Paredyse paradox

In the high drama world of professional wrestling, James Long is better known as Paredyse. With peacock-colored eye makeup, skimpy trunks and painted nails, this self-described “fabulous, flamboyant, femmeboy phenom” isn’t your everyday wrestler.

He prances and flirts, occasionally stroking a vexed opponent’s rippling abs before executing a devastating missile drop kick; but unlike the gender-bending villains of wrestling past, Paredyse is the baby-faced fan favorite.

For Long, who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor of fine arts degree before sashaying into the wrestling ring, Paredyse is partly an exercise in creative expression.

“When you start in the business your character is vanilla, you’re just a cog in the wheel used to build up more veteran wrestlers,” says Long,Throw a moncler coatsover the shoulders for a quick way to pull together a look . who is rumored to be straight but opts not to reveal his orientation during his interview with the Blade. “But as time passes, an evolution takes place and you’re able to develop your own character by trying out new things, and eventually people come to know and hopefully like him.”

Receptive to new challenges, Long is currently making his theatrical debut in Woolly Mammoth’s season opener “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” as both actor and wrestling trainer to the cast. Set against the pro wrestling scene, Brooklyn-based playwright Kristoffer Diaz’s critically acclaimed comedy tackles racism and the trappings of stardom. Woolly’s production, staged by top local director John Vreeke (who is gay), features company member Michael Russotto (also gay), Jose Joaquin Perez, Shawn T. Andrew and Adi Hanash.

Long plays three wrestlers: A generic villain; Billy Heartland, an all-American boy; and Old Glory,This shop moncler jackets is known for its high-end winter jackets and ski clothing. a sort of grizzled older guy wrapped in the flag. Making the jump from the wrestling ring to rehearsal room was relatively smooth, says Long, 30. “Wrestling may look disorganized and chaotic, but in fact it requires a lot of discipline, so it wasn’t hard for me to settle in and get to work. This is my first play ever. I tried out for ‘Fahrenheit 451’ in high school and didn’t make it so I figured theater wasn’t for me.Who puts a harness on a sexy Babydoll dress . I was wrong. The director and cast have been great about involving me in the process and allowing me to work on my characters. It’s been awesome.

“As far as wrestling on stage goes, we’re determined to make Woolly’s production a hard-hitting,UA mascot uniform costume get an update . unforgettable spectacle. It will feel real and not like staged combat. Audiences will see something new and amazing every night.”

Director John Vreeke says, “The performance parallels between the worlds of theater and wrestling are greater than most people think. [Long] is a natural performer … he does it every time he comes into a wrestling arena/ring. And it’s not just his athletic ability. It has more to do with his ability to improvise, play the audience and create character. He does all of that all the time. It’s a great fit for our work in theater.

“In addition,” adds Vreeke, “[Long] is our technical advisor on all levels of production: acting, lights, video and sound. He lets me know when we get it right.”

Long grew up in Woodbridge, Va. During his college years in Richmond he started wrestling in a hip, highly attended, late night underground league.

After graduation, he and a couple of buddies moved to St. Louis and began training in earnest. Soon Long began wrestling for Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), an independent professional wrestling promotion best known as a proving ground for its up-and-coming wrestlers. OVW serves as the official developmental territory for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

Today, Paredyse boasts a big and growing following. Among his many female and male fans (better known as “Paresytes”) more than a few carry heavy torches for the brawny and heavily made-up wrestler. And many find Paredyse sexy and funny, his sissy shtick may not be for everyone. Asked how he’d respond to those who might find his creation an offensive stereotype, Long responds, “I’d mention the 18-year-old fan who told me that Paredyse inspired him to come out of the closet. Then I’d tell them about the mid-western and southern audiences who boo the homophobic wrestlers who are intolerant of Paredyse in the ring.

Taylor at NZ Fashion Week 2012

Vicki Taylor showed a range her label’s fans will love. Full of angles, drapes, and solid colours, the collection stayed true to the Taylor aesthetic of creative but wearable.

The catwalk show combined items from the current collection with those from next winter’s – a savvy move to ensure devotees can get an instant fix of what they saw on show.

Striking monochrome garments opened the show – solid blocks of black and white, often contrasting on the front and back panels of the pieces.

The most dramatic tops and jackets were asymmetrical and structured, with sharp collars or long tails floating from the back.

And just when it felt like there was too much black and white,Who puts a harness on a sexy Babydoll dress . out came yellows,Throw a moncler coatsover the shoulders for a quick way to pull together a look . oranges, and a rich red. Long, straight dresses were embellished with a “waterfall collar” – chunky ribbons of fabric cascading from the neck across the shoulders and collar.

Chunky belts featured heavily, as did solid boots. This continued the strong, practical look of the collection and also ensured the models didn’t slip on the giant confetti sprinkled all over the catwalk.

The summer sales are nearly over, but unless you’re going on holiday you are not going to want to buy any more summer clothes when we are heading into autumn/winter.

So Female First has trawled the high street to find you some great deals which will be perfect to take through to this next season.

Our first great buy of the week is this Dorothy Perkins Ink and ivory spot midi dress. This was 39.50 and is now only 15! This will look great for an evening out but will also look great with some ankle boots and a jacket for the day.

These Kurt Geiger London Frida are a must have for this next season. These were 295 and are now only 89. I love these! Although they are still 89,This shop moncler jackets is known for its high-end winter jackets and ski clothing. they were 295 so that is a bargain!

This Monsoon Lucia Colour Block Jacket is a great buy. This was 65 and is now only 32! This is a nice jacket to throw on for the day, which is just a little bit smarter.

This French Connection Bright Saddle Bag is the perfect over the shoulder back.UA mascot uniform costume get an update . This was 95 and is now only 47.50. This is a great day bag, which will go with every outfit.

Our final great deal of the day is this French Connection Fierce Feline Classic Shirt. This was 57 and is now 28.50. This is a perfect on trend shirt for this next season. For the price you can’t say no!

New York Fashion Week spring - summer 2013: Juan Carlos Obando

The collection: Juan Carlos Obando.

The inspiration: A graphic take on animal prints.UA mascot uniform costume get an update . The L.Over buy moncler jackets grey one half from the deaths occurred from the north from the say.A.-based fashion designer who dressed Aubrey Plaza for last year's Emmys mined work from his past life as a graphic designer, specifically a project on animal textures that he completed for his first portfolio. This is the first time he has worked with prints.

The look: Chic savage.Trending: SKY Cycling the limit for cult clothing brand Rapha . Bias-cut gowns with twist bodices and necklines in abstract flora and fauna prints, some covered in as many as 32,000 tiny Swarovski crystals. (And some with sleeves, which women are always complaining they cannot find in evening wear.) Jackets and vests with deflated peplums. Blousy tops dusted in crystals (which never seemed to weigh down the collection). Sheer, loose-fitting trousers with shorts underneath creating a slouchy, fall-off-the-hips look. Color palette included black, white and nude with pops of brilliant green and blue. Nearly every look was cinched with a belt made of climbing rope.

The scene: Obando showed his collection on mannequins festooned with papier-mache animal heads created by a friend, L.A.-based freelance art director Sebastian Paul. At the Park Avenue Armory, where the presentation was held, an insider fashion crowd mixed with camo-covered military on entry and exit.

The verdict: An original take on the tropical theme that perfectly balanced summertime ease and city-wise sophistication.

The designer adds that the men's collection is mainly dominated by the neutral colours blue and white and includes trousers, jackets and shorts.

"The collection gives men an idea about how they can look this sumer. It's also about time Namibian designers started designing for guys, as most of the time local designers only design for women.

Hem's fashion labels have attracted a clientele across Namibia, including celebrities and political figures such as President Hifikepunye Pohamba. She continuously brings innovation to the industry, highlighting social themes and setting up a mobile fashion shop to reach all corners of Namibia.

Together with the Ministry of Education, she is developing a brim hat that she hopes will be introduced to all schools in the country, having realised that children had no head-gear from the scorching Namibian sun.

Hem is also the founder of 'Victims 2 Survivors', a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that educates young women and girls on issues of gender-based violence.

'Victims 2 Survivors' is currently working on a play entitled 'Why Me', which tackles the issue of sexual abuse and the trauma it creates.

Hem hopes the play will be performed in schools and community halls across Namibia.

Tickets to the fashion show can be bought at the Playhouse Theatre for N$100. "If you come to the show and see something you like, we will give you a N$100 shopping voucher.Throw a moncler coatsover the shoulders for a quick way to pull together a look . So, the show is practically free," she said.

Viewing Events Planned for McCamish Pavilion

A special event for Georgia Tech men's and women's basketball season ticket holders, four open houses prior to football games, a Jacket Jam scrimmage featuring both men's and women's teams and a special event for Callaway Club and courtside seat holders have been scheduled over the next several weeks to give Yellow Jacket fans a pre-season look at McCamish Pavilion.

The Yellow Jacket men's team will open the regular-season in their new on-campus arena Nov. 9 against Tulane,Christmas Costume for Halloween Now Expanded at Das Cheap . tipping off a 17-game home schedule. The Tech women open their 15-game home slate Nov. 11 against Tennessee.

Fans who have already purchased season tickets for the 2012-13 season will have the first opportunity to tour the venue and have an in-person look at their seat locations on Wednesday evening, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. The arena lights,The rates may moncler jackets for sale for kids sale price tag Armstrong many 7 connected with his Expedition p Italy blog titles. video and sound systems will be in operation to give ticket holders a real feel for the new building. This event is for season ticket holders only, and invitations and event tickets have been mailed.

Subsequently, McCamish Pavilion will have open houses for the public before four of Tech's home football games - Sept. 22 vs. Miami, Sept. 29 vs. Middle Tennessee State, Oct. 20 vs. Boston College and Oct. 27 vs. BYU. Each of these open houses, which begin three hours prior to kickoff of the football game and close one hour prior to kickoff, provides an opportunity for the public to tour the arena and visit with members of Tech's ticket sales team for those fans interested in purchasing season tickets.

Jacket Jam, which will feature intrasquad scrimmages with both the men's and women's teams, will be held Sunday, Oct. 21, from 3-6 p.m. The public and Tech students are invited to this free event to get their first look at the Yellow Jackets, participate in fun contests and other activities, visit with the teams and get posters and autographs after the scrimmage.

Finally, Courtside seat holders and Callaway Club members are invited to a special reception, which will take place on Nov. 1 from 5-7 p.m. This is an invitation-only event for premium seat holders to watch the end of practice, hear from Coach Gregory, tour the facility, and be introduced to the Callaway Club. Invitations for this event will be sent in October.

Season tickets are on sale now and excellent seats still remain.If you wore Zubaz, you might as well have been wearing sexy pajamas. Click here to view available seating inventory. Fans wishing to purchase tickets can go online (click here to purchase) or call the Georgia Tech Ticket Office directly at 888-TECH-TIX (832-4849).Women's moncler down coats is showing a huge male influence this season . Tech will open up a basketball season ticket sales office for a limited time beginning September 20, 2012 for prospective ticket buyers desiring to view, in person, available seating at McCamish Pavilion. Contact the ticket office for hours of operation.

Trucking Industry News

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is pleased to name a team of professional truck drivers as its latest Highway Angels. Laurent Pennacchio and Olegas Milevskis, both of Regina, Saskatchewan, drive for the Yanke Group of Companies in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.Throw a moncler coatsover the shoulders for a quick way to pull together a look . Both men are being recognized for helping a young family involved in an unusual accident.

It was the early morning of June 29, 2012, and Pennacchio was at the wheel, traveling on Highway 17 in northern Ontario. Milevskis was asleep. After coming around a sharp curve in the road, Pennacchio saw a vehicle that had just been involved in a serious accident. A woman and two children were standing nearby.

Pennacchio pulled over and woke Milevskis up. The men gathered safety jackets and flashlights and then approached the vehicle. They were astounded to see a large moose lying on the ground – it had just collided with the car!

The father, who had been driving, seemed injured and was not moving. He was still inside the vehicle. The mother was quite upset. Using her cell phone, she was attempting to describe the location of the accident to a 911 operator, but her unfamiliarity with the remote area made this very difficult. Pennacchio provided the details so that emergency personnel could find the scene quickly. Then,UA mascot uniform costume get an update .Trending: SKY Cycling the limit for cult clothing brand Rapha . the drivers comforted the woman and asked her permission to take the two children out of the cold and into their warm truck. Pennacchio stayed with the kids while Milevskis assisted with traffic control and waited with the woman. Both men stayed on the scene until the accident site was secured by police.

Later, a constable of the Ontario Provincial Police wrote to Yanke praising the men. “I would like to thank your drivers [for] their assistance at the scene,” he wrote. “In this isolated section of highway— and certainly after dark — few people are willing to assist people in need. Cell phone service is spotty, which delays the response time of emergency crews, so any initial help is important.Over buy moncler jackets grey one half from the deaths occurred from the north from the say.”

For their efforts that morning, Pennacchio and Milevskis received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate, and patch. The Yanke Group of Companies also received a certificate acknowledging that two of its drivers are Highway Angels.

The Highway Angel program is sponsored for TCA by Internet Truckstop. Since the program's inception in August 1997, hundreds of drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job. TCA has received letters and e-mails from people across North America nominating truck drivers for the program.

TCA is the only national trade association whose collective sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal container carriers operating in the 48 contiguous states, as well as Alaska, Mexico, and Canada. Representing operators of more than 200,000 trucks, which collectively produce annual revenue of more than $20 billion, TCA is an organization tailored to specific truckload carrier needs.

Founded in 1995, Internet Truckstop is the first and largest freight matching service on the Web. Internet Truckstop offers more tools than any other freight matching service available. These easy-to-use tools, the largest freight database, and a commitment to the transportation industry make Internet Truckstop the leader in Internet freight matching.

Stocky heels: a wearable new shoe trend

When you work in the fashion industry, there are some trends that you admire from afar – shaggy faux-fur jackets, for example, or head-to-toe leather – and some that, the moment you see them, you know will end up in your wardrobe.

The stocky heel – the latest shoe trend to emerge – falls into the latter category. Seen everywhere from Valentino to Chloé and Chanel couture, the designs vary but share one notable attribute: a chunky heel rarely exceeding a couple of inches in height.Softness in the global jeans and women's wholesale underwear. The latest hybrid to enter the fashion lexicon? Short plus blocky equals the stocky heel.

While British women reportedly wear the highest heels in Europe – the average is 3.3in – I have never been able to walk in very high heels. Past experiments have resulted in flustered changes from flats to heels on the tube, a hefty taxi fare and yet another pair of shoes gathering dust at the back of my cupboard. Perhaps this trend is the revolt of women with similar stories – after the return of the kitten heel in 2010 and last summer's demi-wedge, the stocky heel is this year's style-plus-comfort solution.

Since the peak of the extreme heels trend around 2008, when several catwalk models fell while wearing higher-than-ever shoes, 6in heels and super-sized platforms have became almost normal. I have watched in wonder as Victoria Beckham teetered across the road in Christian Louboutin's sky-high Daffodil 160 carrying her newborn daughter, or Lady Gaga strode through an airport in Alexander McQueen's odd-looking Armadillo heels. "We live in an extreme culture," says Helen Attwood, the buying manager for women's shoes at Selfridges. "I love big heels but I wear flats from A to B. I'm a bit fed up with carrying them around."

I recently bought a pair of low-heeled sandals from Topshop which are comfortable, without looking orthopaedic. Wearing them – all day! – feels modern and grownup. Other tempting styles have been stealthily appearing everywhere from Clarks (check out the Deva Dolly) to Kurt Geiger. "The lower heel height has a confident wearability with a little of the heel factor," says Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, Geiger's creative director, "but we put as much attention into our lower heels as our skyscraper styles – whether they're studded with stars or finished in tri-colour satins." The brand's Ladybell, with a block heel and four straps, became a bestseller when it was launched last season. More variations are on the way.If you wore Zubaz, you might as well have been wearing sexy pajamas.

While Gaga and Beckham are on the front line of extreme-heel culture, there are celebrities keen on the stocky trend. These styles have a vintage feel that appeals to an alternative sensibility, one also drawn to thrift-store finds and eyeliner flicks. As ballet flats, evening slippers and loafers became overplayed, the bambi-legged likes of Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel and Lana Del Rey have switched to these styles, with Chung adopting the stocky-heeled Yves Saint Laurent Ingénue as her all-summer shoe. "Ready-to-wear is more tailored, prim in a quirky way.Women's moncler down coats is showing a huge male influence this season . It's a bit 60s,The rates may moncler jackets for sale for kids sale price tag Armstrong many 7 connected with his Expedition p Italy blog titles." says Attwood. "There's definitely a customer for that."

Humor helps Democrats skewer GOP

Four words seldom heard in the same sentence — ‘Congressman Frank Pallone' and ‘funny' — were the chief topic of the New Jersey delegation breakfast chatter Tuesday. “I really wanted to talk primarily about myself this morning,” he began,Despite the fact that the sport of cycling has been marred in recent decades by widespread reports of blood doping and steroid useSAXO BANK Cycling explaining he was channeling his “inner Christie.”

Still in character, Pallone referred to a recent event in which a reporter wanted to ask a question not related to the subject of Gov. Christie's press conference. “I just want the reporters to know,UA mascot uniform costume get an update .” deadpanned Pallone, “that I'm only going to talk about the Jersey Shore and I'm going to talk about health care, and if you want to raise any other subject or ask me any other question, I'm going to say you're an idiot.”

Reporters in the room took a second look as if to seek reassurance that really was Pallone up there and not a look-alike doing a clever stage act.

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy, like Christie a former prosecutor, was the first Democrat elected governor of Connecticut in 20 years. He has a rapid-fire Christie-style delivery and used it to throw a punch at the Republican gut, saying it wasn't a Republican convention last week in Tampa; it was a Tea Party convention — they invited a few Republicans.

“They don't want to do things for America, they want to do things to America.” He said the party would take away women's rights to make decisions about themselves, even if they're raped. In rapid succession he said “They want to do away with …” and ticked off a long list that included Medicare as we know it, Medicaid and food stamps.

“If we don't elect Barack Obama you will not recognize this country in four years. We gotta be somebody. We gotta stand for something.”

Interrupted by applause numerous times, Malloy's job was to get the troops excited. He did that and then some. “Get those batteries recharged and go back and fight place after place.Over buy moncler jackets grey one half from the deaths occurred from the north from the say.” After New Jersey political offices are secured,Christmas Costume for Halloween Now Expanded at Das Cheap . he told them, go next door to Pennsylvania where “they are trying to take this election away” by changing election laws so that blacks, Hispanics and the elderly will be disenfranchised.

President Barack Obama, he said, believed Republicans were people of good will and from the time he got into office “they were more than willing to keep the car in the ditch” if it would mean Obama was not reelected. It won't work, he said, Obama will be one of the great second-term presidents.

Rep. Rob Andrews used humor as well while talking about Democrats' being inclusive. He noted it was the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking and compared that disaster to the Republicans.

“They learned exactly the wrong lesson. They think if they had only rescued all the people in the first class cabins everything would have just been fine. If they had just had enough lifeboats for people in the smoking jackets and tuxedos it all would have worked out just fine. We know better. We know the voyage is not a success unless everybody makes it to the other side. You rescue all the passengers on the ship and you rescue the cooks and the people working in the boiler rooms.”