By Joseph C Ryder

Look at any major metropolitan school and you may see an abundance of similarity in fashion style. The biggest trend in fashion and music throughout the turn of the decade has been emo, a generalized title for emo, punk, and scene personal fashion styles. Emo also carries its musical counterpart, the emo-style indie rock, screamo and techno-rock preferred by the majority of the genre.

Hot pants, swoop-back bangs and heavy makeup are very popular in youth from pre-teens to well into and after college. As age increases, sexuality is included in the emo and related styles. However, emo has also been controversial at best, with allegations of strong reliance on depression, suicide and self-mutilation as visual concepts of the makeup and clothing fashion.

Scene, often considered an offshoot of emo, has become a bigger influence on youth, with the emo stereotypes purposely avoided to instead focus on innocence and playful youth definitions. Black dyed hair and an entirely black wardrobe has been replaced with a rainbow of loud, bright colors. Clothes purposely clash and accessories accentuate youth, such as candy bracelets and lighted pacifiers.

The entire point of emo, and especially scene, has been attention. This is why youth are more prone to sporting the style, an age level that desires to be an individual and the attention that provides. With social media giving access to hundreds of millions of potential friends, personal profiles on MySpace, Bebo and LiveJournal blogs have become a beacon of personal style for aspiring scene kids ("scene kids" has been the most popular title for people who follow scene fashion; "scenesters" has also been used a lot online).

From this cultural development that hit the social media networks since about 2006, a new genre of modeling has similarly become popularized. Enter the scene queen, a professional or amateur female model who follows the fashion trends of scene/emo style and has a following of fans in online social networks. Most models are teens or in their early twenties and come from different backgrounds and geographic locations. These models are idolized for their sense of style and overall beauty. Many scene queens are alternative models who model for clothing and accessory lines.

Christian Koch of The London Evening Standard discussed the trend of scene kids and their affect on commerce, mentioning "scene kids" as a movement to embrace kawaii, Japanese for "cute" (1). Scene queens commonly adorn themselves with cute and adolescent fashion items such as bows, candy bracelets, simple hair bands, star and heart body art and small, simple icon tattoos. Models usually keep their real hair short but model in long, high-contrast color hair extensions. Makeup is natural except for the eyes, where false eyelashes and heavy, colored makeup is key.

Scene queens specifically create a look that is unique, such as the coontail hair striping, said to be popularized by scene queen Kiki Kannibal (2). These unique looks are showcased in photos and YouTube videos posted by the model or a promotion affiliate. Models also give tutorials and how-to videos describing how to achieve the unique look. In this way, models have exploited the sharing aspect of social media for their benefit, increasing exposure of their personal brand by allowing anyone to replicate it.

Google's Trends tool shows an increase of three times the search volume for terms like "scene hair" from 2007 to 2009, and Google's Keyword Tool shows "scene hair" being searched 1.5 million times per month as of February 2010 (3). The results of these searches often produces the tutorials and photo showcases that make scene queens famous. The emergence of global interest in scene on sites such as BuzzNet, where Audrey Kitching is a correspondent, has created a string of international fan sites and fashion portals.

Rising stars in scene models and scene kids in general, as well as the scene queen elite, can be found predominantly on the following social networking and blogging sites:

* MySpace
* Bebo
* LiveJournal
* Facebook
* BuzzNet
* Stickam
* Blogspot
* Flickr
* deviantART
* Polyvore (clothing)


Famous Scene Queens

* Audrey Kitching
* Kiki Kannibal
* Dakota Rose
* Hannah Beth
* Dani Gore
* Brittany Kramer
* Zui Suicide
* Jac Vanek
* Jeffree Star
* Racquel Reed
* Miss Mosh
* Jenn Curbstomp

By Patricia Hawke

Philadelphia Schools are in dire need of reform. In an effort to achieve this goal, two committees, The Right to Education Task Force and The School Reform Commission, have been formed to focus on improving the situation for all Philadelphia Schools students. A new mission statement, a Declaration of Education, an anti-truancy effort, and summer programs have all been implemented within the district of Philadelphia Schools.

The Right to Education Task Force, which focuses on special education and persons with disabilities served by Philadelphia Schools, strives to do the following:

o Review state and national legislation that affects improvements of special education classes

o Participate in active and meaningful discussion about education concerns, and give recommendations to resolve them

o Serve as advisors and advocates to protect the rights of students with disabilities

o Encourage and facilitate cooperation between public and private agencies and their officials to provide services to persons with disabilities

Philadelphia Schools has put a "School Reform Commission" in place in order to continue the improvement of Philadelphia Schools. The commission's mission statement is as follows: "The mission of ...Philadelphia Schools is to provide a high quality education that prepares, ensures, and empowers all students to achieve their full intellectual and social potential in order to become lifelong learners and productive members of society." The Commission has set several target goals for themselves, teachers, administrators, and staff, which they hope to achieve by June of 2008. These goals include Early Literacy, Academic Achievement, a Safe and Orderly Environment, Community Collaboration, Equity, Efficient and Effective Philadelphia Schools, and improved Support Operations.

Among other efforts, Philadelphia Schools have teamed up with Mayor John F. Street to implement a citywide anti-truancy initiative. The program is designed to ensure that school-aged children and teens are actually present in their Philadelphia Schools, and that their parents are aware of truancy laws. The initiative also intends to assure that parents and students alike are aware that the City, Philadelphia Schools, and the Family Court plan to hold them accountable.

In addition, Philadelphia Schools offer numerous summer programs that both keep kids off the streets, and serve to help students who have fallen behind in their studies. The programs are focused on academic enhancement and enrichment, and are mandatory for any 1st - 8th grader who did not achieve proficiency in a core subject, such as Math or Reading. Eighth graders who need additional help meeting Philadelphia Schools promotion criteria and 12th graders needing additional credits to graduate are eligible.

Mark S. Schweiker, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce sums it up by saying, "The reformation of the Philadelphia public schools serves as a model for the entire nation. As the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce touts the advantages of this region to the world, our rapidly improving public school system is an example that Greater Philadelphia is a progressive place to live and raise a family."

By Wesley Skiles

Matchbox cars were first created in England in 1952. While working for Lesney Products, owned by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith (no relation), die-caster Jack Odell created the first ever Matchbox car. It was a brass Road Roller made small enough to fit into a match box, at the request of his daughter. She wanted to take something to school for show and tell but school rules mandated that all items had to fit into a match box. The first line of Matchbox cars was sold by the Lesney company in 1953 with the #1 Road Roller, #2 Dumper and #3 Cement Mixer. New cars were added to the existing line each year until the line reached 75. (The line was increased to 100 in 2008 but let's stick to history for now.)

In 1967 Mattel, well known for its most popular toy, Barbie, began to develop their own line of die-cast toy cars. This line, called Hot Wheels, came out with its first series in 1968 with 16 cars. When sales were ten times more than expected, they added 24 more cars for the 1969 line. Continued sales caused the line to grow to 73 cars in 1970 and then 108 in 1971. With all of this growth, the Matchbox cars by the Lesney company struggled to keep up. In 1982 the Matchbox car line was sold to Universal Toys, who later sold it in 1991 to the well know Tyco company. Over the years Matchbox and Hot Wheels were the only two significant competitors in the die-cast toy car saga and therefore even viewed as rivals. Ironically, in 1996, Mattel bought the Matchbox product line from Tyco. Hot Wheels and Matchbox were now owed by the same company but continue to live on as two lines of toy cars.

Having grown up with dozens of toy cars as a child, and having two young sons with cars themselves now, I have done much research (playing) with both the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands. In recent years, the Hot Wheels line has obviously become the favorite of many collectors and children, and some even consider the Matchbox cars to be of lesser quality and design. In fact, go into any store that sells the cars and compare the selection of Hot Wheels to Matchbox. In the way of individual cars, Hot Wheels displays almost always out number Matchbox ten to one easily. However, one observation that I have made in buying cars for my sons is the drastic difference in style between the two lines. The vast majority of Hot Wheels cars are not modeled after or painted like actual cars. Many of them are variations of actual cars or new creations all together. In fact, I personally have a few Hot Wheels in my collection that are shopping carts or toilets with wheels. Other cars by Hot Wheels are often painted with much graphic and text details. Matchbox on the other hand is entirely 'normal' cars. The majority of cars in their line are ones you are likely to see on the street. The models are one or two tone painted, rarely with added graphics or text. One of the benefits of this is that you are more likely to find police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility vehicles etc, with Matchbox than with the Hot Wheels line.

Matchbox cars were the beginning. Hot Wheels brought in high quality and enormous sales. Now, between the two lines of cars, you can find just about any custom or actual car imaginable. Die-cast cars have been a huge part in the lives and many children and are becoming huge in the realm of collectors. (One might wonder if these two groups are the same people!) I have heard some argue that die-cast cars are now primarily for collectors and are a thing of the past as children's toys. I can only respond by stating that my two sons have much more fun playing with their 100+ cars than they do buying and looking at them. I also must admit that I'm glad that I have two sons so that I can still play with die-cast toy cars at age thirty!

By Vicky Phipps

INSPIRATION AND PERSPIRATION!

Ever thought of putting together a pinup calendar featuring hot guys enrolled at your college or university?

Most people who think of creating a "Men of (Your) University" calendar assume that all they need to do is locate only 12 hunky college males and have them photographed. These tasks must be accomplished. But there's much more to publishing a calendar and many more than 12 college guys must be recruited.

Besides recruiting, selecting, and training your student male models, there is production of the actual calendar, which includes photography, arranging graphic design and commercial printing. After the calendars are delivered, news media publicity must be arranged. Promotional events must be held. And, of course, your pinup calendar must be marketed!

But, first, the best-looking campus guys at your university or college must be recruited. After a decade of publishing, recruiting of college men, the Campus Men Calendar operation has learned a great deal and refined its approach. So, here are the facts:

GUYS WANT TO DO IT!

There is a high demand to appear in pinup calendars of college men. Publishers should be able to choose from many college guys. Therefore, do not cater to, or try to convince any one college student to appear. Either they want to appear in your calendar or they do not! Students who need special handling often drag their feet and cause delays. Delays cost in potential sales. Therefore, students who expect you to cater to them, cost you sales.

BEWARE OF GIRLFRIENDS!

Beware of any college guy who involves his girlfriend into your operation. Why? Because girlfriends do not truly want their boyfriends to "model." Yes, they want their boyfriend to be "good looking" and for his looks to be "model quality," but they really do not want them going on photo shoots, meeting female models and certainly do not want the competition that is generated from having their boyfriend's body being advertised to other females by appearing in a calendar.

When it comes time to choose the best calendar photograph, girlfriends can spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E. A revealing photograph may be threatening to a girlfriend. When it comes to their bodies, guys want to "show it off." Girlfriends want their men under wraps.

If you hold a promotional event after the calendar is released, any controlling girlfriend will either want to attend the event or will encourage your model not to attend. Remember, you cannot replace a model once the calendar is printed. You will only be able to select from the batch of 12 who appear in the calendar. That means if five guys are unreliable, you only have seven to choose from. How many of those seven will be working at their job during your event? If you convince a bar owner to hold an event, but only have one model show up, you might be in big trouble and possibly owe the bar owner for their advertising costs. If no models show up at a retail store that carries your calendar, you just might loose that store as an outlet!

In summary, chose independent-minded males.

SEX STILL SELLS?

The theme of the calendar drives which students should be recruited and selected. At Campus Men, we chose a theme that was developed after years of trial and error. Our theme was to present young, all-American college guys in sensual poses.

Your photos should answer the question of: I wonder what that incredible-looking guy I saw on campus would look like in bed? If a publisher wants to sell calendars, it is foolish to feature college men wearing sweaters. Publish photographs of guys wearing suits, fully clothed or face shots only - and you will not be returning to the market with a calendar the second year. If you want to sell calendars, appeal to the sexual motivations of the viewer, whether through a cute smile, great face or body or skimpy clothing. Attempt to give the viewer a fantasy of what it is like to be intimate with the college student.

You do not have to depict models fully nude with penis showing. Snug-fitting boxer briefs (or less) are just as exciting. Many guys will readily show their bare buttocks. By choosing students who are exhibitionists versus guys who are conservative, you give yourself valuable creative freedom when it comes time to photograph these college male models. Choose a male student who obsesses about which poses he will not pose for, versus choosing a young guy who is grateful for the opportunity you are offering, and you will undoubtedly find the production process more difficult.

Remember, there are thousands of students enrolled at your university. Why choose the ones who do not care about your profitability? You will find that buyers will remark on the one or two provocative photos that appear in your finished calendar. "Skin" photos draw more e-mails and sell more copies.

Campus Men learned this by accident. Gus Dakis posed for what our male model photographer calls a "miracle photograph" because the photo shoot was hastily put together due to bad weather. Gus and our photographer sped off to the photo shoot location and set up equipment as the rain still dripped from gutters around the pool house.

Yet, once set up, there was still no sun, which was needed for the photograph. Gus stood in exact position under the showerhead and our photographer stood by with his camera, continuously measuring light readings. Just as they decided to wrap it up and go home without taking any photos, the sun fell below the clouds, engulfing the pool area in a beautiful, brilliant deep gold color. A half roll of film was snapped off before the sun fell beyond the horizon.

Surprisingly, Gus' photograph, which was created in two and one-half minutes, became the most popular image in Campus Men that year and was responsible for many sales. Why? Because the photo depicted Gus in a pair of wet, white shorts that inadvertently became translucent because of the hectic pace of that day's photo shot.

GO FOR A CAMPUS FEEL

Design photographs with a collegiate or athletic feel to them, rather than "beach" themed photos. If people want to buy a beach theme calendar, they will buy the "Chippendales" calendar. Even the Chippendales calendar has changed to more "bedroom themes." Remember, buyers want YOUR calendar because it offers college guys. While college guys are seen on beaches only during Spring Break, one will usually find college guys on the school's quad, in a fraternity house, or playing sports. So, photograph your college men where buyers expect to see college guys. Plan imagery that brings college life to mind or portrays the college student as a sexy athlete.

Remember, the successful theme of a calendars should be: "Here's what that athletic guy you passed on the quad looks like in bed."

RECRUIT EXTENSIVELY

Far more than 12 students must be recruited. Calendar production processes call for locating as many attractive males on your campus as possible. It is not usual to evaluate at least 125 college guys and as many as 500 during the entire process. If you want to organize a calendar, your goal should be to meet hundreds of hot college guys.

A large number must be secured because the most important issue - other than quality of photographs - is timing of delivery. Delivering early in the sales season is very important. Calendars must be produced for delivery on June 1 of each year. This allows a seven-month selling season and allows featured college guys to talk up and sell calendars during the summer (when they have ample time to sell because they are not enrolled in classes; are usually home among family and friends). It also allows sales through national magazines, and allows the producers to reach incoming freshmen college guys visiting the campus during orientation sessions, held during June through August. This means the calendar also will be on store shelves in time for students who arrive back for the beginning of fall quarter and are seeking to decorate dorm or sorority room walls.

Winter term is a poor time to recruit college guys because completing any activity takes more time due to cold weather. We cannot easily see what college guys look like because they cover themselves with clothing when outdoors. College guys generally stay indoors, become sedentary, gain weight, and do not have tans.

If only 12 college guys are recruited, the operation can be delayed if even one student drops out or is dismissed.

Recruit a large number of college guys because appearing in a calendar is not for everyone. We found that we had to screen all guys to select only those who are willing to pose nude or nearly nude. Why? Because college-oriented calendars are not the thing for timid or conservative young men. We have published many pinup calendars with varying degrees of provocativeness. Tame pinup calendars are nice. But, few buyers actually part with $15 to buy a boring male calendar. More risqué calendars have always been more popular in sales.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Here's what to look for in a college-guy model for a pinup calendar:

o Outgoing, can sell calendars. Guys who like to talk to everyone and anyone

o Muscular or defined body

o Confident guys. Young men with self-esteem problems make problems for you.

o Comfortable posing nude, uninhibited, the kind of guy who would skinny-dip for fun or go streaking at the drop of a hat

Advertising did not bring in the "right" type of college guys. Many young men who are perfect for your calendar would never think of submitting their names to you. They must be invited. That is where student recruiters are valuable.

Advertise for a team of students whose sole duty is to stop college guys on an informal basis. Advertising to locate recruiters can include classified ads, as well as fliers to sororities, career placement offices and dorms. Aim for at least three "hard core" recruiters, a Greek system recruiter and a minority representative. Recruiters need not be female. Guys can recruit and sometimes find it easier to approach other guys in gyms, classes and on the quad. Girls sometimes thinks asking a guy to pose is like asking him for a date.

NUMBERS GAME

About 60 percent of the college guys recruiters find will be acceptable. Of those students, 75 percent will accept an offer to appear. Therefore, to secure 22 acceptable college men, recruiters should locate 50 guys per calendar.

Compensation to recruiters is a finder's fee paid for each "found" student who appears in the published calendar. Fees are payable only if the recruited student appears in the calendar. Do not pay a finder's fee if you do not select the college student to appear, if the college student declines your offer to appear, drops out before publication, or is dismissed for any reason.

After a college guy applies to appear in a calendar (through a website), collect a bio or tape an interview with the individual. That's how selection of new "male model" begins!

By Jacqui B

So I am Single. I have been dating since high school and have had a few boyfriends but nothing healthy or long lasting. I have had my heartbroken and honestly, can't remember breaking any myself. I have met so many men from different backgrounds and different cultures.

I rarely have a boyfriend long enough for my friends and family to meet them. Every so often someone gets a glimpse of one of my dates, and this is the only proof that some of them actually exist.

So I have had my heart broken, been dumped, rejected, denied and fired....and I still feel on top of this beautiful, exciting and promising world. I feel this way because I know that the man of my dreams is out there. I just know it! I am thankful that these men have moved on briskly because if the losers stick around, I wont be available when Mr Right gets here. So I have changed what getting dumped means to me and crazily enough, after shedding a tear or two, especially for the ones I thought id marry, I get excited!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand just because we are ladies in waiting, it does not mean that we cant have a little fun now does it? Of course not! So let me give you a some tips on how to do that ;-)

Tip #1
Fake it till you make it!

People believe what they see. Men are attracted to modest confidence, womanliness and the biggest most important one of all....Mystery! They love it!! So if you are not already one of those girls....start there! The real lessons will come later!

Tip #2
Don't have to be rich to wear hot clothes?

If you haven't already noticed....the whole entire fashion world is based on peoples ideas on what is cool and wearable. The people that start these trends are people like you and me. So whats stopping us from using our creativity? Nothing! I like beautiful new season clothes from Portmans and Principles but the truth is...I cant afford it all the time! So I improvise. I find and outfit that suits my figure perfectly and duplicate it in heaps of different colors and accessories. Your sure to always look good. Don't forget to watch a little MTV or E Channel to get the latest scoop in fashion too!

Tip #3
Less Is More

Easy on the War Paint! I love make up...adore it! Would be lost without it. However, I have seen sooooooooooooo many girls out there who pile on the make up. There is a huge difference between day wear, evening wear and dress ups. Day wear you want to have something very natural. Foundation (maybe some powder or bronzer), a little eye brow pencil, mascara that lengthens and frames your eyes and your favorite gloss is all you need. Ensure you blend that foundation in.....theres nothing worse then a mask line between your face and neck.

Evening, the same but add shimmer on your check bones and maybe a little more mascara and a darker shade of gloss.

Dressups - (maybe out to night clubs) Go for it! Anything goes really.....depends on who you are wanting to impress. Check out whats the latest on E Channel, MTV and Mags for tips. Bonus Tip: Guys like a natural looking girl. When there is too much make up they cant help but wonder what is going on under it!!!

Tip #4
Attitude is everything...

If your having a rough time loving who you are then obviously you have had either a broken heart, someones hurt you, someones made you feel inadequate or you watch to much t.v. We may not all look like models but who freakin does? There are things about my body I hate....heaps of them....but guess what. Certain Bras make my boobs look great and Baby Doll dress and tops hide my tummy and dresses and skirts hide my pudgy legs. So when looking in the mirror after I have worked my magic....I think nothing but.... fabulous! Find what you love about you and accentuate it! You need to believe you are worth being loved and you need to believe you are super hot!! If you believe it, they will believe it!

Tip #5
Smile...

People are attracted to positivity. Don't believe me??? Try it. Not once and awhile. All the time.....see what starts to happen when you smile. The boys boys wonder what the mystery behind that cute smile is all about.

Tip #6
Smell Good...

Have a couple of delicious perfumes that people will remember you by. Day and Evening fragrances. Don't load it on, just enough so that when someone walks by they catch a hint of your mesmerising scent.

Tip #7
Don't be too eager...

When you are approached by a man and he does ask you out, which he will. Whether it be randomly, over the net or set up by a friend (I meet most of my men over the net). Don't put everything off for him immediately and say YES YES YES! Be calm, think about the date and say "that sounds really nice, can I just check on a few things and get back to you"? Then grab his no. and the next day call him and politely make a time that suits you both. Your a lady after all.

Tip #8
Finally...

Be yourself....how is someone supposed to like you if your not even being you. Be calm, cool and collected. It is normal for us women to have a man half way down the isle on the first date.....but don't bloody tell him that! LOL Joke a bit, smile, be polite and don't do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Just because he finds you hot doesn't mean you have to feel the same....and never ever sleep with a man on the first date.....ever!

By Lindsey Rivera

Don't Cake it On

There is nothing worse than cake-face, and heavy foundations are the last thing you need to be concerned with when starting school. Sure, you might look bangin' during first period, but as the day goes on, chances are you'll start to melt, and wind up looking like a hot mess before you even make it to gym class. Instead, opt for lighter, oil-free foundation which will ensure that you look fresh all day. I am so not a fan of mineral makeup for photoshoots, but for everyday wear, they can be a great option. If you have good skin, tinted moisturizers are super light feeling, but give you enough sheer color to even out skin tone. Just dab concealer over blemishes and your good to go!

Keep it Fresh-

School days are loooong, and chances are the makeup you apply in the morning is not going to last you 'til the end of the day. If you have any after-school activities, you can pretty much forget about it. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stay fresh all day long.

1. Blotting Sheets:

These little things can be a lifesaver on hot days. I tend to get really shiny on my t-zone. When I was in high school I would constantly take down shine with my Covergirl pressed powder compact ALL day long, and at the end of the day my face felt so gross and thick from piling product on it non-stop. Blotting sheets solve this problem. Just press it on any shiny spot and it absorbs oil, leaving your skin matte without applying any product! The best thing is they are so CHEAP. Elf carries a pack of 50 sheets for $1! I use these on set all the time.

*Bonus Tip* If you are in a bind and all out of blotting sheets, book it to the nearest bathroom, rip a little piece off of a (clean) toilet seat cover and press it on your face. It does exactly the same thing, for free. I know... it sounds really weird and gross, but it totally works!

2. Primers

Using makeup primers are great ways to ensure you are getting enough longevity out of your makeup. I use primers for brides religiously because I am not always able to stay and make sure the makeup looks flawless all day. If a crazy bridezilla can keep her makeup fresh all day, I guarantee that you can too! I love Smashbox's Photofinish Primer, it is a staple in my makeup kit. They also make a "light" version that is not as greasy as the original. Laura Mercier makes a great face primer as well. For eyes, I swipe Urban Decay's Primer Potion on the eyelid before applying eyeshadow and it keeps the shadows from creasing all day.

3. Dry Shampoo-

I used to loathe gym class. Thinking about it still makes me nervous. My teacher used chase us on her mountain bike and threaten to "nip our heels" if we didn't pick up the pace. Seriously, the bell could not ring fast enough, and when it did, I was sweaty, smelly, and my hair looked like crap.

Dry shampoo will save your life. Not really, but it is the perfect pick-me-up when your locks are not are luscious as they were 45 minutes ago. Spray or sprinkle the powder in your hair, brush it out and you can save yourself another day before washing. Use after gym, and your sweaty limp hair will be refreshed and ready for next period. I like and use Oscar Blandi's Dry Shampoo (not the spray). Tigi just came out with a new one called Rockoholic. It's pretty good and smells amazing, but the bottle doesn't last very long.

*Bonus Tip* Baby powder is a super cheap way to soak up excess oils in your hair! Just make sure that you brush it all out ,or your hair will give off a gray hue and people might think you are prematurely aging. Not cute.

Prolong Your Summer Tan-

Everybody knows how bad tanning is for your skin, but let's face it, it does not stop people from laying out. However you got your tan this summer, whether it be through frying in the sun, or slathering on self tanner, follow these steps to make sure your glow keeps rockin' well into the school year.

1. Moisturize!-

Keeping your body moisturized will help prolong real tans as well as fake ones. Dry skin cracks, making your color fade much quicker. Lather on a moisturizer after you get out of the shower. Even better if it contains SPF!

2. Switch to Gradual Self-Tanners-

Once fall starts approaching, deep dark tans can scream fake. Switch to a gradual self-tanner and control the color of your skin. Gradual tanners also tend to look more natural and give you a subtle glow.

3. Bronzer-

Brush a little bronzer over your face for instant sun-kissed beauty. When applying bronzer, I like to only hit the spots of the face where the sun would normally touch: forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Don't go overboard or you can easily look dirty, not sun-kissed. I love NARS Laguna bronzer but N.Y.C makes an amazing bronzer for ridiculously cheap (like under $4)! It's kind of an industry secret

Multitask-

Products with multiple purposes make my life a little easier, and I'm sure that you will be able to reap the same benefits! Add a little glow to your cheeks and your lips! These products do double duty, saving you some precious morning time.

Stila- Convertible Color: Lillium is a natural color that will brighten you up and give you a fresh look.

Nars- The Multiple: These come in 12 amazing shades. They are a bit more expensive but SOO worth it.

Benefit- Benetint: Give your lips a rosy stain and your cheeks a sexy flush.

Fake It-

Chances are you've been sleeping in all summer. Getting back in the swing of things once school starts can definitely prove to be difficult. Follow these simple tricks to give yourself that well rested look, even though you feel like hell.

1. White/Nude Eyeliner

Line the rim of your eyes with a white eyeliner and they instantly appear wider and brighter! If you're feeling that white is making you look a little dated, try nude. I love using a nude pencil on models and actors that didn't get much sleep the night before, and they love me for it!

2. Curl Your Eyelashes.

Using an eyelash curler can do wonders to make you look like you've got an easy 9 hours of sleep under your belt. Follow up with some mascara and you're good to go!

3. Put a Little Color On Your Cheeks.

Adding color to your cheeks can make a world of difference to a dull complexion. It's an instant pick me up brings life to your face. While you're at it, dab some color on your lips too! (See "Multitask" Above).

By Walter Derksen

Remember those years in High school? You were a senior, had all kinds of friends, were popular, and had a body that just wouldn't stop. The guys couldn't get enough of you because you were hot. Then something happened, you fell in love, you graduated, got a job, got married and had a family. You had a dream once that you wanted to look like a fitness model, but now you just want to get fit and lose the baby weight.

You see a person in the mirror that doesn't resemble the girl you knew in High school. That one had energy, life, and was fun to be around. The girl you see now looks tired, stressed out and over weight.

All women gain weight when they are pregnant. The key is to be able to keep that weight gain to a manageable limit so that you can lose it after having your baby.

Okay so how do you lose the baby weight, get fit and accomplish your dream of looking like a fitness model that you had in High school?

You get busy and do some research and find a proper program especially designed just for what you are looking for. You now have a baby so you would be wise to do things together that would be beneficial to both of you.

You could put the baby in a holder that you wear like a backpack and go for a hike. This would surely help you with gaining strength in your legs and also good for your endurance and stamina. Take your husband along and make it a family outing. You will certainly begin to lose the baby weight and at the same time get fit.

There are other things you can do with your baby like going to a mother-tot swim class at your local YMCA. Swimming is a great exercise for your overall health and your baby will love it as well. You will be on your way to looking like a fitness model and having fun doing it.

Just going out at random for family or mother child outings or walks, is not enough of a complete program that you really need to meet your goals of losing the baby weight and getting fit.

You will need to combine a total body workout with exercises geared to regaining energy, self esteem, strength, muscle tone and a positive attitude. Your mental outlook is very important if you want to maintain a strict regime to meet all of your goals.

If you want to look like a fitness model you will need to work out at least 3 times a week. You can probably do this right in your home on a schedule that suits your needs. You will need some equipment like an exercise mat, a workout bench and maybe some dumbbells.

You don't have to spend a lot of money here to get the job done. Combine these workouts with a proper healthy diet and not only will you get fit but you will lose the baby weight fast as well.

Supplements are helpful to. You will need some guidance from a professional as to what to take and how often and in what quantities. Supplements are widely used by both men and women to lose weight, get fit and achieve that powerful toned sleek muscular look so many want these days.

Don't get carried away with supplements as they can be a distraction and counted on to do all the work for you. They are not meant to do all the work. You must do your part faithfully to reach the goals you desire.

There are tons of supplement out there but not all are good. There are watershed pills, energy drinks, protein shakes and even those controversial fat burners. So you will need to make sure you are taking the correct supplements you need to lose the baby weight, get fit and look like a fitness model.

Remember not just one aspect of your exercise program will give you the required results.

You need a combination of all the ingredients of exercise, diet and supplements to reach your desired goals. Advice and coaching from a certified professional fitness instructor and or your family doctor would be the ideal situation for guidance and encouragement in your quest to lose the baby weight, get fit, and look like a fitness model.

By Maria Moratto

The Walk Through

The day was beautiful. The sun was shining and the breeze was cool. We arrived at the school at 10:30 or so.

Alex joined his class and I joined the parents. I noticed that all the parents had flowers and I didn't. Shucks. I forgot. No problem. I asked one who had a bunch of bunches and she sold me one. Great. I now had a bunch of white carnations that I could give my son, his best friends, and my ex-students from the Davis Waldorf School when I was their Spanish teacher.

Soon, it was time for us to start the Walk Through. This is what the Sacramento Waldorf School calls the last day of school for the seniors. It is their time to say good-bye to all the classes, teachers, and parents, and hence, have a closing to their many years at the school. I understand that the Sacramento Waldorf School is the only Waldorf School which has such a rite of passage. Lucky us!

Anyway, we all follow the class of 2006 into the garden that belongs to the Kindergarten. There they were, waiting and holding a flower.

The seniors formed a circle and the small children all wearing a flower garland that they had made, recited a verse and sang a song, in a typical way of kindergarteners. I remember when Alex was that little, his teacher asked: what is it with this vibrato when he sings? She never knew what a powerful soprano he was to become until his voice changed at age 14 or so. He still can do a great falsetto.

Anyway. After they received the flowers from the small children and were leaving the grounds of the Kindergarten, we parents spontaneously formed a tunnel for our children to pass under. It was very powerful and symbolic.

Then they went to the Lower School. Because the classes are very small and this is the biggest class ever to attend a Waldorf High School in this country, there was no way that the 46 of them, plus the parents, plus the other children's parents would fit in each classroom.

To make sure that the walk would still be a beautiful experience, the teachers decided that the children from all the grades would form a walkway under the veranda that connects all the classrooms.

So from both sides, there was a line of about 200 children or so holding roses and other flowers. It was a sight to see. The line started with 1st graders and ended with the 8th graders and that meant that we could see the line slanting upwards, according to the children's age and height. Beautiful.

So here come the seniors and at the end of each class they stopped their walk and the class teacher made a little good-bye speech and the children presented them with songs and verses. Each song was related to whatever the theme of the grade was. So they comprise among others of native, Hebrew, folk, animal and earth songs among others.

And after their song, the children gave each senior a flower. Two things were abundant during this passage: tears and flowers. Not one senior walked through with dry eyes. Parents, likewise. The flowers were just beautiful. They were so many and the scent so powerful that it put us in a state of awe. There were also a Rumi poem and Beatles songs.

The last song was sung by the High School, who then made another path for the seniors that led to the school's big canopy where the school assembles at the beginning and end of the school year. "Let It Be" it was. And now there were hugs and tears and good-byes in profusion, for they are all their HS friends.

After that, forming the lines were the HS teachers. More tears and more hugs. And finally we, the parents.

So ended the walk; the whole school gathered beneath the canopy. All the classes were sitting on the ground according to grade. The seniors in line came up to the front, to the set of stairs that replace a stage. They were all hugging their flowers, oh so colorful and so fragrant! And there they were applauded as if they have just finished a most brilliant performance. I'd say they have.

At last, the bell started to ring, the whole school stood up and they were led by the seniors in one of their verses which is said every day during their school life. So this was the last bell that the seniors heard and the last time they said their verse, thus ending their Waldorf Education.

• To wonder at beauty,
• Stand guard over truth,
• Look up to the noble,
• Decide for the good;
• Leads man on his journey
• To goals for his life,
• To right in his duties,
• To peace in his feeling,
• To light in his thought,
• And teaches him trust
• In the guidance of God
• In all that there is;
• In the world-wide all,
• In the soul's deep soil.

Then the classes left and the seniors remained for last pictures. I didn't take any. Figured that I might as well enjoy this last day and keep it in my heart.

As I already said, I was sobbing. After all, this is also the end of my Waldorf School years. Too many questions crossed my mind.

Will there be more talking of gnomes and fairies? Will there be birthday verses? Will there be morning verses? Will there be home-made bread and soup? Would I hear beautiful music and see more beautiful grounds than those of the Waldorf School campuses? Will I see more beautiful work of art on the walls and artifacts on display? Will there be candles on the table? Will there be nature tables expressing every passing season? Will there be blessings before the meals?

Will I hear the teachers singing when they call the children? Will I see such artistic drawings on the blackboards? Will I see square crayons and beeswax modeling "clay"? Will I see dolls without a face? Will I see scarves knitted in wool and embroidered napkins? Will I see knitted cases for their recorders? Will I see shields and hear Micael's song in defeating the dragon? Will I sip hot cider and walk with a lantern to welcome the dark months of winter? Will I celebrate May Day and see dancing around the Maypole? Will I walk the perilous path during Halloween? Will I celebrate Advent with candles and walks? Will I see teenagers sitting, talking, and knitting?

Will I hear the faculty sing to the student and parent body? Will I see the beautiful Main Lesson Books? Will I hear inspired verses and songs created by my son and other children? Will I hear him sing with that powerful soprano voice of his? Will I read well written and interpreted and mature research papers? Will I see my son wear slippers while he moves to Eurhythmy? Will I see teachers hugging my son because he needs nurturing and love? Will I see teachers playing with my son? Will my son teach me what he is learning? Will I pack lunches?

Will my life be surrounded by such beauty and love?

My gratitude to the Waldorf Schools that embraced Alex and for the Waldorf Education that sculpted his soul transforming him into this beautiful human being that he is, is unlimited. From now on I say: I may have made some mistakes while raising Alex. But the Waldorf Education is the best gift I could bestow upon him.

Though I may not be ready to let him go, he, on the other hand is absolutely ready to take his first steps towards the world, forever wondering at beauty, standing guard over truth, looking up to the noble, and deciding on the good.

May God bless you and illumine your life, son of mine. I will be silently walking with you forever.