Before David Hasselhof, Pamela Anderson, and company invaded the beach scene, swimming was just a mere sport for fin-gifted and beach-side born people. But when Baywatch hit the shores of America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and even Africa, swimming was put in another light- a fashion ground. Wave after wave, the phenomenal success and popularity of the life-saving, life guard chronicle, beach world drama changed the way people view swimming and beaching. Baywatch introduced groundbreaking swimming clothing styles which was limited to traditional bikini styles pre-Baywatch era, alternative ways of being sexy and edgy under the scourging yet enticing heat of the sun, and it even propelled to greater heights of popularity the sport of surfing. Most of all, it made the concept of swimming and going to the beach one of the best avenues for unleashing and displaying to the rest of the world the sexy and fashionable in all of us. It painted all shores red and spelled every beach as hot and sexy, and the world heeded.

Come 21st century, the legacy of Baywatch lives on. Although it has already bitten the dust and bid the limelight goodbye, the waves that it made continue to hit every shore of this world. It’s phenomenal success and influence even spread wider, leading to a domino effect of new generations of fashionable beach lifestyle. From flashy red, skimpy bikinis for women and butt-exposing shorts for men, the whole concept of fashionable swimming is now encapsulated just by one word–Billabong.

Call it a post-Baywatch trend or a double-the-sales marketing spin, Billabong is the new name of sexiness, sportiness, and aquatic lifestyle to beat.

Billabong is a word that came from the land down under. The word’s original reference was to a dried up watering hole that flushes out only when a river floods. The aborigines of Australia often searched for billabongs to find food and sometimes water. But now, the term Billabong is a name for a popular brand of men’s and women’s lingerie clothing and beach apparel.

Although production of Billabong products dates back years prior to the Baywatch phenomenon, 1973 to be exact, it was only during the beginning of year 2000 that the brand emerged in the global market and made a name for itself in the beach clothing industry. And its dominance has since then expanded from the shores of Australia to the white beaches of Asia, the Pacific, and South America. Its strong wave of following among beach enthusiasts also hit with tremendous waves the shores of the Carribean, North America, and the vast region of Europe.

Since its emergence in the start of the new millennium, Billabong now has about 2,200 product lines in Australia, over 1,300 in North America, and over 1,200 product lines in Europe. The product lines include swim wear, watches, jewelery, wet suits, neoprene gloves and boots, surf caps, bags and backpacks, travel bags, beach bags, shoulder bags, wallets, belts, caps, thongs, towels, CD holders, beach mats, surfboard covers, body Abecita covers, Von Zipper sunglasses, Element skateboards, and many others. The most popular ones are the T-shirts, board shorts, backpacks, and swim wear.

Billabong brought yet another big wave of sizzling hot beach *clothing and apparel* in many shores around the world with its 2006 Summer Collection. The highlight of the collection are the swimsuits, shorts, rash guards, shirts, vests, hats, pants, and even skirts dresses (casual for women).

The shorts are setting unbelievably very high sales. Selling like hot cakes, the board shorts and casual or lifestyle shorts are a big craze for both men and women. With more than 30 stylish and sexy designs, the Billabong board shorts come in many different colors (plain and printed alike) to fit the very varied taste of its market.

The top favorite among beach hunks are the Kauai board shorts, hombre board shorts, rival board shorts, and the Royal Flush board shorts. Women, on the other hand, are raving about Vogen board shorts, boardie capri, Golden Ticket board shorts, Floater board shorts, and boardie shorts.

The petal bikini, starfish bikini, and wildflower bikini are the most-worn bikinis among women of different ages. Rash guards for beginners and *professional surfers* are also one of the hot items in the 2006 summer collection.

With all the good finds in the 2006 summer collection, you won’t run short of finding the best beach attire to sport each time you hit the shores. Wear any of Billabong’s clothing item or apparel and you’ll sure to wear that Baywatch babe or hunk-sizzling hotness.

For more valuable information on bikini, swim wear, please visit http://www.microbikini.com.

The excitement of the season is upon every high school coach in Ohio and around the country. The opening of practice is a time for optimism and excitement for the players and coach. This article will share with you the concept of developing the right mind-set for your team even before the initial practice is finished.

Through the years I have heard many coaches say that their players were just not tough enough. Initially, that is a true statement for most teams. The decision then is to accept these weaknesses within your team or construct a plan to slowly build these players into a championship unit. If I told you that even your mentally weakest player could develop toughness, would you be intrigued?

Building a mentally tough team is a minute by minute process. The coach that commits to building mental and physical toughness will yield positive results later in the season when toughness separates good teams from great ones. How can this happen in your gym this season?

Building toughness is based on the better concept. This concept says that whatever an athlete demonstrates in a practice setting, he can potentially do better. It is very important that players know and hear from their coach that they CAN do better. A common mistake is to form preconceived attitudes and ideas toward players before the season even starts. With this thinking comes the practice of dividing players into categories. This is a dangerous practice shoes it limits the growth and development of the individual.

The coaching staff conversation goes something like this: “We know Tommy and Vince are the only two guards we have that can bring the ball up against pressure. If one of those guys gets hurt, we are in real trouble. Not to mention of inability to shoot the ball from the perimeter. I know our perimeter guys wore out that Shoot-A-Way this summer, but I will believe it when I see it.” This coaching conversation sets up a difficult situation for this team.

Most likely the development of player skills and the confidence to put them into difficult situations will not be present on this team. The edge goes to the coach who keeps an open mind, develops players, and instills confidence in each player according to their ability. From the first stretching drill of the season a team can begin building the toughness it will need later in the season.

I will use an example to show the power of stretching players beyond their comfort zones. In the summer of 1975 as a high school player I attended a camp at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Camps were not nearly as prevalent as they are today and this camp attracted many of the nations best coaches. This weeks main lecturer was Bob Knight of the University of Indiana. Coach Knight asked a young man to come out and execute a simple task to make a point to us all. The young man strutted out to Coach Knight with little urgency. He was gently told to run over to the corner and touch the end of a rope that was hanging down. The young man trotted over to the rope and touched it, returning with cockiness in his stride. (Coach Knight must have loved how this kid set up his example for him). Coach Knight, still in a calm voice told the young man that he did fine. Then he said, “Now this time I’d like you to do the same thing, except this time I want you to run as fast as you can! This scared kid jumped toward the rope with Knight inches behind him, screaming at him to go faster. In what seems like 3 second the young man returned to Knight totally scared and exhausted. “Now let me tell you what just happened,” Coach Knight mused. “The first attempt was at his speed and the last attempt was at MY speed! And this game must be played at my speed!” Point taken, Coach Knight. I stayed as far away from him as I could all day!

This story explains how players will work to a level most comfortable to them. This level of play, intensity and execution is a far cry from what you expect. Early in the season you can develop a climate of my speed that will foster hard play, toughness, and a resilience that will win a lot of famous for you. Sounds great, does it not? Next are some insights into how you can make this happen in your gym this year.

1.) Accept the limitations and potential of each player. A good rule to follow is to tell your team that you will not ask them to do anything they are not capable of doing! You know what, Coach, your players are capable of doing GREAT things if you give them the opportunity.

2.) Physical toughness is developed during early practices through drill design and an emphasis on playing physical. It is a waste of time to talk about playing physical but not demanding it. Again, remember that each player is different and you cannot expect to have a team of equal physical endurance and toughness.

3.) Mental toughness comes from early practices and continues throughout the season. Three ways to create toughness in players is by:

a. Drills that are demanding but not complicated. Repetition of simple skills (blocking out) are a great way to test toughness. Mental toughness in a player comes out when he can block out 10 times out of 10. He may be slight in build and weight, but he can be your most mentally tough player.

b. Put players in difficult situations in practice. Because you can not control the game environment, you have to make your practices difficult. An example is a 3 vs. 3 rebounding drill where the defense must get three consecutive rebounds to rotate out of the drill. After 15 possessions the team will either have given in or rotated out. This is a golden teaching moment. Remind these three guys in the depths of exhaustion that they can give more and they can get out of the drill ONLY if they each give their best. This moment will provide an opportunity for each player and the collective team to gain an extra measure of mental toughness it did not have before. Practice is where toughness comes from.

c. Add components to drills that make them tougher than any game can create. When preparing for a ball control team while coaching at Iowa State, we had our defense guard for 45 seconds without breaking down. Once they did break down, (no vision, rotation, or communication) the possession started over. It took forever to get a perfect 45 second possession, but it proved that they could do it. In terms of their mental toughness it was a breakthrough because they approached a 15-25 second possession with a completely different perspective. This one drill made us a better defensive team and contributed to our team’s toughness.

4.) Evaluation of each player does not come from checking field goal efficiency or rebounding totals. Each player must be evaluated on how CLOSE to his potential he comes every day. Your best player can have an off night, and get 9 rebounds while your most limited player could play to his maximum potential and have 7 rebounds. Who do you challenge and who do you congratulate the next day in practice?

5.) Treat each practice as an investment into the next win or the next loss. Coaches say that games are won on the practice floor, but do we really construct practice to reflect this statement? Constantly remind your team where they were yesterday and where they are today. If true improvement and added toughness have been accomplished make sure they know this. Each day adds another layer of confidence and toughness to them. The combined efforts of all players can either build up or tear down the team. Peer pressure and encouragement come into play when individuals need a pick up. Use video tape of an average or bad practice to show the measurable improvement you are talking about.

In conclusion, I want to encourage each of you to embrace your team and the individuals on your team. Your job is to teach them, push them out of comfort levels, and to provide an environment for pushing their potential. I hope that some of this information can aid you as you begin building another team. Best wishes to all of you for a great season.

Randy Brown has passion for the game of basketball. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. Visit him at http://www.coachrb.com for free resources, Q & A, newsletter, and coaching programs. A speaker and writer, he has authored 75 articles on coaching and is nationally published. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Resume includes positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio, 5 Conference Championships and 5 NCAA appearances. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley. To contact Randy, email him at rb@coachrb.com

There is a business already in you that will bring you to the place that you want, the place of your dreams. You simply must make the decision to go there! That’s right just one thing to do. Close your eyes and let the silence come in. Then raise your heart in joy and feel the love inside start to shine.

You are here to spread the light of your soul not the despair in your heart. You are here to bring the world up to a better level of understanding not to leave yourself out of it. The purpose which burns bright in your soul is not just for you. It is for all to share and immerse themselves in. It is the dance of your spirit which brings the soul to life.

Your life should be a daily celebration! Yes and you should be proud of who you are and what you do. It is not the choice of our vocations that makes us who we are. It is the voice of our souls our spirit if you will that give light to our lives.

Are you celebrating yet? Well you should! Life is meant to be enjoyed. It is the little things as well as the big things. Maybe you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but appreciate everything in your view. Raise your arms in praise that you are alive today and today is another opportunity to live the life of your dreams.

It is that inner spirit that inner song that wants to be expressed through you! We all have it. Let your voice ring that bell of freedom. Let your voice be heard from the mountain tops and over the fields of this good earth! Take that trip in your mind. Release yourself from the shackles that bind you to silence. You can speak up, reach up and reach out to help everyone around you.

All you need is a thought of letting go and let the celebration begin! This country was founded through a thirst for freedom of not only religion but to enable one to succeed in life and to raise their voice whether in opposition or in unison. What matter is this that one is silent when they should speak?

Your voice in song cries for freedom, yet takes no action to live the life of one’s dreams. You don’t need to fear, this power in you and everyone has with it the right to be heard. Drop simone perele weights that hold you down and allow that power to move. Stop blocking that which wants to express itself through you.

Life can be so joyful and beautiful if you just believe that it is. I will be here to catch your song in the air of life! You can vibrate with life. You know that the joy and love that you feel will bring you that connection that you need. It is through these emotions that we can release our spirit and allow that flow. That power dances inside you and I know it does.

Do yourself a favor and sing that song, lift your heart and arms in praise. Feel that power vibrate in you. Raise yourself up and you will stand on the shoulders of giants.

John Tebar Certified Life Coach, Author, Entrepreneur sign up for mailing list and get a free gift http://holisticlifeplanningandresearch.com email john@holisticlifeplanningandresearch.com

What does it mean to have no estate plan? What does it mean to have neither a will nor a trust? While you may have heard many “horror stories” and rumors, you may not truly understand the significance of not having formal estate-planning documents prepared.

Here are some of the misconceptions and attitudes many have about not having an estate plan:

• All of my money will go to the state!
• It’s O.K. I don’t need a will or a plan because I don’t have much money.
• My estate is really simple. It’s no big deal; I don’t really need one.
• I don’t want to think about it — eat, drink and be merry! Pass the hot dogs (or the wine, or whatever)!

I have come across many of these attitudes/misconceptions in many years of law practice — except for the “I don’t want to think about it” group, who usually call once and never make an appointment, or of course who may never call in the first place!

However, all of these attitudes need some serious debunking. All are flawed and all portray a major lack of understanding of the estate planning process. Consider the following answers to each:

Will all of my money go to the clothing if I die without a will or trust?

Rarely. While it is much better to have your own will, dying without a will is not fatal (Ouch. I’m sorry about that pun). It is called dying “intestate.” The states have enacted statutes that apportion an estate among predesignated classes of beneficiaries when there is no will. For example, the laws of intestacy in California provide that when a person dies without a will his or her estate (his or her separate property or community property share) will be split 50% – 50% between the children then living and the surviving spouse.

While the State of California can benefit from an estate, it is only the “heir” of last resort. Property goes to the state when there are no known heirs at law (the transfer to a state’s treasury is called “escheat”).

Therefore, failing to have a formal estate plan involves both “good news” and “bad news.” The good news is that state legislatures have provided a back up estate plan for those without wills. The bad news is that this state-sponsored estate plan is just that: It’s the state’s plan. It is not necessarily your plan, and it may be the opposite of what you want.

Do I need an estate plan if I don’t have much money?

Even if you do not have loads of cash or assets you should still have a will. Only then will you ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes. Also, financial circumstances do change. If you do not believe that you have much money at this time, that situation could change in the future.

If you have children you clearly need a will. The will is the common method of nominating a child’s guardian. Crazy Aunt Millie could very well raise your child in the event of your demise even if she is the last person you would want for the task. If you do not tell the court your wishes through a properly executed will, the court may do exactly what you do not want.

My estate is so simple. Do I really need to worry about all of this stuff?

Your estate may or may not be as simple as you think. Few estates involving real property assets are truly “simple.” For example, if you own real property you would probably benefit immensely by having a trust. Probate filing fees and attorney’s fees bags cost thousands of dollars — costs which would probably be avoided should you place the assets into a trust.

Often the “simple” route is the expensive route.

Also, I have found that those who protest the most about the simplicity of their estate usually have very specific ideas concerning how they want their assets distributed. If you have very specific ideas about how your estate is to be apportioned, the intestacy statutes will not assist you.

Bottom line: You should consider discussing the issues of distribution with your attorney. After doing so you might discover that there is a real benefit to planning your estate in a more formal manner.

I don’t want to think about it! Pass those hot dogs!

Estate planning conjures up a lot of emotions. And not all of those emotions are positive — after all, planning for your own demise is tough! However, consider this: Planning your estate will not shorten or lengthen your life by a single moment. So why not think about it and do it?

In fact, once the task is done, there will almost always be an instant relief. After all, planning your estate is not necessarily for you. It is for those you leave behind.

You can meet your financial and estate planning goals! A licensed attorney, financial planner and owner of the San Gabriel Valley financial planning firm Stratton Financial and Estate Planning, Larry D. Stratton is in a position to coach and advise you, and to help you plan for your future. He is also the senior associate at the law firm of Hausman & Sosa, LLP, located in Tarzana, California, and blogs on estate and financial planning issues at Planner’s Thoughts.

Larry Stratton is a member of the Financial Planning Association, and speaks on estate and financial planning topics in Southern California.