Saturday, January 29, 2011
Re-use Your Shoes: Shoe Charitiy
Re-use Your Shoes is a charitable group in Bucks County with drop boxes to collect donations of unwanted shoes. They accept shoes in any condition. Good, wearable shoes are passed to people in need. Shoes deemed “beyond wearable” are donated to Nike’s recycling program. Nike grinds up the soles of sneakers to make a material used for playground bases. Each month, the organization donates more than 6,000 pairs of shoes to local organizations. Beneficiaries include the Bethesda Project, a men’s homeless shelter in Philadelphia, and Laurel House, a sanctuary for female domestic abuse victims and their children in Norristown. Additionally, Libertae, is a program that helps women transition to the work force after overcoming drug addiction, receives dress shoes so the women have appropriate attire to wear to job interviews.
Red Shoes, Red Tie Event in Kansas
Southwest Medical Center, Kansas are to hold the very first Red Shoe, Red Tie Event to coincide with the American Heart Month in February. The ultimate goal of the event is to teach the importance of being proactive with health. The Red Shoe, Red Tie event will be held at Seward County Community College is free to the communitybut reservations will be needed. For more information and/or to reserve your seat at this event, contact Nancy Kletecka at nkletecka@swmedcenter.com
Who keeps their Oscar in a shoe box under their bed?
Film director, Danny Boyle has admitted that he stores his Oscar academy award in a shoe bag, under his bed. Boyle won the best director Oscar for his "Slumdog Millionaire". He is not quite sure yet what to do with a second Oscar should he win the trophy at this year’s award for "127 Hours".
Foot orthoses: A bit of a myth
Dr. Benno Nigg (Human Performance Lab) has a new book out (If the shoe fits) and according to the acknowledged expert he declares, ‘increasingly expensive accessories make almost no difference to running injury rates.’ Nigg admits foot orthotic industry is now a billion-dollar industry, but accepts it is still unclear how they work and how they correct mechanical-alignments such as shin splints, knee and foot pain. The author concludes prescribers cannot yet predict the effect of a given foot orthoses. The biomechanist believes there is a correlation between what an individual finds comfortable and the insock’s ability to prevent or alleviate patho-mechanical problems. However when it comes to buying runners buy what feels good. Discerning consumers should not be dazzled by high-tech claims telling you which shoes will complement your gait. Despite the development of foot orthotic industry in the last thirty years the frequency of running injury has not substantially changed. He concurs research supports the biggest predictor of injury is intensity and not the shoes that are worn.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Red Shoe Philosophy
Ladies, according to people who know these things wearing red shoes guarantees you will have a good day. Dressed in high-heeled red pumps gives a spring to your step, and puts a smile on the face of anybody who happens to catch a glimpse of your lipstick-colored footwear. For Valentines Day the message is clear – for him buy her a pair of red shoes, and for her get out the red Bobby Dazzlers.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Petrosomatoglyphs of Scotland
A petrosomatoglyph is an indentation of parts of a human or animal body incised in rock. Feet are the most commonly found human petrosomatoglyph but knees, elbows, hands, head, and fingers are also in evidence. Early hominid footprints appear on rock beds found around the world. Footprints of Australopithecus boisei for example were discovered in Tanzania. These are thought to be 3.5 million years old. In Tchogha Zanbil, Iran at the ruins of the holy city of the Kingdom of Elam there is a stepped pyramid temple which dates back 3000 years. At the base of the steps is a child’s footprint. Many petrosomatoglyphs are natural whilst others are man-made. Although their original function is long forgotten many petrosomtoglyphs became associated with Saints, legendary figures, and fairies.
In antiquity many people carved footprints into stone including the ancient Celts. These became important symbols, used in religious and secular ceremonies, such as the crowning of kings. Sometimes petrosomatoglyphs were used by the superstitious. The Romans carved pairs of footprints in rock with the inscription ‘pro itu et reditu’, (for the journey and return). Before starting an important journey they stood in the carved footprints. Then on safe return they repeated the action as mark of thanksgiving. The same ritual was known in 6th c Wales when King Maelgwn of Gwynedd placed his feet in carved footprints to ensure his safe return from a pilgrimage to Rome.
In northern Europe, rock footprints were closely associated with Kingship or Chieftainship. Standing on a special stone was a link between the king and the land. Footprints may also have to do with the cult of the ancestors, whose spirits dwelt in the stone. The belief was the newly invested leader would received the luck (or mana) of his predecessors through contact with it. Petrosomatoglyphs used in the ordination of kings was considered a sacred place or Locus terribilis (awesome place), where only the rightful king was able to use them for the purpose that they were intended. Scottish Kings and Irish Chieftains were sworn to oath standing on footprints carved into the stone. Dunadd Hillfort is regarded as the crowning place for the original Kings of Scotland. It was the ancient capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata and lay on the west coast of Scotland. Built around 500AD after Fergus MacErc led a Scottish invasion from Ireland. The inhabitants of Dál Riata are often referred to as Scots, i.e., Latin scotti, a name for the inhabitants of Ireland and refers to all Gaelic-speakers. The kingdom's independent existence ended in the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), as it merged with the lands of the Picts to form the Kingdom of Alba. On rocks on the edge of Crinan Moss in Argyll, near the village of Lochgilphead there is a carved human footprint used during the crowning ceremony of the Kings of Scotland. This footprint is thought to be that of Oisin or Fergus Mor Mac Erca, the first King of Dalriada, who died in AD 501. The best preserved footprint (there are two) is 27 cm long, approximately 11 cm wide, 9 cm across at the heel and 2.5 cm deep. It is large enough to accommodate a shoe or boot. The second footprint of a right foot is, incomplete and measures 24 cm long and 10 cm in width.
The spot where St. Columba ( 521 – 597 AD) is reputed to have first set foot in Dalriada, Scotland, is marked by two footprints carved in a crag near the chapel of Keil and St. Columba's Well, between Dunaverty Bay and Carskey in Kintyre. These are called Columba's Footprints. It appears one footprint may date to the period but the second print was carved by a local stone mason in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately he carved the wrong date for Columba's landing of 564. Other St. Columba's footprints are found at Southend in Argyll. In one of the caves on the Isle of Arran is prints of two right feet, said to be of Saint Columba. Forging links with St Columba in the 1800s was more to do with attracting tourists.
On Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, was the Stone of Inauguration which lay beside Loch Finlaggan. The stone measured seven feet square and had a footprint cut into it (size 8). It was the sacred stone of the island Lordship and is thought to have been since the time of Somerled (King of Argyll and the Isles in 1164 AD). When a chief of the Clan Donald was installed as the King of the Isles, he required to stand barefoot on the imprint whilst he swore an oath. In 1615, by the order of the Earl of Argyll the block was destroyed and the fragments dispersed. After considerable detection the footprint segment was eventually located.
Other petrosomatoglyphs in Scotland include a 2-foot-long (0.61 m) footprint on a cave side in Arran. There is also pair of footprints carved in a stone slab in a causeway at the Broch (Tower) of Clickhimin (or Clickemin), Lerwick, in Shetland. This site was occupied from about 1000 BC to AD 500. On neighboring Orkney, at St. Mary's Church in Burwick, South Ronaldsay, the Ladykirk Stone has two clear footprints cut into it, said to be the footprints of Saint Magnus (1075–1117). One common belief was the footprints held healing waters and were used in medicines. It is possible the Sandwick's King's Stone was an inauguration stone but who used it and when are questions now lost in the mists of time.
At Spittal on the western end of a long ridge of natural rock outcrop near Drymen, is a footprint which may be due to natural weathering. At Craigmaddie Muir, Baldernock, East Dunbartonshire is the Auld Wives Lifts. This is a complicated assemblage of carvings on a rock platform. On the rock are serpent-like forms, crosses, cups and an impression of the right foot of an adult. At Dunino Den, near St Andrews in Fife, is a footprint and a basin carved in the surface of a sandstone outcrop. A Celtic cross has been carved nearby, possibly as an attempt to make the site Christian. In Ayr, on the southern bank of the River Ayr is 'Wallace's Heel', a natural sandstone slab, Sir William Wallace is said to have left the imprint behind whilst rushing to escape English soldiers who were pursuing him. On a boulder at Carnasserie, two miles (3 km) from Kilmartin in Argyll, are carved a pair of feet and two other examples can also be found in Angus.
In antiquity many people carved footprints into stone including the ancient Celts. These became important symbols, used in religious and secular ceremonies, such as the crowning of kings. Sometimes petrosomatoglyphs were used by the superstitious. The Romans carved pairs of footprints in rock with the inscription ‘pro itu et reditu’, (for the journey and return). Before starting an important journey they stood in the carved footprints. Then on safe return they repeated the action as mark of thanksgiving. The same ritual was known in 6th c Wales when King Maelgwn of Gwynedd placed his feet in carved footprints to ensure his safe return from a pilgrimage to Rome.
In northern Europe, rock footprints were closely associated with Kingship or Chieftainship. Standing on a special stone was a link between the king and the land. Footprints may also have to do with the cult of the ancestors, whose spirits dwelt in the stone. The belief was the newly invested leader would received the luck (or mana) of his predecessors through contact with it. Petrosomatoglyphs used in the ordination of kings was considered a sacred place or Locus terribilis (awesome place), where only the rightful king was able to use them for the purpose that they were intended. Scottish Kings and Irish Chieftains were sworn to oath standing on footprints carved into the stone. Dunadd Hillfort is regarded as the crowning place for the original Kings of Scotland. It was the ancient capital of the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata and lay on the west coast of Scotland. Built around 500AD after Fergus MacErc led a Scottish invasion from Ireland. The inhabitants of Dál Riata are often referred to as Scots, i.e., Latin scotti, a name for the inhabitants of Ireland and refers to all Gaelic-speakers. The kingdom's independent existence ended in the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), as it merged with the lands of the Picts to form the Kingdom of Alba. On rocks on the edge of Crinan Moss in Argyll, near the village of Lochgilphead there is a carved human footprint used during the crowning ceremony of the Kings of Scotland. This footprint is thought to be that of Oisin or Fergus Mor Mac Erca, the first King of Dalriada, who died in AD 501. The best preserved footprint (there are two) is 27 cm long, approximately 11 cm wide, 9 cm across at the heel and 2.5 cm deep. It is large enough to accommodate a shoe or boot. The second footprint of a right foot is, incomplete and measures 24 cm long and 10 cm in width.
The spot where St. Columba ( 521 – 597 AD) is reputed to have first set foot in Dalriada, Scotland, is marked by two footprints carved in a crag near the chapel of Keil and St. Columba's Well, between Dunaverty Bay and Carskey in Kintyre. These are called Columba's Footprints. It appears one footprint may date to the period but the second print was carved by a local stone mason in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately he carved the wrong date for Columba's landing of 564. Other St. Columba's footprints are found at Southend in Argyll. In one of the caves on the Isle of Arran is prints of two right feet, said to be of Saint Columba. Forging links with St Columba in the 1800s was more to do with attracting tourists.
On Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, was the Stone of Inauguration which lay beside Loch Finlaggan. The stone measured seven feet square and had a footprint cut into it (size 8). It was the sacred stone of the island Lordship and is thought to have been since the time of Somerled (King of Argyll and the Isles in 1164 AD). When a chief of the Clan Donald was installed as the King of the Isles, he required to stand barefoot on the imprint whilst he swore an oath. In 1615, by the order of the Earl of Argyll the block was destroyed and the fragments dispersed. After considerable detection the footprint segment was eventually located.
Other petrosomatoglyphs in Scotland include a 2-foot-long (0.61 m) footprint on a cave side in Arran. There is also pair of footprints carved in a stone slab in a causeway at the Broch (Tower) of Clickhimin (or Clickemin), Lerwick, in Shetland. This site was occupied from about 1000 BC to AD 500. On neighboring Orkney, at St. Mary's Church in Burwick, South Ronaldsay, the Ladykirk Stone has two clear footprints cut into it, said to be the footprints of Saint Magnus (1075–1117). One common belief was the footprints held healing waters and were used in medicines. It is possible the Sandwick's King's Stone was an inauguration stone but who used it and when are questions now lost in the mists of time.
At Spittal on the western end of a long ridge of natural rock outcrop near Drymen, is a footprint which may be due to natural weathering. At Craigmaddie Muir, Baldernock, East Dunbartonshire is the Auld Wives Lifts. This is a complicated assemblage of carvings on a rock platform. On the rock are serpent-like forms, crosses, cups and an impression of the right foot of an adult. At Dunino Den, near St Andrews in Fife, is a footprint and a basin carved in the surface of a sandstone outcrop. A Celtic cross has been carved nearby, possibly as an attempt to make the site Christian. In Ayr, on the southern bank of the River Ayr is 'Wallace's Heel', a natural sandstone slab, Sir William Wallace is said to have left the imprint behind whilst rushing to escape English soldiers who were pursuing him. On a boulder at Carnasserie, two miles (3 km) from Kilmartin in Argyll, are carved a pair of feet and two other examples can also be found in Angus.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ankle breakers and shoecide
A wide variety of tootsie troubles, are being reported to foot physicians, with the average heel height rising from three to five inches in fashionable shoes. The new term “shoeacide,” has been coined to describe the phenomenon. The most commonly reported injuries attributed to ankle breakers include stress fractures of the metatarsals, plantar fasciitis i.e. an inflammation of tissues on the bottom of the foot, and forefoot neuroma frequently. Avulsion fractures and ankle sprains are also commonly associated with the high heel demographic according to foot doctors.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Chinese shoes: Unacceptable levels of plasticizer
Random testing of plastic shoes by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and Consumers Foundation found an above-standard amount of plasticizers in almost 40% of the shoes tested. Plasticizers are used to soften plastic and provide flexibility but can prove harmful to developing children. Plasticizers can disrupt normal hormonal development, causing feminization among boys and raising cancer risks for girls. Many of the slippers and sandals tested contained over well over the safety level of 0.1 percent of total plasticizers content. Manufacturers involved have been ordered to recall their products or risk a hefty fine. Ninety (90) percent of the shoes in adequately labeled for safety. The Foundation and the BSMI together urged parents not to allow their children to put plastic shoes into their mouths. Those who wear the footwear were also advised to wear socks and wash their hands after wearing them as plasticizers can enter one's body through the skin.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Change to EU taxes on Chinese Footwear
The European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CESHOE ) represents shoemakers in Brussels has lost the support of EU governments to continue with high import taxes on shoes from the far east (i.e.16.5% for China and 10% for Vietnam). The import taxes were introduced after European manufacturers accused Chinese and Vietnamese rivals of illegally dumping millions of shoes on European markets at low prices. These are now set to expire in April.
Kevin Rudd: Foot injury
Kevin Rudd (Foreign Minister ),and former Australian Prime Minister was discharged from Brisbane's Mater Hospital after being treated for a foot infection sustained while helping flood victims in Brisbane. A spokeswoman for the Mater Hospital said numerous other people had sustained flood-related injuries at the hospital and this was a timely reminder to all to be vigilant of the health risks posed. Mr Rudd’s home suburb of Norman Park was among the areas of Brisbane hit by the floods that inundated the city this week.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Going barefoot: Urgent Health Warning for Flooded Areas
People in flood stricken regions have been warned to wear protective footwear, with podiatrists reporting patients who have seriously damaged their feet in the flood waters. Queensland podiatrist, Ainslie Davies says she’s already seeing patients badly affected by the floods:
‘I’ve been treating people with really serious cuts to their feet. Often they’ve been walking through the flood waters and been injured by dangerous sharp and hidden objects’.
‘We’ve seen images of people wading through the water, and many are wearing no shoes or thongs at best’, Ms Davies continued.
‘Obviously, some people have been left with very little, but it’s dangerous to head into the flooded areas without proper footwear.
‘There are definitely risks if people have constantly wet feet over a number of days. People can experience trench foot, and serious infection. Patients are also suffering sprains and fractures from slippery surfaces, skin punctures from debris. We can expect mosquito borne diseases affecting the foot and ankle’.
‘The faecal matter in the water and debris will significantly increase the risk of infection to wounds from bacteria’.
‘Anyone with diabetes, kidney disease and poor circulation needs to be especially vigilant’, Ms Davies concluded.
Ainslie Davies is available for interview.
Media Enquiries: Kylie Johnson at kylie@apodc.com.au or 0405 425 665
‘I’ve been treating people with really serious cuts to their feet. Often they’ve been walking through the flood waters and been injured by dangerous sharp and hidden objects’.
‘We’ve seen images of people wading through the water, and many are wearing no shoes or thongs at best’, Ms Davies continued.
‘Obviously, some people have been left with very little, but it’s dangerous to head into the flooded areas without proper footwear.
‘There are definitely risks if people have constantly wet feet over a number of days. People can experience trench foot, and serious infection. Patients are also suffering sprains and fractures from slippery surfaces, skin punctures from debris. We can expect mosquito borne diseases affecting the foot and ankle’.
‘The faecal matter in the water and debris will significantly increase the risk of infection to wounds from bacteria’.
‘Anyone with diabetes, kidney disease and poor circulation needs to be especially vigilant’, Ms Davies concluded.
Ainslie Davies is available for interview.
Media Enquiries: Kylie Johnson at kylie@apodc.com.au or 0405 425 665
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Queesland Floods Appeal
The catastrophic floods in Queensland are having devastating effect with homes, lives, livestock and business all destroyed. The full implication of this natural disaster will take months to calculate but financially it is likely to be on a par with the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.
For the latest up to date reports
You can make a donation at Flood Relief Appeal .
The Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC) have recently announced a flood relief appeal for podiatry practices hit by the Queensland and Northern New South Wales floods. President, Andrew Schox launched the Flood Relief Appeal with a $65000 donation from APod C .
On behalf of members across Australia, the APodC would like to offer as much support as it can to podiatrists, member and non-member alike, who are experiencing professional service difficulty due to the floods. We anticipate that those affected may need equipment, medication and other supplies to support practice needs.
Anyone who would like to donate can do so using the following details:
Bank: ANZ Ltd
Account name: Australasian Podiatry Council
Account number: 1018-50565
BSB number: 013-374
Donations can also be made by credit card via the APodC website
Donated funds will go towards helping podiatrists maintain their practices and/or clean up and reopen. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Queensland Flood Appeal.
Podiatrists affected by the floods should, in the first instance, explain their needs to the APodC Member Resources Officer – Alae Taule’alo on 0394163111 / alae@apodc.com.au). The relevant member association will be contacted following receipt of details.
For the latest up to date reports
You can make a donation at Flood Relief Appeal .
The Australasian Podiatry Council (APodC) have recently announced a flood relief appeal for podiatry practices hit by the Queensland and Northern New South Wales floods. President, Andrew Schox launched the Flood Relief Appeal with a $65000 donation from APod C .
On behalf of members across Australia, the APodC would like to offer as much support as it can to podiatrists, member and non-member alike, who are experiencing professional service difficulty due to the floods. We anticipate that those affected may need equipment, medication and other supplies to support practice needs.
Anyone who would like to donate can do so using the following details:
Bank: ANZ Ltd
Account name: Australasian Podiatry Council
Account number: 1018-50565
BSB number: 013-374
Donations can also be made by credit card via the APodC website
Donated funds will go towards helping podiatrists maintain their practices and/or clean up and reopen. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Queensland Flood Appeal.
Podiatrists affected by the floods should, in the first instance, explain their needs to the APodC Member Resources Officer – Alae Taule’alo on 0394163111 / alae@apodc.com.au). The relevant member association will be contacted following receipt of details.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Study Footwear design competition UCLA
Chris Stamp is Los Angeles-based designer and founder of Study Footwear. He founded Study Footwear to create a line that would appeal to a younger demographic but has used the company to promote creativity in young adults. Each year he hosts a design contest for UCLA students to design an individual shoe pattern. The competition is organised in conjunction with the UCLA Cultural Affairs Commission . The winning design will be put into production for the Holiday 2011 Study Collection as the UCLA Study Shoe and the designer will have the chance to win a three-month internship at Study Footwear.
UCLA Students can pick up design templates from the Kerckhoff Art Gallery and turn them in to the Cultural Affairs Commission office through Jan. 28. Study Footwear also works with Inner-City Arts, an organization that encourages arts involvement in young children.
UCLA Students can pick up design templates from the Kerckhoff Art Gallery and turn them in to the Cultural Affairs Commission office through Jan. 28. Study Footwear also works with Inner-City Arts, an organization that encourages arts involvement in young children.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
China: Cheap shoes no more!
The cost of production in China is rising and according to experts will severely impact on the cost of footwear worldwide. A better informed Chinese workforce and changing financial situation in China have combined to increase the base costs of production for foreign companies. Whilst many have already relocated to other countries experts believe this has only short term benefits and the world may now look forward to mose expensive shoes.
Reference
Green J There Isn't a "Next China: Now What? Panjiva
Reference
Green J There Isn't a "Next China: Now What? Panjiva
Shoe tree felled by vandals
The 70-foot cotton wood "shoe tree" on U.S. 50 near Middlegate, Nothern Navada was cut down by vandals on New Year’s Eve. The tree was a local landmark on the ‘loneliest road in the world,’ with hundreds of shoes, boots and sneakers left anonymously dangling from its limbs. A similar fate befell the original Mud Flat Shoe Tree, south of Altura, California in 1993. It too was cut down and in 2004, the shrunken old desert tree near Vidal, California on Hwy 62 north west of the junction with Route 177was burnt to the ground. Cheap thrills.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
A Girl like Me : Shoe Appeal
A Girl Like Me from Shoe Revolt on Vimeo.
Please send donations to: Shoe Revolt, 6107 SW MURRAY BLVD, BEAVERTON, OR 97008-4421
Monday, January 03, 2011
Nike Sportswear WMNS Premium Print Pack: Eco-friendly?
As part of the Nike Sportswear Spring 2011 collection, the company has launched the Nike Sportswear WMNS Premium Print Pack. These are sneakers made of recycled magazines. Nike stitched together paper stripes of cut-up recycled magazines and covered them with transparent material for better resistance and durability. The collection includes eco-versions of famous Nike Flash Macro Premium (sail/birch), Nike Blazer Mid Premium (sail/khaki) and Nike Air Rift Premium (sail/sport red). Available to buy as a collection or individual pairs.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
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