Bicycles

Bicycles are enjoyed by many walks of life ranging from children to adults for reasons ranging from recreation to sport. This is two-wheeled fun for many reasons and applications. Push those pedals and be on your way to a fun ride. Or if you're the more adventurous or rebellious kind, you're into mountain biking or even BMX stunts. Whatever the case, bicycles may well be worth your time. This blog post is all about bicycles.

I haven't been on a bicycle since childhood. Do not think that this is any information based on personal experience or anything like that. I am simply providing all of this for entertainment and educational purposes.

WARNING: This post includes a number of YouTube videos. Your viewing performance may be slow depending on your connection. You may view the individual videos in links if you are unable to view any of the videos.

--- Bicycles at a Glance ---

^ from: bicycletouringpro.com - Two-wheeled fun awaits you when you ride a bicycle.

A lot of us may have started out riding tricycles. I certainly remember riding tricycles before moving up to a bicycle. My memories even include riding a bicycle with training wheels. Bicycles have been around since the 19th Century. As with most inventions, the bicycle has been enhanced and innovated over time to become and remain a fun form of both transportation and recreation. Some cities and nations have bicycles as the most effective mode of transportation.

I remember when I was younger and had a bicycle. I previously had a scooter that I enjoyed riding. My first bicycle had training wheels since I was not comfortable going on two wheels yet. Over time, I would learn to properly ride a bicycle and be able to ride it properly. I sometimes challenged a little girl to a race when at my grandmother's house. I would be on my scooter while she was on her bicycle. We had to go to this one intersection in our neighborhood back to my grandmother's house. Fun times. One time, I even once had a dirt bicycle. I think it was too big for it and didn't get to ride it too much, though.

--- Kinds of Bicycles ---

A bicycle from a retailer can cost anywhere between $100 US Dollars (or less) to even four-figure US Dollar amounts! Some of the more expensive bicycles (namely racing bicycles) have carbon fiber construction and can be quite expensive. Bicycles are usually sold based on the wheel width. Some bikes even have gears to them. So not every bike is created equal. Here are a few different kinds of bicycles (thanks: about.com):

Road Bicycles.

^ from: amazon.com - A men's road bicycle from Schwinn.

These bikes were meant to take on concrete and asphalt. Bikes like these were meant to be ridden around the neighborhood or in the park. They can even be performance-ridden as you could compete in bicycle racing events with road bikes. A number of manufacturers make road bicycles... even including Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot!

Mountain Bikes.

^ from: amazon.com - A Men's Mongoose mountain bike.

Mountain bikes are rugged and durable bicycles. They are best made for taking on natural terrain, yet many others do have them around town or on tarmac. Mountain bikes have wide and rugged tires. These are performance bicycles meant to take on undulating terrain.

Hybrid Bikes.

^ from: amazon.com - A women's hybrid bicycle from Schwinn.

The hybrid bicycle is best suited as a happy medium between road bikes and mountain bikes. You get the ruggedness of a mountain bike coupled with the city-happy nature of a road bike.

Cruiser Bicycle.

^ from: amazon.com - Women's Pacific cruiser bike.

Just like cruiser motorcycles are meant more towards style than outright performance (as opposed to sporty motorcycles), cruiser bikes are meant more towards style than being some kind of performance-oriented bicycle. Only difference is that nobody will look at you as a poser/poseur on a cruiser bike compared to a cruiser motorcycle. :)

BMX Bikes.

^ from: amazon.com - A Mongoose BMX bicycle.

BMX stands for "bicycle motocross" ("X" instead of cross). Think of these like non-motorized dirt motorcycles. They are best known for pulling off stunts like most motocross and supercross riders do. BMX bicycles are meant for those action sports types who ride while doing tricks. Everything from bunny hops to rail riding is what the BMX rider is all about. They are the rebellious riders who are all about pulling cool tricks and being real cool while riding.


These are the basic kinds of bicycles. Have you a favorite kind of bicycle?

--- Bicycles for Recreation and Sport ---

Before I begin the next section, I would like to thank the people who allowed their videos to be embedded. It's great to know my readers could view these videos without having to leave my blog (not to say that my readers/visitors would rather be any place besides "John's Blog Space").

Bicycles for Recreation.

A bicycle can be a fun way to go around the block or through the park. Think of kids who enjoy going around on bicycles as they ride. There are older bike riders who may enjoy bike riding at a park- whether a city park or a dedicated skate park. Whatever the case, a bicycle can be fun to ride around on. Some people even have their own custom bicycles. Bicycles are as much a casual expression of who we are as any other thing. Basic bicycles to creative bicycles are out there for riding enjoyment.

Want to make a scene and have fun? Try a tandem bicycle! Tandem bicycles are meant to have more than one person ride along with others. When coming up with this blog post, one person's YouTube channel shows that there is an actual science to tandem riding. While it may seem cute to have more than one person riding one bike, check this video out for more insight on tandem riding:

^ "Tandem Bike Riding"

Some people make custom bicycles; some even turned into tricycles. Look no further than with Lowrider bicycles. These bikes may have custom-made frames and accessories while also being fully tricked out. Talk about riding in style! Check out the lowrider bikes in this video:

^ "Lowrider Bike Commercial"

Bicycles for Sport.

In the sporting realm, bicycles have been great for working out. There are stationary bicycles

Bicycles can also be great sporting equipment for those doing outdoors sports. There are a number of people who'll ride their bicycles in outdoor settings. Mountain bikers ride their bikes on some undulating and hilly trails. Here is an example of mountain bike riders going all-out:

^ "GoPro HD HERO camera: Mountain Bike Clip"

Those into action sports have seen bicycles being used at skate parks and at half pipes. Dave Mirra is one of the finest in performing amazing stunts and tricks on a bicycle. He is a multiple-time champion of BMX competition. A lot of these stunt bikes have bars on the wheels so they can pull off tricks riding on rails. This video below is an example of BMX stunts. This is Morgan Wade and his gold medal run in the Action Sports World Championships round in 2007 in Dallas, TX, USA:

^ "BMX: Morgan Wade's Gold Medal Run in Dallas, 2007"

And of course... let's not forget those who take part in bicycle tours and rallies. Here in the Houston area, we have a famous event called the MS 150, a 150-mile bicycle rally from Houston to Austin benefiting the fight against Multiple Sclerosis (or MS for short). There are many cycling events worldwide. The most of famous of which, is of course... the Tour de France. This is a look at how brutal bike rallies and tours can be:

^ "Tour de France 2011 Highlights"


You now know about cycling both for recreation and for sport.

--- Bicycle Safety and Gear ---

When riding a bicycle, are you geared? Do you know about being safe while riding? A few pieces of advice are mentioned here in this section.

Bicycle Gear and Parts.

Here is a brief look at bike parts and accessories.

• Training Wheels - if you're starting out trying to ride a bicycle, training wheels are a great way to start. I remember I had training wheels on my bicycle once I went from a tricycle to a bicycle.

• Custom Saddles - bicycles may have custom seats designed for various applications, ranging from racing to just average bike riding. Some seats are even recommended by doctors and physicians.

• Baskets and Carts - some bikes can be equipped with carts for carrying around things safely.

• Water Bottle Cage - if you have a water bottle, equip one to your bicycle to be able to take water with you on the go as you ride.


These are among many other different items and accessories for bicycles.

Bicycle Apparel.

Most casual bike riders usually wear street clothes. Serious cyclists usually wear specialized cycling apparel. Some of these items include bicycle jerseys as well as bike shorts. There are also bib shorts worn by cyclists, which are kind of like overalls for cyclists. There are also shoes and socks specially designed for cycling. Here is an example of someone wearing dedicated cycling apparel:


^ from: redkiteprayer.com (best I could find) - This men's cycling outfit is an example of what cyclists wear as part of their outfit.

I am not any kind of cycling expert, but my best guess is that wearing such bicycle apparel helps you better perform as you're cycling. Those who compete in bicycle races will probably find wearing dedicated cycling apparel to better help you aerodynamically as you ride. Those bicycle racers often tuck down (just like motorcycle racers do) as they ride to get as little wind resistance as possible while at speed. Some cyclists wear bicycle gloves for protection and better grip.

For female bicyclists, there are special active skorts designed for those who want to wear a skirt while still being covered. These cycling skorts have attached shorts or bloomers to keep a cycling girl covered while also looking cute. There are even cycling dresses from one site I saw in preparing this blog post.

Bicycle Safety.

A riding helmet is the best method of protection. It is also a good idea to invest in knee pads. These (especially a riding helmet) can be very helpful to have if in the event of a head-on crash. I thankfully have never experienced an incident where I was thrusted off of my bicycle for all the times I've ridden a bicycle.

It helps to wear light-colored clothing, especially if riding at night. Speaking of night bicycle riding, have reflectors at the front and the back so you can be better spotted in darkness. Don't also forget to let people behind and in front of you know when you're turning. Links to much more detailed bicycle safety measures will be showcased later in this blog post.

Equally important in all of this is making sure your bike is secure and protected. Be sure the bike is properly secure to a bike rack with a lock and a cable.


I hope you all are able to dress nicely and ride carefully while riding your bicycle.

--- Bicycle Manufacturers ---

Click on the hypertext link in each heading to visit the official websites of these bike manufacturers. The majority of these are mostly suited towards my American audience. I am not sure if any of these can ship overseas or are also available in other nations. These are only a few of so many different bicycle manufacturers and retailers:

Bicycles: From Dedicated Bicycle Makers.

They are known for their bicycles. Visit any or all of these links to learn more about their products.

• Schwinn - Well-known for producing great bicycles. In addition to riding bicycles, they also offer stationary exercising bikes.

• Mongoose - a very popular bicycle maker with a vast variety of bicycles to choose from for various applications.

• Huffy - Maker of many bicycles as well as scooters and other sporting equipment.

• Kent - With over 100 years of cycling, they offer a variety of bicycles for many age groups and in various styles.

• Trek Bicycle - Bicycle maker with loads of experience, having been around since 1976.

• Brodie - They offer many bikes mostly for adults. They go by the slogan of, "Real bikes for real people."

• Surly Bikes - Surly sells complete bicycles as well as bicycle frames.

• MIRRACO Bikes - a bicycle company founded by multiple-time BMX World Champion, Dave Mirra. Frames and parts are offered in addition to the many different bicycles offered.

• Terry Bicycles - a feminine-exclusive brand that offers bicycles for women as well as bicycle apparel and parts.

• Renovo Bicycles - a bicycle manufacturer featuring wooden frame bicycles.

• Chubby's Cruisers - A maker of cruiser bicycles offering various styles for adults and children. Accessories for ordered bicycles can be added to each bike upon ordering.

• Specialized Bicycle Components - A maker of sophisticated bicycles. Their bikes are made for many applications, for both adults and children. It even includes a bicycle made in conjunction with the McLaren Formula 1 racing team.

• Waldmeister Bikes - a German maker of wooden-frame bicycles.

• Prestigio Bikes - a bicycle manufacturer based in the Republic of San Marino. Site is in Italian, but is also available in Spanish and English.

• Shimano (North American link) - Japanese company that sells bicycles, and they also make various parts and apparel for bicycles. The Osaka-based company was established in 1921 and incorporated in 1940. They also offer products for rowing and fishing.

• Sexy Bicycles - Yes, this Australian bicycle maker is actually called Sexy Bicycles. They make stylish bicycles designed with an exciting array of colors.

Bicycles: From Auto Makers.

Did you know that auto makers have provided their own bicycles? Only links to legitimate, commercially-available bicycles are featured here.

• Peugeot - Having made bicycles in the past, world-renowned automaker Peugeot offers a line of bicycles thanks to a new partnership with a well-respected bicycle maker. Peugeot bicycles are only offered in select European nations (including its native France) as well as Japan.

• Ferrari Bikes - Anyone even remotely educated about cars knows what kind of exotic ecstasy Ferrari provides. While they may not go as fast as their gasoline/petrol counterparts, Ferrari does provide some bicycles for your enjoyment. These bikes don't come cheap, though. Their cheapest-priced bike sells for about

• BMW - BMW makes both automobiles and motorcycles. They also make bicycles. Are these bicycles, then... the ultimate bicycle riding machines? I don't think they are sold outside of Germany or Europe because prices are only offered in Euros.

• Volkswagen (of Ireland) - Volkswagen and its long heritage of making automobiles also makes a number of bicycles. The bikes offered from this link are featured only for Volkswagen of Ireland.

• Mini Cooper Bicycle - The Mini Cooper is one of the finest automobiles of all time. Its heritage is prevalent on these bicycles. There are bikes offered for both adults and kids bearing the Mini Cooper namesake.

• Maserati - Better known as the luxury arm of Ferrari, Maserati made a bicycle called the Montante for Maserati 8CTF. It is an elegant bicycle from the Italian company.

• Land Rover - Land Rover is best known as a maker of rugged vehicles for off-roading. They also make bicycles for adults and children for multiple applications.

• Porsche - Pure pedal-pushing Porsche power. Porsche provides some bicycles that are as elegant and as capable as their cars. It isn't likely you'll draw stares on a Porsche bicycle as you would in a Porsche automobile. Of course, you could always fly the Porsche flag by attaching a Porsche bicycle to your Porsche Cayenne. :)

• McLaren (links to more info on the bicycle) - In a joint effort between the McLaren Formula 1 team and Specialized, the world's fastest bicycle was born- the S-Works + McLaren Venge. Visit the Specialized link to see the Venge Aero Road Bike co-developed by Specialized and McLaren. Or as an added bonus, let me share with you a video on this bicycle. Enjoy!


^ "Specialized S-works+McLaren Venge"


I may include more links in the future if I find more bicycle makers to feature.

--- Bicycle Resources ---

Resources for bicyclists and those into bicycles. Have a look around, this being my way of thanking you for reading this blog post:

Individual Links on Bicycles and Cycling.

• People for Bikes
• Bikes Belong
• International Mountain Biking Association
• Cyclingnews.com
• PedalHouston (Houston/Galveston area)

Bicycle Safety.

• Bike Safety - KidsHealth by Nemours « advice for children on riding bicycles
• Bicycle Safety - How Not to Get Hit By Cars
• Kids and Bicycle Safety « provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Kids Bike Quiz « test your knowledge of bike riding for kids.

Bicycle Dealers, Parts, and Accessories.

• Shop for bicycles and bicycle parts on Amazon
• Performance Bike
• Cambria Bike
• Wheel World Bike Shop
• Just Bicycles
• PV Bicycle Center - Palos Verdes, CA, USA


More links may be included in any future edits.





I have never really been too fond of cycling to say I am any sort of bicycle person. I do hope you cycling fans have enjoyed my blog post. Remember to Subscribe and Follow if you love my work. If you're indulged in social media, GET SOCIAL WITH ME! Thank you for reading!

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Beach and Surf Fashions

(UPDATED: March 28, 2012)

Even if you don't live in a coastal area, there are lots of people who like dressing in beach-inspired and surf-inspired fashions. There was a time in the mid-2000s when surf-inspired fashions was trendy. Beachy fashion styles make up the basis for this blog post. Even if you don't live near water or a beach, you can still have beach-inspired and surf-inspired fashions as part of your wardrobe. This blog post takes a look at beach and surf inspired fashions. As the weather warms up here in the United States, it won't be too long before Spring/Summer fashions take form.

BEFORE I BEGIN...
You may have noticed that John's Blog Space looks a little different. I am actually working on trying to make this blog nicer-looking and more elegant. I will be making a number of changes to this blog that may eventually lead to an updated layout. So enjoy your time here and don't forget to Subscribe and Follow if you haven't already!

LATEST UPDATE(S)/REVISION(S):

MAR 28 2012 - made multiple edits, added more content, added another blog post (Cross-Promotion and Other Readings)

--- Beachwear-Inspired Fashions at a Glance ---

There is no way to beat the heat than with various fashions catered towards a day at the beach. Some who fancy warm weather lovingly are ready to break out the shorts and the flip-flop/thong sandals to embrace warm weather. It is understandable considering those who love wearing shorts and sandals.

A look at beachwear fashion influence:


Let's move on now.

--- Common Beachy Fashions ---

Here is a look at some of the many different popular garments for warm weather. Some of these pictures are the best ones I could find to represent each section, so I will need to find other pictures if I am disallowed to use them.

Shorts (Short).

^ from: www.polyvore.com - Short-shorts provide the perfect opportunity to bare legs and feel comfy on a warm day. These specific girly shorts are the "Sweetheart" shorts from Sound and Matter, famous for its heart-shaped back pockets.


^ from blog.swell.com - Whether heading out to the beach, water, or going surfing, boardshorts are great to wear on your beach-going adventures.

If there's one reason to enjoy warm weather, it's seeing short shorts being worn. Short shorts are usually a tell-tale sign of warm weather. Girls (using this term loosely) often will wear either denim short shorts or some non-denim short-shorts on warm days. Because I've gotten tired of denim jean short-shorts, I've liked certain non-jean shorts. Immediate attention-grabbing short-shorts are shorts with flap pockets either of a cotton blend or of linen. Some females who have a cute bikini bottom usually wear short-shorts as a coverup. Even if the beach (or some other water recreational locale) isn't your destination, a girl just wants to look hot on a hot day by wearing a cute pair of short shorts.

The usual sort of footwear to accompany short shorts are usually flip-flop/thong sandals. They are primarily simple and easy to wear. I have actually never disliked these sandals even as more people started to wear them. That is, unless these sandals are worn as a lazy fashion choice when a better kind of shoes or sandals could be worn instead. Short shorts can also be paired with ballet flats in regards to beachy fashion. A combination that has grown on me is wearing short shorts with boat/deck shoes. Short shorts can be pretty cute when worn with boat/deck shoes. And since we're talking about beach-inspired fashion, it is pretty cool to know you're wearing some shoes that are just fine in case you have a boat party or something. The most popular boat shoes are, of course, from Sperry Top-Sider.

Shorts (Long).

^ from: kaboodle.com - Long shorts can be just as comfortable and wearable on warm days. These are fashionable for both males and females.

I've personally not really been into Bermuda shorts, but long shorts are often a great alternative for those who can't sport the short shorts. Any shorts that extend to mid-thigh or past mid-thigh are what I will consider long shorts. Men's boardshorts are obviously long length. There are also stylish long shorts appropriate for warm weather for females. Those who wear longer shorts usually sport some flip-flop/thong sandals to go with them. Or, they may wear some sneakers or some Converses.

Summery Dresses.

^ from: fashionbasha.com - Dresses for the beach can either be short or long. Some even serve as coverups for your swimwear.

Some dresses openly embrace warm weather. These dresses may even be worn as coverups for when you're ready to head to the beach. At least you know you can head to the beach in style. Stylish dresses for the beach can either be short or long.


^ from: asos.com - Don't prefer a traditional dress? Try a romper/playsuit dress.

In addition to short shorts, rompers/playsuits also make good shorts to wear for those warm days. Some rompers/playsuits serve as coverups for the beach. These one-piece shorts are just as fun to wear as any traditional pair of shorts. Rompers/Playsuits serve as shorts alternatives to dresses.

Hats for the Beach.

^ from: bestontop.com - A big floppy hat! Such hats can even help protect your head and neck from damaging sun rays.

Bucket hats, floppy hats, all of which help your head cool (while looking cool) out and about. It is best to have a hat to help protect you from damaging sun rays. Some hats are even recommended by doctors to shield your head and neck from sun rays. On females, I think nothing is cuter than a big floppy hat. There is just something (to me) about a girl who wears a cute floppy hat while looking great.

Sunglasses.

^ from: www.backcountry.com - Protect those eyes in style with sunglasses. You look cool with them too! :)

Sunglasses (or "sunnies" as some fashion bloggers call them) provide protection for your eyes on bright days out in the sun. Of recent times, sunglasses with huge lenses have become trendy. These include your aviator sunglasses as well as your Jackie-O sunglasses. It is always best to have the most functional sunglasses to suit your needs. If you want to just look cool/cute with a certain pair of novelty sunglasses, that's cool too. :)


And of course...

Flip-Flop/Thong Sandals.

^ from: yourstylefashion.com - Many fashionable types think flip-flop/thong sandals are ONLY for the beach and not for casual outfits.

Some people basically live in flip-flop/thong sandals. They are simple and inexpensive (most of them) to wear. I have actually never hated flip-flop/thong sandals. Many others, however, dislike them since you see them so often. They even come in varieties ranging from flat flip-flop/thong sandals, to platforms, to wedges, and even platform wedge flip-flop/thong sandals. They come in many varieties and styles. These sandals are comfortable for both males and females. I think they are cute on girls in showing off their feet and toes in a stylishly inexpensive pair of sandals. They come in many varieties. If the traditional flip-flop/thong sandal isn't your spot of tea, gladiator thongs and thong booties are interesting alternatives. Some of the most common flip-flop/thong sandals you will see are from Old Navy or Havaianas.


There are your comfy and cool warm weather fashions.

--- Beach/Surf Brands ---

You now have a basic look at beach and surf fashions. Ready for the real deal? You may visit the following websites to seek fashions from brands and retailers that specialize in beach and surf fashions. While this post is not about this topic, some of these brands and retailers also make and offer fashions for those of you into Winter sports (like skiing and snowboarding). Click on the links in the headings to visit the official websites. Some of these links may also offer international shipping and even international links (in case you want to shop for clothing from these companies).

PLEASE NOTE: I am not paid anything by anyone to discuss these companies the way that I am in this section.

Hollister Surf Co..

Hollister is perhaps the most popular beach/surf-inspired clothing company in the United States (and perhaps the world as well). They make fashions for young men and young women (or Dudes and Bettys as they call them). The familiar seagull is almost unmistakable in knowing just who makes the clothing.

Interesting facts...

• Hollister, California, USA is completely landlocked even though Hollister Company specializes in surf and beach fashions.

• I've been in Hollister stores before. The "Surf City, USA" live view is the view from Huntington Beach, California, USA. The Surf City in the camera view shouldn't be confused with Surf City, North Carolina, USA.

Abercrombie and Fitch.

The principal rivals of Hollister are that of Abercrombie and Fitch. Unlike Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch offer fashions for kids, in addition to adult males and adult females.

ROXY.

ROXY is a feminine-exclusive clothing line for Girls, Juniors, and Women. Their fashions are fun even for when the beach doesn't come calling. They've been providing quality fashions since 1990.

Billabong.

Billabong provides surf fashions for males and females in addition to fashions for skating and snow fashion. They are also very involved in sponsoring events on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour, as they sponsor a number of events on the Billabong Pro Tour.

Hurley.

Hurley features fashions for both males and females, and even includes a line just for boys.

Volcom.

Volcom (Alternative Link)

Since March 1991, Volcom has been providing quality fashions for snowboarders and skateboarders. Their concept is "Youth Against Establishment." Their fashions are as unique as the philosophies and principles they fall on.

Rip Curl.

Rip Curl calls themselves as "The Ultimate Surfing Company." Their clothing line pertains to a broad spectrum for kids and adults. They even have accessories and wetsuits for the hardcore surfers.

O'Neill.

If you visit the O'Neill website, you'll know that they are celebrating over 60 years of innovation. Their lineup includes various swimwear as well as Winter wear (for you snowboarders). Items offered by this company are for both adults as well as kids.

QUIKSILVER.

QUIKSILVER has everything from surf and snow fashions for adults and kids. They even have a lot of accessories for people and for home. It's all about the surf and snow lifestyle with QUIKSILVER.

Ocean Pacific.

The Wal-Mart exclusive Ocean Pacific brand has been around since 1972. Based in Irvine, California, USA; OP Apparel Corporation makes stylish casual clothes for young males, and they make fun and cute fashions for Juniors. These fashions range from everyday wear to beachwear. So there's something for everyone for teenagers on up. You can find these affordable OP fashions at Wal-Mart stores and online.

Pacsun.

A retailer of surfing fashion, Pacsun provides comfortable and fun fashions for males and females.


More brands may be featured in future edits.

--- Cross-Promotion and Other Reading ---

More reading and related reading for your pleasure are offered in this section.

• "Swimsuits" - John's Blog Space
^ Heading to the beach? If so, why not take a look at swimsuits with my blog post on swimsuits?

• "Short Shorts" - John's Blog Space
^ This blog post of mine is all about short-shorts. If you like 'em short, this is your post.

• "Boat/Deck Shoes" - John's Blog Space
^ (ADDED: March 28, 2012) Boat shoes (also called deck shoes) are very preppy unisex shoes. I mentioned these kinds of shoes when talking about short-shorts. Read my blog post on boat/deck shoes to learn more about them and to see them being worn.

• "Rompers/Playsuits" - John's Blog Space
^ Shorts can be fun to wear- even one-piece shorts. There are rompers/playsuits that serve as the covered alternative to dresses.

• "Sunglasses" - John's Blog Space
^ An old post about sunglasses can be read here. I actually considered deleting this post and making a new one, but I am keeping it here for now. Posts regarding certain shoes or accessories don't seem to generate too many views seems like.

• "Floppy Hats" - John's Blog Space
^ If you find floppy hats to be fun and stylish, this is my blog post talking about floppy hats.

• "Flip-Flop/Thong Sandals - Cute or Lazy?" - John's Blog Space
In this blog post, I've debated whether or not flip-flop/thong sandals are cute to wear... or lazy to wear. Some think these sandals are only meant for the beach and not for outfits around town. Have a look and share your mind with this post.

• "Surfing" - John's Blog Space
^ This blog post is all about surfing. Have a look at some of the many different things that make surfing so fun to watch and take part in.

• tiny sailor
This section highlights on the only fashion blog I follow that is very much into the beach culture. She's the beachy fashion diva with a lovely sense of style. Her name is Niki, and her blog is "tiny sailor." It is full of beachy and vintage fashions and even includes some inspirational fashion posts. Visit her blog and take a look at her many styles.


I may set something up for John's Shop Space in case you're interested in shopping for fashions based on this topic. I still, however, need to work on that blog and make it updated. Thank you for reading!

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Attention to Booty :)

(UPDATED: October 21, 2011)

Bootylicious appeal- that's the topic of perhaps my most ambitious blog posts to date. This is a classy blog post post about having a good-looking booty (or whatever term you use to mean someone's butt) and how to look good from the rear. Just because a guy like myself posting this doesn't mean that I will talk about this in any classless manner. Anything I discuss is discussed with class and respect; not in anything derogatory or anything that oversteps the boundaries of my blog. So therefore, I hope you enjoy this fun post I've put together.

WARNING: This blog post has some mild elements that may not be suitable for all audiences. Feel free to read at your own discretion.

--- Attention to Booty: Introduction ---

You look great up front... how about from the back? What is the fashion psychology of having a good-looking backside? Think about it like this. When a girl comes towards you, she presents her immediate audience with an impression of her style up front. When she passes by, she leaves behind a lasting impression. Providing a lasting impression is just as powerful as providing a first impression. How do you provide that lasting impression you want to leave behind from a style perspective? It's all about being and feeling good-looking both up front and from the back. That's the point of having a nice-looking booty.

So this is the best way to explain having a nice backside. If you look good up front, why not offer some appeal to your rear? A hot pair of jeans (for example) that look and feel good looks even better on those who have such a nice booty. Trust me- I know. :) The same goes for any sort of bottoms or anything like that. Having such charm with a charming backside is a nice way to have some attention to the booty. Wearing such bottoms that offer attention-grabbing detail can help. Having a good-looking butt also helps besides wearing such appealing bottoms. Of course, having a nice butt while also wearing some appealing bottoms is twice as nice.

Why Bother?

Why go through all the trouble? Well, for many, "if you got it, flaunt it." I always regard three B's in regards to feminine style- breasts, belly, and butt. These three features usually give most females their charm. How one expresses any of these three B's determines their appeal as a whole. Some females who lack having a nice butt sometimes seek ways to enhance their backside whether through wearing certain bottoms or through exercise.

When wanting to wear certain appealing bottoms or seeking a bikini body, these are only a few items to help awaken the goddess in all females. When you look good, you feel good. Not every female has the confidence to wear a flirty bikini bottom or some short shorts. Not every female can confidently and comfortably wear bottoms that have such interesting details on the butt, whether they are sequin pockets, rhinestone lettering, overpowering graphics, or things like that. The ones who do have the confidence to wear such bottoms dare test the attention-grabbing waters of onlookers.

So why bother going with these measures to go for a great-looking butt? Simple, in the eyes of most females- looking and feeling sexy is the biggest reason. It's all about bringing a level of charm and swagger to feel better about yourself. And in the case of having a nice-looking butt, these thoughts hold true to this end as well.

Guilty [Pleasure] as Charged!

Okay, I admit... looking at butts is a guilty pleasure of mine. Good-looking and eye-catching bottoms can do that for you. I'm not obsessed or addicted or anything. Happy now?

--- Attention to Booty: Inspiration ---

Here is one of my first inspirations to do this blog post:



^ both pictures from: etsy.com (best I could find) - The popular "Cute Booty" pants from Kelly Nishimoto. These are very popular lounging pants that are super-comfortable while also giving an attractive rear view with the pockets.

Back in 2004, a Georgia-born (as in Georgia of the United States, for my international readers) designer named Kelly Nishimoto came along with a stylish pair of lounge-type pants. These pants were called the "Cute Booty" pants because of how cute one's backside looked while wearing these. These were lounge-style pants that were worn on a multitude of celebrities, including the likes of Paris Hilton, Nicolette Sheridan, Karina Smirnoff, and Kim Kardashian among others. These are pants that are made of jersey (a super-comfortable fabric) and feature a silk ribbon tie to accentuate the front. The back pockets are ruched to make your butt look fabulous while wearing these lounge pants. The appeal of these pants were in being a cute and comfortable pair of pants to wear... while also making your butt look cute. :)

Here's a quote about the Cute Booty pants from a not-very-good singer (to me, because I've heard her music and didn't really like her):

"If a pair of pants can make my ass look good... I'm sold."

-Meiko

...and this is a video of Kelly Nishimoto herself from her Cute Booty party in 2008. Remember I told you that I don't really like Meiko's singing? Well, judge for yourself since her music is in this video (WARNING: some bad language featured):



To learn more about the "Cute Booty" pants from Kelly Nishimoto (or any of her other fashions), visit www.mycutebooty.com. To view specifically the My Cute Booty collection, visit the Cute Booty Pants collection.

--- Attention to Booty: Getting Your Attention ---

There are a number of ways to give your booty some attention. Some of the many ways will be expressed in this section. They are all based on my own ideas on improving your rear view rather so much than looking on fashion websites. So have a look:

Flap Pocket Bottoms.

^ from: www.denimdigest.com (best I could find) - Flap pockets can be quick attention-grabbers. Bottoms with detailed flap pockets (such as studs or certain sparkly details) add more attention to the butt.

From one website I read, those who don't have such copious backsides can add appeal to the rear by wearing flap-pocket bottoms. The most common flap pocket bottoms worn are flap pocket jeans and flap pocket shorts. Of course, there are also flap pocket skirts.

Bottoms With Unique Back Pocket Designs.

^ from: www.thetruereligionjeansoutlet.com (best I could find) - Certain designers, such as these True Religion jeans for women, are known for uniquely-designed pockets. The back pockets of these jeans are certainly attention-grabbing.

Certain bottoms with attention-grabbing pockets instantly adds attention. Embellishments, embroideries, and such can add some instant attention to one's backside. More intricate designs, especially on the butt or back pockets can be instantly appealing.

Graphics on the Butt.

^ from: www.hollywoodgrind.com (best I could find) - Bottoms with graphics on the butt can instantly add attention as people try to read what the back says.

If you've seen words on the butt of bottoms, those usually add some appeal instantly. For example, a pair of sweatpants or other athletic bottoms that have graphics or words on the back usually add rear appeal as people try to read what's on the back of the bottoms. The most common of these rear graphics are usually sporty cute bottoms (like sweatpants and running shorts) that have cute little words or messages on the back.

Active Bottoms.

[~~~ couldn't find a good picture... :( ~~~]

I have noted in my popular "Sporty Cute!" blog post of mine notes that some athletic bottoms make your butt look good. These are functional bottoms for the most part, tailored to athletic activity. The amount of comfort and form to some athletic bottoms are enough to make backsides look cute. The most common sorts of athletic bottoms are usually sweatpants, active capri pants, retro running shorts, yoga pants, and certain other fashion active bottoms with graphics or words on the butt.

Yoga pants are still relatively trendy. The most common ones you will see are yoga pants with bootcut legs. Their primary appeal lies in being a pair of pants that are both functional as well as sporty. Those who dare wear them usually either have come from a workout or just wear them to look cute.

Spandex or Knit Bottoms.

^ from: stylehive.com, by way of amiclubwear.com - Gaucho pants have been notorious for making truly unflattering rear views. However, a fabulous backside (as well as their comfort) is what makes such pants so stylish.

Spandex is usually a way to nicely showcase the curvatures of one's backside. Such bottoms conforming to the butt and legs often provide both comfort and style. These bottoms mentioned here range from active bottoms to more chic and stylish pants.


And... there's one more way to add some bootylicious appeal that does not require fashion:

Exercise!

When all else fails in looking hot from the rear, there's always exercise! You can always exercise to help tone up your body and look more attractive. This even applies to those females who have a flat booty and want to enhance their backside. So get up and get some exercise going! A number of different exercises and routines can be found online with these resources if you're planning on working out to tone up your butt. If you want some examples on exercise to enhance your butt, here are some resources for you (more may be added in future edits):
• Butt Exercises from Fitness Magazine - from Fitness Magazine
• 8 Dynamic Booty Exercises on FitSugar.com - FitSugar
• Butt Exercises from Seventeen Magazine - for my teen girl (Junior) audience
• "butt exercise" search results on YouTube

--- Attention to Booty: Final Thoughts ---

For a majority of my blog posts, I simply make mention to things because there are those who usually have interest in such topics. It is something I always consider when doing any sort of fashion-themed blog post or anything like that. I think everyone is beautiful in their own way. Not just feminine beauty, but all of us. Just because I've only made mention to the butt for this blog post doesn't mean I poke fun at someone just because they have a flat booty. I am not a guy who only likes a female for one specific body part. It doesn't mean I've praised those who have or are blessed with having a nice butt with this blog post. On the same end (and to express another blog post of mine), I was not saluting just ladies who have a lovely belly from my Belly Dancing post.

Everything expressed in this blog post was expressed with both education and entertainment in mind. I try to present everything with class, respect, and dignity; and I hope my efforts have paid off. One female shouldn't feel bad just because you don't have a backside worthy of drawing attention from onlookers. You are still beautiful and attractive regardless. Maybe you're not Jennifer Lopez or Inez Sainz (famous for their butts)... you don't have to be. You just have to be yourself. Be charming. Be unique. Develop your own swagger and charm. Look and feel your best in all you do and in all that you wear.

Another thing... don't get caught up with peers in society poking fun at you just because you don't have a full and copious backside. That's what makes John's Blog Space different- most other sites will poke fun at someone or something that [usually] mainstream society dislikes, while I try to offer some encouragement and some help. Some other website would probably try to mention this post's topic in a distasteful and disrespectful way while I've tried to discuss this same topic on a more acceptable level to many more people. Such sites would probably even make their own fake motivational pictures further belittling others. So I hope my blog post was a tasteful and fun way of talking about this topic. Hope you enjoyed it!





Having said all of this, I'm hopeful that you got to enjoy this blog post. I could have taken this to a different level, but I am not like that. I have tried my best to make this as world-friendly (my version of "safe for work") as possible. I present my material in a classy manner while also having fun with what I do.

Thank you for reading!

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Screw Up (or Screwup)

Ever feel like you bring bad luck to everything? Ever feel like you are cancer to a certain group of people? Being a screw up (and being recognized as one) ruins your self-esteem around others. Almost as if you potentially ruin everything you touch and affect, thereby making you feel unimportant. If you know you are a better person, but still get treated like you fail at everything, it is almost as if you are a time bomb- an impending explosion of failure is due to strike at any time. If you are already doing good, chances are, you'll choke and end up losing or looking stupid failing. This blog post will be my attempt at discussing being a screwup.

Basics of Screwing Things Up.

When someone feels like all they do is screw up and fail, their own self-esteem makes them completely vulnerable to failure. Depending on how one takes somehow screwing things up, one can feel like they are always failures or that whatever they do is not good enough. It is a feeling where disappointment reigns supreme no matter how much we try to do things right. This is basically a feeling where you are bound to fail no matter how many times you try to AVOID failing. No one person ever wants to be thought of or regarded as a failure. Some people, though, just become attached to one's screwups than what makes them otherwise great people. This all goes back to why I even discuss disappointment- I've been a disappointment to people for one reason or another. Where most YouTube people would laugh at my problems, I chose to try to empower others with my insight. That's why I love my blogging audience more than most YouTube idiots.

Trying to Remain Positive.

The most important thing to remember is that you are NOT a screwup no matter how many things you break or fail at. The worst feeling in the world is to feel like nobody cares about you, or at least don't see you as anyone capable enough to perform a task successfully. In addition, you can not be bound to your own disappointments. The beautiful thing about us humans is that we can change what we are not good at. If we are overweight, we cut down on pork rinds and beer and have more salads and some sort of light beverage (even water). If we are uneducated at something, we can work to study and learn new things. We do not have to be bound by our own failures. We do not have to feel like all we are good for is screwing things up.

Effects of Feeling Like a Screwup.

Those who feel like they screw up things a lot often feel unable to perform at a positive level. This feeling of being a screwup can lead leads to things like lower self-esteem, lack of ability to exercise, and in the most extreme cases- suicide. Some people feel like they are so much of screwups that they serve no living purpose. So to people who feel extremely worthless and purposeless, they try to badly injure themselves or even commit suicide. Being a screwup reaches its most intense when injury or death is involved. Then again, ANY emotional ailment reaches a boiling point when injury or death is involved. Just try to get some help or guidance if you extremely feel unimportant or useless.

Recognize Your Importance to the World and to Society.

You have to remember that you were put into this universe for many reasons- to make the most of your life and perhaps improve the quality of life for others. Not necessarily people you don't know, but also your friends and family. You have to put aside fear of defeat and try to focus on trying to do things right. It isn't going to be easy all the time, but it isn't impossible to avoid failure. You are not a failure. Remain strong and focused. Maybe other people should give you a better chance at things if you feel you are having a weak link with those you are trying to impress, even if the ones who put down are your own family. Try to keep your self-esteem up. And if you do eventually fail, then just remember- you are a human, and humans make mistakes. Just try to do much better next time around.

In Conclusion...

One more time... you are NOT a screwup. Try to get a grip on life (and reality), and try to live life happier and better. In addition, maybe certain people should be more respectful of your capabilities rather than always punish you or anticipate for you to disappoint.





Thank you for reading! I hope my insight can help you to feel better about yourself.

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Crying

When tears fall from our eyes, they can be for any number of reasons- happy moments, powerful experiences, and of course... falling on hard times. I can honestly tell you from my own personal experiences, crying is a powerful release that helps you to feel better eventually. We sometimes need moments to let out our innermost feelings. There have been times where I have felt terrible inside and feel like no one is around to console me in my weakest times. This blog post is about crying, mostly in negative times.

Crying and Toughness.

And if you're someone who questions one's manhood because of a man crying, realize something- we are all human. I think a lot of us assume that crying is a weakness and that real people don't cry. So a male who breaks down into tears over something is often seen as not being a real man. Almost like we're supposed to be unbreakable and real. Using "real" can be a total misconception. What many people consider real is in being tough and being impervious to all the worries in the world. In reality, though, we all have certain breaking points. It doesn't make you a weak person just because you get to be too emotional about things.

Crying as a Release (Negative).

As a release in bad situations, it usually shows that someone needs some support to avoid completely breaking down. For people who need help, crying is often a sign that one is weak and can't support himself/herself to deal with whatever is bothering him/her. The person hopes to receive some support from someone available who is able to help that person. For people who are reacting over doing something they did wrong (like a cheating spouse/lover or a child who breaks something valuable), crying is a sign of admitting wrong and begging for forgiveness.

There are implied words behind tears. There are feelings behind tears. What they are and what we wish would change depends on the situation. Regardless, the best release is through tears.

Crying as a Release (Positive).

There was a time when a friend of mine was concerned that she was raising her children by herself and that she was all the children have. She was obviously very sad having to go it alone being a mother and probably in tears posting the message. In an effort to help encourage and make her feel better, I sent a message on Myspace to her. She replied saying that she was crying, but crying happy tears knowing that there are people who care and that value friendship.

These are obviously what we call "happy tears." It's when there are people who feel so relieved and so loved that a release of happiness is exuded from someone. I feel happy knowing that I've helped a friend or a respected one feel better about himself/herself through calming words and encouraging words.

Other happy times to cry are when we experience beautiful things, laugh to a hilarious joke or moment, or become so happy with someone that we just break down crying. These are just positive releases to positive moments.

Crying and Compassion.

Sometimes, we think about things and have certain emotions that just bring us down. We can't solve our own problems all the time. I think crying and seeking compassion from others helps us to better bond with others and to feel free. If certain people are TRULY committed to making others' lives better for the better, they try to work with people rather than leave them on their own to struggle in life.

Tears for Peers.

Because there are people whom I respect or feel have mattered so much to me, I feel compassionate and concerned for people who have their issues. There are genuine people I've read about who have issues of some kind. My emotions are for these genuine people to have better breaks in life than what many of them are concerned about. When there are people who you care about and who care about you, you often wish them the absolute best life has to offer. Depending on whatever issues they have, you begin to really feel sorry for someone, to the point of tears sometimes. Almost as if your tears are a request you are making to the heavens to assist in helping someone in need.

Is it Okay to Cry?

Absolutely! You obviously feel terrible when... you are in terrible situations and environments. Would you rather evoke emotions of wanting change or let these terrible moments take control of your life? Crying is very acceptable. You are only weak when you cry if other people see you as a sorry excuse for a human being. You know, people who don't know how you REALLY feel.

There were times a few days after Hurricane Ike when I became concerned that life would return to normal. I was growing impatient that life won't return to normal any sooner. I've cried a few tears to myself as I wrote a little journal about feeling so sad while power was out at my house and in my neighborhood. At times back in college, I felt like nobody loved me and that I would disappoint those who most believe in me (I HATE disappointing people I love or care about). So in these times, I've cried. And if you cry often or easily break into tears, it doesn't mean you are a pathetic person. It just means there are issues with you that requires you to find someone or something to help get you through your issues.





Crying is a healthy release whether for positive or negative reasons. Do not be afraid or fearful of crying- you might end up feeling better you've let out your emotions! We all need time often times to gather up our strength again after being so weak. For those of who are depressed, crying is really a sign that we can't seem to go through life positively on our own.

To anyone who may be having some personal problems and have cried over them, I really hope life gets better for you. I hope you will be able to have your problems solved sooner rather than much later. Do remember that crying is a positive release. Please take care and be safe. Thank you for reading.

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Issues Regarding MTV's "16 and Pregnant"

One of MTV's latest hit reality TV series is "16 and Pregnant." This is a show basically chronicling the lives of teenage girls whom are dealing with being pregnant. It has given me an opportunity to think a bit more critically about some of the issues involving this show. I believe (don't know for sure) "16 and Pregnant" is a spinoff of "Teen Mom." I will be sure to express myself in my own way as I have done for 700+ blog posts here on "John's Blog Space."

NOTE: This blog post pertains to the show "16 and Pregnant" and is not a spinoff of my "Young and Pregnant" blog post.

WARNING: This blog post concerns a subject matter and themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Read at your own discretion.

--- Young and Pregnant: Retrospective ---

Before I talk about this show, let me offer some brief insight from my past blog post, "Young and Pregnant." These issues will lead up to me eventually talking about MTV's "16 and Pregnant" show.

I think back to The Maury Show in thinking about episodes where teenage girls are hellbent on being pregnant. I think most about one girl (I think her name was Nicole) who was 15 at the time. Her and her boyfriend, Cruz, were reluctant and willing to have their baby. Cruz was even reluctant to get a job at Chuck E. Cheese's to help financially support the baby. Also, I think back to many other teenage girls who were seriously wanting to become mothers at such young ages. Some of them on Maury end up going to Baby Boot Camp. This is where teens reluctant to have children face the harsh reality of being a mother. Many of these wannabe teen moms fail at taking care of babies from other mothers. If you can't take care of one baby from one parent, how can you take care of children that YOU have?

Something else I think back on was back in the 10th Grade, where I met a girl in my P.E. class at Milby High School here in Houston (this was the 1998-1999 school year for me). I talked to her a bit as she was the only pregnant girl in my class. I had to wonder what exercises she could do and things like that. As my high school times were going to Hell, I ended up in alternative school with more girls in my age range that were either pregnant or have given birth. It led me to wonder how girls within the age range of 13 to 18 could even be pregnant. The feeling was mostly surreal knowing how teenage girls can be pregnant and still be in grade school.

The biggest problem is that being pregnant at a young age really takes away from the sort of freedom you have as a young girl. Instead of hanging out with friends or going out to the mall shopping, you have the responsibility of becoming a mother to your child or children. In addition to school, you have to worry about being a parent while also going to school. EXTRA responsibility on your behalf. Why responsibility? Simple- taking care of children is a lifelong process. There is nothing "cute" about having a child. Wanting to be a mother is a serious responsibility that shouldn't be taken carelessly or haphazardly. It isn't like playing with baby dolls. Think about it- you are giving birth to, and having to manage and raise a child. You have to go through nine months while also staying fit and healthy for both yourself and your baby. After that, you will have to realize that being a parent is a lifelong task. Again- NOTHING "cute" about getting pregnant or wanting to have a child.

There are too many responsibilities to take into account, and you have only one precious life (including the one precious life your child/children will have). Making some poor decisions early in your life may haunt you for the rest of your life. Giving birth to and taking care of a child (or children) is not something most teenage girls still in grade school want to deal with. That's why something like being pregnant early in your life is just too much responsibility for a young girl to have. You should be focused more on school and enjoying your youth rather than concern yourself with being a mother, especially at a young age. Don't put extra responsibility on yourself (as well as your parents) by wanting to be a teen mom. Get school out of the way (graduate), THEN worry about marriage and motherhood.


With this out of the way, let's begin the main point of this blog post.

--- "16 and Pregnant" and its Issues ---

^ from: startingrumors.com (best picture I could find) - Being young and pregnant can be tremendously difficult in going through life while also nursing and providing for a baby.


The first question most people (especially older adults) would wonder is why a teen girl between the ages of 13 and 18 even have unprotected sex. Such parents would be furious at their teen daughters for them to be pregnant while still in Middle School or High School. Here are two more issues that I have with this whole deal:

Issue 1: Why Have Sex Before Age 18?

Unprotected sex at a young age will bring almost ANY parent into an uproar. The first order of business is to even envision that a teenage schoolgirl is pregnant. As we grow older, we begin to think about issues that will affect us later in life. One such aspect involves becoming a parent.

Issue 2: Accepting Being Pregnant as a Teenage Girl.

A big reason why this is such a huge issue is the fact that a girl still in Middle and High School should NOT be having children. While that is true, unprotected sex among teenagers still is a gripping issue. Having such unprotected sex lends itself to the possibilities of being pregnant. If the girl somehow gets knocked up, life changes forever, not just for the pregnant teen girl, but also for the possible teenage boy father.


Those are the two primary issues that come to mind for me with this show.

--- Stepping Up ---

It is important that the teen parents and their respective parents will have to step up to take care of a child or children. Accepting responsibility and living up to responsibility are both key elements in being successful as teen parents. Some parents are understanding and want to help their daughter make the parenting process a bit easier. Some, however, will only offer so much or hardly any support. Stepping up being parents is a responsibility for not only the teen daughter, but also the father of the child (or children).

--- A Harsh Reminder ---

Of all the themes involving teen pregnancy and having sex, it goes to show the potential aftershock of trying to randomly having unprotected sex with as multiple females as possible. It may sound cool for guys to basically have sex with whatever females they want and with as many as they want, but you run the risk of possibly getting someone else pregnant. That scorned female may want to go after you in Maury fashion by pinning a baby or babies on you. Especially if you are with some girl and you have sex with another woman, you may end up having to accept responsibility in being a father figure to a love child.

Don't have unprotected sex with others without considering the consequences of engaging in intercourse. Think ahead to prevent any future problems from occurring or arising. You have the decision to NOT have unprotected sex with a female as much as you have a choice to have unprotected sex with a female.

So think before you have sex. REALLY think.





As if it isn't obvious, you can read my related blog post, "Young and Pregnant" here on John's Blog Space, for more of my thoughts on being pregnant at a young age. Thank you for reading! If you're a fan of the show, why not Become a Fan of (Like) "16 and Pregnant's" Facebook fan page? If you're a fan of me and my online work, why not show your support by doing any (or all) of the following:

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Perfumes and Fragrances

Do you smell as good as you look? Perfumes and fragrances help you to smell as good as you look. They can help to add some extra appeal to you and your outfit. You have the ability to charm others nearby while also looking and feeling good. This blog post concerns such toiletries designed to help you smell your best while looking your best. Think of colognes and perfumes and such as finishing touches to enhance your appeal. I have even added body sprays to this discussion. It is a discussion on these items. I was not sure how to give an umbrella name to this topic, so I am going on the category of items on Amazon to name this post.

--- Perfumes and Fragrances at a Glance ---

^ from: life123.com - Various perfumes and fragrances can add a layer (or layers) of appeal to your looks.

Sometimes, making a fashion statement involves things you can't see. The aforementioned items in this blog post all help to provide some scent to your looks. These scents allow you to smell fresh and add to your appeal. You should be able to smell as good as you look. You may have seen old cartoons where characters are attracted to the sweet smell of something... then of course, something dangerous happens to them. Well, smelling good and having some sweet aroma around you can add to your appeal.

Let's go little-by-little in explaining certain fragrances. (sources: Wikipedia, WikiAnswers, eHow.com, and misc. other online resources)

Body Spray.

^ from: localcrewstaffing.com - Consider yourself warned. :) TAG is among many different makers of body spray.


^ from: www.zenzestasia.com - Body sprays are also for women, but you don't hear them mentioned much. This lineup is a set of cocktail-inspired body sprays for women from an Asian brand.

Body spray is the most casual, yet most effective way to smell your best. The likes of TAG, AXE, and BOD are among some of the most popular (especially among males). They can be looked on as casual cologne and even can double as deodorant. Body sprays don' Just spray on your body and get to smell good. What girl wants to be around a guy who looks good, but smells plain or like crap? I usually spray AXE and/or BOD to go with my looks.

Cologne.

^ from: wholesalemenscologne.com, by way of scene7.com - Aqua por homme cologne for men.

Applying cologne is great for providing a pleasant scent to compliment your looks. Cologne is classy and allows you to smell great apart from body sprays. Consider cologne for casual days or semi-formal functions. Cologne is bolder and lasts longer than body spray. According to eHow.com, cologne has about 5% to 8% concentration of essential oils to alcohol. So surely splash or spray more cologne because of this concentration of essential scents. Cologne is generally for men.

Perfume.

^ from: free-extras.com - "J'adore Dior!" :)

Long-lasting scent is offered with perfume. Smell good for hours with perfume. Perfume offers so much pleasant scent to go with your looks. However, they can be more expensive than cologne. In addition (source: eHow.com), the concentration of essential oils to alcohol is about 30% by volume. Perfume is a combination of multiple layers of scent to provide a powerful and long-lasting scent. Therefore, you don't need to regularly apply perfume every few hours because perfume provides long-lasting scent. Perfume is usually commonly worn by females.

Bonus Video! Check this classic video out, Dior fans!

What Do I Wear?

I mostly wear cologne now. I use Cuba Blue Paris Eau de Toilette Natural Spray. The Cuba Paris lineup of fragrances feature some fragrances shaped like Cuban cigars (their trademark). The bottle itself smells like a cigar (please note: I do NOT smoke, so I can not say with any distinction that I know what a good cigar smells like). I also have a Cuba Gold bottle of cologne, but I didn't like it that much. I used to wear BOD body sprays, but I mostly wear cologne now.

--- "Should I Try Perfumes or Fragrances?" ---

These items will help you to smell great along with looking great. Some cultures, however, disapprove of wearing cologne or some other artificial scents. I am not one to question or compromise culture, so this is completely up to you.

--- What Works Best? ---

I think it all depends on the setting and what you're wearing such scents for. I obviously don't want to wear body spray for a semi-formal or formal occasion. Likewise, I don't want to wear some major cologne for a casual day out. It depends on the setting. I think you need to visit perfume stores to REALLY know what good-smelling [especially] colognes and perfumes smell like. Perfume stores include actual perfume stores as well as perfume sections in department stores and malls. It's better that way because you can actually go to the store and smell the items yourself rather than rely mostly on reviews from other people. Also, certain people can be on hand to offer you free samples of certain cologne. So even if you aren't shopping for cologne, you can somehow get an idea as to what kind of cologne you may want to get in the future.

So if you know of any places that sell such items, you may want to visit those stores to help you in purchasing cologne or perfume that will vastly interest you.

--- A Warning About Certain Perfumes and Fragrances ---

If you are seeking low-priced cologne or perfume, you want to absolutely avoid any bootleg or phony items. Some fake cologne and perfumes feature any number of nasty or harmful materials. Materials like what, you ask? Well...

[Some] Materials Found in Fake Perfumes and Fragrances:
* antifreeze
* bacteria
* urine

Who wants THESE materials in their cologne to smell good? I absolutely don't want to smell like urine (let alone antifreeze or bacteria)! Quality cologne and perfume means spending quality money (unless you get some deals at a great price from one store). Remember earlier I discussed going to perfume stores? Another advantage to them (in conjunction with this section) is that you may ask for free samples of certain types of cologne or perfume. You will really have to do some detective work to tell if certain cologne is of any good and of good quality.

Here is a video showcasing what some fake perfume can feature. I recommend you watch this video to get a better idea of what fake perfumes can feature:


Bear these things in mind when shopping for perfume.


Maybe it's just me (and on a much less dangerous note), but I try not to put cologne or anything around my neck because I tend to keep trying to clear my throat or something trying to apply cologne to my neck. So I just put cologne on my upper body and my arms mostly.





That's it for this one. If you are interested in shopping for any kind of item mentioned in this post, you may look to Amazon and these widgets. The widgets are set to feature each of the three aforementioned items: body spray, cologne, and perfume. You may change the search text to include men's items or women's items.

Or, you may begin shopping for perfumes and fragrances on Amazon by visiting Perfumes and Fragrances on Amazon.

For Body Spray...

(TIP: add "men" or "women" to the default search text for more specific results)

For Cologne...

(TIP: add "men" or "women" to the default search text for more specific results)

For Perfume...

(TIP: add "men" or "women" to the default search text for more specific results)




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Wine

I usually do not discuss certain things that I am not comfortable discussing in my blog. One of those is on alcoholic beverages. I do want to open the floor a bit to talk about wine. I don't drink alcoholic beverages. If was to admit to something I would drink, however, it would be wine. I am not any kind of expert on any alcoholic beverage of any kind. Therefore, do not expect any professional analysis or commentary on wine from me. This blog entry is about wine. I'm about ready to pop the cork on another blog post of mine!

BEFORE I BEGIN...

Just so you know... I am honestly concerned doing a blog post on a topic like this. "Anything and everything that crosses my mind" is what I live by in picking topics for my blog. Then too, I limited some of the material in my go-go dancing blog entry (for example) because most of it wasn't suitable for a world audience. Despite my concerns, I must keep blogging and providing many topics for people to read about.

Because this blog post concerns a certain topic that is not suitable for all audiences (alcoholic beverages), I will provide a Jump Break to keep my blog as world-friendly as possible. You are reading at your own risk if you are not of legal age. Please click "Read More" if you are not reading this full blog post and are of legal age.

--- Wine in General ---

I've had only two kinds of wine- white wine (my favorite) and red wine. One time, my brother took me to an Indian cuisine restaurant. We had red wine with the food we had. My brother told me to swish around the red wine in my mouth to get rid of some of the lingering taste from the food.

There is just something to wine that makes it attractive to drink. Wine is a classy beverage with a sweet taste. I am used to white wine for the few times I've had wine before.

Health Benefits of Wine.

Can an alcoholic beverage like wine offer health benefits? In moderation, wine can actually help to reduce tension and anxiety. Moderation in drinking red wine regularly can lead to lower risk of coronary disease and certain cancers. Wine can help the elderly retain their cognitive functions. Light to moderate wine consumption also lowers the risk of peptic ulcers. The main factor in wine's health benefits are mostly upon healthy people who are regular drinkers of wine.

So when considering wine and health, drink wine regularly and in moderation. To learn more about the health benefits of wine, please visit my source for this portion at "Wine and Health" at www.winepros.org.

Making Your Own Wine.

I wouldn't think of making my own wine if I ever wanted to consider making wine. If you want to make your own wine, one attractive way to do so in the United States is to take part in Fresno State Winery. You can actually learn how to make your own wine by attending Fresno State and getting into their winery program. Of course, northern California is often referred to as Wine Country.

--- Wines of the World ---

Time to go on a world tour of wine. This is mostly a digest of places that make wine rather than specific brands of wine. I will not mention any specific wine makers in this blog post. If anything, I will just mention one maker and move on. All material is provided for educational purposes.

American Wine.

The biggest concentration of wine in the United States is mostly in northern California. In fact, I mentioned you could enroll at Fresno State University to take part in the Fresno State Winery. One of the most popular locations for wine making in NorCal is Napa Valley. Many fresh grapes and such are grown in northern California to make such savory wines. In fact, the states of California, Oregon, and Washington are some of the biggest in producing wine. Only the state of New York is the only non-West Coast state famous for its wines.

Chilean Wine.

Chile has a vast variety of vineyards. According to a YouTube video I saw released in 2009, Chile has been seen as a victim of its own success with overproduction of grapes.

Argentinian Wine.

The Argentinians are somewhat new to the wine industry. They hope to be one of the premier countries for wine making. The biggest winery in Argentina is Trapiche Winery with the Malbec one being their most popular wine. Perhaps the Napa Valley of Argentina is Mendoza, Argentina.

French Wine.

Bordeaux, France is often considered the Wine Capital of the World. There are many regions across France that are great wine-producing regions besides the western France city of Bordeaux. Other wine regions in France besides Bordeaux include the following: Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Côtes du Rhône, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Provence, Corsica, and South West.

Italian Wine.

The only other country I know best for wine is Italy. Even if you haven't been to an Olive Garden restaurant, you at least have to know that Italy loves their wine about as much as the French do. Italy is obviously as important a country in the wine industry as France (or any other big market wine nation). The only one that immediately comes to mind for me is Tuscany (since I mentioned Olive Garden).

Spanish Wine.

I honestly know very little about Spain being a wine industry capital. Spain is a beautiful country with many beautiful cities. I just know France and Italy better in wine than I do Spain. Some of Spain's regions for wine includes (but is not limited to) the autonomous community of Andalusia, La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Catalonia among many others.

German Wine.

Honestly, I know Germany better for beer than wine. Germany has 13 wine-making regions. Riesling is one of their most popular wines.

South African Wine.

It is generally southwestern South Africa that is the biggest wine maker not only in South Africa, but Africa in general. The Western Cape is responsible for most of the wine making and grape growing in South Africa. There are six major regions contributing to the production of wine in South Africa: Klein Karoo, Breede River Valley, Overberg, Cape Point, Coastal Region, and the Olifants River Valley.

Japanese Wine.

I only know Japan for sake as far as wine is concerned. Rice and water are the main ingredients of sake. Two of the largest regions for wine in Japan are Hokkaido and Yamanashi Prefecture. Yamanashi Prefecture grows its own grapes. Hyogo Prefecture (where Kobe is) has lots of independent wineries. Of Japan's prefectures, and including Hokkaido and Yamanashi Prefectures, about eleven Prefectures in Japan have wineries.

Australian Wine.

Believe it or not, Australia is the fourth-largest producer of wine in the world. One of the largest wineries in Australia is Yalumba. One of Australia's largest regions for wine is the Barossa Valley. Of all Australian States, the majority of all wine regions are either in New South Wales (Riverina in NSW is the largest-size region) or in Victoria. There are no wine regions (or no significant ones to my knowledge) in Northern Territory or Tasmania.

New Zealand Wine.

The largest producer of wine in the South Pacific (excluding Australia) is New Zealand. There are about nine wine regions in New Zealand; five of them on the north island and four on the south island. One of their finest wines is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir is also popular in New Zealand.


No matter where in the world you are, you can be assured that you'll have some wine to enjoy from various countries.





That concludes this blog post for the most part. If you want to learn more about various wines around the world, I can help you with some websites. Feel free to visit these links to learn more about certain varieties of wine worldwide. This section does not necessarily contain actual wineries themselves. Use these links to find wineries worldwide or to learn more about wines of various nations. I may add more links in future edits to keep this blog post fresh.

REMEMBER: You must be of legal age to view or interact with most of these sites.

--- Wine Links and Resources Online ---

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must be at least 18 years of age to view most of these links.


--- Wines of the World: General and Tours ---
These are non-regional sites you can use to learn more about wine, shop for wine online, and other things.

* the Wine Web - find wines from around the world from major wine producing nations.
* Wine-Searcher.com - search the Internet for various wines.
* Internet Wine Guide - overwhelming amount of wine resources online in one site.
* Lisa Shea's WineIntro - all the basics on wine and champagne with other resources are available here.

Wine Tours.

* Worldwide Wine Tours - plan a wine tour in one of many different locations!



--- Wines of the World ---
Region-by-region wines of the world. Remember- no links to actual wines or wineries are be featured here.

Wine: North America and South America.

* Napa Valley (wineries link)
* Fresno State Winery (America's only commercial winery on a college campus)
* All American Wineries
* Winery Locator by State (a directory of wineries in every US state! The District of Columbia has no wineries.)
* AmericanWinery.com
* American Wineries
* Wine Country - various resources on American wines including tours and blogs.
* WineAmerica - The Voice of America's Wineries
* Wines of Canada - learn more about Canada's wine industry.
* Wines of Chile - learn more about Chilean wine and find Chilean wineries.
* Wines of Argentina - other languages available
* Argentine Wines - learn more about wines of Argentina's Mendoza region.

Wine: Europe.

* Wineries of the United Kingdom on internetwineguide.com
* English Wine Producers - learn more about English wine.
* French wineries on wine-searcher.com
* Italy and Wine - learn more about Italy and its wines and wineries. Wine tours also can be planned here.
* Spanish Wineries - the wines of Spain are features here.
* German wineries on wine-searcher.com
* European Wineries - a directory of all wineries in Europe, including regions and countries I didn't mention in this blog post.

Wine: Africa.

* South African Wine Information - portal of information on South African wine.

Wine: Asia.

* Asian Wine Regions - besides Japan, find wine from other Asian nations.
* Wine of Japan | Ultra-Premium Sake
* Japanese wineries on internetwineguide.com

Wine: Oceania and the South Pacific.

* Australian Wines of Distinction
* Find a Winery - Australia - map-based directory of Australian wineries
* Wines of New Zealand
* NZ Wine - learn more about New Zealand's wines and wine industry.

(I tried to see if any South Pacific nations make wine, but Australia and New Zealand are the only significant ones in this international region.)




Thank you for reading!

Become a Fan (or Like) my Facebook Fan Page and subscribe this blog (and my others) via FeedBurner (or any other aggregator in the sidebar)! Visit (or subscribe):
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