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Ski Coats The habitat of the okojo ermine, a small species of carnivore that survived the last ice age, appears to be changing as a result of global warming, threatening the species' survival, researchers say.The color of the ermine's coat changes in spring and autumn, in line with the changing temperature of the seasons. However, in recent years its summer coat has been appearing much earlier, while the winter coat has been appearing much later.Many experts believe global warming is responsible, and that the changes to the species' habitat threaten its survival.One such expert is researcher Hiroshi Yashiki, who, with backing from the Environment Ministry, has been conducting ecological research in Shiga Highland, Nagano Prefecture, for 30 years.Yashiki says that on March 30 he found ermine tracks in the snow on a mountain in an area near a ski resort that is 1,600 meters above sea level."In the 1980s, this species was spotted in areas about 1,300 meters above sea level," he said. "But these days, you can't find them anywhere below 1,500 meters."During this reporter's nine-day stay in the area with Yashiki, we did not spot a single okojo.Listed as a "near threatened" species on the Environment Ministry's Red List, the okojo is about 20 centimeters long from the head to the base of its tail and is found in Europe, Asia and North America. In Japan, there are two species of ermine--hondo-okojo (Mustela erminea nippon) and ezo-okojo (Mustela erminea orientalis).Ermine have brown coats in summer and white coats in winter. The coat is believed to change to act as camouflage, allowing them to be better able to hunt for mice.According to Yashiki, in the 1980s, ermine typically had their summer coat by around April 20-May 20. However, during and since the 1990s, the okojo's coat has been changing much earlier, and many have grown their summer coat by late March.Similar changes have occurred with the change to the winter coat. In the 1980s, the okojo would typically have a winter coat by around Nov. 20. But from the 1990s, the winter coat has not been appearing until Nov. 30-Dec. 20.According to Shinshu University's Institute of Nature Education in Shiga Heights, the average high air temperature in March and April rose by 2.1 C from the 1985-87 to the 2003-05 period.The average low temperature in March was about the same, though it was about 2.3 C higher for April.Yashiki believes the ermine's habitat has changed as a rival predator, the fox, has expanded its habitat up in the alpine regions in search of large Japanese field mice and Japanese field voles, which used to live at lower altitudes, but have since moved to higher ground.Yashiki says ermine also are threatened in the Hakusan mountain area on the border between Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures. "Once their habitat shrinks they begin to lose their genetic variations, meaning local populations become extinct more easily," he said.Hideyuki Ida of Shinshu University, who specializes in forest ecosystems, also thinks the changes in the species' coat cycle can be explained by global warming."It's just like how green leaves are appearing earlier than ever, and turning red or yellow later than ever," Ida said. "I'm not sure if we can say for sure it [global warming] is affecting the ermine's changing habitat. But I'm certain the ecosystems in Japan's alpine regions have seen some noticeable changes."

Sports Pants Many people on this website write about their favorite team or other issues in sports. I have decided to compile an article of my favorite sports uniforms. Some teams decide to change their uniforms to appeal to the fans or to break a curse. Some of my favorites would surprise you because of their controversial color schemes. For Major League Baseball, this team won't surprise you. The New York Yankees' uniforms are understandable because their jerseys have not been altered for years. The pinstripes have been emulated by the cross-town Mets, the Chicago Cubs, the White Sox and the Diamondbacks inaugural home jerseys.The pinstripes of the Yankees are identified with the Yankees, baseball and most of New York. When the Yankees were in Japan in 2004 to open their season, they were requested to wear the famous pinstripes. The Yankees' cap also hasn't changed since the early 20th century when they added their famous interlocking NY. Overall, the Yankees design is simple and still looks very on the field.The late 1980's and early 1990's in sports came with many new expansion teams (Marlins, Panthers, Jaguars, Hornets) which also meant teams opting to choose teal with their uniforms. In the NBA, I absolutely love the Charlotte Hornets' jerseys.Their uniforms had a very interesting color scheme with the teal and purple look. Their home jerseys were white with the teal writing which really differentiated them from other teams. Their most interesting jersey though was the purple alternate jersey. A violet look had really only been done by the Lakers when they moved to Los Angeles. The Hornets home jersey also sometimes had pinstripes on it.As from the Yankees, you can see my affinity for pinstripes. The teal away-jersey was a very vibrant color and recently I purchased an Alonzo Mourning teal jersey. This jersey was very original in the NBA for that time and was so innovative that the Vancouver Grizzlies decided to use teal as their primary color. The NFL has had many different types of odd uniforms. Whether it be the Bronco's orange home jerseys or the early Buccaneers uniforms, teams have tried anything for their uniforms to be noticeable. But is "noticeable" what defines a great athletic outfit? No, I like the 49ers jersey from their glory days.There is something about those caramel-colored pants with the red top and white numbers. Seeing Joe Montana lead drives against the Bengals in the Super Bowl, those uniforms stood out. These uniforms are simple, and red always stands out. The modern-day 49ers uniforms don't exactly do it for me. Their design is too complicated.In hockey, it was tough to identify a favorite. Hockey uniforms offer more design options because of the long sleeves.Powder blue is a favorite color of mine. The Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys that debuted in the 1971-72 season have the powder-blue design. In the middle it had the Penguins logo which is one of my favorite logos of all time. It is an interesting looking logo because of the Penguin holding a hockey stick. This jersey is so much different than any of their other jerseys; therefore, it is very original.Those are my favorites, feel free to leave your comments.

Spandex Lace Audrey TautouPhoto: Getty Images? OMG, the Met gala is tonight! And so many famous people are going! In today's reports on the slew we learn Audrey Tautou will attend in Chanel and Jourdan Dunn in Bill Blass by Peter Som. [WWD]? Nobody's buying designer clothes in these economic times so stores like Saks are marking things way down to get you to shop and get rid of merchandise. God forbid they have any leftovers lying around. [WWD]? Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon was surprised by how fashionably Chinese people dress on a recent trip to Beijing. Well, somebody has to buy those designer clothes we aren't! [WWD]? However, retail sales of p.j.'s, lingerie, and underwear aren't bad. Understandably so, since the innerwear industry is coming out with items like Cosabella's seamless lace thong and cleverly naming them: "It's made of custom Italian lace of Lycra [spandex] and nylon, and is available in one-size-fits-all with a stretch capacity of 136 percent. There's a high-rise style we call 'the booty,' a low-style called 'the cutie,' and HotPants," says a Cosabella rep. [WWD]? Model Taylor Fuchs loves pizza but tries not to eat too much of it. [Grub Street]? Wal-Mart is probably going to expand to Russia because people that live there are dying for a one-stop shop. Proves the grass really is always greener. [WWD]? Miuccia Prada on her spring collection: "Before, I wanted to show women as tough and powerful so I used thick fabrics … fabrics with dignity. Shapes were vertical to represent strength. But I discovered women like soft, they like pretty. It was hard for me because if you use soft fabrics and cut on the bias, it is boring, all it does is show the body. So I did a new soft with experimental prints and fabrics." [Independent]? Someone stole a $3,000 Schott leather jacket from a pre-auction party in the Soho Grand penthouse attended by people like Rumer Willis and Agyness Deyn. Christie's needs new security mechanisms. [NYP]? Elisabeth Hasselbeck used to tie a sweater around her waist when she jogged to hide her ass. She has since come to terms with her "bubble butt" and discusses it in detail in the June issue of Fitness magazine because we were all so curious. [NYP]? This blogger lusted after a blue leather bag at Saks that — even though everyone around her was eyeing a different Marc by Marc Jacobs turquoise tote she tried on — she just had to have. She didn't purchase it immediately, and almost lost it, but after pestering a sales associate obtained it for Sunday Mass. Whew!

SAN FRANCISCO (Thomson Financial) - Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. late Friday named Louis Lipschitz and Joseph Alutto to its board, expanding the total board to eight from six members.The appointments raise the number of independent directors to five, bringing the company back into compliance with Nasdaq's independent director requirement.As part of the company's ongoing strategic assessment, the board also granted a request from its largest shareholder, Ezra Dabah, and Golden Gate Private Equity Inc. for an approval under Delaware law to facilitate their working together to develop and make a proposal to acquire the company.The Secaucus, N.J.-based children's apparel retailer also said it is continuing to search for a permanent chief executive.The stock closed the regular session up 66 cents at $29.40.Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson Financial News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.Neither the Subscriber nor Thomson Financial News warrants the completeness or accuracy of the Service or the suitability of the Service as a trading aid and neither accepts any liability for losses howsoever incurred. The content on this site, including news, quotes, data and other information, is provided by Thomson Financial News and its third party content providers for your personal information only, and neither Thomson Financial News nor its third party content providers shall be liable for any errors, inaccuracies or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Comfortable Boots A suspenseful two-minute countdown kicked off Alan Jackson's set Friday night, but despite the theatrics, there's nothing too dramatic about the country superstar. The boots-up, beer-up boy next door is as relaxed as they come, and his turn at the Tacoma Dome showed off his knack for kicking back.Now nearly 20 years into his successful career, Jackson is clearly comfortable on top. His amiable stage presence never feels forced, his storytelling is straight from the heart, and his songs are tight without being slick.Jackson gave his band plenty of room to stretch out, with instrumental breaks in most songs. But he stayed true to his new-traditional country sound, flipping into honky tonk occasionally and only once deviating into bluegrass. Jackson said he hadn't intended to play the song, but his raw bluegrass cover of Steve Young's Seven Bridges Road (a song also performed by the Eagles) was one of the evenings most memorable.Jackson brought out a fair share of his own ballads, mostly about love, and paired them all with videos . The visuals were dynamic, but the schmaltz factor was high: a beautiful girl riding her white horse in the surf? C'mon. But Jackson has the uncanny ability to make even the most maudlin lyrics heartfelt and touching.And not all of the videos were sappy. A montage of Tacoma landmarks during "Where I Come From" got the crowd cheering for local bars and army men.Keeping spirits high seems important for Jackson. He married his high school sweetheart and they're still together; he's definitely not a tear in my beer country singer. His songs reflect idyllic American values: falling in love young and staying together, the importance of family, patriotism, God and simple, small town life.And the feel-good singer is also up for, you know, feeling good. Appropriate since his new album is called "Good Time."The man known for claiming Its Five O'clock Somewhere got the crowd revved up for the pre-encore finale with a stretch of honky tonk tunes about letting loose.Backed by his nine-piece band The Strayhorns, Jackson can pick up the tempo no problem, and his rhythm section drove home boot stompers like "Don't Rock the Jukebox" and "Chattahoochee." But he's more at home at a slower pace. He ended the night with "Pop a Top" and unceremoniously headed off stage.Up-and-comer Miranda Lambert opened the show. Her set started a bit low energy, but worked up into a dynamo one-two punch with "Dry Town" and "Gunpowder & Lead." As she let loose, backed by some straight up rock dudes, mohawks and all, Lambert showed off some seriously sassy show-woman-ship.

copper zipper From the moment James Dean first rumbled across the screen, the biker look — hulking leather coat, rugged jeans and street-wise swagger - has been ingrained in America's style DNA.Designers are returning to the staple, but with a high-fashion update: Sleeker jackets in body-hugging silhouettes paired with hippie tops and edgy, style-conscious accessories round out a Boho-biker look that merges hard and soft.Supple, studded leather ankle boots and candy-coloured fingerless gloves fuse femininity with the masculine style, as designers offer even the most dainty fashionista a chance at feeling like a bad girl.But make no mistake: Biker style may have gone sleek, but it hasn't gone soft."There's a real toughness," says InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein, who sees heavy emphasis on the dark, moody sex appeal of the biker esthetic. "But there's also a real hippie quality."Rubenstein says designers are focusing on cropped jackets with ornamenting in shapes that are less boxy-bulky. Pants, meanwhile, are tight.Belts and link jewelry seem to overshadow the zippers and buckles traditionally associated with biker chic."There's a tempering of the toughness," says Rubenstein, who points to Gucci's gypsy-rocker fall collection as defining the look. The label pairs floaty minidresses with hardware belts and knee-grazing boots bearing ultra-long, fringe accents that could be at home swinging from a Harley-Davidson's handle bars.At Rodarte, skintight pants and a gauzy cardigan get a punch of toughness with copper and peach fingerless gloves and studded bracelets.But Rubenstein warns against straying too far from the classic biker ethos this season."It's all about black leather," Rubenstein says. "It connects to so many things - it's bad girl, it's bad boy, it's the Marlon Brando rebel ... There is a certain iconography here that you don't want to play around with."Rubenstein says to stick with black, dark browns or deep greys when it comes to leather.Key pieces include a fitted leather pant, matched well with a romantic blouse. More modest consumers may try boots."Every woman loves a good boot," he says. "A great pair of high, lace-up black boots or grommeted or studded black boots is a sensational way to take on this kind of look."And of course, there's the jacket.Offerings from Cole Haan fit the bill: a vintage lamb moto jacket in licorice for him, a more shape-conscious style with an asymmetric front closure and zipper detailing for her."Definitely we're fitting them in the waist," explained design director Paul Overfield. "The (biker) trend is inspiration, but it's still very feminine, with the zip details hitting the waist."For the woman who wants to be a little more subtle in her moto-chic aspirations, an oversized kilty tote with grommet detailing or peep-toe pumps dotted with tiny studs hint at a harder edge.The biker look's latest makeover comes as even real life hog-lovers become more luxuriant, snapping up new bikes from manufacturers like BMW AG and Ducati Motor Holding SpA with price tags topping US$72,000.Moschino has collaborated with Italian helmet producer Max Safety Fashion to produce fun helmets sexed up with Moschino's trademark heart design - though the headgear is not distributed in America for now, and is designed more for the motor scooter rider than the Harley die-hard, according to the label.Riders can always strap one of Kiehl's new men's grooming kits, designed by West Coast Choppers' own Jesse James, to the back of their bike.Whether you're sporting a traditional leather jacket or slipping into a subtly studded pump, Rubenstein says one element is universal to pulling off the biker look: "You really have to look in that mirror and say, 'I look cool."'