me even more money. In fact, I've often noticed that the deals online are better than the deals in stores. Sometimes they even include free shipping if your order meets a specific dollar minimum.

I don't know how much time, money or energy I've saved by doing all of my gift shopping online but I do know that it's been substantial. With my busy schedule anything I can do to make some of the pressure off of my hectic days is well worth an extra expense, it's simply an added bonus that I save money by shopping online.Article by Cindy Davies. Check out additional current deals available for shoebuy.com coupons and catherines.com coupons]]> Finding the Perfect Clothing and Accessories http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-clothing-and-accessories http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-clothing-and-accessories#comments Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:37:21 +0000 elegant affairbeautiful sunwinter wearsun dressskin tonegeneral ideaonline retailers http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-the-perfect-clothing-and-accessories online retailers booming there are so many choices available that it sometimes is difficult to know where to start.

Often times you can figure out where to start based on what exactly it is that you're looking for. If you're buying a gift for a friend, you might take note of the labels on the clothes they already own. Once you've gotten a few names down, trying doing a web search for the companies they seem to like. You can then browse their selection to find something you think your friend would really enjoy.

If you're looking for clothing for yourself for a special occasion, try to envision the perfect dress or out fit for the occasion. If you're going to a holiday themed party, you might want a festive red and green number. If you're planning on going to a an try and narrow it down to the length you feel you look best in, or a color you think particularly flatters your and hair color. Once you have a of what you're looking for it's much easier to get started on your search.

When every day wear is what you're looking for, there are several things to keep in mind. First of all, you will likely want to have clothing that is easily washable and will hold up over time. You'll also want to take into consideration the season you're shopping for. You might find a dress, but if is what you need it won't do you much good. If you find a shirt or skirt that you find particularly flattering and is being sold at a great price, it's a good idea to consider buying several colors of the shirt or skirt. It never hurts to have backups.

Once you've gotten the basics of your gift, special event outfit or every day wardrobe figured out, you'll want to find the perfect accessories to complement the clothing. Which accessories you'll choose will be based on a number of things. You'll want to take the colors and the cut of your outfit into consideration. If you've purchased a dress with a low scoop neck, a nice long necklace might go perfectly with it.

You'll also want to consider the price of the accessories. While they are an important part of making the entire outfit come together, you don't want to spend so much that you can't afford to buy the clothing it goes with. There are several places online that you can get coupons to save a few extra bucks, like JTV.com coupons. These coupons will save you money so that you can afford to buy both that fabulous dress and the beautiful earrings that will complement it so well.Article by Cindy Davies. Check out additional current deals available for fashionbug.com coupons and lanebryant.com coupons .]]> The Legacy Of Michael Jordan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-legacy-of-michael-jordan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-legacy-of-michael-jordan#comments Sat, 18 Nov 2006 10:27:02 +0000 nba finalsmichael jordanair jordannba first teamnba titlesnba historyespn http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-legacy-of-michael-jordan Michael Jordan is still widely regarded as the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. His influence was felt not only in the way the game was played, but also in how it was perceived around the world. Ultimately, his excellence at his sport was instrumental in catapulting the popularity of basketball and the National Basketball Association all over the world during the eighties and nineties. Beyond all this, Jordan was also a marketing force and was hands-down the most successfully marketed athlete of his generation and, possibly, all time. In 1999, Jordan was named by as "the greatest athlete of the 20th century."

Jordan retired from the NBA after 15 seasons, during which he established a number of prestigious records. His 30.12 points per game average is the highest ever in . He also won six with the Chicago Bulls and was the MVP of the every time they claimed the championship. In addition, Jordan has been the NBA's leading scorer for 10 straight seasons and was the league's Most Valuable Player five times. He was also selected to the All- 10 times, the All-Defensive First Team nine times aside from leading the NBA in steals in three years. The Associated Press also ranked him as second only to Babe Ruth as top athlete of the century.

Jordan's wizardry on the basketball court was evident from the very first time he stepped onto an NBA court as a rookie in 1985. He unveiled the full package -- a dazzling array of dunks, ferocious defense and the amazing ability to score any time he wanted to. His leaping ability was off the charts and quickly earned him such colorful nicknames as "" and "His Airness." In one playoffs game against the Boston Celtics in 1986, Jordan scored a record 63 points, which prompted the league's then-reigning MVP Larry Bird to proclaim that he was "God disguised as Michael Jordan."

The media has portrayed a number of players as "the next Michael Jordan" upon entering the NBA, including such renowned hoopsters as Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, who have all fallen short of their lofty billing. The latest to earn the sobriquet are LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, but they have a long way to go before they can earn the right to be called the next Jordan. Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for http://sportsoftheworld.net/ - In addition, Jonathon also writes articles for http://erecreationstation.com/ and http://igamerscorner.com/ ]]> Nike Air Force One 25th Official Website http://www.artwoo.com/article/nike-air-force-one-25th-official-website http://www.artwoo.com/article/nike-air-force-one-25th-official-website#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:19:53 +0000 air force 1air force onesaf1kilgorenikebasketball playersmoses malone http://www.artwoo.com/article/nike-air-force-one-25th-official-website
A complete guide to ! An interactive site being launched by on April 11th=85a complete catalogue of 929 's and much more=85 Remember you can already view the documentaries and more on the site NOW.

If the experience in itself of reliving the yesteryears regarding the wasn't good enough, Nike has done a good job of making this a very interactive website. They have included such features as "1Print" which allows you to actually create your own poster and purchase it. As well you can continually "add shoes" to your personal ongoing collection. It's essentially a way of bookmarking your favorite AF1's for you to share! Got a story about how you scored your first triple double back in `82 in those White/Grey High's? Met your future wife wearing Goldenrod Jewel Mid's back in `99? There is an option to submit stories to Nike to share with all the other AF1 heads out there. Don't worry I saved the best feature for last. The "Shoe of the Month" gives you the ability to vote for your favorite AF1 each month of 2007. At the end of the year the "Shoe of the Year" will get reissued!.

Designer

By approaching the development of the shoe in an equally practical as radical manner, Bruce created a shoe design that proved for the first time that 'functional' could also mean 'attractive, and even 'fashionable' in the positive sense of the word. With an eye for detail and the soul of a traditional cobbler, Kilgore made Air Force 1 along the lines of the principle: everything that's not absolutely necessary for the shoe to 'function' is left out. When Kilgore sat down to develop the shoe that would dominate the world for the next 25 years and more, he generated his vision from the dreams of all around the world and crafted a reality that had never been seen before.

Air Force 1 Athletes

A particular legend are, of course, the 6 basketball players who presented the first Air Force 1 in 1982: , Michael Cooper, Jamaal Wilkes, Bobby Jones, Mychael Thompson and Calvin Natt.

Plus Charles Barkley, because no other player embodied the Force idea more than he did, who mercilessly fought for every chance and every ball to drive his opponents to desperation. His legitimate successors when he ended his career: David Robinson and Alonzo Mourning.

The youngest members in the Force family are: Jermaine O'Neal, Nate Robinson, Tony Parker, Amare Stoudmire, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Rasheed Wallace, Vince Carter.

With the last six following the legendary six for the Air Force 1 anniversary and ushering in the new Air Force 1 era with their own models. http://www.atmosfootwear.com ]]> 8 Tips For Better Digital Photos http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-better-digital-photos http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-better-digital-photos#comments Fri, 04 Aug 2006 22:27:09 +0000 blurry photosfamily photoswet weathershutter releasetripodclosercamera bag http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-tips-for-better-digital-photos family photos, there are many things you can do to get better photos. Here are some easy tips to use the next time you head out with your digital camera.

Even a beginner can take professional-looking photos - suitable for framing.

Be Prepared

Keep all your photography equipment ready for use. Collect everything you'll need into one place. A is ideal, because it keeps all your stuff together and lets you carry it all with you. Everything in its place. A good camera bag will let you organize a miniature , extra battereis, memory cards, etc. - even a plastic bag or waterproof housing to protect your camera in .

Hold your Camera Steady

are almost always the result of camera movement. Just your own unsteadiness, causes your camera to shake enough to blur your pictures.

So steady yourself and your camera before you take the shot.

Plant your feet firmly on the ground and tuck your elbows in close to your sides. Instead of using the LCD viewer, steady your camera against your forehead and frame the shot using your camera's viewfinder. You can also steady your upper body by leaning against a wall or a tree. Or totally eliminate any camera movement by using a tripod.

Once you're all set, gently press the in one motion. Pressing the shutter release too hard could jerk the camera downward.

Get

One difference in "snapshots" and really great photos is the composition of the shot. Unless you're shooting an outdoor landscape, you can improve most photos just by getting closer to your subject. Depending on the situation, you can physically move closer to your subject, or use the zoom feature on your camera for the same effect. Try to get within a few feet of your subject so you eliminate most of the background. You'll like the results.

Take more Pictures

Even professionals take loads of shots of the same subject - to get just a few that they will use. With a digital camera, you can delete the images you don't like, and only print the winners - so don't hesitate to take several shots of the same subject. Change the angle of the shot. Get a little closer. Adjust the lighting.

Why not fill the entire memory card with pictures of your kid at the pool, or your daughter in her cap and gown? The more pictures you take, the better the odds that you'll get a few shots that will really thrill you.

Vary the Lighting

Using natural light will give better skin tones when photographing people, so try not to use the flash if you don't have to. Outdoor daylight shots are easy, but you'll have to be a little more creative when shooting indoors. Try using the light coming in from a window for warmer tones than you would get using the flash.

Experiment with natural lighting. You can get stronger shadows by moving your subject closer to a window, and turning your subject can create more dramatic shadows.

Eliminate Red-Eye

Red-eye is the result of light passing through your subject's eye and reflecting back. You'll get it more often when using your flash, just because the light from the flash isn't as diffused as natural light. So the first tip for eliminating red-eye is simply to avoid using your flash when you don't absolutely have to.

Another way to reduce red-eye is to have your subject look anywhere but at the camera. This reduces red-eye because any reflection isn't directed back at your camera lens.

If you have to use the flash, some digital cameras have a built-in feature to automatically remove red-eye. Use it.

Go for Candid

Instead of posing two (or more) people looking directly at the camera, get a shot of them interacting with one another. Even two people having a conversation is more interesting than having them stand next to each other facing the camera. Some of the best professional portraits have the subject captured deep in thought, with their attention focused inward, rather than on the camera lens.

It makes a more interesting shot. Your portrait will look more natural - less posed.

Create a Scene

Putting your subject in the center of a photo is just boring. You'll get a much more pleasing result if you place your subject off center when you frame the shot.

This is a truly professional technique. Place your subject so that they occupy 1/3 to 1/2 of the total composition, but NOT at the exact center of the frame. Capture an interesting background object in the rest of the frame.

Anybody can practice these techniques. They're easy and you'll get better, more professional photos. Brandon Layne is a "serious amateur", using both digital and film cameras for action shots and outdoor photography. He offers photography tips, current digital photography news, and digital camera reviews on his web site at http://digitalfotoinfo.com. ]]> What Makes A Great Working Environment? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-a-great-working-environment http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-a-great-working-environment#comments Sat, 26 Aug 2006 02:27:27 +0000 working environmentfairness consequencesformal researchmeaningful workquotbetappreciated http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-makes-a-great-working-environment working environment is.

In a great working environment the mission is being accomplished and morale is high. It's the and;userandquot; side of the two key leadership objectives: accomplish the mission and care for your people.

Most people know exactly what I mean by a great working environment. They may not be able to list characteristics, or point to research, but they've usually experienced one. So have you.

Think about a time in your life when it was great to come to work. If you're lucky there are lots of them. If you're really lucky, now is one of those times.

What was it like then? I'll you were excited about the work you were doing, and you knew that it was . You almost certainly felt that you were being treated fairly and that you had some control over what you got to do.

There's been quite a bit of into the factors that make up a great working environment. Here's a quick summary of what the research tells us make for a great working environment.

* Interesting and * Clear and Reasonable Expectations * Frequent and Usable Feedback * Fairness (Consequences = Performance) * Consistency (Predictability) * Maximum Control Possible Over Work Life

In my training classes, I often do an exercise where participants identify the times when they were in a great working environment and what that was like. The language is often a bit different from the formal research, but the same things come up over and over again.

Interesting and Meaningful Work

People want to do work that's interesting and meaningful. They want what they do to be enriching for them and important to others.

Different people define interesting in different ways. For some people, it means that they're learning a lot, having lots of personal growth. For others, the most important thing is that there are lots of different situations to deal with or lots of different problems to solve.

Sometimes andquot;interestingandquot; is not so much about the work itself as it is about the people you work with. This selffulfillment comes from being part of a team, an elite group, or just a bunch of folks you like working with.

It's also important for the work to have value to others. The andquot;othersandquot; can be the whole world, or just your customers or the people you work with.

Clear and Reasonable Expectations

People like to know what's expected of them. They like to know the rules of the game.

Expectations need to be clear. At the supervisory level, that may mean laying out detailed, stepbystep procedures. At the management level expectations may come out of discussions with several people. At the leadership level, slogans and other brief statements that people can use as a andquot;testandquot; of their plans or actions are usually the most effective.

Don't underestimate the values of frequency, simplicity, and memorability when you're communicating expectations. You have to communicate the important things over and over in memorable terms.

In fact, repeating things is one way of telling people what's important. Slogans are great for this. So are devices like pocket reminder cards with simple messages or messages in table form.

Use your regular forms of communication, like newsletters, emails, sales bulletins to reinforce your leadership message. Reinforce your written communications of expectations with oral communications. Reinforce your formal communications with informal ones.

Remember that you need to state expectations for the performance you want, but you also need to be clear about the consequences of performance that's beyond or not quite up to standard.

Frequent and Usable Feedback

People like to know how they're doing. Feedback is how they find out. To work, the feedback must be frequent (lots of small course corrections) and usable.

How frequent is frequent? The answer, which sounds something like a copout is: andquot;As often as necessary?andquot;

Some people want and need a lot of feedback. Other people prefer to be left alone most of the time to do their work. You have to know who needs what and in what situations.

The idea is to make lots of small course corrections on the way to the clear target you've established with your expectations. Lots of small adjustments are almost always easier and more effective then a few giant ones.

Feedback also has to be usable. Time your feedback so it reaches people when it is the most helpful. In most situations, that means you want feedback as close to the performance as possible. If you can set up a system so people can get their own feedback, so much the better.

Work on your communications skills so you deliver feedback in the most effective way possible. Learn about different ways that people process information, and match your communication to their preferred style. Learn about Social Styles and other ways that help you communicate with people in the ways they most like to be communicated with.

Fairness (Consequences = Performance)

People want to know that they (and others) are being fairly rewarded based on their performance. This is one of those words that requires definition. Otherwise, it becomes one of those words that everyone agrees with, but no two people have a common definition for.

For us, fairness means that the consequences of the performance are determined by the quantity and quality of the performance. One of the people in my class put it in almost Biblical terms: andquot;The good shall be rewarded and the underachievers shall be punished in accordance with their results.andquot;

This ties back to reasonable expectations. It depends on regular and usable feedback.

Consistency (Predictability)

Consistency means predictability. Subordinates want to know how their supervisor will react in a given situation. Consistency also relates to predictability in terms of performance.

Your people want to know how to predict your reaction in different situations. If they can't, they worry about whether or not to trust you.

According to some management studies, consistency (predictability) is the single most effective standard to establish with your own leadership behavior. It's actually another form of communication. It's a way of walking the talk.

Leadership by example means that you act out the values and principles that you say you and others stand for. To quote Howell Raines on Bear Bryant: andquot;Coach Bryant had an idea about how a man ought to act and if you watched him, you could figure out what it was.andquot;

Leadership by example means that you consistently pay attention to the important things, consistently reward good performance, consistently see that rewards and punishments are meted out fairly.

Maximum Control Possible over Work Life

People want to have a say about things that affect their life. You can make that happen for them by giving them as much control as possible over issues that affect them at work.

Obviously that varies from person to person and situation to situation. Some people like to be left alone. Others want to see you frequently.

Some people are qualified to make lots of decisions about their work. Others need to develop their skills a bit before they can do the same.

Some people work hard and make an effort to do the job. Others slack off.

It's probably a good general rule to allow individuals as much control of the basic decisions about their work as they are capable of handling and willing to handle. In today's flatter organizations, this is easier to do from an organizational standpoint, but it's hard for many of us from a personal standpoint.

Part of your job as a boss is to create a great working environment for the people who work for you. It's not easy, but the result can be both high morale and high productivity. Wally Bock is an author, speaker, consultant and coach who helps leaders improve the performance and morale of their teams. Wally is the author of Performance Talk: The One-on-One Part of Leadership (http://www.performancetalk.com/) and the Three Star Leadership Blog (http://blog.threestarleadership.com/). ]]>