Archive for January 2012

Keith Smart Leads Golden State to NBA Relevance

Golden State Warriors head coach Keith Smart is still probably best known for the shot that won the 1987 NCAA basketball championship for Indiana. Now, though, he is rapidly making a name for himself by leading the Golden State Warriors to respectability and perhaps even a Western Conference playoff berth this season.

The Warriors are currently 7-7 and trail only the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division. The team is on track for its first playoff berth since 2007, and the head coaching change from Don Nelson, 70, to Keith Smart, 46, is the primary difference.

Nelson seemed to hang around last year just to set the NBA record for career wins as a head coach. He left coaching the defense to Smart and often seemed disengaged during timeouts and post-game media conferences. Before this season began the Warriors paid off the last year of his contract for $6.5 million and sent him off to his hammock on Maui. Nelson’s last three NBA stops (the Knicks, Dallas, and Golden State) all ended poorly. It is doubtful that he will coach again in the NBA.

Smart, on the other hand, has brought tremendous energy to the Warriors. “Before the season began I approached each player and offered my hand,” he told KNBR, the Warriors flagship radio station. “I asked each one if they would let me coach them this season to make them better. I told them it might get rough at times, but I emphasized that it wasn’t personal, it was all basketball. If they didn’t agree, we would have to find another place for them to play. They all agreed in the presence of their peers and so far everyone has lived up to his end of the bargain.”

Keith Smart also seems to realize the importance of treating players like individuals. “Each day before I meet with the team I’ve already gone over the previous night. I’ve already asked myself ‘Who do I have to talk to?’ And I do it,” he told Monte Pool of the San Jose Mercury News. “I could put it on an assistant, but that’s like telling my wife to tell my 14-year-old son exactly what it is that I want to say.”

Keith Smart, who joined the Warriors prior to the 2003-04 season, has spent the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach with the club. Overall, the Baton Rouge, La., native has served a total of 11 seasons as an NBA assistant coach and has amassed 21 years of experience in professional basketball as either a player or coach. Prior to joining the Warriors, Smart spent three seasons in Cleveland, where he concluded his stint with the Cavaliers as the club’s interim head coach over the final 40 games of the 2002-03 campaign, going 9-31.

The Warriors have a solid lineup featuring guards Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry, power forward David Lee, and center Andris Biedrins. The question for the NBA’s Bay Area entry this season will be depth and how well equipped Keith Smart is to guide a team of professionals through the 82 game grind. An elbow injury to Lee led to two losses on a recent road trip, and Curry’s sprained ankle preceded a blowout loss to the Lakers. A look at the early returns when everyone is healthy, though, indicates that springtime playoff basketball is a distinct possibility in Oakland.

Paul Hirsch is a writer for ; Regal Black Mens Magazine

The publication focuses on ; African American Community News Politics Sports Health

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Visit to read about ; Keith Smart

The Premier League

When looking for the top soccer in the world one not get conflicted by believing the World Cup or the Champions League is the number one tournament in the world. You might be right when thinking the World Cup is the biggest event but it does not present the highest standard of football year in, year out. When you are looking for the best the Premier League is the number one spot in Europe and in the world. You will find many of the world’s premier players in the Premier League from Drogba to Torres to Ashley Cole to Carlos Tevez and many more.

The Premier League has been around since 1992 and is the top level of the English football league system. There are 20 different teams in the league and work with relegation and promotion with the The Football Championship League which has been around since 1888. Since its creation in 1992 it has become the largest league in terms of revenue with over 2 billion euros coming in for the 08-09 seasons. The Premier League has gone through 3 different title sponsors since its inception. Currently the Premier league is sponsored by Barclays making it the Barclays Premier League. As of this time it is the number one ranked league according to the Union of European Football Associations.

The Premier League is the forth highest grossing league or any sport in the world. It only trails the big 3 in the United States (National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association) making the Premier League the largest sports league outside of the United States.

The Premier League has been topped by four teams Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Manchester United since the league’s inception. These four teams have won all of the leagues titles. Manchester United leads the group with eleven championships but are being caught up by their rival and last years champions Chelsea. All of the 20 teams in the Premier League compete each year for the Malachite trophy which has the names of all the teams since the league’s inception are listed on the trophy. In 2004 Arsenal received a unique gold version of the trophy to signify them going through the season undefeated.

The Premier League also sends four teams to the UEFA Champions League. The top two placed teams will enter the group stage directly while the third and fourth placed teams gets placed into a knockout round that precedes the group format.

The main reason for the success of the Premier League is its presence on the world’s stage. The league is promoted as “The Greatest Show on Earth”. The world is watching also since it is estimated that over a half a billion people in over 200 countries follow the Premier League on a regular basis. Many teams regularly expand their global fan base by touring the World as part of their pre season fixtures, this also allows the opportunity to further expand their revenues. The facts are if you are looking for the best soccer in the world the Premier League is your league of choice.

Adrian Bryan writes for The Football Merchandise Store the web’s finest collection of Football Souvenirs and Football Merchandise

Can You Really Learn Self Defense Through Online Karate?

Self defense is just one of those activities that just about every person would like to do, but a majority of people don’t actually feel they really have the time to do it. Many parents are running their kids to 2-3 sports each week and they run out of time for themselves. One of the benefits of martial arts training at home is the ability to practice as a family. Additionally, a lot of people just want to learn self-defense, they don’t want to head off to class each week and make the time commitment that martial arts training entails. For many people, the alternative to traditional training is becoming karate online. With the advancements in video, training online has never been easier.

Another reason people refrain from taking classes is intimidation. No one truly wants to feel like a newbie and entering a dojo is often a completely new environment for many individuals. Going into a martial arts school initially while everyone is yelling and screaming is often really intimidating. One thing to keep in mind, is you have to start somewhere and sometime. What if you could be taught from home or at least study the basics before you decide to walk in the door?

I wouldn’t really know what style to learn, I am new to this! This is yet another explanation I hear from those who would like to practice self defense but don’t know where to begin. There are literally countless numbers of fighting styles around and it can be tough to determine which one will provide you with the self-defense training you’re looking for. What if you could choose the movements you wanted to apply or even better, have a professional take you step-by-step through the system, from the comfort of your own home?

Where should I go to practice, there are a ton of martial arts schools in the yellow pages? Depending on where you live, the quantity of traffic, plus the class times, it can be a lengthy commute. Unfortunately, most martial arts schools class times are in the evening at the same time as other family activities. Upon arriving at class early to warm-up, workout, and drive home, a significant chunk of your night could be gone. What if you were in a position to decide what time and where you studied?

Not too long ago there was a time when college classes online were considered a fantasy, now hundreds of thousands of people all over the world earn degrees by taking classes online. It has been proven that you can still learn, study, practice, and put to use, techniques that you learn online. Martial Arts and self defense training are actually pursuing that same path. The advantages of learning a fighting art include more confidence, fat reduction, more muscle, overall flexibility, and a good deal more. If you’ve ever made some of these excuses, you owe it to yourself to take a look at choices of learning self-defense online.

Scott Polderman has trained thousands of students over the past 20 years. He currently runs one of the largest online Black Belt Academies at http://www.BlackBeltSite.com. If you would like a Free Video emailed to you each week, stop by the site, you will be glad you did.

5 Tips For Getting a Cheap Las Vegas Grand Canyon Skywalk Tour

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is definitely one of Las Vegas’ hottest natural attractions. Tour prices are all over the map, and most of them are ridiculously high. But deals exist. Here are some ideas on how to get them cheaply:

1. Take an all-inclusive tour. There are three kinds: Bus, helicopter, and airplane. Bus is the cheapest; helicopter is the most expensive. Airplane tours are in the middle because they can fly up 17 people at once.

2. Don’t buy from third parties. You will pay more if you purchase a tour from a travel agent, an online broker (e.g. Viator), or a hotel concierge. In Vegas, be wary of street-side ticket vendors – there’s absolutely no guarantee what you’ll end up getting.

3. Buy direct. You are essentially purchasing wholesale when you buy straight from the tour operator.

4. Book in advance. Several months are best. Try to avoid booking less than two weeks out. Expect to pay dearly for next-day and same-day reservations.

5. Book on the Web. Internet reservations save tour operators a lot of money. The good companies pass a significant portion of these savings to you. The sites I used to book trips are safe and secure, and I’ve never had a mix up with my reservations.

I researched the Internet for the best Las Vegas Grand Canyon Skywalk tours deals. Here are my findings:

Bus

Grand Canyon Coaches led the pack. Its all-inclusive West Rim bus tour with Skywalk costs $129. Travel is aboard a state-of-the-art luxury bus. Includes, professional driver-guide, Skywalk tickets, BBQ lunch, and a tour of Grand Canyon West.

Helicopter

Papillon Helicopters smoked the competition. Its Skywalk tour came in at $375 (regularly $469). That’s nearly 20 percent cheaper than what other operators were asking. Includes the deluxe EcoStar 130 helicopter (its cabin size is 25% larger than that of conventional helicopters), BBQ lunch, and rim-top guided tour.

Airplane

Grand Canyon Airlines was the clear winner. Its Skywalk air tour cost $200 (regularly $349) and uses a Vistaliner aircraft, a fully customized fixed-wing aircraft designed precisely for sightseeing. Includes lunch and a guided-tour of the rim.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, a joint venture between a Las Vegas businessman and the Hualapai Indian Tribe, extends 70 feet over the edge of the rim and lifts you more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The structure can hold 120 people at one time. Its horseshoe-shaped deck is made of 46 Saint-Gobain Diamant low-iron glass panels that cost $250,000 each. Cameras and personal electronics are banned because if dropped they could chip the deck.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas, make the Grand Canyon Skywalk a “must-see” attraction. Located just 120 east of town, the Skywalk can be reached by bus, helicopter, and airplane. There’s a tour for each budget. To get the right deal, book direct on the tour operator’s Internet site where costs are going to be at or near wholesale. Then stand back and prepare yourself for what will be the experience of a lifetime.

Travel writer Keith Kravitz reports on Grand Canyon tours. If you found this article about the Grand Canyon Skywalk helpful, check out his tour review site at http://www.GrandCanyon123.com

Shark Teeth a Symbol of Danger and Beauty

The shark is a symbolization of both beauty and peril, and has existed since the human race took thier first adventures across the sea. A shark has an unforgettable smile.

The teeth associated with a shark are not connected to the bone of the jaw, but have proven to be embedded in the dental tissue layer. Very different from humans, sharks shed their teeth endlessly all through their life. Just like a conveyor belt, the new teeth proceed ahead so that the shark is under no circumstances lacking or deficient in teeth, mainly because living without having them would certainly be destruction or extinction for them. How the teeth are shed is much like the procedure in which the scales of a fish are shed. For most sharks about every fortnight (two weeks) they will have new teeth to use, for the great white shark teeth are usually dropped every hundred or so days depending on the age and health of the shark.

Sharks ordinarily have two to three rows of teeth, though you will find plenty of notable exceptions, including the whale shark, which has a phenomenal three hundred rows of teeth. There are sharks that have serrated teeth for instance the tiger shark and the magnificent great white shark. You will also find smooth teeth coming from such sharks as the mako shark. With all this diversity the sharks tooth is perfectly suited to fit the needs and lifestyle of this beautiful creature.

Finding a fossil shark tooth is a wonderful thing to add to your collection. They maybe the most beautiful thing to use as a decorative center piece.

One of the most amazing shark tooth is the Mako sharks. They are available in a variety of colors along with the common white. Mako Shark teeth may resemble little gems cut in the form of a tooth. These are perfect for jewelry. Can you imagine wearing something with such and amazing history, the tooth of a shark once used to hunt deep in the ocean. This truly is a priceless piece of history.

A different but very beautiful type of fossil is the megalodon sharks teeth. These are very large, easily filling up the hand of a grownup. Because of their massive size megalodon teeth are obviously not very well suited for the use as jewelry but are a great for display. They would likely make a very eye catching paper weight that all your friends would talk about at the office.

The online world undoubtedly is a good resource for buying shark teeth to add to your collection. It is also a great place to learn more about all the different types of teeth available. Collecting the teeth of a shark is actually a cruelty free practice that you simply feel good about, simply because no animals are killed for their teeth, unlike other animal treasures for instance ivory and fur. The teeth will never be needed by the shark anymore, and there is actually a truly endless supply.

Buy Fossil Shark Teeth For The Lowest Price Online: sharkteethforsale.org. We have found the best highest quality Shark Teeth for sale on the web.

Do You Play Golf In Athletic Shoes?

There are many people playing golf in athletic shoes and yes they might do ok in them, but there are so many disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of stability when swinging your golf clubs. You can lose your balance, you lack the power to take a full swing and your swing will lack accuracy. It is recommended that you get yourself a pair of golf shoes, but first lets see the benefits.

Whether conditions

Playing golf in wet, windy, cold conditions can be difficult and hard on your feet if you are not wearing the correct footwear. Although it is mostly hardcore golfers that play in these conditions. There are golf shoes available that will benefit you in almost any weather condition. Most shoes are waterproof and will keep your feet warm from the cold. There is also a range of water-resistant shoes that are more beneficial for the summer. These shoes make it easier for your feet to breathe in hot conditions, especially if you are walking the golf course.

Comfort

Golf shoes have come a long way in this department by integrating athletic shoe features into their designs. This is good news for all the golfers that enjoy a good walk.

Style

This is another area where golf shoes have come a long way. The shoes of the past followed saddle-oxford convention, complete with hideous tassels. Thankfully those days are gone.

Many of today’s shoes mimic athletic styling to the point where there are identical. They come in a variety of styles and designs that will help you look and feel your best on the course.

Traction and stability

Without traction you wont be able to perform to your best ability. The plastic cleats at the bottom of the shoes help you dig your feet into the ground for extra stability. This alone will improve your game dramatically. They help on slippery wet surfaces and without a doubt are very important in taking a good, accurate, powerful shot.

One of the most important places golf shoes come into play is in the bunkers. Golfers are not allowed to ground their club or take a practice shot in the sand and it can be difficult to keep your balance on this ground. You can gain stability by digging your shoes into the sand in a side to side motion. Then it’s just a matter of executing your shot.

Expense

You might need to do some shopping around, but you will find that you can get a decent pair for as little as $60. A very good pair will set you back around $150 and the most expensive shoes wont cost much more than $400. You will most likely get more for your money by shopping online. Looking online is a good way to see the shoes that are available on the market as well.

As you can see golf shoes are a major part of golf equipment. There is a huge range and many brands in the market to choose from.

At Comfortable Golf Shoes, we’re committed to helping you find the best golf shoes on the market by giving you a wide range to choose from. We offer high-quality, stylish, waterproof, turf-gripping and, most of all, comfortable golf shoes from the best brands in the business, including FootJoy, Nike, ECCO and adidas. Take a look at the golf shoes we have on offer.

Golf Tips For Beginners to Get the Basics Right

Because a round of golf can be played by all ages and abilities together through its equitable handicap system it is extremely popular. If you don’t have the time or fitness level to play 18 holes (approximately 4 hours) you can play 9. It’s great exercise and is played in picturesque surroundings.

If you want to be certain that you are getting your game started on the right track get a golf pro to check your equipment to make sure it is suitable for you and also give you some lessons on the correct golf swing etc. You want to get the basics correct from the start.

Here are some golf tips for beginners -

Golf Clubs

Firstly you are going to need a set of golf clubs. There is a large range to select from which can be very confusing. To prevent problems with unsuitable clubs get advice as to which clubs would be suitable for you from a club fitter or golf professional. Buying a half set of clubs to start with is an alternative option. Another decision is if you will buy a stand bag which you will carry or use a trundler. When choosing a bag ensure that it has ample pockets for clothing, balls etc.

Starting to Play

A sound way to get started is with a course of lessons which will teach you the correct basics. Often beginners will start by playing a few rounds of golf with family and friends and learn that it is harder than they realised. When they finally seek help from a professional to play better golf, countless faults have to be undone before the proper basics of golfing technique can be taught.

Warm Up

It’s a sound idea to get into a routine of warming up before you play. It is vital that you do some loosening exercises to warm up your muscles before you go to the tee and hit the first ball.

Golf Rules and Etiquette

Consideration towards your fellow players is a must. Be mindful of their safety and take good care of the course. Treat others as you would wish to be treated and leave the course as you would like to find it. Replace your divots, repair your pitch marks and rake the bunkers before you leave them. Be considerate when someone is taking a shot and watch the flight of the ball so you can help if it gets lost. There are numerous rules to be learnt. Always have a rule book in your bag so if you need to you can refer to it. The best way to learn the main rules and etiquette is by playing with experienced players who can explain them to you when the need arises during your round of golf.

Golf is a challenging sport but these golf tips for beginners will help you get off to a good start and if your prepared to practice you will soon improve your golf and become addicted to the game.

Get your game off to a good start by following these golf tips for beginners and you will soon play better golf. Golf Putting Drills will also help you improve your golf.

Bingo Websites

Are you looking for fun but you do not know where to start? Don’t worry each of us feels the same way at any point during the day. But do you know that there are UK bingo websites that are not only fun and simple to participate in but will surely make the most out of your time with chances on winning great and wonderful prizes. The following UK bingo websites below will certainly have something for you to enjoy:

* Tombola Bingo – with over 1500 players who are online, at Tombola you are in for a big surprise. It is one of the biggest bingo sites online in the UK. Being an exclusively british site, it only accepts UK participants. It is so easy to play at Tombola because it uses Flash technology so no tedious downloading times for players. Just log in and you are good to go. It has five 90 ball bingo clubs such as Spectrum club, Harlequin club, Mosaic club, Rainbow club and the Kaleidoscope club. There are good things about each of these clubs such as your ability to join three different chatrooms for each club and your option to change the colour of your screen background. Your deposits at Tombola may be done through Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Delta, MasterCard, Solo and Maestro;

* Foxy Bingo – It is one of the UK bingo websites that has garnered great reviews from many satisfied players. Because of this it has become one of the biggest UK bingo websites today. If that isn’t enough, you can see from time to time the advertisement of Foxy bingo on TV, and that says a lot in terms of popularity! There are great jackpots at Foxy bingo with prizes as high as £50000 at 2x per week. It has 9 main bingo halls that has 90 and 75 ball bingos for everyone to enjoy. The graphics in this site is up there in terms of fun and clarity. It has a loyalty scheme that gives out 5000 points just by inviting your friend to their website.

* Game Village – This is one of the fastest growing UK bingo websites in the market. Proud of its host of games, it has grown and taken the bingo world by storm. With an incentive of £50 for every friend that you invite to joing, what is there not to like about this website? The promotions of Game Village take into consideration that Bingo is about fun and each one of Game Village’s promotions do not fall short every time. It has arcade games, slots and casino games for those who want variety. The chat feature in this site is superb with Chat hosts who are friendly and willing to assist you everytime. The jackpots are high and given away everyday.

These are the UK bingo websites that will have something to offer for every fun loving bingo player out there. Each of them has an intuitive web interface that requires no downloading which means that you are ready to play everytime once you log in with them. Have fun with bingo like never before. Try any one of them and know the difference.

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Finding Inspiration in Free Amazing Wallpapers

Inspiration at work may come from any forms. It can be something tangible or abstract, and it may not be too far from reach. In the monotonous routine of office work, there is basically a need for inspiration to avoid being burned out. If you cannot think of something that will keep you inspired and amused for a while, you may opt to change your desktop background into something like a beach escapade or a winter adventure in the mountains. It is no joke; you will actually find these backgrounds very much inspiring.

There are sites in the internet that offer free downloadable wallpapers for computer desktops. All of the wallpapers are suitable for different operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Macintosh. They are also made to match the existing display resolutions; in fact, they are even categorized according to resolutions so that people may download what is best for their display settings. Most of the wallpapers are made out of photographs, while others are of high-quality illustrations. The best thing about these wallpapers is the way they seem to come to life. They look very realistic, especially those that are under the category of nature. Even if the wallpapers are illustrated, they have the appealing quality of photographs.

Users are being offered with a lot of themes and designs for desktop wallpapers. There are the nature-inspired themes such as the mountanous landscapes, wildlife and the shrubberies. Now you can get a spectacular view of a snowy summit without even leaving your seat. It is right there from your desktop screen. Even the underwater world and the seemingly impenetrable galaxies are now being brought to you through the amazing photographic wallpapers. Looking at them is simply a pure pleasure.

Fans of Hollywood celebrities can also have their favorite stars right from their own computers. There are celebrity wallpapers that are available online for free. These people are indeed within your reach. You can look at them every once in a while without being whisked away. Exclusive photographs of Hollywood celebrities from their movie stints are also being offered at no cost.

3D or three-dimensional wallpapers are currently the “in” stuffs these days. They are popular simply because they never look so ordinary. You can never get bored with these wallpapers. They seem to be very much alive and this is what makes them more appealing to the users. There are several designs available for 3D wallpapers. Abstract themes are commonly adopted in 3D.

If you prefer to look for something specific, you can still come up with great results. All you have to do is to type a keyword in the search box. Because there are plenty of themes in store at every download site, you will surely find the best wallpaper having that particular subject.

Are you getting tired of your current desktop wallpaper? You can take a look at some of the free offerings at http://www.mwallpapers.com/. It has bursting reserves of high-quality wallpapers that will surely look good in your computer desktop. From natural landscapes to celebrity wallpapers, you can definitely have a grab of what this site offers for free.

Are you looking for more information regarding free wallpapers? Visit http://www.mwallpapers.com/ today!

Felted Wool: Why we Love It

Felted wool is indispensable in our daily lives worldwide. We wear it, we create with it and we protect ourselves and the things we love with it. How did we get from shearing a sheep to creating such a multi useful fabric? Let’s start with what is this thing called felt?

Felting is the process of boiling wool fibers and applied pressure. The boiling process and pressure makes the fibers entangle and interlock together which forms a matted wool fabric. This process makes the felted fabric strong and durable, resistant to tearing and changing of shape, while still retaining the original properties of the wool. This article discusses the history of felted wools as well as its uses throughout time. Let’s get started.

History: When and where was it discovered and used?

It’s been said that early man used fur pelts to keep themselves protected from the elements. Using the fur against their bodies, it heated up from perspiration and the fur began to matte, thus creating the earliest known felt. While others believe that felting was discovered by Saint Clement. The fourth bishop of Rome in 100 A.D. discovered felt accidentally whilst running from his enemies. He wrapped wool around his feet to protect them from the rocky, uneven surfaces, when he arrived at his safe destination; the wool had been heated up from perspiration and had matted together creating a tough durable fabric and the first application of felted wool which was shoes. Whatever history you believe, there is a rich history to the beginnings of felted wools.

Archeologist’s uncovered stone burial chambers in Siberia which contained felt fragments. These fragments were made from both course and fine sheep’s wool to make everything from rugs and cushions, to socks and shawls. These ancient Siberians had even dyed their felted fabrics into distinct patterns and artistic designs.

Also, archeologists discovered the practice of felt making was used by the nomadic people of Central and Northern Asia throughout the centuries to present day. It’s said that they used the matted fibers for rugs, tents and clothing.

Felted wool uses today:

Felt is used today all over the world in many different industries. Everything from cars to home construction felt is the natural element that binds us and our environment together.

Automotive-Used to dampen sound and vibrations between metal panels, keep dirt away from joints, and to protect the body from the elements. It is also a natural insulator, thus is used to insulate the inside of the car to the exposed outside elements.

Musical instruments- Felt creates better sound quality. It protects metal cymbals from their stands, as well as creating a better cleaner pitch. Pianos use felt to protect and dampen the wooden keys, creating a truer, dampened sound. Felts other properties of denseness and springiness creates the overall tone of the piano’s sound. Accordions, guitars, violins, basses and many other instruments all use felt for these same qualities.

Entertainment-Felt sticks to itself naturally, which allows it to be used to tell stories with felt cut outs for children. It can be used for stuffed animals and puppets, as well as soft toys. Felt is also the foundation of billiard tables to cover and protect the slate surface, as well as provide a durable and even surface for the marble ball to glide across.

Clothing and accessories- Felt hats have long been the mainstay of fashion and function. From fedoras to bowlers, felted hats can be formed into any size and style desired. Wool does not naturally cling to the skin like cottons, nylons and other poly blends. This means the woolen fibers allow for air circulation, leading to its comfort of wear. Wool is absorbent to water, but also has the ability to release moisture. Think again about sheep, the moisture does not get trapped against the skin, but instead gets whisked away from the skin. This prevents the clammy, cold feeling you get when you sweat in other types of fibers.

Felted wool suits are used in the fashion industry because it’s durability as well as the ease at which one can design new styles. Overcoats, scarves, purses, gloves and mittens, felted wool can withstand and surpass any synthetic fiber. Felted wools can be easily trimmed with leathers and suedes for fashion and function purposes. It mixes well between different wool blends lending to the softness and comfort of cashmere and angora felted wools.

Art- Textile art and design has its roots in felting because of its vast qualities, and its ability to retain its structure regardless of cutting and dying. From 3D felted structures, as well as 2D wall hangings and floor coverings. From abstract to surreal to ecological art work, its ability to retain it’s desired structure as well as its natural ability to take on any color with ease lends to the artist the perfect base for creating.

The uses of felted wools are ongoing. We are now looking to its natural properties to further the environmental movement. Environmentally and ecologically, felted wools can be re-used many times over and still retain its qualities. The future of this great fiber is only limited only by our creativity. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Visit http://www.janestaffordtextiles.com for spinning wheels and looms, wide selections of yarns and several patterns to choose from.