Inthenewmovie\"JurassicParkIII,microsoft office coupon code 2013 \"paleontologistDr. IanGrant(playedbySamNeill)getsthelabel\"dinosaurman\"fromanadoringyoungster. ButArgentineanpaleontologistRodolfoCoriaistherealthing. Consideredtheworld\'smostrenownedpaleontologist, Coria\'sworkiscenteredinArgentina\'sPatagoniaregion, hometosomeoftheoldest, largestandmostunusualdinosaursontheplanet. He\'sledexcavationsoftheworld\'sbiggestmeateater, the47-foot-longGiganotosaurus, andthelargestdinosaurofanytype, theArgentinosaurus, whichweighedover100tons. Castreplicasofbothoriginalsarefeaturedinanewexhibition, \"GiantsoftheMesozoic, \"attheFernbankMuseumofNaturalHistoryinAtlanta. ThedisplayisavailableforviewingnowbutwillhaveitsofficialopeningonAug. 25, whenitbecomesapermanentpartofthemuseum. Coria, atall, dark-haired42-year-old, isinAtlantathisweektooverseefinalpreparation. Hetalkedabouthislife\'sworkanddinosaurs-realandmovie-made-withNEWSWEEK\'sVernE. Smith. NEWSWEEK:Whatdoyouthinkaboutthe\"JurassicPark\"movies? RodolfoCoria:Ihaven\'tseenthenewoneyet, butIreallylikedthefirsttwobecauseIlikesciencefiction, dinosaurmoviesandSpielberg. Butpeoplehavetobeveryawarethatwatchingthesemoviesisnotawaytolearnaboutdinosaurs. It\'sjustentertainment. HowclosedoesHollywoodcomeindepictingtheworldofdinosaurs? Intermsofmovement, shapeofthebody, thevolumeofthemuscles, andhowfastsomedinosaurscouldrun, thatisaccurate. Theyareshowingwhatweknowaboutthemnow. Inthecurrentfilm, oneofthemajorplotpointsrevolvesaroundthecommunicationskillsofraptors. Howrealisthat? Ithinkthatisgoingvery, veryaheadofourknowledge. Wedoknowthattheclosestrelativestodinosaursarebirds. Birdsareactuallymeat-eatingdinosaurs. Andweknowthatbirdscommunicatewitheachother. Theyhaveavocalizationalltheirown. Theycan\"shoot\"answersfromtheirrelatives. Soitcouldbepossiblethatdinosaursdidthesamething. Wedon\'thavetheevidence. Butit\'spossible, andit\'sreallyfun. Theraptorsinthismoviearegivenalmosthumanlikeintelligence. Howbrainyweredinosaurs? WeknowthatTroodontids, oneofthelastgroupsofmeat-eatingdinosaursbeforeextinction, hadaverylargebrain, largerthananyotherdinosaur. Theirbrainwasalsolargerthananyothermammalthatlivedatthattime. ANorthAmericanpaleontologistnamedDaleRussellproposedabout20yearsagothatiftheextinctionofthedinosaurshadn\'tcomeabout, thisgroupofdinosaurscouldhavekeptdeveloping, enlargingtheirbrainsandcouldhavebecomesmarterthanotherdinosaurs. Whyistheresuchafascinationwithdinosaurs? That\'sveryinteresting, becauseIdidn\'thavethisfascinationwhenIwasakid. Ijustbecameascientistbecauseofaslowevolutionfrombiologyingeneraltofossilfaunaandthentoextinctfaunaandthentodinosaurs. WhenIstartedtostudydinosaurs, IdiscovereditwassomethingIlikedtodo, butIdidn\'tfeelthismagicfascination. IthinkthisfascinationisatypicalAmericanculturalphenomenon. Itdoesn\'thappeninanyothercountry, inmyopinion. Kidsandteenagers, atsomepoint, arethecenterofthisfascination. Grownpeoplearen\'treallyinterestedindinosaurs, buttheywerewhentheywerekids. Thislocalfascinationstartedwhenthefirstdinosaurexhibitwasputtogetherintheearly1800sinNewYorkandsupportedbytheAmericanMuseumofNaturalHistory. Itwasahit, andthenseveralothermuseumsinthestatesbecameinterestedindinosaursandbegantobuildtheirownexhibits. Thisdidn\'thappeninArgentina. TheonlydinosaurexhibitformanyyearsinArgentinawasatLaPlataMuseum. Thatseemsodd, givenhowmuchfossilworkgoesoninArgentina. IthinkinArgentina, anewgenerationofpaleontologistsstartedtoworkveryhardinthelast10to15years. Tothatpoint, therewasonlyonepersonresearchingdinosaurs, Dr. JoseBonaparte, whowasmyteacher. Hewassurroundedbyagangofstudents-whichwasus-andallofusareactivepaleontologistswhogrewupundertheshadowofBonaparte. Ithinkthat\'swhyArgentinahastakenthisfrontlineplace[indinosaurresearch]. It\'snotbecauseArgentinasuddenlybecameaveryrichareaofdinosaurs. Argentinasuddenlybecameaveryrichareaofpaleontologists. ButwhataboutthepeculiarityofthesizeofthefossilsuncoveredinArgentina? SomefactsareshowingsomepeculiaritiesintheSouthAmericanfauna, andwearetalkingaboutArgentina, theNeuquenProvinceofPatagonia. It\'seasiertofinddinosaurfossilsinPatagoniabecauseofthedryweatherandlackofhugevegetation. Thequestionofwhytheyweresobig-Idon\'thaveananswer. Ineveryecosystem, theplanteatersarealwayslargerthanthemeateaters, always. Still, thesizeoftheseguysiscompletelyoutofscale. Thissizewasneverrepeatedagaininthewholeevolution. The\"JurassicPark\"moviesalldepictadinosaurworldwheretheanimalsmoveinherds. Howmuchscientificevidenceofthatisknown? WedoknowaboutthesocialbehaviorofplanteatersbecauseoftheverygoodfootprintsitesinNorthAmerica. Thelong-neckeddinosaursusedtomoveinherdsbecausethefootprintsoftheseherds. WerecentlydiscoveredanestingsiteinPatagoniathatconfirmsthatthesauropodlaideggs. Beforethat, wewerenotsure. Butwefoundextensivenestingareaswithmillionsofeggswithembryosinside. Raptoreggsalsoplayaprominentroleinthenewmovie. Raptorsareadifferentproblem. Wedon\'thaveanyrecordofraptoreggs. Weknowvelociraptors, thesmallversionoftheonesinthemovies, laideggs. Wefoundwhatwecallamega-raptorinPatagonia, about20feetlongwithalmostafoot-longclawthatcouldbecomparabletotheonesinthemovie. Theseguyswerevery, veryfast, verysophisticatedrunninganimalswhocouldjump. MoviepaleontologistsseemtofavortheIndianaJonesfedora. What\'sthefavoredheadgearonarealdig? [Laughs]Youknowwhat? Givemesponsorship, andI\'lluseanykindofhat. GivemeNikesponsorship, andI\'llwearaNikehat. IhaveseentheIndianaJoneshatonsites, butIdon\'tknowwhichcamefirst. GetNewsweekonyourTablet

lopsided canoeist mark oldershaw hungry for redemption 2.Nike Online Store Coupons Jewelry: Some of the most eye-catching baubles are made of stuff that had a past life--and many of them can be found on Etsy, a global network of artisans selling handmade works. Take, for example, Wired Originals' dainty pieces fashioned from 100 percent reclaimed silver. Yamanba is now more extreme, and hair is often multicoloured and usually synthetic. 2008's Manba has seen a darker tan, and no facial stickers. Hair is usually neon/bright colours, with pink being a favourite. you dealing with traditional media outlets, such as print magazines, request a media kit, Wacek says. always comes with an audience breakdown. many Web hosts can afford to spend a great deal on marketing, their Web sites become their best salesperson and marketing tool. "The economical and sensible way to do it is to clear and grub the land, " said Gennoe. "Hopefully this will be done and the purchase and sale agreement will be signed. Then I can come back to council and request funds to complete the lot. How the Millenium Comes Violently: I really enjoy this book for a number of reasons. First being that i am super interested in cults, mostly american ones, and this book goes through all the most important/weirdest ones. Like why people want to try to better their lives and find spiritual happiness and how the media blows it all out of proportion because god forbid anything should threaten fucking coca-cola and christmas. . Hong said it was too early to tell if Peng high-profile public appearance signaled that she would be playing a more significant role in Chinese politics than her predecessors, who unlike many of their Western counterparts have been largely unseen. good that finally China has a very pretty, very beautiful first lady and she can hopefully speak up for a lot more and complement whatever Xi wants to say, in a way, like all first ladies do. retailers have sought to associate their products with what news portals are terming the Liyuan style, with searches for those key words resulting in lists of handbags and trench coats, many of which did not even resemble the items she wore. From Big Mixed Cabochon Style Stones. to Daring over The Top Rings in Diamante. and Extravagant Chandelier Earrings. Big is beautiful! Although this trend has been with us since late 2011 the big ring is still bang in vogue. Multiple big rings stackable bracelets is a great look. Bling it up with animal, Egyptian or floral motifs.

Mark Heyes fashion webchat l Fashion l Lorraine Mark Heyes' webchatLet Mark be your personal stylist in tomorrow's fashion webchat tomorrow at 9.McAfee Coupon 30am - join us right here with your questions! If you've been struggling for years to find your dream jeans or maybe you've got a party coming up that you want to look amazing for? Or you'd love to wear a peplum or the latest stripes but you're not sure if they suit you? Fear not, our fashion guru Mark will be here to answer your style questions live - right here tomorrow at 9. 30am. Join him! He can't wait to hear from you! Hot searchesThe OlympicsLatest weatherKate MiddletonThe WantedMartin Lewis One DirectionDan LobbJLSCredit ratingSave money Save £££sDealsPlay to winOnline and high-street discounts (External link)Find 0% credit cards (External link)Compare store prices (External link)Switch energy supplier (External link)Free shopping vouchers (External link)Cashback offers (External link)Free supermarket coupons (External link)Free catalogues (External link)Go fashion shopping (External link)Play skill games (External link)

Are you looking for a fancy dress grease look?lacoste polo outlet If you are, you are not alone. Nor are you alone in coming to the web for your fancy dress needs. With so many people on the search for the perfect look, it can be quite difficult to find that look in the retail stores in your area. Let抯 face it. They only carry so many different things and they just do not have the ability to have the most unique items all the time. The chances are good too; that you will have something that someone else in your area is wearing! Now, you can not do that. So, if you are in the market for a fancy dress grease style or something other than that, you have to just take a look on the online stores. Then, you will find the most amazing of options to choose from. Fancy dress grease looks as well as others that are found on the web tends to be less expensive as well. By taking steps to avoid the over charged retail outlets in your area, you can be sure to find just what you need in the right price range every time. It is so important for you to get all of the options you need too. The accessories alone can be quite shocking though. Don抰 worry. On the web, you will find a wide range of products to choose from to complete your fancy dress grease look. Hats, gloves, moustaches, and all the right things to make you look just as you wish. While others are limited by what they can purchase, you will have a wide range of options to choose from. Go all out and make your fancy dress grease look nothing short of the best! What will you look like once you have found your fancy dress grease looks? How will you impress your friends and family with the hottest looking outfit around? Dressing like the Blues Brothers or perhaps like the cute biker girl is what you are after. There are of course, hundreds of different costumes to try on and to make fit with your needs. Choose something that fits your style and look or go completely off the charts with something that is actually opposite of what you would normally wear! Be the talk of the party with your fancy dress grease look! You will take the breath away from all those around you when you took advantage of all the web抯 most fabulous fancy dress grease options. Fancy Dress GreaseSource : www. anyarticles. com

Apparently, in current modern society, it isn't wrong to desire luxury brands. While, as we know, all luxurious brands can be very expensive, these are no exception with Gucci watches. There is no denying that these real watches are beautiful, therefore you may spend thousand of dollars on single item.When you buy a Gucci watch, you are telling the public that you made a style choice that impresses. And when it relates to fashion, that statement couldn?t be truer. It?s the small accessories on a getup that defines someone, and more importantly allows them get noticed. Gucci watches allow a person to have that bit of luxury and the touch of uniqueness, while still performing the most important function of accurate timekeeping. Gucci wrist watches are luxuries and trendy with enough style and grace to make an impression without showing off. Another wonderful statistic about Gucci is that they are favored equally between both sexes. Every watch is carefully crafted to keep the latest design and fashion updated. Throughout the last 50 years Gucci has become a trendsetter in the manufacturing of luxury watches.Men and women alike want to have Gucci Watches. These watches combine an Italian design and style with high quality and the precision of the Swiss watch making craftsmanship. These watches are all know for being elegant and for their excellence. The watches are made from stainless steel, precious metals and precious gems, which makes them beautiful and highly desired by many people.Obviously because of all of the luxury items used to make these watches they are not cheap. Gucci watches can be found for a high price but they are worth every penny spent. The prices for these beautiful watches can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. There is a good place to find a good deal on these watches if you are willing to take the time to look.Anyway, Gucci watch has spread out all over the world for its unique design and special meaning, which is the symbol of your position. Having it, having the whole world for it just like an art which can last forever.

Do you have a child who has unique features or want to share their beauty with the rest of the world? What parent hasn\'t looked at their own child and thought they were the cutest child in the world. Have you ever been out in public with your child and someone made the comment that your child should be on the cover of a magazine? If you have been wondering how to break into the exciting world of child modeling there are a few things to keep in mind as well as preparing your child for the transition into child model. The first thing to keep in mind is how to work your way into the child modeling world without being scammed. There are many so called companies or individuals who claim to have connections and have the proper means in order to get your child where they need to be but in reality they are only looking to take you for every penny that you have. Talking to your child is the first step in order to make sure they are mentally and physically ready for such a change. If they are old enough you can explain the process and what would be expected from them to make sure this is something they want to do. Aside from thinking your child is adorable you need to make sure they have the real potential to be a child model. Important factors include how your child reacts around strangers, can they compose themselves in a more adult manner, are they camera shy and can they follow directions. You may want to consider signing your child up for modeling workshops in order to prepare them for the real thing. The first few casting appointments that your child goes to may be a bit intimidating so if they have the chance to prepare themselves ahead of time it will ease the newness of everything. You will also need to prepare a portfolio for your child to present for different modeling agencies and casting crews. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money for things such as a professional photographer you may want to consider hiring a freelancer, local college student who is majoring in photography or even take the photos yourself. Set up a variety of cute backgrounds and place your child in different outfits for the photos. Natural shots also work well such as being outside or just playing like most children do. Learning how to break into the exciting world of child modeling isn’t always fun and games and does require a lot of preparing your child and yourself or family for all of the new adjustments. You will need to setup appointments to find an agent who can represent your child and find them different auditions. You may also choose to prepare your child by entering them in different types of beauty pageants, fashion shows, or simple photo contests. Many times talent scouts attend these types of events in order to find new potential models and talents. Regardless of how you choose to prepare your child remember it shouldn’t be all work and no play for them so keep it fun. About Author:Renee\' Lauren with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry working as a professional model and as an agent for one of New York City\'s top modeling agencies started Models-Fashion-Advice. com with real information on how to become a model . Visit http://www. Models-fashion-advice. com to know more about the modeling industry. Source : www. anyarticles. com

makeup bag secrets of the celebrities Again,Mlb Shop Coupons 2013 any such flexing of designer muscle has long been a part of the Versace DNA. This, remember, is the name credited with creating the supermodel phenomenon way back when. While Versace's competitors were content with just one ultra-famous face -- a strategically placed Linda Evangelista, say, or Naomi Campbell -- Gianni Versace showed them how it was done by paying huge amounts of money to employ them all. . "Dressing from the top of society is where trends are coming from, not street trends. We started our fall trend report with the jewelry category, specifically 'fantasy jewelry. ' Where's that coming from? The royal family? 'Downton Abbey'? I'm not sure, but we believe 120 million percent in fancy and opulent jewelry, " she says. Buttery, work-appropriate leather pants, equestrian jackets, quilting and gilded baroque embellishments are This image released by Banana Republic shows Crimson Cowl-Back Dress, styled with crystal and topaz layered bead necklaces and a red feather from a limited-edition collection designed by Banana Republic. I went to Cohen on 9/12/09 for new eyeglasses. After a short exam I ordered a pair of progressive lenses with Crizal and transitions. I received my glasses on 9/16/09 and I had severely distorted vision. Accessibility, visibility, and the cost of the land is the most important part of choosing a location. The location should be easily accessible by any type of vehicles or by foot. The location should also be visible. The most interesting part about this volume of Walkin' Butterfly isn't so much Michiko but Mihara and Tago. We only get a couple glimpses of Mihara in Volume 1, but Tamaki dedicates an entire chapter to explaining his background in Volume 2. While Michiko deems Mihara as a person with a charmed destiny, Tamaki shows how much sacrifice and work it took for him to succeed and just how tenuous that success is. I can hear you now - I don't have the time, nor am I creative Believe me, the TV won't miss you while you dedicate some time toward your own style.Adidas Coupons Codes And I firmly believe that everyone has creativity - you just need to unleash it. I'm convinced that if you follow the system discussed, you'll see how easy and fun it is. . Since it is made in a variety of diverse materials like glass beads, semi-precious stones, metal etc. you are able to team up it with any attire and look gorgeous at the same time. If you are fond of traditional wear you can opt for antique costume jewelry that makes you stand out among the crowd and look unique. .

Pearls never go out of style ?polo outlet online shopping they are always a classy and traditional wardrobe accessory that will never disappoint you. But this year they are a 揻ront and center? fashion statement! Just ask celebrities like Sandra Bullok, Jennifer Anistan, or Courtney Cox. So with more people in the market for pearls now is a good time for some 損earl talk. ? /p>The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry ? classic and seeped in tradition. Well things they are a changing! The pearl is has had a very glamorous make over! Yes, the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasseled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory. So if you抮e going to be in the market for pearls this year here is what the Celebrities say you should know. ? The glow or radiance of a pearl is the most important quality. Avoid pearls that are chalky or dull as they will be weak and may crack or peal. ? The surface of the pearl should be blemish free ? no bumps or cracks. Inspect under a bright light. Baroque pearls are the exception to this rule ? their charm is in their irregularities. ? Pearls are measured in millimeters. The larger the pearl the higher the cost. A 6 mm pearl is going to be much less than a 12 mm pearl? The least expensive pearls are the freshwaters which mainly come from China. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Average size is around 7 mm? The best way to care for your pearls is simply to wear them. The natural skin oils keep them moisturized. Do not put them on until you are done with your cosmetics. This includes hair, facial, and perfume. The residues from these products will ruin your pearls. Do not wear your pearls in the water ? chlorinated and salt water will damage them. Polish with a soft cloth and never use jewelry cleaning products on your pearls. Quality pearls are not cheap but they will last a lifetime. Freshwater pearls are becoming very affordable. Not all of us will be in the market for 揜eal Pearls? and lucky us there are plenty of options. Swarovski makes a crystal pearl that is of the finest quality and quite difficult to tell from a true pearl for a fraction of the cost and they are available in a variety of colors. There is an endless supply of imitation pearl or costume jewelry pearls on the market. These are offered in a wide variety of styles and colors. Great fun at affordable prices. Do you think Jennifer Garner wears the real thing for bumming around? So you ask what抯 揑n Style? this season? Well I抦 glad you asked! ? Pearl rings get the green flag ? from low settings to monster large solitaire pearls, they are all the rave. A pearl ring can go from romantic and simple to sleek and stunning. ? The Bib Necklace makes a very dramatic statement. A broad necklace that tapers towards the back just like a baby抯 bib [thus the name]. They range from extremely wide to as narrow as a 綌. This style works great with a simple black dress or strapless neckline. ? The multi-strand necklace is ever so preppy. They range from 12? to 18? and pearls are usually small to medium. The object of these necklaces is for every pearl to be in perfect placement. Very versatile and fashionable. ? The opera length necklace simply never disappears from the fashion scene. They measure 36? or longer and they can be worn as a long single lean line, doubled up, tied in a knot, wherever the moment takes you. These long strands are terrific for dressing up a pair of jeans or semi casual look. ? The tassel necklace from the footloose and fancy free1920s has made a come back, and rightly so! Today tassels are often made from tiny seed pearls or irregular baroques. They range in length fro short at 16? to navel length at 36? The tassel necklace swings and sways with your movement making it a must have for those night of dancing. ? This season for first time, we are seeing pearls mixed with colored gems such as amethyst, peridot, or topaz. They compliment each other nicely ?Cheap Men's Big Pony Collection pearls with their soft and subtle shades mixed with semi precious gems with their vibrant and bold color. Picture it ? what a fashion statement! ? Pearls mixed with silver is also new this season. Long silver chain dangle earrings accented with pearls, or freshwater droplets set on silver. ? This season the pearl is all about the color. Pearls are available in many hues but this season the 揾ot spot? is 搇avender? and the lavender family ranging from pale iris to plum. If you already own a beautiful classic pearl necklace its very easy to transform it into something from this season. Try adding a group of charms or pendants, fastening a vintage brooch or clip[ on earring at the bottom. You could mix various lengths or sizes of pearls together or entwine a silver or gold chain. How about mixing your real pearls with your fake pearls? The options are as endless as your imagination. Remember when you freshen your wardrobe for the spring, freshen your costume jewelry too and Make Your Fashion Statement! Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International. Check our Skincare directory of links reviewed by human. Source : www. anyarticles. com

Gucci sneakers are some of the best-styled shoes within the trend industry. Inside the same exact vein, Juicy Couture handbags certainly are a classic and any lady having a feeling of design has one somewhere.Gucci footwear are masterpieces and therefore are unbeaten with regards to their styles and innovation. The designers generally seem being in the know in regards to what is relevant in the industry. Their sneakers are gorgeous for women and tasteful for adult men and this can be why they will be particularly costly. Luckily, plenty of stores stock discount Gucci shoes which can be certainly equally as really good because the newer styles. These sneakers are available in a broad selection of options for each men and girls and you will find patterns for children too.The service at a lot of from the internet stores stocking Gucci is outstanding and their delivery services are incredibly fast. They deliver goods to the doorstep and this service attracts numerous customers. The very best way to find out about in which discount Gucci shoes can be found is by checking using the web. You'll also check web-based for that hottest Juicy Couture handbags. For all your online purchases you may pay using PayPal, the major credit cards, or even by bank transfers. To get on the safe side you really need to deal along with a certified store so that you???re able to avoid the risk of surrendering your hard-earned dough to rogue traders.If you wish to invest in discount Gucci footwear and Juicy Couture handbags, it's possible to also strive the stores that deliver wholesale rates. It's easy to store there in addition to the rates are extremely friendly. That you are possible to access all kinds of products also. For footwear, you have to be particularly careful to have a good dimension that you are trying for. The finesse of those designer discount Gucci footwear are often really appealing and it is easy to get tempted into grabbing yourself a pair which isn't going to even in shape well. Juicy Couture handbags are an at any time luxurious selection as well as selling prices are very reasonable.Shopping using the web for these items will definitely make the paying for effort convenient and worthwhile. If you want to turn heads in the party or the streets, Juicy Couture handbags are definitely the way to go. The bags are styled so well to suit ladies and females of all ages. You will discover even diaper bags for mothers. The bags are made of durable resources and the intricate facts exude class. You may never go wrong with discount Gucci sneakers either.Just visit http://www.gubecci.com to get the latest products and more discount.

There are Sheepskin Boots and then there are \"sheepskin boots!Cheap Men's Ralph Lauren Shorts \"One only has to type \"sheepskin boots\" into any major search engine to be inundated with what seems like hundreds of retailers - all of whom are only too anxious to relieve you of your hard earned cash in return for a pair of sheepskin boots. But with so many different brands to choose from how do you know you are making the right choice? There seems to be every type of boot on offer, in every price bracket - from those costing as little as a few pounds all the way up to the top branded makes costing a few hundred pounds per pair. How can you be sure that you are getting value for your money and does quality really matter when buying a pair of sheepskin boots? To answer these questions we need to start at the very beginning of the sheepskin boot making process - that is we need to start with the sheep! The SheepHigh quality sheepskin boot manufacturers use the skins from Merino sheep which are universally regarded as providing the best quality wool and skins. The Australian geography and environmental conditions are uniquely suited to rearing Merino sheep of the highest quality and this is why the best sheepskin boots are made using only genuine Australian Merino sheepskins. The hides from Merino sheep tend to be thicker and more durable and the wool itself is very dense with excellent shape retaining properties. They therefore lend themselves very well to the manufacture of boots with their ability to endure wear and tear whilst at the same time keeping their shape and good looks for many years. Sheepskin, also known as shearling fleece, is actually a fur - it has leather skin on one side and wool fur on the other. The sheepskin wool is embedded into the leather and because it is attached to the skin real sheepskin does not shed, pull out or wear off. Sheepskin wool is soft, resilient and naturally thermostatic - the wool fibres are hollow and capable of absorbing up to 30% of their own weight in moisture without feeling wet to the touch. The fibres wick moisture away, enabling it to evaporate through the leather outer and this natural \"breathing\" ability ensures that your feet remain comfortable and dry whatever the weather. Similarly during cold weather the sheepskin fibres trap the heat of your body inside the boot thereby providing excellent insulation whilst at the same time the free flow of air between your feet and the sheepskin eliminates any clamminess. Real sheepskin has many wonderful properties. For example did you know that it is non-static, flame resistant, wind proof and that the leather side is naturally water resistant? It also drapes beautifully and will return to its constituent shape - this means that over time your sheepskin boots will mould themselves to the shape of your foot offering you a customised fit. And as if that were not enough, the high naturally occurring lanolin content in the wool acts as a moisturiser so you can even moisturise your feet as you walk! The Making of the BootAnother factor to consider when choosing sheepskin boots is the actual process of converting a sheep\'s skin into a workable boot making material. This is a much more involved process than most people realise! First the sheepskin has to be trimmed and washed to remove the dirt. It is then put through a fleshing machine which cuts off the flesh and fat. Next stop is a detergent bath which removes any remaining dirt and fat after which the skin is pickled in a pre-tan bath - this expands the skin and turns it into leather. The skin is then refleshed to clean the leather one more time before the final tanning process where tanning agents are added to allow the skin to become washable and heat stable. The skin is then tested for shrinkage, put through a sammy machine which presses out the excess moisture and improves the skin\'s shape, dried again, then dry cleaned with white spirit before being spun and hung out to dry. The next step is to dye the skin in a bath of dye to which has been added acids which allow the dye to fix to the wool fibres, then the skin is given a final rinse, sammied and hung once again to dry. Once dry the skin is buffed to clean the back and improve the appearance and the wool is combed and sheared to a uniform length. The combing and shearing process can be repeated many times until the desired effect is reached. Then, and only then, are the sheepskins ready to be made into boots! Are Man Made Alternatives Better? Man is a competitive beast and likes nothing more than trying to go one better than mother nature by tinkering with her treasures and trying to improve them. Indeed there are many occasions when man-made fabrics make for a much better product than anything found in the natural world. Take ski wear for example - the massive strides made in the manufacture of lightweight, breathable yet waterproof clothing has revolutionised the ski wear market. Now you can stay out all day in layers of moisture wicking undergarments, lightweight fleece sweaters, and Gore Tex coats and pants which have been specially designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable no matter what the weather or how many times you fall over! However, Man does not always know best! Especially when it comes to sheepskin boots! Cheaper types of sheepskin boots are made using a layer of wool or synthetic fleece material which has been glued onto pig or cow hide. This is then brushed up and is often loose enough to be pulled away from the backing which enables it to wear away when the boots are worn. This synthetic sheepskin does not breathe and results in the unpleasant sweaty feet problem of cheap boots. It is impossible to copy synthetically the astounding list of natural qualities found in real sheepskin but unfortunately these cheap boots are often marketed as \"Sheepskin Boots\". So as you can see real sheepskin is a marvellous product - just ask any sheep! Don\'t accept pale imitations - insist on high quality sheepskin boots and they will be an investment which you can enjoy year after year. Manufacturers of quality sheepskin boots will be happy to tell you where their sheepskins come from - it is only the man-made sheepskin boot manufacturers who will be evasive with this information. So, Bottom Line? Yes! Quality does matter when buying sheepskin boots. You don\'t have to buy the most expensive make of boot but you do need to be sure of where the makers got their sheepskins from. If you want real quality and value for money then invest in a pair of boots made from genuine Australian Merino sheepskin and you will be able to enjoy them for many years to come. (c)2005. Sue Madelin is the owner of The Snug Stop, purveyor of finest quality Australian Merino sheepskin boots, and a huge fan of her many pairs of Warmbat sheepskin boots. http://www. snugstop. comCheck our Skincare directory of links reviewed by human. Source : www. anyarticles. com