netizens

Started new blog for the Olympics, feet and the Olympics

And did those little feet....

To encourage children to exercise, 2008 is the year of walking to school. Throughout the world there are promotions set to encourage regular exercise. Australia kicks off 2nd May and UK soon after and the US in October. Others are aiming for October 2008.

Related sites
walk.com.au

Syndactyly: Mer feet

Syndactyly (from Greek meaning "together" and "finger") presents when two or more digits of the hands and or feet are fused together. It is unusual in humans but not uncommon. In simple syndactyly, adjacent fingers or toes are joined by soft tissue. In complex syndactyly, the bones of adjacent digits are fused. Simple syndactyly either full or partial is present at birth (congenital). The exact cause is still unknown but in early human fetal development, webbing of the toes and fingers is normal. Apoptosis takes place about 16 weeks into gestation and usually an enzyme dissolves the tissue between the fingers and toes. In some fetuses, this process does not occur completely and some residual webbing remains. Syndactyly occurs in approximately one in 2,000 to 2,500 live births. Most commonly the second and third toes are webbed or joined by skin and flexible tissue. Having webbed feet does not affect the function of the foot or toes and walking or swimming and uninhibited. When webbing interferes with the function of the fingers then simple surgery may be recommended. The procedure is straightforward but sometimes there maybe need for a skin graft. In the case of webbed toes, surgical separation is cosmetic with no known medical benefits. Famous people with syndactyly include, thespians Dan Aykroyd, Ashton Kutcher, the radiant, Tricia Helfer; singers, Rachel Stevens (former member of SClub7);writersRob Neyer, Mike Holderness comic animator Kentaro Miura ; Dictator, Joe Stalin He was General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1922-53). It is reported he had webbed toes on his left foot; philologiste Paul Meyer; and icon, Marge Simpson.

Foot care products are blue chip investments

A report entitled "Foot Care Products: A Global Strategic Business Report" was published recently by Global Industry Analysts, the findings of which indicate over the last decade the demand for foot care products has exponentially increased. According to the report an ageing western population has come to realise care of the feet makes sense and with diseases such as Type II diabetes almost endemic in some populations then it is not a minute before time, some might argue. Ever increasing emphasis on feet au naturelle plus the preoccupation of designers keen to objectify the foot aesthetic have added to increased exposure of the foot with the inevitable outcome the market for foot care products has expanded as consumers desperately seek to beutify their feet and in some cases for overnight foot repair ointments, creams, cleansing lotions and sloughing scrub. According to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the world market was estimated at $1.4 billion for 2008 and is projected to reach $3.4 billion by 2010. In the US, podiatry services are mainly in the private sector and cater for those with a disposable income. In the UK podiatry is more available to priority groups such as the elderly through the NHS (public service) but demand far exceeds resources. People living with peripheral neuropathy (lack feeling) in the lower leg face the greatest challenge with respect to foot problems. Diabetes and peripheral vascular disease are common in the general population with an estimated 100 million people globally and about 18 million Americans coping with diabetes. Foot ulceration is likely to arise in about 15% of diabetics. According to Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Europe is projected to be the fastest growing regional market for foot care products, during the 2001-2010. Currently Europe, Asia-Pacific and United States dominate the foot care products sector with a combined share of more than 75% for 2008. New products are being launched to accommodate the growing stress or pressure that the foot undergoes on a daily basis. In United States, consumer interest in foot care products such as cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliators and other cosmetic treatments for the feet have prompted suppliers to provide beauty-related foot care products. Moreover, a new trend is being witnessed among women for improving the feet appearance, attributed to growing popularity of open-toe sandals and shoes. According to the report the main industry leaders are: Alva-Amco Pharmacals Inc, Chattem Inc, Combe Incorporated, Del Laboratories Inc, Dr Foot, Dreamyfeet Footcare Products, Foot Express, FootSmart, Freeman Beauty Labs, HoMedics Inc., Implus Footcare, Johnson & Johnson, Miracle of Aloe, Miracle Products Company, Novartis Consumer Health, Paris Presents Inc, PediFix Inc, ProFoot Inc, Revlon Inc, Schering-Plough Corporation, Spenco Medical Corporation, SSL International PLC, W E Bassett Company Inc, and Xenna Corporation.

Naughtyboy trainers!

Canvas topped shoes have gone through many name changes including tennis shoes, speed shoes, and peds and chucks. They come in various shapes from high tops (come over the ankle) to shoes and all manner of colours. Sneakers in the 20th century remain synonymous with polymer development and continue to incorporate ‘out of this world’ materials which prior to the Space Race would not exist. They are without doubt ions of the 20 & 21st centuries. A dark side to this trade is not only the questionable labor issues which surround off shore manufacture in developing countries but the marketing direction which deliberately incorporated associations with the culture which surrounds recreational drugs. A poll of sporting goods stores revealed that many inner city youths bought pricey sneakers at least once per month. Marketing experts claimed it was these kids, often using drug earned money, which set the trends for sneaker gimmickry design and shoe distribution around the country. Some companies were accused of cashing in on the easy drug money picked up by inner city kids. This included using street slang as names for their wears. Some manufacturers have tried to quell negative publicity by putting some of their profits back into developing inner city recreational area. In some US cities the appearance of a pair of black 'Chucks' suspended over power lines indicates the presence of drug dealers in the area. Sneakers are often referred to as 'drug' shoes or 'chronics" (after slang for a drug user). Adidas were accused of capitalising on the drug culture when they marketed the 'Hemp " range of shoes. Because of the controversy Adidas renamed the product as the 'Gazelle natural". This is not the first time the company have skirted with controversy over a name. One of their leather shoes was called "tobacco" which refereed to its colour and nothing to do with burnable burley. Gang sneakers refer to street gangs (or Crips) in the US and their preference for certain styles, which then become their trademarks. In Chicago for example members wear 'Chucks' with the blue star changed to a different colour. Los Angeles gangs wear Nike Cortex, whereas gangs in Wisconsin wear either red or black laces in their black sneakers. In Europe, soccer casuals wore expensive designer trainers, yet most were unemployed or on a low income. The presence of expensive clothing indicated a culture steeped on criminal activity. In New York City jails, the department of correction forbids prisoners to wear Nike Air or similar sneakers because prisoners have been caught with hollowed out soles storing contraband. The Air chamber makes a useful place to plank razor blades and drugs. During their time in jail prisoners wear simple sneakers or sandshoes. Many major companies have been accused of mass producing their footwear in sweatshops, using developing countries and employing cheap labour. Audits of factories in South East Asia where many sneakers are made have revealed unsafe work practices. Although some of these companies are reported to be working to improve their record this highly profitable industry has the attention of human rights groups who continue to campaign against poor working conditions. Independent research also demonstrates the lack of data to support the notion that sports shoes are capable of protecting against injury through cushioning of impact. This is despite deceptive advertising, which often infers the opposite. Another downside is recent scientific research has called into question the efficacy of wearing sports shoes over prolonged periods of time. Shelf stock in sports footwear has a very short life; some of the less successful promotional gimmicks include the Reebok Pump. One of the few sneaker ranges, which did not quite live up to the advertising blurb, was the high profile Reebok "Pumps". The pumping mechanism had only limited adjustment range. The shoe was heavy and the pressure chamber no more comfortable that other similar shoes. The shoe was uncomfortably stiff. Reebok had a great idea or so they thought when they named a new range of women's running shoes after a mythical demon, Incubus. Incubus was an impish cad who had sex with women when they were sleeping. The literal meaning of Incubus is to be oppressively burdenful. Not quite the image Reebok had. There are no immediate plans to withdraw the shoes but the company did down scale the name. Asics is a Japanese company who has taken its name from the acronym for the Latin 'Anima Sana in Corpore Sano' which means 'a sound mind is a sound body'. All day long I dream of sex is not the acronym for Adidas but this company took it name from Adolf "Adi" Dassler a cobbler and co founder of the company (the three stripe logo was a stripe for each of his sons). Nike (Greek Goddess of Victory) sell footwear using patented "Air" a process which uses pressurised gas encapsulated in polyurethane to offer cushioning. The idea of gas trapped within the sole of the shoe is not new and the secret of Dr Marten's shoes and boots. Gas trapped within Nike shoes is dense and not likely to escape into the atmosphere. Perhaps just as well because sulphur hexafluoride is thought to have damaging effects on the ozone.

Converse 1 HUND(RED) Collection

For their 100th celebration, Converse keeps coming out with surprising and creative products. One novel collaboration with Pepsi has produced a cell phone straps with a detailed model shoe. There are 12 models, including Jack Purcell, Chuck All Star, and Larry Bird's plus many other models that are making a comeback for this project. Converse 1 HUND(RED) Artists is another initiative where one hundred of the world's leading creative artists created original artworks highlighting the struggle against AIDS. Contributors include Rostarr (USA), Rinzen (USA), Michael Schall (USA), Hiroshi Fujiwara (Japan), Jeremyville (Australia), Michael White for Dondi White (USA), Colletivo Design (Brazil), Grandpeople (Norway), Supakitch (France) and UPSO (USA). 10% of the wholesale of the (PRODUCT) RED collection of sneakers will go towards The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Inchworm shoes: A very practical shoe design innovation

There is a new range of children’s shoes which hare expandable to cater for growth spurts. Inchworm shoes can extend by one full shoe by pressing a button on the side of the shoe and pulling the toe out to the required length. The size is registered by number on the heel and the shoe is stable enough not to change size accidentally. The shoes offer three different sizes in half-size increments and are particularly convenient for children with one foot bigger than the other. The concertina shoes are available in the UK through Scottish based distributors Fat Shoes Day. The concertina shoe was developed in Germany just over a decade ago and was an innovation thought to help reduce the cost to parents. The shoes have bee available in the US but now seem to be spreading. They are available in child sizes only from a size 10 to a size three and cost around £48(UK).

Now that is fast footwear, Dude!

The fastest shoes on earth are not running shoes but rail riding shoes, which cost in excess of $200 (US) per pair. What makes these shoes a little special is the adaptation they have on their soles. Each shoe sole is fitted with metal grooves (or runner) for sliding down hand railings. The speeds reached by rail riders are very high and of course this fast growing street sport is causing urban mayhem. Many broken legs and sprained ankles have been reported and that is only the rail riders. Great concern has been expressed for the safety of innocent people whose misfortune it is to meet a young adult in full flight. The craze started in the US and already the shoes have been banned from many schools. Another wheelie fad yet to peak is the foldaway scooter. Our urban fascination with wheels goes back to before the beginning of the last century when the wheel was rediscovered with a vengeance. First cycling revolutionised women’s clothing then later children took to building carts or bogies. Usually a wooden crate with four pram wheels, the make shift racing cars became a valued part of a kids toy collection. Later by the middle of the twentieth century when surfing became established street kids modified their bogies and swapped their pram wheels for ones made from clay. New innovations were made to the trucks or devices, which held the wheels to the board and improved manoeuvrability meant city and town kids could sidewalk surf. A decade later the popular pastime gained greater popularity with the introduction of professional boards and new promotions including professional demonstrators. Soon organised competitions were introduced and by the end of the sixties international contests were common place with even a movie and magazines available to the devotees of the wee wheels. Cities began to ban skateboards in response to health and safety concerns and for a while anyway bad press concerning fatal accidents caused the industry to dip in sales. Skateboard became an underground activity contained to only certain areas. When the polyurethane wheels were discovered skateboarding took on a new life. Further modification meant the new skateboards were easier to use, more reliable and the perfect vehicle for pedestrian manoeuvrability. Skateboard parks began to spring up all over the place as the skateboard design was lengthened to give greater stability on vertical forces. Accidents however continued to be dog the new recreation and when skateboard insurance escalated many parks had no choice but to close. The BMX craze took over and again skateboarding fell out of favour. By the 80's exhibition and competition skateboarding still held its attraction for some but it was only when companies started to target street kids did the extreme sport eventually take hold. In the 90's the popular move from competition to freestyle skateboarding meant boarders (now called slashers) could ride the freeways and did not have to rely on skateboard parks again. Clever marketing paid off and along with the new Thrasher Image* the movement introduced casual clothes to youths. Skateboard shoes, another mutation of the canvas trainers, such as Vans, Airwalk and Vision Streetwear began selling in huge quantities to young people around the world. 1992 the Western World rediscovered the new craze of inline skates and its impact was felt on snow, surf and street fashion.

* Influenced by hardcore punk style incorporating the clothing worn by US, Hispanic street gangs. Thrashers or SK8'ers listen to heavy metal music.

Origins of foot soldiers and Diggers

Footmen (foot soldiers) or infantry are soldiers who fight with small arms on the ground and are transported to the battlefield. The etymology of ‘infantry” is thought to derive from the same Latin root as 'infant', either via Italian, where it referred to young men who accompanied knights on foot, or via Spanish, where the infantes (royal princes but not heirs to the throne) commanded the footmen, hence known as infanteria. From antiquity armies have been built around a core of infantry and relied on their feet for operational movements (transportation behind the lines, especially in the pre-industrial era) and tactical movement (movement in battle). At first foot soldiers fought in loosely organized groups under the commanded of individuals within ear shot who would call out orders. The Greeks preferred heavily-armed formations of infantry which fought in rigid formation but by the time of the Romans, legions were lightly-armed and mobile, capable of relocating on the battlefield to exploit advantage. By the early Middle Ages, combat preference was given to knights (on horseback). Foot soldiers were armed with long spears to counter the long reach of lances used by the cavalry. About 1350 when personal armoury became too heavy to be practical ground fighting was reintroduced and the importance of the archer became apparent. Eventually the bow was replaced by the musketeer as guns became more accurate and require less skill to use. The introduction of the bayonet marked the beginning of modern infantry and as time progressed and communications and weaponry improved, infantry formations were trained to carry out pre-arranged tactical (silent) manoeuvres in the heat of battle. By the First World War I (1914-1918), it was recognized the ability of infantry to manoeuvre in constricted terrain unseen was extremely effective. Modern warfare reinforced the importance of protecting the soldiers and saw the development of mechanized infantry in armoured vehicles and air assaults. Infantry units are now used to patrol, escort and pursue moving unseen in areas of possible enemy activity to discern enemy deployments and ambush enemy patrols. Foot soldiers rely on their equipment, weaponry and clothing and that includes their boots. Each theatre of war demands clothing and footwear suitable to the geographical and climatic conditions and foot soldiers' boots have evolved to become some of the most sophisticated footwear on Earth. The term Digger came to refer to Australian military personnel since the Australian and New Zealand invlvement in the Vietnam War (1962-1973)but was previously recorded as being used to describe both Australian and New Zealand soldiers. No one is really sure of the origins of ‘digger’ but some authorities’ think it may have been a nickname given to new recruits from mining areas which they took to the Battle of Gallipoli (1916). There is no written evidence to support this and Australian troops were more commonly known as Kangaroos, or Tommy Kangaroo and sometimes Johnny Kangaroos at this time. Other nicknames were Cobblers, Trooper Redgum and Billjims. Certainly survival at Gallipoli was dependent on finding suitable cover and fox holes were life saving. Many linked to communicating trenches so the survivors of the nightmare landing may have earned the title because they survived by digging in. Diggers was used as a term of endearment by the British Tommy’s’ in 1916, when they referred to Maori battalions who dug out communicating trenches. After the Battle of the Somme (1916), Australian soldiers generally referred to themselves with pride as "Diggers." By 1917the name had spread from the New Zealand Division to the Australian Division in the ANZAC Corps and gained general acceptance. The sobriquet 'digger' was commonly used in World War II (1939-1945) to refer to Australian and New Zealand troops who fought side by side but in separate battalions. By the Vietnam War, Australian and New Zealand troops formed combined units and the term Kiwi was used to refer to New Zealanders and the Australians were called diggers.

Feet, feet, everywhere: Photoshop Comp

netizens

If you are handy with the box brownie or a whiz kid with the digital camera and like feet, have a swiz at this Photoshop Competion . Interested, now read the guidelines

Happy snapping.

Foot health standards for people with arthirits

Earlier this week the Podiatry Rheumatic Care Association (PRCA) UK launched an new national Standards of Care for People with Musculoskeletal Foot Health Problems. According to PRCA painful foot problems suffered by people with arthritis are seriously neglected and are subject to huge and unacceptable regional variations, according to a team of foot care experts. For many foot problems mean isolation, inability to work and shop, and increased dependency on social and health services. Twenty-eight Standard Statements have been developed, grouped under generic statements for overall provision of foot health services and disease specific statements covering inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, connective tissue disease, metabolic bone disease and back pain. People coping with musculoskeletal foot health problems should be encouraged to avail themselves of the existing services available to them to impove foot health. The detailed rationale for each standard draws on available evidence and examples of good practice furnished by providers of foot heath care across the UK. The Standards affirm that people with musculoskeletal foot health problems need integrated services that provide timely advice and support covering all aspects of managing and living with their condition. The project was funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign. And the hope is the new standards will act as a tool for all stakeholders including to work together to review and improve local musculoskeletal foot health services. The Standards of Care for people with foot disorders supplement a suite of disease specific Standards published by the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), the umbrella body for the musculoskeletal community in the UK. Standards published to date by ARMA cover people with inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, regional musculoskeletal pain, back pain, metabolic bone disease and connective tissue disease. The standards of care for people with musculoskeletal foot health problems are to be distributed widely to all primary care trusts, GPs, and all those involved in planning, delivering and receiving foot care. Best practice examples are provided throughout to illustrate how they can be put in practice.