Howard Zinn

Howard Zinn, a historian whose "People's History of the United States" resurrected neglected stories of the country's past, becoming a surprise best-seller in the 1980s and beyond, died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack in a swimming pool in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 87.

First published in 1980 with a print run of just 5,000 copies, the book sold more than 2 million copies, including condensations such as "The 20th Century" and "A Young People's History of the United States."

In writing about the economics of the slave trade, the impact of robber barons on ordinary people, the violence against the labor movement and the long struggles of the women's movement, Zinn provided an alternative to the then-dominant "dead white male" version of history.

The approach resonated with readers, who by word of mouth drove it to best-seller status.

Zinn, who had taught at Boston University since 1964, focused "not on the achievements of the heroes of traditional history, but on all those people who were the victims of those achievements, who suffered silently or fought back magnificently," as he said in the preface to one edition.

"His writings have changed the consciousness of a generation and helped open new paths to understanding and its crucial meaning for our lives," Noam Chomsky, the left-wing activist and MIT professor, wrote of his friend.

Zinn's best-known book became a text in high schools and colleges and was endorsed by actor Matt Damon, a former neighbor, in the Academy Award-winning film "Good Will Hunting."

A starting point

But it was not universally appreciated. Historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr., generally considered a liberal, called Zinn a polemicist rather than a scholar.

Other critics, while acknowledging his originality, said Zinn was both too left-wing in his view of history and too selective within the left, leaving religious and technological thinkers out of his synthesis.

Tote Bag is a Great Gift For Women

Searching for a woman’s gift can seem challenging. What do you get for someone who seems to have it all? One new and fun gift is a customized tote bag. Tote bags are used by women everyday. They are not to be confused with a handbag. A tote bag is an additional bag that many modern women carry in addition to their handbag.

The womens tote bag is an extra bag commonly carried by a woman. In addition to the handbag there is a need for a bag that carries the extra stuff needed for the day. A tote bag should look great while it is stuffed with the mail that needs to go out today, a change of shoes for when the pumps come off, hairspray, lotion and an assortment of whatever the day may hold. A tote bag travels with the woman to school, to work, to church and to the gym. From the airport to the mall the tote bag carries extras that assist the women in completing her daily tasks.

Are you looking for a great gift idea? Women enjoy collecting tote bags for women. Tote bags come in different styles and are a vital part of the woman’s every day wardrobe. Find a unique tote bag and give the perfect gift. Women love tote bags that express their own personality and that blend with their style. Unique tote bags can be purchased quickly online. Purchase your gift and have it delivered to you so that you can hand deliver it or have it send directly to her.

Select from affordable designer tote bags online. Handbag designers offer unique bags that make the perfect bag. There are many different tote bags to choose from. Some designers add a special twist to your gift and allow you to hit the "design your own" button. This button allows you to select from many different fabrics creating a style that will be unique to your loved ones distinct tastes. You can select from retro, modern, classic, and even funky.

You can wow her with a bag that she has never seen before and that will draw compliments from everyone. She will enjoy being reminded daily that you gave her this beautiful bag as a gift. The modern woman enjoys collecting tote bags and she will especially appreciate an original designer bag.

Toyota suspends sales in US, Toyota recall list and Toyota news

Toyota suspends sales in US, Toyota recall list and Toyota news. Toyota shares plunged to a new low following the announcement that Toyota will not sell the brands that were recalled due to faulty accelerator. Earlier the company had said that it was recalling millions of cars due to malfunctioning pedals.

Many users who bought the car said that they experienced sudden acceleration in their vehicle that came without them trying to do it.

Many others complained that the car accelerated on its own and did not allow them to control the car speed.

It must be a nightmare driving the car without one being sure that he/she would be able to control the speed.

In the meantime the company has also said that it will stop production in car plants in the United States and Canada.

The recall include some of the best selling cars from Japanese car giant’s stable in the US and include Camry, Corolla and Matrix.

A Timeless Masterwork- Gucci Purse

As one of the most famous fashion label, there is no doubt that a Gucci purse is one of the most coveted handbag. Before you see or touch a Gucci, perhaps it would be difficult to appreciate these accessories. Moreover, the quality and craftsmanship is impeccable which making them shine with sheer beauty and glamor. The Luxury Institute conducted a survey and it was proved that Gucci bags on sale was number one when it came to best costumer experience followed by Louis Vuitton and Faconnable.

It often happens in Italian industrial families that the first generation creates the firm, the second generation will unite it and the third generation eventually destroys it, or in the case of Gucci they sold all of their shares making it a public company. The family was very well known for their public quarrels and stormy family life. Paolo Gucci for example was furious with his father Aldo and he reported him to the authorities for tax evasion, he was sentenced to nine years in jail. Maurizio Gucci was the last member of the Gucci family who sold his shares, but was then murdered by his former wife Patrizia Reggiani. One would never have guessed that this fashion house had such a turbulent history.

If you see the double "G" insignia you will instantly know that it is a Gucci diaper bags. They have a vast collection of handbags ranging from evening to exotics, but beware because they are all so beautiful that you'll want all of them. There are different sizes shapes and colors plus they use different leathers which are exquisite and of the best quality money can buy. People love to replicate these designer handbags, there are more websites selling cheap knockoffs than websites who sell authentic Gucci handbags. The problem however is that people will sometimes sell you a Gucci under false pretenses, claiming that it is authentic when in fact it is a counterfeit. So many celebrities wear Gucci handbags, such as Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Misha Barton, Paris Hilton etc sometimes you do not even notice the celebrity but only the Gucci they wear on their arm. In the movies and popular songs Gucci is mentioned and used to demonstrate sophistication, luxury and glamor.

The fierce competition among the fashion handbags industry such as Fendi, Prada, Cartier, Valentino, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent etc won’t prevent Gucci shine. The incomparable quality and unbeatable craftsmanship result in the popularity of Gucci replicas. You won’t miss a best if you own one Gucci purse.

Walmart clown commercial: 30 seconds of scary daddy

The NFL's two championship games provided a window into the pricey adverts that will surround next month's Super Bowl. Among the beer and pizza ads and retro-look commercials in which Pepsi has reintroduced a cola made with sugar, was an odd Walmart ad in which daddy dresses up as a clown for a birthday party in a costume and makeup he purchased for real cheap at the mega-discount retailer. As he comes down the stairs, daddy jumps unknowingly onto a toy unicorn, injuring his foot. He screams for a long time, scaring away the kids.

It all sounds good on paper, but it comes off kinda creepy, making us wonder if Walmart should retool the piece. For instance, daddy could have come stumbling down the stairs as a clown only to discover that his wife was throwing one of those cucumber sandwich parties for the PTA and the birthday is next week. Not good enough? You try (comment below).

As for the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis Colts beat the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game and will face the winner of the NFC Championship.

Replica Handbags Versus Designer Handbags

In the world of fashion every one like to have stuffs which celebrities have. In most cases celebrities are go for branded things. But common man or woman cannot afford branded things as they are very costly. Branded things which made by designers.

Celebrities have their favorite designers for clothes, shoes ornaments and in case of female, accessories. Every man and woman has their favorite celebrity. They are tried to live like them. But in most cases celebrities are reach. So every common man and woman cannot copy lifestyle of his or her favorite celebrities.

Handbag and purse is most essential accessory of woman. Female celebrities use designer handbags or purses. Every woman wants to have handbag like her favorite celebrity has. But they are very costly and she cannot afford it.

Designers like Anya Hindmarch, Balenciaga, Bottega Venneta, Chanel, Chloe, Chritian Dior, Fendi, Givency, Gucci, Miu Miu, Prada and many more designers design handbags and purses. But they are with huge price. Every woman cannot buy it. The price of designer handbags are very high because they use creativity of their owns it is not copied. Designers made the things which are not for common people they are for celebrities.

In the world of fashion, there is war between designer’s handbags and replica handbags. For common woman it is easy to have designer handbags knockoffs as it is cheaper then designer one. You can find all the characteristics of designer handbag in replica handbag. Most attractive feature of replica handbag is its price. It is very cost effective and one can get exactly same quality and elegant look of designer handbag in replica handbag.

Replica handbags have mirror image of originals. Quality and easy to get it are the advantages of balenciaga city handbags. In market there are many online shops which offers designer replica handbags at low price and hassle free delivery system. With replica handbag dream can become reality.

So, Choice is yours go for costly designer’s handbags or reasonable replica handbags.

Golden Globes: Who Do You Want to Win?

The big night is finally here: the 2010 Golden Globes! There are no clear front-runners in the major races, which promises plenty of surprises. In the best dramatic film category, James Cameron's eye-popping Avatar goes up against critical favorites The Hurt Locker and George Clooney's Up in the Air. In the comedy category, two Meryl Streep flicks — It's Complicated and Julie & Julia — go up against the geek romance (500) Days of Summer.

On the TV side, Mad Men is up for its third drama series victory against House and True Blood. New series Modern Family and Glee compete against past winners 30 Rock and The Office.

Let your voice be heard! Check out our complete Golden Globes coverage, including our predictions, and post your picks and weigh in on the night's proceedings in the comments section below. Plus: Tell us your favorite jokes of the night from host Ricky Gervais.

Get A Handle When Choosing Handbags

Bags are essential accessory items. The right or wrong bag can either make or break the perfect outfit.
Choose crossbody handbags that fits your figure and your pocketbooks. bags come in different designs from funky to elegant to casual.
Choosing a bag is like selecting a great pair of jeans. It should fit your body type and style. The shape of the bag shouldn’t match your figure instead choose one just the opposite. For example, if you are tall and thin select a bigger bag. The rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be. Rectangular or square silhouettes are great new bags.
The size of the bag should also be in proportion to your figure. A petite woman should not carry an enormous slouchy bag. The bag is too overwhelming for her body type. A woman who is 6 feet tall would look strange carrying a delicate hand-held bag.
Close fitting bag are great for showing off cleavage. If you have large arms or bust then skip these bags.
Don’t’ be afraid to try mini handbags on at the store. Get a feel for how it sits and looks. Is it comfortable? Does it feel cramped under your arm?
Most women look great with a bag at mid-torso. This helps to flatter the waist.
When going out with friends, choose a fun bag that reflects your personality.
Don’t be tempted to by trendy bag that don’t suit you figure or style. There are plenty of alternative that will work for you.
Know the difference between a fake and a lookalike. A fake is a knockoff with fake logos. A lookalike is a piece that is inspired by the original.
There are many different bag types. Some popular shares are:
Tote – An open top bag with straps or handles.
Hobo – A crescent shaped shoulder bag.
Duffle – A tall shoulder bag with a wider opening at the top.
Clutch – A purple clutch bag used for evening wear.
Satchel - A large, handheld bag.
Cigar Box – A small, boxy, hard bag
Pouch – A small, soft bag
Kelly bag – A classic Hermes style bag with distinctive hardware.
Handbags are fun and funky and should reflect your personal style and taste. So choose wisely to help catapult any outfit go from drab to fab!
Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion.

The Bags Big Starts Love

Whether star, or a passer-by, especially when they enter autumn will care package choice: in tedious overall modelling, and to follow the fashion, will carry out personal style, also should give some warm season, the feeling that.
1 Handbag.
In winter, shall the hand of the thick spring for more than a few bigger, and with the long gown before dinner, compared with suitable time to look too warm feeling.
Olivia Palermo——Hermes
Socialite Olivia bag total feast our eyes, how wear clothes seem to whether she can find the Match bags. The atmosphere of the brown handbag is joker, quality feels extremely strong, also very practical.
Olivia Palermo——Topshop
Compared with a set of relatively formal before, this was the obvious costume fashion, printing suit is the whole lot of key and. Then hand certainly fashion sense is strong. And with the brand of a suit gray hand very good-looking, also won’t grab limelight clothes.
Victoria Beckham——Jimmy Choo
Since the shoulder on ultra HIT with rivets leather pants, brown leather shoulder bag, of course also should choose the black leather motorcycle feels dye-in-the-wood, such ability of the whole event with feeling.
Michelle Trachtenberg——JJ Winters
The bag is very suitable for suede leather, beautiful autumn outfit of tie-in colour with purple very well, whole feels very unified, the sense that gives a person is very warm.

A great Memorial Day of “Martin Luther King Jr. Day”

This morning I glance news in google trends while is touched by a hot topic named “Martin Luther King Jr. Day”. Even though I’m not a student at school any more, a learner I will be in society for whole life. Here is the article I read.

About 200 Saratoga High School students are expected to take part in a community service day on Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students will gather in the school's quad at 11 a.m. on the holiday and choose to plant flowers to help beautify the school, participate in a school-wide cleanup effort or help prepare meals to be distributed to the San Jose Family Shelter.

This year marks the first time such an effort has been attempted, said Dory Albert, a volunteer with Saratoga's Parent Teacher Student Organization, which is sponsoring the event.
"We want to open the students' eyes to the world at large," she said. "It'll be a good experiment for them."

The organization set up a Facebook account to try and reach as many students as possible in this world of ever-changing technological communication. About 78 students stated on the page that they'd be attending the event, said Albert, who joins parent volunteer Sudha Sreenivasan as the co-chairwomen of the event.
Students who choose to spend the day cooking will prepare pasta, vegetables and brownies. The meals will be delivered that day to the shelter.
"We could spend a month on beautifying the school, but we only have the one day," she said. The students and PTSO volunteers will do their best with limited time and limited funds, she said.

This day is a day that a great man died, but is a day hopes appear and going on. It’s a significant time. And I think students and People can even do such things beyond Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His spirit can be carried forward to every single day when his spirit exist in people’s mind. Enhancing horizon can be in everywhere and everytime when we take effort to reach out for something.

Designer Knock Off Handbags

Does the Devil wear Prada or does she wear a knock off brand? Chances are high that she wears Prada, but you would never really know the difference unless you were a fashion expert of some sort, and since the knock off brands have been made with high quality materials that copy the originals right down to the small gold rivets, and other embellishments found on designer handbags, women can get away with claiming that they own an original designer handbag rather then the popular carbon copy knock off handbag.

The top 10 most popular handbags cost about the same price as a good used vehicle, and unless you’re a celebrity, chances are that you will pass on the premium price that you must pay to own one. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Fendi, Versace, Christian Dior, Burberry, Coach, Louis V handbags, and Kate Spade offer some of the most beautifully crafted handbags that super models and actresses sport around on a daily basis, and they don’t just own one of these handbags, they own several. So how can you strut around with these expensive accessories attached to your side, and look like a celebrity yourself?

Easy, you buy the knock off versions or you can always become best friends with these celebrities, and pray that you get their hand-me downs when they clean out their yesterday’s best, but I can almost guarantee that obtaining the knock off version is a much easier challenge to accomplish.

Even when designer handbags go on sale they still go for a pretty hefty price, normally running in the hundreds, and sometimes well into the thousands. While a few of us can get the proverbial bank loan or use our spare change to purchase these designer nuggets, most of us would have to get a second job just to purchase one of these out of reach designer handbags. Well, thanks to so many companies offering the knock off version, we can all feel like a princess without paying the celebrity price, and unless you are a fashion expert, you will never know the difference.