World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

Choosing the theme

From its inception until 2004, UNAIDS spearheaded the World AIDS Day campaign, choosing annual themes in consultation with other global health organizations.

As of 2008, each year's World AIDS Day theme is chosen by the World AIDS Campaign's Global Steering Committee after extensive consultation with people, organizations and government agencies involved in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. For each World AIDS Day from 2005 through 2010, the theme will be "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.", with a yearly sub-theme. This overarching theme is designed to encourage political leaders to keep their commitment to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support by the year 2010.

This theme is not specific to World AIDS Day, but is used year-round in WAC's efforts to highlight HIV/AIDS awareness within the context of other major global events including the G8 Summit. World AIDS Campaign also conducts "in-country" campaigns throughout the world, like the Student Stop AIDS Campaign, an infection-awareness campaign targeting young people throughout the UK.

Music Monday: Primate King

Alright, this week we're cheating a little but we think you'll dig it. After all, after 4 days of funnin' and eatin' and holidayin' you might need a little more than just one song to get you back into the groove. So may we present "Electro Pusher Deux", an 18 track eclectic electro rock mix courtesy of Oakland urban jungle mixologist, Mssr. Primate King.

It's a bit clubby, a bit metaly and a bit dirty, and with tracks by everyone from Oakland's Divasonic to the Yeah, Yeah Yeahs, to Kanye West to Michael Jackson, it's a bit all over the place, but in a really feel good kind of way.

Primate King is the brainchild and nom de DJ of Brian Michael Ball and the primary funnel for his raved out brand of glitchy tech music. You can check out his full length debut, Smokeland California on his website along with a heap of mixes. Now turn up the jams and get back to your Monday.

Some tips to get the right designer inspired handbag

Go the Calvin Klein way- If you have a fetish for clutch bags, then go in for a silver colored one or make it pure black to match your exclusive gowns. Get a long frame for a classic look. A smooth and sleek curved clasp would be the icing on the cake to achieve this look. Look for an inbuilt shoulder strap, which makes it more versatile.
Go the Prada way-If you need a fashion handbag that is large on space and also chic then go in for pretty pinks with elegant top and center stitched detailing. Ensure it comes with magnetic snap closures for easy access when you are on the go. This spacious bag can look sophisticated when accented with silver tone rings.
Go the Guess way- Need a tiny and trendy handbag for an evening out at the coffee shop then make it look like an exclusive piece from the Guess fraternity. Single straps that have a silver tone, lots of studs on elegant faux patent leather can take you places! Look out for embellishments and rhinestones that add a designer element to your piece.
Go the Salvatorre Ferragamo way- Need to pep up your day at work? Do it with style and rightly so. Get a smart and sassy fashion handbag inspired by a Salvatore Ferragamo. Make sure it comes with a dual buckle in pastel shades of lime greens and lemon yellows. The entire look should be compact yet the interiors should be spacious with loads of compartments.

History of Prada Vela Bag

In the ever-changing world of Prada bags, nylon bag must not be regarded as the most brilliant, but can be said that it is one of the most hard work engineering in Prada family. In 1970s of last century, Prada family business faced the verge of bankruptcy, Miuccia Prada and her husband, Patrizio Bertelli stepped in and took over the family business. Miuccia has a keen fashion touch and bold, her first task was to innovate the materials and design of Prada products. The early 20th century, mostly aristocrats and merchants bought Prada, who travelled so frequently that they felt tired with their large, bulky leather case. People were looking for a wearable, waterproof and light in weight products. By chance, Miuccia discovered a military parachute material at the Air Force base of which were light texture, wear waterproof, and not afraid of fire. Then, Prada's first black nylon backpack Vela was born in 1984 and debut in autumn and winter series, then soon gained a great success. After that, the nylon bag were more and more highlighted the brilliance of young in a variety of new elements. Just past the Prada darling Sasha Pivovarova had consecutive quarters, advertisements in close contact with the nylon bag. In 2009 autumn and winter, Prada's nylon series were back once again with its classic and practical, charming affinity, as well as classic style comeback, nylon heat in turn ignite this winter.

Hermes Evelyne ---M y Favorite Website

One of my favorite websites to skim is Hermes. The design and clever interaction and photos on that web site somehow mixes the perfect dose of fun as well as staying classic and elegant. The website shows that Hermes handbags wants you to enjoy their brand, and enjoy what we do.

Though their site brought many funny ideas and photos, the shopping was lacking. Yesterday when I found myself lost in the web world of Hermes I found they have increased the amount of leather handbags they have listed. And now you can buy one of my favorite everyday chic Hermes bags from their website, the Hermes Evelyne.

A Stitch in Time – The Quilted Pattern Trend

As an ode to the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbags, there are lots of handbags incorporating the quilting trend. Quilted handbags feature various patterns primarily stitched onto leather. Many of the Marc Jacobs handbags bring quilting into the styling of the bag as well.

Quilting can also be seen on accessories like this Stella McCartney Wide Quilted Waist Belt (upper left on model, $525 at Net-a-Porter) and of course winter puffer jackets. Embroidered patterns are laid out in vertical and horizontal patterns overlap to create diamond or other patterns that add dimension and texture.