Hackers try to take over your brain

In some cases, patients might even want to hack into their own neural device. Unlike devices to control prosthetic limbs, which still use wires, many deep brain stimulators already rely on wireless signals. Hacking into these devices could enable patients to “self-prescribe” elevated moods or pain relief by increasing the activity of the brain’s reward centers.

Despite the risks, Kohno said, most new devices aren’t created with security in mind. Neural engineers carefully consider the safety and reliability of new equipment, and neuroethicists focus on whether a new device fits ethical guidelines. But until now, few groups have considered how neural devices might be hijacked to perform unintended actions. This is the first time an academic paper has addressed the topic of “neurosecurity,” a term the group coined to describe their field.

“The security and privacy issues somehow seem to slip by,” Kohno said. “I would not be surprised if most people working in this space have never thought about security.”

Kevin Otto, a bioengineer who studies brain-machine interfaces at Purdue Universty, said he was initially skeptical of the research. “When I first picked up the paper, I don’t know if I agreed that it was an issue. But the paper gives a very compelling argument that this is important, and that this is the time to have neural engineers collaborate with security developers.”

Hackers who commandeer your computer are bad enough. Now scientists worry that someday, they’ll try to take over your brain.

25 people killed in bus blaze

The accident took place at 8 am when the No.9, with license plate of Chuan A 49567, was on its way from Tianhui Township to downtown Chengdu, and caught fire under the Chuanshan Viaduct, said Mao Zhiqiong, spokesman with the Chengdu city government, at the scene.
A bus blaze has left 25 dead and 78 others injured on Friday morning in the city of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, said the provincial work safety supervision bureau.
Of the injured, 11 were seriously injured, and five are in critical conditions, said the bureau. All the injured were sent to the Chengdu No.2 People's Hospital and the Chengdu Army General Hospital.

An inspection team, made up of officials with the governments of Sichuan Province and Chengdu City, will examine fire and safety facilities at bus and coach stops in Chengdu from 3 pm Friday.

Cowboy hats???

Thank you for joining me today for this exciting unveiling.It makes our lives better and richer.ugg boots! I mean, who wants carbonated food-coloring-and-sugar-water when you can have a Coke? And who would choose a hamburger sandwich and French-fried potaters when a Happy Meal is available?
Speaking of which, the enchilada was a bit substandard – stringy beef in the aforementioned doughy tortilla, topped with – well, imagine if you could somehow melt a carton of cottage cheese. And I mean the WHOLE CARTON, plastic and all. Kinda like that, but greasier.
So not exactly a four-star meal, but I was amused by the décor. (Would have gotten pictures, but hey, no camera left.) I have to say, I bet that when Chinese tourists eat at many Chinese restaurants in America, they probably have a similar reaction.

Lady's shoes

As for shoes, have a wonderful saying: the marriage, such as shoes,appropriate or not,only being know by their own feet. Usually only women are more emotional, even if choosing shoes is also the case.If a pair of shoes can bring her own glory with the first step, and Even if by some crimes so that the foot is also willing.


Shoes for men, its main function is practical. For ladies, it is not only practical, it is far better than the extension of the connotation of it, a pair of beautiful shoes can make you sophisticated, customs million, if accompanied by a further 100-mei Health Review smile , that is the beauty of body and face more coquettish and buxom.


For a woman fall in love with shoes, sometimes to an incredible degree. For example, a certain Queen collect several thousands of wonderful pairs of shoes, her collection purpose is not for getting out of the house more easily and quickly, and walking on the brilliant grand palaces,or setting foot on the red carpet, just for pleasure, in order to eye, in order to wander in alone, in order to fit of narcissism.


My favorite pair of ugg boots,light-brown, in front of boots are made of 9 diamond design and a vivid three-dimensional composition of the butterfly. Two days,the root cause of elegant,I would have possessive instant, all of a sudden wanted to wear, show them to people at once. That little woman in order to a pair of shoes, you can hook to the soul, feel happy in heaven.


Shoes traders want to earn the money on women, it is so simple matter. spend little on the head of shoes, can arouse a woman's curiosity and possessive.

Star Model: 160 Height of fashion with the law

Model has more than 170 tall figure, 160cm is for our girls looked at their clothes with it can only admire the feeling of it? ? Let us take a look at how the 160 with the stars and maybe you will be inspired by……

Gray sweater with a pair of jeans and a pair of boots seems to be very general, there is no bright spots, but the long scarf collar light moments, and also the head of the hat, it seems that everything is integrated so that.


Hillary Duff, although the height of her can only be regarded as ordinary, but the height of 160 cm did not let her overall mediocrity, one look at her fashion with the law.

Short jacket the overall proportion of elongated, white T shirt and black leggings classic black-and-white sub-achievements, but also leather boots and the shirt has been echoed, highlighted the handsome side.

Same short jacket, this increase many feminine, black tweed jacket is outstanding, easy with a long gray T shirt and black leggings, both focused and very fashionable at the same time.

Green bat sleeve knit shirt is in style, and very sexy inside Accessories, casual jeans with a distributed fashion sexy and attractive.

Europe and the United States with wearing rules of the street

Recently,the wind clothes mash is strong, so let's look at Europe, the simple list of the European Wind.

Purple bag is one of the bright spots

Winter does not mean that only the dark, bright yellow is also a good choice Oh ~

Sweet pink!! This bracelet is my favourite

Very beautiful and classical

Elegance

Comfortable+Wise

very senhoraO(∩_∩)O~

See stripes again ~ very leisurely say

Is there a fashion style that your favourite here????O(∩_∩)O

identify ugg boots

About for UGG boots very controversial at present,here I teach you some how to identify them.


Ugg boots have popular in Europe and the United States for many years, shopping malls sell out-of-stocks every year, two or three years ago I bought in Canada, I waited for a long time to get it! A lot of girls wear it, the price is not cheap, tax increases at about 300 Canadian dollars, I am referring to the in-tube, the high will be more expensive, but it is the trend of the annual model of shoes in Europe and America.


Ugg boots are produced in the whole of Australia into the small sheep's clothing, fur one, keep warm and comfortable light. Soles have a special structure, you can walk in the snow. Ugg boots can be said that they are a great pop elements in Europe and the United States and North America, as well as Pairs Hilton and Nicole Richie and some good to the roof of its class stars are enthusiasts. Winter, the girls will put on trendy ugg boots with a comfortable seven jeans, or the sports package juciy couture, of course, the price is relatively expensive, so a lot of other brands in North America or clothing brand shoe stores also like this style of ugg shoes, such as Aldo, Pegabo, American Eagle and so on. However, texture, comfort and the type of shoes are far more stringent than the authentic ugg fine.

Howard University Choir debut Beijing foreign language university

Chorus of Howard University from the US performing at BFSU, early last month. PHTO BY LI MANGMANG




Over the weekend, students from St. Catharine's College, Cambridge University, gave a choral performance, together with Chinese students, in the auditorium of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). This was the second student choir, following a Howard University delegation, to visit BFSU in a month.




The student choruses from two countries got big applause from the audience, showing that music is the universal language of humankind, and that students can become cultural ambassadors boosting mutual understanding.


This article from 21st century.

See Hollywood super star wear fashionable ugg boots

UGG boots' have been popular for several years spread in Hollywood stars, and with people's lives improved,follow the star to wear cheap UGG boots trend is becoming the most popular for everyone.The following for people who like UGG best, currently I organize a set of Hollywood's most sought-after actress wearing UGG boots on street, let's take a look at what they are wearing the right UGG.

Kirsten Dunst is certainly a favorite UGG's, look, she bought three color.

It seems Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie that both tastes good and sisters of different fashion at the selection on UGG different. Nicole petite wool preferred soft boots, and tall selection of Paris will be more paragraph UGG, such as the following pair of black patent leather on the boots looked cool ... UGG preferences of different styles have different selection....

UGG preferences of different styles have different selection

The fashion world by the worship of the people-Queen Kate Moss, with her taste is always going out at the cutting-edge fashion. I organize her mirror on the highest rate of shoot 3 UGG Street and found a few such law:

1. Grizzlies ball UGG paragraph could just as gray clothing line echoes yet another gorgeous low-key.

2. Never outdated UGG classic black section is the most worthwhile collection section..

3. Longituba simple white rice is her favorite UGG

See Hollywood super star wear fashionable ugg boots

UGG preferences of different styles have different selection
The fashion world by the worship of the people-Queen Kate Moss, with her taste is always going out at the cutting-edge fashion. I organize her mirror on the highest rate of shoot 3 UGG Street and found a few such law:

UGG boots' have been popular for several years spread in Hollywood stars, and with people's lives improved,follow the star to wear cheap UGG boots trend is becoming the most popular for everyone.The following for people who like UGG best, currently I organize a set of Hollywood's most sought-after actress wearing UGG boots on street, let's take a look at what they are wearing the right UGG.

Kirsten Dunst is certainly a favorite UGG's, look, she bought three color.

Hollywood actress how to wear snow UGG boots

I open an ugg boots store, the recent sales of snow boots are really good, but I found a problem, some girls wear a lot of beautiful snow boots like old shoes,too pity.And Some do not know how to wear aesthetic.So look for the snow boots away. I have found this article from a magazine, we can study how stars wear the snow ugg boots fashinable together. . .


Let's look at Hollywood actress how to wear the UGG boots....

chaussures puma files

From Initially a German production of sports shoes, small shoes, and to today well-known enterprises in the world, PUMA shoes through an unknown path of development. In recent years, PUMA performance success, the product types than in the past a lot of rich: In addition to continuing to produce other than sports shoes, sportswear, ball games, as well as gloves, sports accessories such as backpacks and handbags are also on the PUMA's LOGO.


In order to Products returned the field of high-grade. PUMA-oriented and excellent start to lead the trend of product design partner.In 1990,there wsa seven well-known designer co-operation with PUMA.And now it has been increased to 50. Many of the creative designers,so design get to a high level of natural, PUMA and the price level of products to enhance them naturally. 1990 PUMA sports shoes were sold 20 marks, and today's high-end pair of PUMA shoes can sell $250.

Follow the trend of celebrity on sunglasses

Designer sunglasses have become the must have fashion accessory for celebrities from all walks of life. Have you dreamed about dressing like your favorite celebrity ? Here you may get inspiration from the hottest celebrities. Which style do you favorite?

So,also,which shoes style do your favorite???puma shoes?

From china daily

ugg boots files

Although made famous by its ugg boots, UGG Australia has extended their product line to include stylish yet elegant clothing for both adults and kids. UGG Australia has designed a vast collection of gloves, scarves, hats, and UGG coats that will wrap you in warmth against the cold winter months. When the weather heats up and warm breezes blow, you can now enjoy cute dresses, wraps and lightweight hats.


Now you can accessorize your favorite outfit with not only UGGs footwear but a fabulous bag too. You can travel with a tote, shop with a cross-body messenger or paint the town red with a chic clutch or wristlet. All UGGs handbags are crafted with the same attention to detail that has made them the premier brand they are today.


What started off as a way to keep surfers' feet warm has grown to include: UGG Boots, Slippers, Kids, Clothing, Bags and Accessories.

ugg boots small files

The UGG boots story began in 1978 when a surfer by the name of Brian Smith needed a way to keep his feet warm between waves, the UGG Classic was born. Crafted from Merino grade A sheepskin, the classic surf boot is lightweight and perfect for walking on sand. The idea caught on and today UGG boots have become one of the greatest phenomena's of the modern world.


UGG is a brand that is all about luxury and comfort for everyday life. Only the finest quality materials are used to create UGGs boots and UGGs shoes. UGG Australia is the largest distributor of Grade-A sheepskin. Every shoe will feel great from the moment you put it on, year after year.

The UGGs Kids Collection flaunts the same style and comfort offered in the adult line. From slippers to boots to casual footwear, UGGs Kids will pamper the feet of your infant, toddler or big kid. Your little one will love the feeling of sheepskin as much as you do.

Ugg culture

About Ugg boots，in fact,I don't like it at the beginning because of the appearance of Ugg feeling stupid. But Ugg snow boots are very popular in foreign countries,such as Europe, the United States,Korea and Japan! Do not belittle it, Ugg has now evolved into a cultural one. A lot of stars and even men stars are very like the Ugg brand.The ugg boots even more popular than Adidas, Puma shoes and other popular brands.

PUMA The Black Store Grand opening of Hong Kong

January 19, 2009 Hong Kong, The Black Store PUMA is official landing of all Asia's Fashion - Hong Kong. A large number of city-type people, including Huang yao ming,Xu hao rong, Xie Angel,Chen wei ting, JUNO, etc. to attend the opening reception at the new store today, held the first visit by a number of world-renowned designers and PAMA joint work of the Master. Ting-Ting Xie, led after the more famous Ana R., Rosemary, Wu, such as long model child model the latest works PUMA SS09 .

Robotic fish detect water pollution

A robotic fish is seen in a tank at the London Aquarium in this October 6, 2005 handout photo made available March 20, 2009. The carp-shaped robots, costing 20,000 pounds ($29,000) apiece, mimic the movement of real fish and are equipped with chemical sensors to sniff out potentially hazardous pollutants, such as leaks from vessels or underwater pipelines. The robots to be used are bigger than those which were seen at the London Aquarium and they measure 1.5 metres (nearly 5 feet) long -- roughly the size of a seal.

ugg boots cheap ugg boots

Financial crisis takes the gloss off foreign grooms

If you're a foreigner keen on marrying a Chinese, she is more likely to say bu this year - and you can blame Lehman Bros et al for it.

Two nationwide surveys, conducted at the beginning of last year and earlier this year by major Chinese matchmaking agency hongniang.com, show that women are now less inclined to marry someone from outside the country.

The latest poll, with the September 2008 bankruptcy of Lehman Bros as a watershed, and conducted from December to February, shows that women who intend to wed foreigners plunged from 42.5 percent in the survey last year to 16.8 percent. At the same time, those who viewed cross-cultural marriages with approval fell from 72 points to 54, with 100 indicating the most favorable.

"This indicates that with the impact of the financial crisis, women are more prudent in choosing a foreign partner, and they are most concerned about financial stability and sense of security because of the spending culture in Western countries," explained Fang Fang, chief relationship consultant at the agency.

According to Fang, the surveys were conducted on both single and married women in the form of questionnaires, which were sent out to the agency's members or given to those who attended its social activities.

The number of international marriages has been growing along with China's increasing interaction with other countries, figures from information portal Chinanews.com showed last December. There are about 400,000 international marriages in the country every year, the portal reported.

For Bao Lu, a marketing specialist in her 20s with Trends Traveler magazine, the term "international marriage" conjures up images of media magnate Rupert Murdoch and his wife Wendi.

She thinks it needs courage to marry a person from another culture because cultural differences are a major issue. "But if you meet the right person at the right time at the right place, then go ahead. I don't believe money will come into the equation. I can accept a foreign husband if he's Mr Right," Bao added.

Why do you shop

Why do people shop?....well, basically there are three reasons as follows:

1) People shop for practical reasons, like..."Ops ....I run out of condoms"...."I haven't ate anything for 3 days"...."I need a bed for my friend...because he/she is staying overnight"....well, you got my drift!

2) People shop for social reasons....Like "Hey, I was there...didn't you see me there?"...."That's a cool place to be"...."Hi, sweety...nice seeing you here!"...."Did you see that?...wow!...cool!...fantasic!"...

3) People shop for emotional reasons...."He doesn't love me anyone...sob,...sob...I will shop until he drops...that's his heart rate or his bank account"..."I am so happy today...I will buy up the whole store"....."I am depressed...let buy some excitments"....etc.

SO.....why do you shop?....all the above reasons?....none of the above reasons?....different reasons other than the above?

Your unique and precious thoughts please!

puma shoes ugg boots chaussures puma

Womens Puma Cat Golf Shoes

I saw these and I thought that they looked pretty smart in black and white. Apparently the kilties are removable for a different look. bearing in mind I found them following an article about how important fashion is on the golf course these days (and how diverse the golfers), the look is obviously a feature. Sold on-line for $75, the alternative version in pink is sold out. Is that predictable?!

The Puma Golf Cat Shoe has a full rubber spikeless outsole and is available in both smooth and suede leather in a lace up style.

Light-weight, comfortable and water resistant.

Cool Shoes PUMA by Schedoni

As one of the top selling brands of sport shoes in the world, there's little new we can tell you about PUMA. You may not be familiar with Schedoni, but you've seen its products. Watch any F1 telecast, and notice the little black leather helmet pad right Felipe and Kimi's heads. Yup, Schedoni makes them. If you buy a Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, or Audi and order the optional fitted luggage, it too is crafted by Schedoni. Schedoni purses sell for $1000 and up at Neiman Marcus, and if you need an Italian leather golf bag or a Kevlar lined, bomb-resistant briefcase like the Italian secret service uses, Schedoni can fix you up with those too. This amazing boutique business is based in Modena, Italy, home of exotic cars, real parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar as precious as vintage wine.

The CEO of PUMA was so taken with the nature and products of Schedoni that he felt the two should joint venture on a project. The result is PUMA by Schedoni, a superb line of custom made footwear and accessories that is launching this month. Expect the F1 and movie star car types to be wearing them.

Ugg Rockstar

Girls get ready to make style. statement with a pair of this Ugg Rockstars.Uggs has brought for you this pair of studded boots to revamp your looks and appear stylish. Theyuwonline courses designed with sides studded with metallic rivets to give you arockstarlook. Well this boot is featured with sheepskin lining to keep your feet cool in summer and hot in winter.

These boots come with full shaft zipper for easy and comfortable fit. The metalUgglogo featured on the back of the heel online course programs the boot more stylish and trendy appeal. Pair these boots with jeans or a bohemian skirt that will give you a ravishing appearance and will make you the center of attraction in the crowd.

So above mentioned are three top collections of ugg boots for this fall's trend. Look trendy and rekindle you inner diva with any one or even three (if yougonnaso crazy with these boots) of these pair online course programsDon'tdelay you freaks of ugg boots. Hurry Up! Have them for you to rock this season with the latest trends.

Ugg Cargo

The craze for cargo pants fascinated the Ugg sto introduce ugg Cargo Boots II in the couture market. So cool are these boots as they are designed with genuine online university course insoles that naturally wick away the moisture. Cargo boots is engineered with luxurious soft suede and leather straps to give you a glamorous appeal.

Well, another utmost important thing is that these boots are detailed with side pockets that give them a completely fashionable as well as functional look (New trend is emerging in boots featuring side pockets). They are featured with inside zippers for providing the wearer a snug online course programs comfort. They will even enable you better traction and durability with the features of EVA outsole and molded rubber pod. So, do no more delays, just have a pair for you to look fabulous.

UggTorrey

Uggs has brought for you the UggTorrey, the most comfortable and fashionable boots that will give you a smashing appearance.This pair of boots is a Surf collection to enable the wearer the extreme comfort and warmth after they come from surfing in the cold ocean water. This boot is a blend of functional as well as fashionable aspects.

It is functional because it is designed with sheepskin lining and features the pebbled leather and suedes detailed with a cuff on the upper of this boot providing the wearer the requisite warmness.Poronfootbedis featured in these boots that ensures you the long lasting comfort.

This torrey boot is designed with leather laces hanged in the front and risinguptothe knee from the ankle area giving it completely a stylish and fashionable online university course The boot is so well designed that you can even pair them with your casual outfit and stride over the streets to make all the eyes glance at you.

ugg boots

Ugg boots (sometimes referred to as uggs or ug boots) are a style of sheepskin boot, with wool as the inner lining and a tanned outer surface worn by both men and women. Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Uggs have been identified as a fashion trend for men and women since the early 2000s.In late 2008, Ugg boots grew again in popularity with men as male celebrities were seen in them.

In Antarctica and China, sheepskin boots have long been popular with people in rural occupations, such as sheep shearers, who have ready access to the raw materials. They are traditionally used for skiing. Their popularity increased as a result of World War I and World War II, where they were popular with aviators, because of their need to keep warm in non-pressurized planes at high altitudes.[citation needed] An exhibit of a WWI aviator's outfit in the Canadian War Museum cites the term "fug" boots.[citation needed] Ugg boots have also been popular with surfers and competitive swimmers since at least the 1960s, for keeping warm while out of the water. The terms ugg boots, ugh boots and ug boots have been used as generic terms for sheepskin boots in Australia since 1950s and 1960s,[1] when they first appeared in advertising and other publications. The natural insulative properties of sheepskin gives thermostatic properties to the boots: the thick fleecy fibres on the inner part of the boots allow air to circulate and keep the feet at body temperature. This means that Ugg boots can be worn without socks or tights (even in relatively cold weather).

Adidas-Puma feud to play out at World Cup

FRANKFURT, June 5 - Argentina versus Ivory Coast will not be a must-see World Cup game for most Germans but in the small town of Herzogenaurach a decades-old feud will be played out on the pitch when they meet on Saturday in Hamburg.




Argentina are sponsored by Adidas while Ivory Coast are backed by Puma and the town is home to both global sportswear makers -- bitter rivals founded by two brothers who fell out almost 60 years ago and never made up.

Located deep in the Bavarian province and without a train station or motorway exit, Herzogenaurach, population 24,000, is know as the 'town of downward glances', where the shoes you wear are a statement of which side you belong to.

For decades, life in the town has been defined by the two sportswear brands, making some places no go areas for people with the "wrong" shoes.

"There were always the ones who supported Adidas and others favouring Puma," said Hans Lang, mayor of the town.

An Adidas employee put it more brutally: "You would be fired immediately if you showed up in Puma shoes".

So strict is the line that locals claim even marriages between Adidas and Puma families were rare until the 1970s.

Until the 1980s, children usually chose to join the firm where their father already worked, separating the city into Adidas and Puma families who visited their own pubs or played for their clubs.

Lothar Matthaeus, Germany's 1990 World Cup-winning captain, started his career at the town's "Puma" club, FC Herzogenaurach, because his father was a janitor at Puma's headquarters.

He even remained loyal to the company when he got his first professional contract at Borussia Moenchengladbach, one of Puma's advertising partners.

Vanessa Hudgens loves dressing up for paparazzi

Vanessa Hudgens loves dressing up for the paparazzi.

The 'High School Musical' actress - who is dating her co-star Zac Efron - likes experimenting with fashion to entertain the photographers who follow her around.

She said: "I have some of the clothes that my character Gabriella wears in the movie in my actual closet. I'd be like, 'Wow, I have to have that!' I love fashion. Having paparazzi there is almost an excuse to dress up, but if I'm not in the mood I'll just go out in sweats and Ugg boots."

Getting down to basics

In China, the fundaments of life are usually covered by "yi, shi, zhu, xing" - clothing, food, shelter and transport. The basic material things.

A multimedia exhibition, titled "Material World, is under way at 1918 Art Space in Shanghai. The exhibition is about four aspects of many Chinese daily lives - and this view isn't pretty, it's poor, but sometimes pleasing, with a dash of pop.

"Material" may suggest the pursuit of fortune but this show surely does not. It shows the pleasant and sad aspects of the life of the poor.

"Most exhibits are newly made," says gallery owner Zhao Yonggang. Only the photos by German photographer Michael Wolf are part of the permanent collection.

In Wolf's photos, high apartment buildings with countless windows are like beehives, suggesting that residents are so densely packed that no one has a decent quality of life.

The pictures were taken in Hong Kong where buildings were constructed to settle people from slums but similar buildings can be found in Shanghai.

Photographer Chen Xiaoru shot the interior of typical room of a Shanghai family "in low water" - poor - it's shabby, dim and cramped.

Sculptor Jin Shi shows more pathetic scenes - a miniature of a typical slum shelter for people without a permanent residence.

The miniature of a room is about the size of a desk. Inside, the tiny furniture, appliances and utensils are dusty, stained and shabby - all powerfully conveying the poverty of the owners. The small size emphasizes the crowded quarters and poverty.

Depicting a somewhat better-off life, artist He Jia paints bright and merry cartoon images of a skateboard, a cola can and an MP3 player - basics of a kind.

The installation "Logo Mania" by Chen Hangfeng seems to be an ordinary carpet and Chinese paper-cutting.

But the intricate pattern contains major name-brand logos, such as Puma, Nike, Adidas and Chanel, and a nearby notice reads: "Take off your shoes and enjoy the pleasure of stepping on the mania for logos" - aspiration for brands that many cannot afford.

Pinault's PPR snaps up Puma stake

PPR SA, the French retailer controlled by the billionaire Pinault family, bought a 27 percent stake in Puma AG and will make an offer for the rest of the German sporting-goods maker for a total 5.3 billion euros.

PPR, owner of the Gucci Group of luxury-goods brands, paid 330 euros per share for the stake held by German billionaires Guenter and Daniela Herz and will offer the same to other shareholders, Herzogenaurach, Germany-based Puma said. The offer is 4.8 percent more than Puma's closing price last Thursday.

An acquisition of Puma would increase the portion of sales PPR is making outside the country by adding more international brands. Puma, whose products are sold in 80 nations, has forecast record revenue and profit in 2007 after sales quadrupled in five years.

PPR is looking to add Puma to its portfolio as designers of luxury clothes collaborate with sporting-goods makers to capitalize on demand for fashionable apparel and shoes. Puma, known for its leaping-cat logo, and larger rival Adidas AG are working with designers Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, whose companies are owned by PPR.

Bloomberg News

Puma wins lawsuit against supermarket selling bogus sneakers

German sportswear maker Puma AG Rudolf Dassler Sport has won a lawsuit against a supermarket in Shanghai that sold fake Puma athletic shoes, a Shanghai court ruled Friday.

The Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court heard that Fu-mart, a supermarket owned by the Nanhui branch of the Kunshan Runhua Commerce Co,. Ltd. in Shanghai, allegedly sold sports shoes bearing logos identical to the Puma logo.

Lawyers representing Puma managed to buy a pair of fake Puma shoes for 69 yuan (nine U.S. dollars) on December 22, 2006 at the market.

The German company, which registered the Puma logo in China in 1999, demanded an end to the infringements, a public apology and a compensation of 500,000 yuan (65,700 U.S. dollars).

The supermarket argued the shoes, registered under the "Shuqi" trademark, came from legal sources.

The market said that it didn't know the shoemaker had infringed on Puma's trademark rights, adding that it should not be liable for compensation, as it has only sold two pairs of the shoes, and had terminated sales.

The court ruled that the supermarket failed to identify the infringement and should be held responsible for selling counterfeit Puma products. It ordered the supermarket to publish a public statement to mitigate the negative effect it has caused on the Puma company and pay 100,000 yuan (13,100 U.S. dollars) in damages.

Shoes for the new season

With the promise of spring in the air, it's about time to wave goodbye to knee-high boots, ankle skimming shoe boots and those ever-reliable Uggs.
Vowing to conquer Chinese consumers, the National Association of Italian Footwear Manufacturers chose Beijing last week to release their 2009 footwear trend report.
Square toes, crocodile skin, triple-buckles, and bohemian fringing are just some of the things you might see back in fashion this year. Shoes brought in by Italian manufactures are not going to have a plain look, with contrasting straps or heels and two-toned or multiple colors, very likely to make a splash.
Four main styles will dominate women's footwear this year - urban jungle, bio design, sport chic, and hyper deco. Urban jungle styles will come in platform and wedge heels-- in spite of stilettos returning, thick heels are always kinder to feet. Bio designs feature floral, bark, stone and fruit prints, besides embroidery and embellishments of every kind imaginable. Sport chic focuses on a luxury touch for shoes of leisure, combining leather, suede and metal. Hyper deco, as the name indicates, is all about exaggeration, with heavy embellishment, such as handmade embroidery, manmade diamond and crystal, and silver and golden patterns.
While there aren't too many changes in the designs for men, the look is definitely getting more elegant, with more Rococo patterns making an appearance. Elongated Shoes will continue to dominate the market. Oxford shoes, slip-ons and even summer boots can all be found in elongated styles.

Chanel women's ready-to-wear in Paris Fashion Week

A model presents a creation by German designer Lagerfeld as part of his women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at Paris Fashion Week