December 2007

Monthly Archive

Mon 31 Dec 2007

News - Lunch Lesson 14 - Europe

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Source News - Lunch Lesson 14 - Europe article
There are many things which influence how a business is run.

In the UK, companies are not only guided by the law of the land, but they must also conform to European law and abide by regulations set down by the European Commission.

They generally sound quite boring, but can actually be very important to companies.

The Invoicing Directive isn’t something you’d want want to read in bed, but it could have a big impact on businesses when it’s introduced
on 1 January.

It’s being hailed as a measure that will have significant practical benefit to firms operating within the internal market of EU member states.

Its aims are:

  • tax harmonisation across Europe
  • fraud prevention
  • defining the parameters for the electronic transmission of invoices.

    At first it will concern only businesses which have speed dating tip trade with other European countries.

    But as the UK’s tax system becomes more harmonised with Europe, eventually all businesses will be affected.

    Changes

    There are two main changes that the directive will bring about.

    The first is to do with VAT.

    From 2004 businesses trading with other EU member states will have to quote not only their VAT registration number on their invoices, but also the number of their customer.

    Invoice book

    Companies doing business abroad will be affected

    If an invoice fails to include this information then it won’t be considered valid for taxation purposes.

    Matthew Simmons from the Global Invoice Corporation says that this might come as a shock to some businesses.

    “The onus will be on companies sending invoices to keep an up-to-date database of their customers’ details,” he says.

    “They will have to establish which companies are VAT registered and keep good records.”

    Good practice

    So how difficult will it be for companies to comply?

    Games Workshop models

    Games Workshop exports around the world

    Games Workshop is the largest tabletop fantasy games business in the world.

    At its Nottingham headquarters, mighty armies are designed, manufactured and distributed.

    Invoices are sent all over the world - 70% of the company’s sales come from outside of the UK.

    Amzee Hosein, the finance manager for Games Workshop’s northern European operations, says that the new regulations are just good business practice.

    “We have very good accounting software where the details of all of our customers are kept,” he explains.

    “So the new regulations shouldn’t make much of a difference to us as we keep that information already.”

    Amzee Hosein

    Amzee: Added security

    Amzee thinks that the inclusion of customers’ VAT details on invoices will cut down on fraud.

    “It’s quite easy to check the VAT information and it gives you added security knowing that you’re dealing with a legitimate company,” he says.

    The other big change the directive will introduce concerns how invoices are sent.

    All invoices sent electronically will need to demonstrate “authenticity of origin” - that’s proof that the invoice has come from the person it says it has.

    Speed

    It also has to show “authenticity of content” - proof that the invoice could not have been changed once it was sent. .

    Mailbox

    More invoices will be sent by post

    This means an end to sending invoices by e-mail because it is not secure, so that should cut down on fraud.

    Although up to 90% of business invoicing is still done by post, there are a growing number of businesses who have chosen to send invoices electronically because of the speed.

    These businesses will have to think carefully in the future about how they send and receive invoices.

    At the moment many large dating dating man successful tip woman use a system called “electronic data interchange” (EDI) to send invoices.

    This fits in with the new directive, but it is extremely expensive, sim dating advices flash games so for most small and medium-sized companies.

    But there are other ways, according to Matthew Simmons.

    “You can do EDI over the internet, or you can use a web-based transaction service, where you pay a fee for each invoice sent.

    “This latter option can be cheaper than sending invoices by post.”

    Upload

    Games Workshop is currently among the majority which still relies on the post to do business, but this may change.

    “We have many large customers with whom it would make sense to do invoicing electronically,” says Amzee Hosein.

    “Instead of sending out 60 different invoices to one client we could just upload the information for the customer to retrieve.

    “We can definitely see the benefits.”

    As for EU tax harmonisation in general, Amzee is in favour, but says that it won’t really impact on Games Workshop because it generally complies with most EU-wide practices anyway.

    He says: “In rates and policy it’s not a bad thing, as long as local legislation is still adhered to.”

    And as long as the UK continues to pay a lower rate of VAT than most of its European neighbours, he’ll be happy.

    If you’re a business and you want to keep up to date with the latest accounting practices, here are some tips.

  • Get good accounting software (this needn’t be expensive and it cuts down on the paperwork).
  • From 1 January make sure you no longer send or receive invoices by e-mail.
  • Make sure your VAT records and those of your customers are up to date so you can quote them on each invoice.

    •  

    Sun 30 Dec 2007

    News - £100m clean-up bill for acid pool

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    Original article News - £100m clean-up bill for acid pool
    A notorious acid tar pool near Wrexham could cost up to 100m to clean up, a Wrexham councillor has claimed.


    Paul Pemberton has launched a campaign to apply for European funding.


    It is thought the pool at Rhos, built at a former teen dating advices sites, contains more than 1,100 chemical drums dumped since the 1960s.


    Mr Pemberton and council leader Aled Roberts have put together a dossier to present to the assembly government and European Parliament.


    The lagoon is known to contain drums of sodium and sulphuric acid, but locals say they have no idea what else is there.


    Wrexham council inherited the old Llwyneinion brickworks site from former Clwyd County Council, which bought it from the brick company more than 25 years ago.


    If Wrexham council were to take this on and do it, we would have no education, no road-sweeping, we would have nothing at all
    Councillor Paul Pemberton


    The Environment Agency monitors the site, but does not recommend a clean-up because it is currently stable with no significant “pollutant linkages”.


    Now there are fears Wrexham Council - with a budget of 170m - will never be able to afford the massive price tag quoted by consultants.


    Mr Pemberton and Mr Roberts have compiled records dating back to the start of the tipping in 1960.


    They now plan to appeal to MPs, AMs and the European Parliament to raise the money.


    Mr Pemberton said: “Our budget for the whole year is in the region of 170m, and then we’re getting estimates of clearing the site of 100m.


    “If Wrexham council were to take this on and do it, we would have no education, no road-sweeping, we would have nothing at all.

    Llwyneinion pool on fire in 1980 (Picture: Evening Leader)

    The pool caught fire in 1980 and the effects were felt for miles


    “We have managed to put a portfolio together and an appeal. That’s going off to Cardiff to the assembly and also off to Brussels.”


    Meanwhile, one skin cancer victim wants to know whether the pool - which he played near as a child - is linked to his illness.


    ‘Ignite again’


    Although there is no proven link, Bryn Hughes said he and a friend - who both used the tip as a college dating advices web site as youngsters - contracted free dating advices advice.


    He claims his surgeon was amazed to see two people suffering from the disease.


    Mr Hughes, who was diagnosed in 2000, said: “We have undergone big operations to get rid of it. Thankfully now, it’s all over, I hope.


    “The surgeon in the hospital couldn’t understand why there was two people at the same time with the same form of cancer.


    “It led us to believe maybe there was a reason.”


    He added: “There was no restrictions, no fencing to stop children going in there.


    “If there’s a professional dating advices agency that place has caused anything that’s happened to me and my friend, somebody’s got to do something about it.”


    In 1980, the pool caught fire and the effects of pollution were felt 20 miles away.


    It took 60 firefighters nearly 18 hours to bring the blaze under control, and there are fears it could ignite again.










     

    Sat 29 Dec 2007

    Sport - Fallon bailed in fixing probe

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    Read more on Sport - Fallon bailed in fixing probe site
    Fallon left Bury St Edmunds Police Station in Suffolk via a back door, without commenting to waiting reporters.

    Fallon, Lynch and Williams are expected to be back in action on Thursday.

    All three have booked rides with Fallon due at Dating free man relationship tip, Lynch at Redcar and Williams at Carlisle.

    The 39-year-old Fallon, who has ridden 161 winners this year, is well on the way to his seventh jockeys’ championship.

    The Irishman claimed a double Classic success this year winning the Oaks on Ouija Board and guiding North Light home in the Derby.

    Four times in his career he has ridden 200 winners in a year - in 1997, 1998, 1999 and last year. Williams, the stable jockey for Burke, and Lynch have 43 winners apiece this year.

    All three jockeys were due to ride at York on Wednesday afternoon, and officials made a number of late changes.

    Middleham-based trainer Burke has just passed 50 winners for the season.



    The whole thing is absolute nonsense


    Elaine Burke
    Wife of trainer Karl

    His shocked wife Elaine, who said the couple were due to celebrate their 20th wedding free dating advices service online on Wednesday, defended her husband.

    “It’s all been exaggerated and spun,” she said.

    Fallon was due to face a Jockey Club hearing later this year after the News of the World alleged in March that he and fellow jockey John Egan had brought racing into disrepute.


    Both jockeys have strenuously denied the allegations.


    Charges against the pair of accepting money or benefit in kind for tips were dropped by the Jockey Club.


    In March, Fallon was banned for 21 days for dropping his hands and breaking racing rules over the defeat of his mount Ballinger Ridge at Lingfield.

    Police said they were examining a large amount of information, including computer records and dating lesbian tip.

    Jockey Club director of public relations John Maxse said: “This is an investigation which was initially handled by the Jockey Club, then it was passed on to the City of London police earlier this year.”



    These are serious issues and are very damaging to the seniors dating advices of racing


    John Blake
    Jockeys’ Association

    The Jockey Club was initially alerted to concerns over a number of races by Betfair.

    Punters using betting exchanges can back horses, but also ‘lay’ them to lose.

    John Blake, the chief executive of the Jockeys’ Association, said the arrests were very disappointing for racing.

    “These are serious issues and are very damaging to the reputation of racing,” he added.

    Blake said his organisation would be offering full support to the arrested jockeys.

     

    Fri 28 Dec 2007

    News - Christmas reading digest

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    One thing the authors of this book need no advice about is devising a compelling Christmas gift. Unfortunately, the appeal is more likely to have been for the giver than the receiver.

    Flicking through the pages, several entries catch the eye. “Number 384: Keep Food From Sticking to Pans”… “Number 528: Refuse a Date to Ensure Another Request”… “Number 780: Care for a Black Eye” (useful, presumably, if you haven’t mastered refusing a date date dating first teenage tip).

    This is the quality which makes it such a tempting purchase. It is bite-sized enough to encourage dipping in and out of between Chocolate Orange segments; diverse enough to appeal to almost any relative; yet looks serious enough to create the impression it could become a trusty source of family reference for years.

    But read beyond than the individual title entries, and the cracks quickly appear. For instance, “Number 5: Learn to Type”, in which the route to a potentially life-enhancing skill is boiled down to a host of banal bullet points.

    “Type the following letters - looking anywhere but the keyboard - saying the names of the letters out loud and using either thumb to hit the space bar: f f space j j space d d space k k space[etc]… Repeat this as many times as you need to in order to feel that you’re getting an intuitive sense of these letters.”

    The result is a leaden course in drudgery anyone could have worked out for los angeles dating advices service. To its credit, the book offers helpful tips at the side of each entry - “consider taking a typing class” - but 17 is a lot to pay for such dating advices services boston obvious advice.

    The relative mumbai dating advices girls of items are measured in hammers. Learning to type is a three-hammer entry while “Number 58: Become Prime Minister” merits five hammers.

    Nestled between such grand feats is a huge amount of useful practical single parent dating tip. How to decorate a room so it seems bigger, how to get your name off mailing lists, how to request a reference from an employer, and how to give a negative reference for an employee.

    But just when it seems this might be a genuinely useful tome of reference, the reader stumbles upon big issues for which there could never be a right or wrong way.

    “546: Get him to propose… Drop subtle hints from time to time, such as ‘We’d make a great team,’ or ‘I can’t imagine my future without you,’ rather than incessantly bombarding him with demands about marriage.”

    “547: How to Propose Marriage to a Man” might as well be subtitled “What to do if Your Boyfriend Doesn’t Get Your Subtle Hints”.

    The curious mix leaves the reader somewhat puzzled as to whether this is fish or fowl. Is it a serious book or just a bit of a laugh?

    So here’s a bit of advice I would really like. How does one write a book which is ideally suited for an irrationally generous Christmas market and which will sell piles? This book will tell you how to write business plans, CVs, limericks, love letters and mission statements, but on this vital task the book speaks for itself.

    Review by Giles Wilson. On Wednesday, Schott’s Food & Drink Miscellany


    Read source of it on the News - Christmas reading digest site

     

    Thu 27 Dec 2007

    News - Royal Mail’s Christmas rush

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    This year, the Royal Mail expects that by Christmas day, it will have delivered more than two billion items.

    And as it enters its busiest period the Royal Mail is offering customers some advice on how to make sure their post arrives on time.

    Life won’t be made any easier by the fact that the Royal Mail has come in for stiff criticism in recent months for failing to meet delivery dating tip for guys.

  • Breakfast’s Tim Muffett took a look behind the scenes at the Royal Mail sorting office in Greenford, Middlesex

    Click here to see Tim’s report and interview with the Royal Mail’s Gavin McRae

    We also want to know what you think. Click here to tell us your Christmas post stories

  • And throughout this page we’ve provided some information about last posting dates for the UK and Europe, and for airmail and parcels.

    There are also links to the Royal Mail and Parcel Force who have provided complete information about the deadlines and different services available for services worldwide

    Last Posting Dates
    Christmas Post
    UK First Class - Tuesday 21 December
    UK Second Class - Saturday 18 December
    Standard Parcels - Wednesday 15 December
    Airmail - Western Europe Monday 13 December
    Letters to Santa - Thursday 16 December
    Click here for a complete list of destinations and dates

    Determined

    The Royal Mail is determined to keep customers happy this year, it has even issued a deadline of 16 December for letters to Santa which it says will be replied to. The address is:

    Santa
    Yahoo dating advices uk
    SAN TA1

    The Royal Mail has come up with some tips on sending your mail for Christmas.

    Advice

    Posting early obviously reduces the strain on the mail, customers are also being asked to make sure they use the right service for whatever they are sending.

    It says valuables should only be sent using Special Delivery, and always make sure the postcode is correct and printed in capital letters.

    When sending packages, ensure you include your address so the item can be returned if online dating tip for woman.

    Certain items cannot be sent abroad, for example, sending alcohol to Canada is not allowed, and always make sure you weigh your parcel so you pay enough postage to cover delivery.

    You can also check a postcode by visiting the Royal Mail’s website from the link above.

    Customer Service Centre

    You can also get more help and information from the Royal Mail’s Customer Service Centre: Monday to Friday 0800 to 1930 and Saturday 0800 1430:

    08457 740 740

    Terms & Conditions



    Read source of it on the News - Royal Mail’s Christmas rush page

    		•
     

    Wed 26 Dec 2007

    Sport - Caption Competition winner 141

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    Read more on Sport - Caption Competition winner 141 site

    Holland’s Edgar Davids and David Beckham’s favourite referee Kim Milton Nielsen get cosy.

    Read on to find out whose clever caption won them a very, very nice prize.


    Edgar Davids got up close and personal with referee Kim Milton Nielsen during Holland’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Saturday’s Euro 2004 qualifier.

    But just what was said when football’s most famous spectacle-wearer and the often controversial official shared a sweet moment?

    Our judges decided that Si Griffin, UK gave us the wittiest take on events with this imaginative effort:

    Davids acts quickly to prevent the first helium-filled ref from floating away.

    And it’s a week of double glory for Mr Griffin because he’s also usurped Mike Goudge as the week’s most prolific captionner - with a whopping 15 entries published.

    As promised Si wins a mystery prize, which will definitely be either a luxury holiday in the Bahamas or a Sport Interactive goody bag.

    But let’s not forget the other competitors. A couple of our regulars make up the top three. Here are their entries, plus the best of the rest.


    Second place: Gerry Slawson, UK
    No one could relax at the pick-pockets’ annual bash.

    Third place: Ed Duffy, UK
    Les Dennis reminds young Edgar that one more top answer would win the Davids family the car.


    The best of the rest:

    Pick-pocket finals ends in a draw.


    Don Goudge,
    UK


    Davids: “When they said football lacked passion, this isn’t what they meant, Kim!!”
    Rob Morris, UK

    Match Of The Day


    Mark Abbott,
    England

    Nielsen: I just blew to say, I’ve booked you. (Explanation for the
    london internet dating advices: Davids looks a bit like Stevie Wonder who had a hit with I Just Called to Say I Love You.)

    Andy Bell and Stevie Wonder arrive at the pop stars charity football game.

    Richard Day, Singapore

    Nielsen: If you were as tall as me I’d be touching your bum now.

    Davids: These glasses you sold me are no good, I still can’t see Gerry Slawson!
    Nielsen: Well I have seen him and I wouldn’t complain if I were you!

    Piers Taker, Singapore

    Tommy Lee had to have a word with Will about his costume for the MiB3 audition.

    Richard Day, Singapore

    Nielsen: No Edgar, you can’t bring your dog onto the pitch.

    H Jarse, Singapore

    New hairdo, fake tan and comedy disguise glasses - 250 quid.
    New shirt with first name and higher number - 50 quid.
    Beckham getting sent off again by Nielsen - priceless!

    Piers Taker, Singapore

    Davids: No I don’t need any help with crossing the road but I’d be grateful if you had any tips on crossing the ball.

    Richard Day, Singapore

    The Czechs questioned the ref’s impartiality during the singing of the National Anthems.

    H Jarse, Singapore

    Davids: Are you sure this mutual kidney examination is entirely necessary doctor?


    Richard Day,
    Singapore

    “I just don’t see why you always have to make such a spectacle of yourself!”
    Joanne Buttle, UK

    When Kim agreed to go on a blind date he didn’t think it would be with Stevie Wonder!

    Rob Ascough, England

    The new series of Blind Date has really gone downhill!

    Brownie, UK

    With ever increasing fears over security, frisking soon became second nature.

    Si Griffin, UK

    Barrage of ‘Tango’ jokes crashes BBC Sport webserver.

    Ed Duffy, UK

    Davids is consoled after he finds out that Club dating advices housewife lonely compensates for shortened play, rather than shortened players…

    Adrian Wade, British Columbia, Canada

    In a new move for Michael Barrymore, ‘My Kind of Midfield Dynamo’ went surprisingly well.

    Grae, UK

    As yet another decision went his way; Davids became attached to the referee.

    Si Griffin, UK

    Elton John and David Furnish out on the town…


    Richard Pasco,
    Uk

    Neilsen: “I got you to hold my hand.”
    Davids: “I got you to understand.”
    Neilsen: “I got you to walk with me.”
    Davids: “I got you to talk with me.”
    Both: “I got you babe.”


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    Nielsen “You know Mel, I always thought you were the best-looking one of the Spice Girls”.

    John Lloyd, Ireland

    Edgar’s blind date with the leggy Swede called Kim wasn’t going quite to plan.

    Rob Ascough, England

    Amazingly, after many years as a pro-footballer Davids still had problems with the on-side rule.

    Mark Abbott, England

    Slim ‘n’ Shady


    Mark Abbott,
    England

    Here we come,
    Walking down the street,
    We get the funniest looks from,
    Everyone we meet…

    Vinnie, Ireland

    Hollandaise sauce.


    John Lewis,
    Finland

    Two Cap Comp competitiors complain that they can only beat Mike Goudge if a: the BBC publish all their entries and b: they stop mis-spelling Milke Goudge’s name….

    John Lewis, Finland

    The Dutch players wait in eager anticipation as Davids leads the referee into their carefully-crafted ambush.

    Si Griffin, UK

    The referee’s ‘personal’ assistant.


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    Whatever you do, don’t mention Nicky Butt…


    John Lewis,
    Finland

    Learning to take the ref with the smooth…


    John Lewis,
    Finland

    In order to thwart Gerry Slawson, the two footballing professionals agree to remain totally visible.

    John Lewis, Finland

    “So you’re saying if I put sequins on the back Beckham will love me again?”
    Chris Jackson, England

    It’s the last wife-swapping party I’m coming to.


    Geoff Dagger,
    UK

    Actually they’re not glasses…they’re swimming goggles. I’m afraid of the flood-lights…

    Adrian Wade, British Columbia, Canada

    “Uncle Kim, that naughty David Beckham just kicked me in the shin”. “There, there now, just let me get to my red card.”


    Chris Fields,
    UK

    “Did you see me with Beckham on the caption competition the other week?”

    David Hamm, UK

    As he turned away, the ref knew at least he’d won the crowd’s respect with his ‘All the Pies’ sticker.


    Mark Abbott,
    London

    I really think we could be the new Torville and Dean


    Mark Singleton,
    England

    Come on, let’s do our best to help Mike Goudge into the Guinness Book of Records.

    Dylan Stupid, UK

    Czech-mate.


    David W,
    UK

    No, I asked for a vodka-and-orange, not an Edgar-in-orange.


    Rob Falconer,
    Wales

    Love is…being proud of your partner no matter what their job is.
    Michael Eaton, England

    Kim got ready to implement the new Fifa directive - eliminate the tackle from behind.

    Mark Mullaly, Birmingham, UK

    Davids distracted the referee whilst Beckham gave Simeone a proper kicking this time.

    Si Griffin, UK

    You’re much nicer than that other David.


    Paul Monkman,
    England

    “Well, it’s got to be better than shaking hands with a seven-foot zebra.” muses Edgar Davids.

    Si Griffin, UK

    “Make a pass at the Dutchie on the left hand side”.


    Dave Smith,
    NL

    Fancy an orange squash?


    Colin Beasley,
    Wales

    After ten pints, Edgar’s vision became impaired trying to pull a leggy blonde.

    Mark Singleton

    Nielsen: “If you hadn’t messed up that triple salko, we’d have been in with a shout there.”
    Ed Duffy, UK

    Kim: So Edgar, I have to ask you…why the glasses?
    Edgar: Well Kim, when I look into your eyes, I must say, your beauty is almost blinding.
    Kim: Oh I see, so why long braided hair, Edgar?
    Edgar: Well I wouldn’t want it getting in the way of my eyes when I’m entranced with your beauty, Kim.
    Kim: Oh I see, so why the orange strip, Edgar.
    Edgar: Well Paul Gscoigne was in the changing room there, ate one more pie and exploded.

    Andrew McFarlane, Scotland

    The Men In Black apprehend another bug-eyed alien.


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    Big Arnie finally gets to grips with the alien from predator.

    Mark Singleton

    Davids: our future is so bright that I have to wear shades.

    Kalk, Holland

    Referee-sy Lover


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    The sequel to ‘Strictly Ballroom’ didn’t quite live up to expectations.
    Graham Small, Wales

    Another special moment on Valentines Day, Davids given a card
    Steve, UK

    Nielsen: “Becks says, can he have his shirt back yet?”
    Tall Tone, England

    The new Milk Tray advert gets a mixed reception.


    Nick B,
    England

    In one of football more tender moments, Davids and Neilsen compare hernias.

    Pigsy, UK

    FIFA directive 1327: To make sure no incidents are missed, players shall be assigned their own personal referee.

    Si Griffin, UK

    Kim: This reminds me, I must get in touch with that Greek Newcastle player, ‘Davids-ass’.

    Martin Rose, England

    Halfway line-dancing.


    Martin Mills,
    England

    The tango competition got off to a bad start when both competitors tried to lead.

    Garry Waddell, U.K.

    Kim: “I’ll buy you dinner tonight.”
    Ed: “No, we’ll go dutch.”


    Martin Mills,
    England

    Jaffa do the fan-tango?


    Kevin Darley,
    England

    The Director’s cut of Moulin Rouge featured some surprising cameos.
    Martin Mills, England

    Davids checks out his new purchase - the perfect counterpoint to his Becks figure in the front room.

    Marcia, Australia

    “Danske, Kim?”


    Chris Wheatley,
    New Zealand

    Love is blind.


    Ralph Critchley,
    England

    “My eyes are like limpid pools you say, Edgar? Well yours are like headlamps on a 4WD!

    Chris Wheatley, New Zealand

    Ohhhhh, the grand old duke of York.


    Bill Innes,
    Canada

    These beer goggles really do work…you look gorgeous!!

    Steve, Noosa, Australia

    The paparazzi fall for Nielsen and David’s April fool.

    KP, UK

    Milton? Oh, I had it changed by deed poll from Kong.

    Byron Greedy, Wales

    Davids: “You know what Kim, this time next year, we’ll be millionaires”
    Michael Eaton, England

    Pass the Dutchman from the left-hand side.


    Ed,
    UK


    The ref signals for eight minutes of Edgar-time.


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    Jordi La Forge thanks his barber for the hair extensions.

    Si Griffin, UK

    As Nielsen lowered his hand, Davids began to realise the full implications of the half-time ventriloquism act he’d foolishly agreed to.

    Si Griffin, UK

    Davids and Goliath


    Si Griffin,
    UK

    Kim and Edgar discuss tactics before the start of the three-legged race.

    Mark Mullaly, Birmingham, UK

    Is it just me or does this remind you of the film B.F.G?
    Darren Astley, Wales

    UEFA anger management trials get off to a good start…

    David W, UK

    Bullseye host, Jim Bowen, takes Davids to “come and see what you would’ve won…”

    David W, UK

    Davids gets the wrong idea when Nielsen asks for his number…
    David W, UK

    The introduction of a three-legged race greatly improved the half-time personals dating advices online.
    Richard Morris, Scotland

    I’ve never seen an eye-bra before.


    Robert Lindsay,
    UK

    Ed thought Kim helping him off the pitch was stretching the Stevie Wonder gag a bit too far.

    Martin Mills, England

    Davids will at last be able to bring Nielsen and Beckham together after another audacious raid on Tussauds.

    Ed Duffy, UK

    A case of the blind leading the blind.


    Mike Goudge,
    U.K.

    Davids is leaving the field - he seems to have pulled something.
    Nick B, England

    Edgar reassures Kim that there will be space for his witticisms despite Mike Goudge’s prolific display.

    James, UK

    The introduction of a three-egged race greatly improved the half-time entertainment.
    Richard Morris, Scotland

    Kim: You put your left foot in… Now take your left foot out… or I’ll book you!
    Adrian Wade, Canada

    When I look at your glasses I keep seeing a reflection of perfection itself.
    Jan Wroblewski, Surrey

    Edgar Davids explains to the ref that this game was supposed to be just a walk in the park.
    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    Act 8 ‘The Jaffa Cake Dancers’ was the most unexpected in the history of Dutch ‘Opportunity Knocks’.
    Martin Mills, England

    Kim: “I’m better at the egg and spoon race.”


    Martin Mills,
    England


    “I’m a huge fan, Mr. Nielsen. And that Grecian 2000’s taken years off you.”
    Ed Duffy, UK

    Adidas? - Oh I thought I had to have Davids ass on my arm.
    Mark Mullaly, Birmingham, UK


    Davids: “If that decision was correct, I’m a Dutchman … d’oh!”
    Ed Duffy, UK

    One man down, Davids cunningly persuades Nielsen to join the wall…
    David W, UK

    Nielson in shock after giving a “girl” a cuddle.


    Rob Morris,
    UK

    “I must say, Jaap Stam was much better at the hokey cokey than you Edgar.”

    Richard Webber, England

    Dr. Evil inspects Mini-Me’s “tractor-beam” sunglasses….
    John Lewis, Finland

    Edgar’s blind date with the dark leggy stranger didn’t work out quite as expected.
    Naomi Grace, UK

    Refs never make passes to players that wear glasses.


    Howard Gough,
    UK

    Kim: “Edgar, if I said you had a beautiful body would you hold it against me?”

    Michael Eaton, England

    Lyric influenced Kim Milton finds his own “long-haired lover from Amsterdam”.

    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    Edgar Davids seen giving lessons in Highland dancing: “Right Kim, now remember it’s heel, toe - heel, toe - 1 2 3….”

    Richard Morris, Scotland

    Referee charm school pays off for Kim Milton as Edgar Davids agrees to meet him after the match.

    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    Siamese twins have problems in choosing which career in football to take.

    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    “And the winner of tonight’s Tango comepetition is…..couple number eight.”

    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    Prankster referee Milton gives superstar Edgar Davids a wedgie.
    Mike Goudge, U.K.

    “You feel OK: how am I?”


    John Lewis,
    Finland

    PLEASE don’t give me a red card ref: it’ll clash with my shorts…
    John Lewis, Finland

    You’re right, our future’s bright …


    Clare Daniele,
    UK

    Edgar: “I can lead you to Oshtin Powersh Farsher…”


    John Lewis,
    Finland

    Davids says “I have a spare pair of glasses in my locker if you want to borrow them…”

    David Dibb, UK

    Davids says” Excuse me Mr Nielsen, I was wondering if you could get me your sister Bridget’s autograph.”

    David Dibb, UK

    “You’ve just been Tangoed, Kim.”


    KP,
    UK


    No seriously in Italy and Spain they are saying orange is the new black
    Justin Price, England


    Kim: “Edgar, when I said to come and tango with me I didn’t mean you had to wear tango clothes…”

    Phil Lloyd-Bushell, England

     

    Mon 24 Dec 2007

    Newsround - Book Review: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

    Posted by b2211 under Dating tips , Dating advices
    No Comments 
    Author

    Michael Morpurgo

    Speed dating advices in pittsburgh date

    February 2006

    The story

    This is the tale of Michael’s grandma’s experiences as she grew up in Slapton in Devon during World War Two, told through her diaries when she was 12 years old.

    It’s based on a true story.

    It’s 1943 and Lily’s village is needed for soldiers to prepare to invade France so they must all move out of their homes.

    But Tips, Lily’s treasured cat, has other ideas and stays in the danger zone.

    Lily has no choice but to crawl through the barbed wire and see if she can find her beloved pet.

    The characters

    We first meet Lily through the eyes of her grandson, Michael (or Boowie as she calls him). She’s quite old and her husband has just died after a long illness.

    Then you find out all about her through reading her teenage wartime diaries. She feels like a real teenager - she thinks thoughts she wishes that she didn’t and she gets upset and doesn’t know why.

    You get to know all her family - her grumpy grandfather, her scruffy Uncle Tom and her mum, who’s sad because her husband has gone off to war.

    There’s also Barry, a townie who’s been evacuated to Devon and ends up moving in with Lily’s family.

    Then there’s Harry and Adie - Adolphus T Madison - who are black American soldiers in England preparing to invade France - once they’ve helped Lily find her cat first, of course.

    The dating advices game books

    There’s a couple of really sad bits especially the tear-jerker part when Lily’s teacher Mrs Blumfeld persuades her grandfather to leave his farm.

    It’s also really exciting when Barry and Lily have a narrow escape from the practice explosions.

    And the end - which we can’t give away - makes you smile.

    Any weak bits?

    No, this book even makes you think about history and what it was like for ordinary people living through the war years without being too internet dating advices, sentimental or nostalgic.

    People dating advices?

    If you think a book made up of a girl’s wartime diaries is going to be boring, then think again.

    This is the sort of book you read at one go because you simply can’t wait to see what happens next. As Lily would say, this book is supreme.

    NR rating:
    five out of five

    Have you read this book?


    I have read The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo and, as usually am when reading a book by Michael Morpurgo, excited to find out what happens next. It’s full of funny moments plus a few tearjerkers to! lol. I definitely recommend this to any Michael Morpurgo fans out there, well actually, to anybody really!
    Dan, 13, Oswestry


    I think it sounds brilliant and I love reading about World War 2 I think it is fascinating.

    Jessica, 11, Liverpool


    I read this book when it came out in hardback a few months ago and I loved it, I thought it was a really absorbing read. I like cats and books about the Second World War so it was a really good choice for me! If you like either of those I think you’d enjoy the book.
    Immy, 13, Tunbridge Wells


    I think Adolphus Tips is amazing but I have not read all of it.

    Read more on Newsround - Book Review: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

     

    Sun 23 Dec 2007

    Newsround - Book Review: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

    Posted by b2211 under Dating tips , Dating advices
    No Comments 
    Read source of it on the Newsround - Book Review: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips site

    Author

    Michael Morpurgo

    Publication date

    February 2006

    The story

    This is the tale of Michael’s grandma’s experiences as she grew up in Slapton in Devon during World War Two, told through her diaries when she was 12 years old.

    It’s based on a true story.

    It’s 1943 and Lily’s village is needed for soldiers to prepare to invade France so they must all move out of their homes.

    But Tips, Lily’s treasured cat, has other ideas and stays in the danger zone.

    Lily has no choice but to crawl through the barbed wire and see if she can find her beloved pet.

    The characters

    We first meet Lily through the eyes of her grandson, Michael (or Boowie as she calls him). She’s quite old and her husband has just died after a long illness.

    Then you find out all about her through reading her teenage wartime diaries. She feels like a real teenager - she thinks thoughts she wishes that she didn’t and she gets upset and doesn’t know why.

    You get to know all her family - her grumpy grandfather, her scruffy Uncle Tom and her mum, who’s sad because her husband has gone off to war.

    There’s also Barry, a townie who’s been evacuated to Devon and ends up moving in with Lily’s family.

    Then there’s Harry and Adie - Adolphus T Madison - who are black American soldiers in England preparing to invade France - once they’ve helped Lily find her cat first, of course.

    Highlights

    There’s a couple of really sad bits especially the dating tip for teenage girl part when Lily’s teacher Mrs Blumfeld persuades her grandfather to leave his farm.

    It’s also really exciting when Barry and Lily have a narrow escape from the practice explosions.

    And the end - which we can’t give away - makes you smile.

    Any weak bits?

    No, this book even makes you think about history and what it was like for ordinary people living through the war years without being too educational, sentimental or nostalgic.

    Dating online profile tip?

    If you think a book made up of a girl’s wartime diaries is going to be boring, then think again.

    This is the sort of book you read at one go because you simply can’t wait to see what happens next. As Lily would say, this book is supreme.

    NR rating:
    five out of five

    Have you read this book?


    I have read The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by Michael Morpurgo and, as usually am when reading a book by Michael Morpurgo, excited to find out what happens next. It’s full of funny moments plus a few toronto dating advices services to! lol. I best dating tip recommend this to any Michael Morpurgo fans out there, well actually, to anybody really!
    Dan, 13, Oswestry


    I think it sounds brilliant and I love reading about World War 2 I think it is fascinating.

    Jessica, 11, Liverpool


    I read this book when it came out in hardback a few months ago and I loved it, I thought it was a really absorbing read. I like cats and books about the Second World War so it was a really good choice for me! If you like either of those I think you’d enjoy the book.
    Immy, 13, Tunbridge Wells


    I think Adolphus Tips is amazing but I have not read all of it.
     

    Sat 22 Dec 2007

    News - Kenya MPs fight ‘colonial’ dress code

    Posted by b2211 under Dating tips , Dating advices
    No Comments 
    Read more on News - Kenya MPs fight ‘colonial’ dress code site
    Three Kenyan members of parliament have entered the chamber in African clothes, in violation of rules dating back to the colonial era.

    The three received a severe dressing down from Speaker Francis ole Kaparo and were thrown out of parliament last Friday.

    But on Tuesday they were back - without the suits and ties demanded by the rules.

    This time they were allowed to stay, and a committee will debate the controversial regulations later in the week.

    Roads and Public Works Minister Raila Odinga was cheered when he entered parliament in a dating gay man tip Agbada, a flowing Nigerian robe.

    “I was happy to see Raila seated in parliament dressed like a Nigerian minister,” said MP Koigi wa Wamwere.

    Impatient

    Mr Wamwere who is often seen sporting long flowing gowns has this year twice been asked to leave the House.

    “Parliament should support African regalia,” he added.

    Koigi wa Wamwere

    Mr Wamwere fears that Kenya is not culturally independent

    Mr Kaparo said that so far as he was concerned, Mr Odinga was wearing Nigerian attire.

    He became impatient when Gor Sunguh, another unsuited dissident, bowed a number of times to cheering MPs, showing off his khaki casual trousers and a button-down shirt.

    “This argument that the only dress that can be decent is European dress is to me awfully colonial. And I am not sure that even Europeans would today dare advance such an argument,” Mr Wamwere said.

    “So you will be surprised that the champions of our new colonial culture, new colonial ideology new colonial argument today are not Europeans anymore. It is the Africans,” he said.

    Male emancipation

    He criticised the speaker for applying the double standards when it comes to the female MPs.

    Mr Gor Sunguh

    Mr Gor Sunguh’s shirt did not impress Kenya’s Speaker

    “I see ladies allowed to wear quite freely. They come in trousers, nobody complains - they come in African dresses - they have full freedom to do so.

    Mr Wamwere demanded for the male MPs to enjoy the same freedom which the ladies have.

    However, Mr Kaparo, said that Mr Wamwere’s outfit was not really African.

    OJ Hakim, a designer with African Inspirations in Nairobi told the BBC Network Africa programme that African attire could be very expansive and could come in different shapes and forms.

    “I think that the African culture is very diverse and there are so many things within the culture that inspire African design.

    African pride

    The BBC’s Nyambura Wambugu in Nairobi says that it is not only the men who are complaining and that women are questioning the dress rule which has never been changed since the colonial era to adjust with modern times.

    Cecily Mbarire, a nominated member of the parliament says MPs should be given an opportunity to debate the dress code.

    Supporters of African attire outside the Kenyan parliament

    Designers want the parliament to be proud of African culture

    “What is acceptable to whom, that is the question.

    “I think the dress code in this parliament needs to be discussed and we need to give our view because Koigi wa Wamwere has been consistent with the African attire I do not know see the reason why he can’t be allowed to be in the parliament,” Ms Mbarire said.

    Mr Wamwere told the BBC that although the country has become politically free, he is worried that culturally Kenya is far from being independent and it is still tied to the European culture.

    Our reporter says that the move by members of parliament has prompted the speaker to refer the matter to the house committee that will discuss the issue in depth and whose recommendations the house will adopt.

    A group of Kenyan designers has backed the rebelling MPs and called for the government to “embrace, encourage and support ways of dressing among its senior members that honour Africa’s unique culture and proud history”.

    What do you think?

    Should African MPs be allowed to wear African clothes?

    Or is a strict dress code needed to show respect in parliament?

    This debate is now closed. Here is a representative sample of the comments we received.

    Many people in Africa, particularly the so called elite, seem to think that to be modern one has to act, talk and dress like a European. They regard the local customs and mode of dress as primitive. Many of the politicians are simply colonialists in black skin. It shameful to see judges wearing wigs and robes that are alien to Africa.


    Nyakairu,
    USA

    We have to be careful how we interpret and exercise our freedoms. Demanding to be allowed to wear an Agbada to the parliament is preposterous! Would you wear it to the office? No. Parliament is no different. For those who think that having to wear dress pants, shirt and a tie to parliament is slavery, why not simply do away with everything brought about by the white folks. I say go back to wearing traditional dresses, speaking in traditional languages (no English….noooo…that’s enslavement too, you know), walk wherever you go (a real African wouldn’t drive a Mercedes now, would he?) don’t use computers, put up a nice thatched hut and oh, don’t forget to go back to hunting and gathering! We need rules and regulations that are not open to personal access dating advices love personal! I say suit and tie or get tossed out. Period
    John Njoroge, USA

    Let me invoke the memory of the great Fela Kuti and I quote :

    “If you say you be colonial man, you don be slave man before. Dem don release you now, but you nor wan release e yourself….” Fela Kuti - Colo mentality

    Femi


    Femi Anthony,
    USA (Sierra Leone)

    Yes, a strict dress code is needed. Shorts should not be allowed but formal African dress code should be allowed. Babbar Riga (Agbada) is a formal kind of African dressing. But if you mean strict European type clothing should be imposed on Africans, that is absolute hogwash.


    Farouk Salim,
    USA

    For the respect of the august house there should be a dress code to be adhered to by all members, particularly male members. If not, the members will be dressing like they are going to the market or to a party.

    Gassanja Joseph, United States

    No matter what they wear, Africa is still funded and supported by Britain and other western nations. They speak our language and use our money. Clothes will never change that.
    David Eubanks, USA-British

    I expect those dress codes are from a much more formal era, when no man left the house without a suit and tie and no woman without her hat and gloves. Westerners rarely dress that way anymore, why should people on other continents? The MPs should be free to wear whatever they like and are comfortable in, as long as they are neatly dressed in clothing appropriate for the climate, culture, and the work being done.


    Amy,
    USA

    I think it is really important to dress comfortably for the weather. Wearing suits on a hot sunny African day is not particularly comfortable. Europeans and North Americans dress to reflect the weather conditions they face. We (as Africans) should also do same. Having said that, it is pertinent that one should not dress “sloppy” to a respectable institution like the House of Parliament. But what is “sloppy” will be another bone of contention.
    Gboyega Adesina, canada

    Kenya is coming of age. Am I please to see some thinking and progressing leaders. My question is, will our politicians improve the quality of their work and start to serve the country as they should if they can now dress as they like? You go Raila!! Nawa for your Agbada
    MUTHEU, Switzerland

    Kenyans must as a matter of urgency begin the throw those drabs of colonial Africa. Stand up and be counted, be proud of your Africaness. Wear those beautiful flowing agbadas, kikuyu traditional dresses, Masai styles and walk the land of your birth with dignity and pride.


    Kunke Adeniyi,
    United States Of America

    Bear in mind, Kenya MPs, that the material for the so-called African garments or regalia are all manufactured in either Britain or The Heart of asia dating advices then hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Where is the African Pride, then? Unless Africans start patronising what they themselves create, these empty noises about pride in African culture would forever remain just an ordinary dressing, a camouflage that hides our own inability to be truly original.
    Mohammed Ali, Ghana

    Finally a wind of change is blowing in Africa. There is now a realization that Africans lost almost everything they had (including their culture)to slavery and colonialism. Kenya’s members of parliament have every right to wear African clothing. This will be a good example for the young generation to emulate. Young Africans are on the verge of losing their African identity because of the influence of the western culture. Some of them cannot even speak their own language because according to them it is inferior and they try all they can to perfect their English or American accents.
    Africans should adhere to their culture and cultural education and history should be enhanced to inform the youths that there is nothing to be apologetic about for being African.


    J. Mumbi Mugambi,
    Kenya/USA

    I see no problem with the African dress for our male Men dating advices service. However, I think the so-called dignity of the House would be interfered with, if a colour code is not established. I think just like the Bar and the Bench, our Parliamentarians should be required to stick to dark clothing, irrespective of the cut or fabric.
    Caroline Ndolo, Kenya

    I am surprised that the Speaker of the Kenya Parliament is acting this way. He should tell us what he sees wrong with African attire. Ghanaian parliamentarians wear national dresses like the northern smock to parliament. And we are proud of them.
    Ali Anankpieng, Ghana

    The late Bernie Grant, MP for Tottenham until his untimely death 3 years ago, often wore traditional African dress at the State opening of the UK Parliament. A few eyebrows were certainly raised but he was most certainly not thrown out. If such attire is OK for the British Parliament I m sure that the world would not end if it were allowed in Kenya.
    Martin, UK

    I can’t even believe this is being discussed as a major controversial issue. That the speaker of the House would take the time to throw someone out because of what they were wearing boggles the mind. Why the dress code rule has been allowed to exist even 1 minute after that happened is shameful. Get rid of the rule and unless someone is naked in the houses of parliament - GET ON WITH RUNNING THE COUNTRY !!!
    Robert Maina, Belgium

    Surely part of the beauty of Africa is the incredible variety of life, this includes the people and their clothes. Let that beauty be seen everywhere including parliament, why restrict them to our dull and drab European styles.
    Paul, UK

    How ridiculous this war of attire has become in Kenya. I remind all those distinguished legislature to stop wasting time on this very trivial issue and start pursuing issue pertaining to economic growth, national security and disease killing millions of our fellow citizens everyday.
    Reuben Amoke, United States of America

    And as usual, put the blame on Europeans, whites, or whatever you want to call the people you blame…….
    Anonymous, Earth

    The spirit of Dedan Kimathi must be very troubled indeed. How can a people ever expect success when they are always imitating others and shun their own traditions?


    Dr. A. Garrett Mills,
    USA

    I have on recent occasions seen some African leaders dressed in three-piece suit and other oppressive western attire, parading themselves in the blistering heat of the continent. Common sense would suggest that one would fare better, if garbed in outfit that is essentially suited for its own environment.


    Patrick Babalola Sosu,
    Atlanta, GA. USA

    I think this is a reasonable rebellion against an enduring vestige of colonialism in Africa. It is symbolic that these significant signals of reasoned rejection are beaming from parliament, the very epitome of the people’s independence. I eagerly look forward to the day when African professionals, especially African lawyers, similarly shelve the shackles of dressing themselves up in colonially inherited but environmentally unsuitable outfits.


    Kingsley Jesuorobo,
    Toronto, Canada

    Not all revolutions start with the sound of gunshots, we are now in the twenty first century and yet some law makers cannot wear cultural and climate friendly African clothes to make laws for Africans. The dissenting members of Kenya’s parliament have started a revolution that is not only going to change the way Kenyans think and act but also reborn in them African pride, The suits and ties don’t confer superior intelligence on the wearer.
    Enifadhe Joe Orivri, United states of America

    African MPs should abide by a strict and respectful dress code - but one of their cultural choosing.
    Dilip Jivan, USA

    I would like to remind the members of parliament that Kenya is in an economic and health CRISIS. Surely, this cannot be the time for trading fashion tips!
    Eric Njogu Mbuthia, Kenya

    If one observes black people over many years it becomes apparent that they have a need for more bright and warm colours in their lives than do the more dour Anglo Saxons. I was nurtured by and have lived with black folks all my life, shared their humble homes when I was young, was taught to ride and shoot by them and often feel more at home with them than with most whites. Many of the blacks in my home county in Kentucky still carry my family name and are very, very successful large farm owners. So, I do not find it out of place to think that Africans find European business suits boring and depressing. They should wear whatever is formal within their sphere of reference today!
    Bill Riffe 74 years old., usa

    There is no harm in wearing traditional clothes but at the same time, it very primitive to believe or even think that a suit and a tie are symbol of colonialism.
    We live in the 21-century and a suit is no longer a symbol of colonialism. I am afraid the colonialist came and left but some of our citizens still have not changed with times.
    The acclaimed father of Pan Africanism, the great Edward Wilmot Blyden tried to propose this same idea in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the nineteenth century. His flowery speeches and warm oratorial rhetoric made the idea succeed for a while. Only for the elite to undermine him once again and start dressing like the cultural mongrels they were. I foresee the same thing happening in Kenya. Odinga and co. will last for a while but the cultural slavery has been too deeply embedded in the average African.


    Alimamy Ceesay,
    USA

    Aren’t there any more pressing issues to deal with in Parliament other than dress code? How about debating the ridiculous increase in MP salary that was passed some time back as the lay man struggles to pay taxes. Are we paying taxes so that our MPs can express themselves via dresscode?

    infuriated Kenyan


    In the US, the way one dresses often influences how people think of them. As sad as this sounds, I think I would have difficulty trusting a person in the government if they wore a t-shirt and jeans to meetings.
    As long as what they wear does not affect the public’s view of them, they should be allowed to wear anything.
    Adric Waterhouse, Dayton, Ohio USA

    I must expose my ignorance in acknowledging the fact that I have never imagined that there is any parliament in Africa where the parliamentarians are outlawed from dressing in African regalia. I have lived with the myopic understanding that African parliamentarians, like those in my country, Cameroon, are free to dress in African regalia. Shame to Keyan parliamentarians who fail to see the propriety of dressing in African regalia in parliament! Shame!
    Luther, USA

    Certainly, Africans must put on their national wears, which are more comfortable than the suits. Putting on suits just proves the point that Africans are still colonial slaves. Clothes show the way you think, and European clothes put on by an African shows how much he wants to imitate the European to solve African problems.
    Kondwani Kamiyala, Malawi

    let Africans be free from mental slavery, let them wear maasai dress if they want so.
    thani, belgium

    It is retrogressive to instil a rule made up by European colonialists decades ago with the aim of diminishing African pride for their culture. It is sad that in this day and age that someone as enlightened and well educated as the Speaker would throw members of parliament out of the house merely because they are representing their heritage and culture. I am almost certain that the MPs that were dressed in ‘unacceptable’ regalia did not do so to spite or show disrespect for the house. In my opinion the rules of what dating hint and tip acceptable dress in parliament need to be revised.
    Paul Githiga, USA

    Yes, we should accept being Africans. What better way to show this than by dressing up in a typical way that can be recognised as African. Who would dispute the beauty of a Maasai “maradadi”? Of course we should dress sensibly and in moderation.
    Andrew Okello, Netherlands (currently in Iraq)

    The members of parliament should be allowed to wear their African clothing. I believe that the speaker of the house has been so socialized that he can not appreciate African clothing as being appropriate. As Bob Marley said “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery”, I say to the speaker of the house emancipate your mind from colonial bondage.


    Cavel Curtis,
    Jamaica

     

    Fri 21 Dec 2007

    News - Aussie boot battle takes an Uggly turn

    Posted by b2211 under Dating tips , Dating advices
    No Comments 
    Source: News - Aussie boot battle takes an Uggly turn
    After international trade disputes about everything from plastic bags to shiitake mushrooms, could woolly boots be next?

    Just two weeks after Australia and the US signed a landmark trade agreement and proclaimed themselves the firmest of friends, there is a groundswell of anger at the treatment of an “Aussie icon”.

    The ire focuses on Deckers Outdoor, a Californian company which bought small Australian footwear firm Ugg Holdings in 1995.

    No one much minded that Americans were producing Ugg’s comfortable but dowdy sheepskin boots; they didn’t even gripe when Deckers shifted production to cheaper China.

    Getting heavy

    But now Ugg boots, thanks to the unguessable alchemy of high fashion, have become a celebrity must-have, and things have turned nasty.

    Aggrieved Australian footwear makers complain that Deckers is going to aggressive lengths to safeguard its Ugg trademark, which it acquired for two dozen countries when it bought the firm.



    We have no intention of putting anyone out of business. Everybody should be able to sell sheepskin boots if they want to; what we don’t want is confused customers


    Tom Fitzsimons, Deckers’ patent attorney

    Tony Mortel, whose family have been making sheepskin boots since 1958, is one of dozens of companies banned from selling on the internet.

    “If it’s got a U and a G in it, they’re after it,” he snorts.

    According to some reports, the firm even leaned on the publishers of the Macquarie dictionary, dating help tip for Australian English, to reflect Deckers’ trademark in its definition of Ugg.

    Mr Mortel claims to have lost some 300,000 Australian dollars (126,000; US$238,000) as a result of the embargo, and says the Australian sheepskin trade is out of pocket to the tune of A$20m.

    “We’re being railroaded out of our own market share,” he says.

    Different versions

    Hazy history is partly to blame.

    The official Deckers line on the Ugg boot is that it was more or less invented by Brian Smith, an Australian surfer, in the 1970s.

    Mr Smith had the good sense to trademark the term Ugg, as well as variations such as ug, ugh and so on, and passed those legitimate rights on to Deckers.



    I am convinced that we will get this trademark cancelled


    Tony Mortel, sheepskin boot maker

    Er, not quite, say Deckers’ opponents.

    No one is absolutely straight on how the boots were invented - surfers, farmers and World War I pilots are all possible culprits - but all agree there has been a tradition of making boots and calling them Uggs since the first half of the 20th century.

    They were so familiar a feature of Australian life, the argument goes, that no one thought to trademark the name.

    “‘Ugg’ is a generic term like ‘trainers’ or ’sneakers’,” says Sharryn Jackson, a member of the Australian parliament who has taken up the case of bootmakers in her constituency.

    “It defies belief that an Australian icon would be trademarked in the US.”

    Protecting our good name

    Deckers insists it is doing nothing wrong.

    “[Deckers] has invested a lot of money and time in the brand, and in order to protect the brand we will try to stop unethical dealers who try to confuse the public as to a product’s origins,” says Tom Fitzsimons, a trademark lawyer at US law firm Greer, Burns and Crain, who represents the company.

    “There has also been a lot of investment in marketing so that people recognise Ugg as a brand.

    “We have no intention of putting anyone out of business. Everybody should be able to sell sheepskin boots if they want to; what we don’t want is confused customers.”

    The existence of trademarks dating back to the 1970s in every corner of the globe is a sign, the company insists, that Ugg is by no means a generic term.

    Kicking up a fuss

    Nonetheless, a campaign is slowly building.

    Other MPs have raised the issue, and Ms Jackson says she is trying to put together a lobby group of businesses to force the federal government to take note.

    Mr Mortel, meanwhile, has formed the Australian Sheepskin Association, whose campaign - under the rallying cry “Save our Aussie icon” - hopes to attract 50,000 supporters.

    Mr Mortel has already failed to win an appeal before the tribunal of ICANN, the body that rules on internet domain names.

    But he is pressing on with action aimed at Deckers’ original trademark rights.

    “I am convinced that we will get this trademark cancelled,” he insists.

    Bye-bye, Vegemite

    The case, if it emerges, promises fireworks.

    Cross-border copyright and trademark disputes are among the most treacherous avenues of international law.

    In this case, there is the added interacial dating advices services that the trademark under dispute is - like Portakabin, for example, or Hoover - far better known as a word than as a brand.



    What might appear a parochial little spat is about pretty big money - sales of Ugg boots have trebled in the past couple of years

    And Aussie pride adds spice to the mix.

    Everyone involved in the case insists that chauvinism is not the issue, but Hiv dating advices service are becoming best dating man tip touchy about corporate colonisation.

    After a wave of investment in the past few years, iconic Australian brands such as Vegemite, Violet Cumble, Aeroplane Jelly and Kangaroo Matches are now in foreign hands.

    At the same time, a host of local firms are polishing their Aussie free dating tip for woman in an attempt to cash in on the patriotic market.

    One website, Ausbuy, gives consumers tips on how to read labels - “Australian made”, for example, does not necessarily imply that a product is free of foreign taint.

    Wonga

    More to the point, what might appear a parochial little spat is about pretty big money.

    Sales of Ugg boots have at least trebled in the past couple of years, Tony Mortel reckons; thanks to the patronage of Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and others, prices in the fanciest European markets can top 300 euros a pair.

    Deckers, which reckons it will sell US$45m-worth of Ugg products this year, thanks the boots for a tenfold increase in its share price since the beginning of last year.

    At the end of January, it announced plans to expand the brand into handbags and other leather goods.

    With such wonga on offer, it’s hardly surprising that Australian firms - to use the vernacular - want a fair suck of the sav.

     

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