Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Okay, the starting point in picking your floor, or your partner, starts with traditional vs. exotic. This is the most important step in defining your space and who you are.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Traditional implies the classy look that we have seen around us. Traditional can be defined as timeless or modern. Jackie O and Marilyn will always epitomize what America is with our cultural beauty icons. Today the richness of the maples and oaks define most homes in the Mid West and North Eastern part of our country. Much like a Kennedy in office, Oak will always be a main stay in certain regions. For some a traditional look is an enduring look. Traditional flooring has changed over time to introduce a modern twist. Think Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johannsen. Traditional that exudes a unique sensuality. Oaks and Maples have taken on a broader range of colors and flair (well, not as extreme as Amy Winehouse, hah) that brings character to the forefront. Traditional is no longer soccer mom, mini-van and "only on your birthday" boring.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Lately, I've been seeing exotics make a comeback. Not only have I been attracted to some nice looking French and Spanish woman (and wines, as a matter of fact), but even in flooring. When I think South American, immediately Gabriella, this beautiful Argentinean girl that I had dated several years ago, comes to mind. Never mind that it lasted longer than the Detroit Lions chance for a Super Bowl win, what's significant is South America. Now I'm all for Brazil. The women, theCaipirinha-the drink made with Cachaca, which if you haven't had one put it on the list! Not forgetting the Brazilian wax, Rio and did I mention the women? South America also brings us some of the hottest looks with Brazilian Cherry, Amendoim, Tigerwood and Santos Mahogany. For some the exotics offer the allure of something that is different, sexy, noticeable and can make a statement. Exotics make us try harder. We put more time into the décor and furniture and noticeably more effort in planning Saturday night dates. The push to actually try with the coach and hit the gym to loose that extra 20. Why stay home when you have a Peruvian girl to sport around town? Or the opposite, why go out when the party can come to me. After all, having the exotic girl or floor is an envy to all your guy friends (and if you're lucky some of your female ones to). One small warning- exotics do change slightly over the years. Photosensitivity to light does bring out different colors in certain species. This is so true once the words "I do" are uttered as well. Check with the manufacturer or her parents to make sure that you can live with this for the long term. I always look at the parents to gain some insight, and checking out an older floor can convey the same information.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Price is the determining factor for many things in life, and nowhere is that more true than with women and flooring. The traditional look is usually less expensive than the exotics, but the look is going to be different. Akin to dating a super model. The look never comes without a price, but unlike my genius purchase of Citibank, long term investments do pay off with the look of your home. An investment in a floor is something that will be around, which can't be said of the investment in the Budapest vacation, countless dinners and the occasional "you have to buy this for me" cash outlays made in the past. Smart shopping is the key. When mixing at the Ritz, be prepared to pay. There are several places that have beauty sans the excessive mark up. When shopping for flooring and women, the venue determines the price. Showrooms like sommeliers have flair, but add to the bottom line. I'm a big proponent of the internet for shopping- after all can Dr. Phil be wrong? You can look and compare locally, visit the Ritz, Morton's and the over-hyped Capital Grille. See, Savor and learn. But when it comes time to laying the cash there are other avenues that keep the wallet fat and Benjamins left over for season Cubs tickets.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

The next item is open to much fervor and debate. Size. Size does matter to men and women both. Ignore what Cosmo and Glamor has to say, and ditto for the gym locker room guy that thinks he can switch places with Ron Jeremy. Styles change and are suited to the individual. Not only is the waif look gone, but so is the standard 2-1/4" width board size. It's been around forever but like the Macarena and poppin' your collar, there are better things we need to be looking at. I personally stick with the size 3-5 rule across the board. Visually it's more enjoyable than the super waif thinness and embodies how floors and woman should look. Now plus sizes are available but takes the right room and person to pull it off. Bigger does not mean better, well actually, let me recant. In flooring and women this applies, but in certain aspects of life this phrase is tried and true. So yes to horsepower, square footage and bra sizes!

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Long Term Potential is actually what the end game is. Flooring and women on a whim incorporates one of my favorite phrases. "It seemed like a good idea at the time". Mentioned many a times when I woke up on the bathroom floor, calling my attorney collect from jail or after my Budapest trip (okay, I'll let this go, I promise). When it comes time in your life to get serious and purchase a floor, it's usually a good indicator that a serious relationship should be in place or forthcoming. Do your research as you have to live with both a very long time. It's not debatable which costs more- a divorce or ripping out 3,000 sq ft and having to replace it all again. Although the emotions are pretty much the same when having to replace said floor. Anger, resentment and a general pissed off feeling at yourself for making stupid choices. Like having someone talk me into the Four Seasons Budapest when the Marriott was half the price and on the same block. Okay, so I broke a promise, sue me or pour water on my floor.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

And remember...you always get what you pay for. Focus on name brand manufacturers. Cheap can be found at any shot and beer bar, or check out how the suits look at an Amway convention. They may look good from a distance, and seem great at the store, but once you get home with it...reality comes at you quick. Mail order brides seem the way to go. It takes no effort, the women appear fantastic and eager to please. In fact your told everything you want to hear. This works exactly like those 50 year exotic handscrapped, double wide super coated , scratch resistant floors that compare to a $9.00 sq. ft product for the low price of $1.99 per square foot. Oh, on sale now through the end of this month. $10,000 dollars later you have a girl that doesn't speak English, doesn't know you but promises to love you forever. Curious to see which will last longer, the love or the floor. That is unless she has to stay married for the minimum 2 years to get her US citizenship. Every manufacturer should have a professional website, listing distributors in your area, ISO certification and the like. Every girl should have parents, friends and family you can meet before committing everything you have. Same concept. I've met some very beautiful girls, and for some reason I couldn't figure out why they're single. They seemed to have the total package. Turns out it's a roller coaster ride of emotions, drama and generally screwed up situations that constantly follow certain people around. And if there isn't chaos and problems around them, they'll find them. And the funniest phrase to hear when you're not on the receiving end is "I wish someone would have said something to me". Remember guys...there are no short cuts for suits, floors and women. You'll always get what you pay for!

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Although it's been running for several years now, this Bank Holiday weekend I attended the Mathew Street Music Festival in Liverpool for the first time. The event was actually cancelled last year due to some political issues between the local authority and the organisers but it was claimed that this year it was back "Bigger and better than ever".

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Although it started life as a celebration of The Beatles and their music and was almost exclusively located in Mathew Street, the event has now spread to the extent that it covers many different music styles and the number of venues for the events is now around 40! In addition to the large number of bands focussing on the Fab Four, there are tribute bands to many old and new artists, one or two originals and a significant selection of bands performing under the heading "new music".

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Whilst many of these are indoor venues, pubs and clubs, etc., there are now six large outdoor stages in various locations around the city centre, which is almost completely closed to traffic. The largest of the stages is the "Tunnel" stage, situated close to the entrance to the Queensway Tunnel. With a huge arena in front of the stage, this venue attracted several thousand fans to its larger events and is where my visit began on at 1.00 p.m. on Sunday when I went to see "The Police Force", not surprisingly a "Police" tribute band.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

As you might expect, they simply worked through a selection of the Police's biggest hits and attracted quite a large crowd, many of whom joined in even though it was quite early in the day. The crowd was a mix of old and young and many had clearly come for a picnic, with tables and chairs dotted around, mostly on the edges of the venue.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

After The Police Force, there was an interval of 15 minutes and I realised that this was standard across all venues, as this was probably the amount of time needed to go from one venue to another if you needed to do so. But I was staying firmly put because the Tunnel stage was about to play host to none other than Chas and Dave; not a tribute band but pure Cockney Gold, the original themselves, complete with Mick on the drums!

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Running through "Rabbit", "London Girls", "No Pleasing You", etc., they quickly won over the audience and had a huge "singalong" atmosphere on the go. Who'd have thought it, on the banks of the Mersey? I was reminded of when Bjorn and Benny of Abba appeared at a U2 concert some years ago as this was widely acknowledged as the start of the Abba revival. Are we about so see Chas and Dave storm up the charts again?

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

After all the singing it was time for a drink at one of the many outlets dotted around the place, all of which seemed to charge £3 for a pint of lager or cider, or a glass of wine. But it was a decent pint and very cold, so was greatly appreciated. Incidentally, the seasoned festival goers were clearly noticeable as they all seemed to be carrying 24-can packs of Carlsberg, Becks, etc.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Overcoming the urge to go back to the Tunnel to see "Rocks Off", a Rolling Stones tribute, I decided that it was time for a touch of "what it's all about" and so strolled down the normally heavily congested Dale Street and Castle Street to reach the "Beatlemania" stage at Derby Square.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Playing host to non-stop Fab Four bands, I arrived there in time to watch the curiously named "American English". Playing the usual repertoire, though more heavily focussed on the later stages of the Beatles music, they had a good look and a good sound. But in the breaks between songs, it was quite disconcerting to find that not only do they work on looking and singing like the Beatles, they actually try to talk like them (well, at least "Paul" and "John" did - the other two never spoke).

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

While the world reeled at the news of the death of actor Heath Ledger from a lethal combination of prescription drugs - the trendy new mass killer on the celebrity drug scene - another celebrity with a decidedly untrendy alcohol addiction checked into an alcohol detox facility this week to confront her demons.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

We were surprised to read that 25-year-old Kirsten Dunst of "Spiderman" fame entered an alcohol detox and rehab center this week, exactly a year after Anna Nicole Smith died from the same kind of scenario that killed Heath Ledger - a lethal prescription drug combination. Dunst had been battling her alcohol addiction for some time, friends said, and finally realized it was time for detox and rehab.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Prescription drugs seem to be the "trendy" way to go because almost every day we read how some celebrity somewhere - or someone in our own town - is heading for drug rehab or the morgue because of exotic cocktails of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines and psych drugs of some kind. Alcohol is often reported as part of the prescription drug mix, but it always sounds a little quaint. Alcohol? How old fashioned! Dying surrounded by prescription drug containers sounds way cooler than dying surrounded by empty beer cans and wine bottles.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

We tend to discount alcohol addiction because it just isn't trendy, it isn't "now", it isn't young and beautiful and glamorous. Sure, we all heard about Lindsay Lohan's alcohol abuse, but it was glamorized by her simultaneous cocaine and prescription drug abuse. Same for a ton of other hot young Hollywood celebs. Straight ahead drinkers are supposed to be older, like Mel Gibson who was sent for alcohol detox treatment by a California judge, or 48-year-old Sean Young, best known for her roles in "Blade Runner" and "No Way Out", who entered alcohol detox this week. Even Kiefer Sutherland, who not only needed alcohol detox but spent 48 days in a California jail as a result of multiple DUIs, at 41 years old is an "acceptable" alcohol abuser, okay to take note of and then just forget about.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

But Kirsten Dunst? At 25 years old? C'mon! Kirsten is America's sweetheart. She's Spiderman's girl friend! She can't be a "juicer." What about Amy Winehouse, you ask, who's only 24? We're okay with Amy because she's, well, British - and we all know Brits are massive drinkers - and anyway she's a hard-rockin' blues singer and booze is part of that package. Remember Janis Joplin and Southern Comfort? 'Nuff said. Except to say that a modern medical alcohol detox program probably would have saved Janis' life.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

So take a moment, and reflect on the facts: Dozens, if not hundreds of celebrities battle alcohol addiction every year, both young and old, according to news stories. Many enter alcohol detox centers to recover the life they've lost. Also, alcohol addiction is this nation's - and probably the world's - number one addiction, and has been for as long as anyone has paid attention to such things. Something like 18 million alcohol abusers in America need alcohol detox and treatment right now, but according to federal surveys only a fraction are receiving the treatment they need. And don't forget that America's colleges and universities are so saturated with alcohol addiction and abuse that alcohol detox centers are being constructed right on some campuses.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

The need for alcohol detox in America literally dwarfs the need for any other type of addiction treatment. Alcohol abuse isn't pretty, it isn't neat and it isn't trendy. And it strikes at families in every city, town and village, ruining lives and killing just as many people, if not more, than all other addictive drugs combined - it just takes a lot longer, unless it's a drunken car crash, an excessive binge, or a despondent alcoholic suicide.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

As 2011 draws to a close, it seems natural to look back on the year that was. What events defined this year and how did they shape us, what did they tell us about us, about who we are and where we are going. At a time when boundaries become less and less relevant, when technology communication threatens to surpass all borders, events take on a new global context. No longer are the days when we could hear of happenings from far away and dismiss them as irrelevant to our lives. We saw that so clearly earlier this year when a handful of events affected so many of us in so many ways. But to provide a proper retrospective, simply regurgitating what took place like an out-of-date almanac won't do. The true gauge of the impact of what took place is surely how those events affected how we look at ourselves and how we perceive who we are. At base are we evolving from those who once lived in caves or is human nature something so strong, so innate, that no amount of knowledge will fundamentally change the way we are? Human nature is an ephemeral concept. While views may vary (a recent example being the TED conference in November in Amsterdam), there are some definitions of human nature that I think shed more light than others, and all seem to imply there are elements of good and bad, or even good and evil, within us all. While there are far greater minds than mine who are looking at this issue, I cannot help but feel inside that there must be more to being human than just the bad, the selfish, the cruel. With that in mind let's look back on the year and find out...

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

It was reported as nothing more than a storm in a tea cup, yet it was the whisper that grew to a roar and brought the greatest change in the Middle East for 60 years. Decades of totalitarian dictatorship fell as the rumble in Egypt rippled east and west across North Africa and up into the Middle East. The people had had enough. Our fundamental human desire for freedom from oppression had finally come out and revolution was the result. While that yearning for freedom might be regarded as part of our human nature, the paradox is that the part of our nature that needs to dominate others, to be the alpha male, was being denied. Two conflicting desires, both existing and non-existing simultaneously. As we look further at 2011, this pattern becomes clearer.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Further north, Europe continued to spiral into economic crisis. On the level playing field of the European Union, the haves and have-nots still struggled. The few rotten apples threatened to spoil the whole barrel, and the situation remains dire. This one issue raises so many of the questions surrounding what it means to be human and our human nature: to fight to be better, richer, faster than the rest. But at the same time to help the weaker, those in need, the less fortunate. The conundrum of our nature is at least as complex as the finances of 27 countries (Estonia joined the EU this year, bringing the membership countries to 27). And yet some commentators argue that what seems inexplicably complex is actually remarkably simple and understandable once you can make sense of human nature from its core.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Disasters were not limited to man-made events and Mother Nature always does her best. Earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand and Turkey, and floods in Brazil, Pakistan and Thailand killed thousands and impacted us all, whether we even knew it. The electronics market felt it hard as production factories destroyed by the tsunami in Japan meant our favourite toys (some would argue necessities) evaporated overnight. Ironically it was as if the loss of lives was less important to us than the delay in getting an iPad 2, or iPhone or new camera. In the face of this selfishness though, was immense compassion for our fellow men and women who had died or survived the tragedy. It seemed that the beautiful part of our human nature shone threw as assistance, help and donations of food, welfare and funds to help rebuild rushed to those in need.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

There were triumphs at what we had achieved. After 30 years of operation, NASA called it a day for the Space Shuttle program. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said "At today's final landing of the space shuttle, we had the rare opportunity to witness history. We turned the page on a remarkable era and began the next chapter in our nation's extraordinary story of exploration." While he may have been referring to Mars, it's hard not to look deeper and see a reference to the need to explore our nature, and discover more about ourselves. We can put a man on the moon, but we still don't know who we are.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

That final space shuttle launch may have been watched by thousands, but 2 billion people tuned in to see the wedding of the century as England's Prince William married Kate. We allowed ourselves to fall in love all over again, or for the first time, as we could share in the dream. Love must be part of human nature to have that many people watching. Again, the irony, the almost hypocrisy of the problem of not being able to understand who we are, lovers or haters? How can we be in the tenth year of the war on terror and yet all long for love? The answer may be closer than we know.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

For some however, the search to better understand ourselves is over, as 2011 marked the end of their journey. While we were happy to see some of them go, and devastated at the loss of others, they all had some notable views on the perplexing issue of human nature.

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Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, no further introduction necessary: "Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Joe Frazier, heavy weight boxer. In possibly the greatest fight in history he was the first to down Muhammad Ali. On learning of Frazier's death Ali said "The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones." George Foreman added his own eulogy on Twitter: "Good night Joe Frazier. I love you dear friend."

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

I've come to the conclusion that The Church of England and Amy Winehouse have a lot in common with one another - both have the potential to change the world, yet both are hell bent on destroying themselves.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Less than 12 months ago the Archbishop of Canterbury passed a new ruling called the "Marriage Measures" it was designed to bring Church Marriages into the 21st Centuries. In brief, the couple no longer had to show a direct connection with a specific church or parish. At last the penny had dropped that couples wanted to marry in pretty churches and so the "Idyllic Churches" were freed to offer their marriage services to all couples. Well done I hear you cry, at last. The Church had seen the writing on the wall and decided to compete with the registry office. One budding Vicar has even started marketing his church on Ebay, I like that... no its not disrespectful, its pragmatic.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

However there seems to be a sinister threat to the Archbishop of Canterbury's hopes for attracting more couples to church for their weddings. There is an alarming trend which could become the dominant view in church unless halted very soon. Worse still it is being implemented as swiftly and efficiently as could only be achieved in a dictatorship.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

A bride stands at the altar speaking the most important words of her life so far, "I do", and whilst she will have her personal memory, she has been banned from having any wedding photographs. With alarming regularity, unswerving authority and without appeal, Church Vicars are saying "No" to wedding photography during the marriage service.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

To make matters worse the couple often only find out at the rehearsal. The question then is who do you speak to? What do you do? The Vicar is the face of the church and often an impassable brick wall. I have seen a Vicar leave the groom standing at the Altar, take the bride to one side and tell her in no uncertain terms, "No photography in my church".

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Before I say anything I ought to share my credentials. I may be an award winning photographer, and I am... But I was also a Baptist Minister (Vicar) for ten years and have a degree in Theology (The study of God) from Oxford University and in those years I married dozens of couples and managed many wedding photographers.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

The rock chick look is a timeless classic, ad although the make up may be rather heavy and unsuitable for a daytime look, the Christmas parties are looming! The look is really simple to achieve and with the right products and make up brushes our guide will have you channelling your inner rock goddess a la Amy Winehouse and Gwen Stefani in no time!

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

For the glamorous Amy Winehouse-inspired look you are going to need to some quality eyeliner, as that is the statement part of this look. Prepare your eyelids with a eye shadow primer, if you want a really dramatic look then perhaps choose a smoky coloured eye shadow as a base. If you want to keep it simple then sweep a thick layer of liquid eyeliner across the lid of the eye, just by your eyelash line. This may take a few practices if this is the first time you have ever tried this look, but practice will make perfect.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Next you want to create a winged tip at the end of your eyeliner end, depending on how dramatic you want to make your look you can edit the size of the wings. A lighter and thinner line looks very pretty but a heavier one is very rock and roll. With your make up brushes you can now add some eye shadow to make the tip longer if you are nervous about using the liquid eye liner.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Next you want to add some blusher to your cheeks so that you don't look drawn out, a paler complexion looks really striking with the heavy eye make up but a liquid blusher blended into the cheeks adds a natural looking glow if you don't want to look too pale. Fake eyelashes will also help to add to this rock chick look but equally a couple of layers of good black mascara will open your eyes and help them look really big.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Finally to finish this look you need some fantastic lipstick, a bright red will look particularly striking but only some skin tones can pull this off without it looking too much. If you don't feel confident enough to wear a daring red then a lighter shade or some quality lip gloss will work equally well. The lipstick is not too crucial as the eye make up stands out so well, after using all of your make up brushes to achieve this look you may need to soak them in some make up remover overnight to ensure that they don't get clogged up with make up and if you try the look again the liner on the eye lids are smooth.

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos

Amy Winehouse Pretty Photos