mario

... a barrel-chested breed such as a bulldog. Measurements are typically in inches.

Remember that a dog will never "diet down" into an outfit that's too small , or -- unless you're shopping for a puppy or a pregnant female -- "grow into" an item that's too big. (Sorry, Grandma.)

Oh, and one more thing--if you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own dog clothes creations. Just don't forget to include an opening for the dog to relieve himself. Don't laugh, it happens a lot!

Now, if you're shopping for your own dog, you're all set. But if you're buying clothes for someone else's dog, I've got a few more tips for you.

Surveys conducted on the subject of gift preferences of men and women have shown that men prefer gifts that are more playful or practical. So, if the dog's owner is male this might translate into a doggie Harley jacket, a funny costume, or a reflective hunting vest (more on practical clothing in another article!).

Women, on the other hand, prefer gifts that are beautiful, memorable, and personal. It shouldn't be hard to find an item of clothing for a woman's dog that's either beautiful or memorable or both, and it will of course be personal!

Exception: if the woman is someone you don't know well. The more distant the relationship between giver and receiver, the riskier it is to give a personal gift. So, be they man or woman, if you don't know the dog owner very well, you probably shouldn't be buying dog clothes for their pet.

I hope you'll have fun picking out something nice for the canine on your shopping list. If you get a chance, send me a photo!

SportGamble.us Picks this Year's College Football Bowl Games

...Here are the consensus bowl picks from the SportGamble.us staff.

Tue., Dec. 14
New Orleans Bowl
north Texas vs southern Mississippi
SGs pick: north Texas
If the So. Miss defense can stop Jamario Thomas from adding to his gaudy stats they should be able to keep this one close.
7:30 pm

Tue., Dec. 21
Champs Sports Bowl
Georgia Tech vs Syracuse
SGs pick: Georgia Tech
7:45 pm

Wed., Dec. 22
GMAC Bowl
Memphis vs Bowling Green
SGs pick: Bowling Green
I want to pick Memphis to win this battle, but the Falcons scoring offense, 4th in the nation, will simply outscore Memphis regardless of how well they play.
8:00 pm

Thur., Dec. 23
PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl
Cincinnati vs Marshall
SGs pick: Marshall
Marshall has shown up to play in big games this year. I consider a bowl game a big game, wouldnt you?
6:30 pm

Las Vegas Bowl
Wyoming vs UCLA
SGs pick: UCLA
UCLA should burn Wyoming with its passing and running game. Although, Wyoming is playing in its first bowl game in 11 yearsthats certainly motivating.
9:45 pm

Fri., Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl
UAB vs Hawaii
SGs pick: Hawaii
NCAAs all time passing leader should have a hay-day against this no show UAB defense
7:00 pm

Mon., Dec. 27
MPC Computers Bowl
Fresno State vs 18 Virginia
SGs Pick: Virginia
Fresno State failed to play with the big dogs this season and Virginia is on the horizon to become one.
2:00 pm

Motor City Bowl
Toledo vs Connecticut
SGs Pick: Toledo
Co...more

Soccer - Hisory of a Popular Sport

... through the upperclass; it was played by schoolboys and college men, butthere was not a formal soccer club until 1862 when theBoston Oneida soccer club was formed.

Generally, this is considered the first club to carry a regular roster, because until this time pick-up games were the norm. The club was an elite subsection of the population that would play against pick-up teams. Throughout the four-year history of the Oneida Soccer Club, they never lost a game.

Beginning in the 1920's, soccer really began to gain aplace in America. The american Soccer League was founded in1921, guaranteeing...more

NFL Divisional Playoffs Matchup: Washington RedSkins At Seattle SeaHawks

...-0 against NFC West teams, and are 6-1 after 2 consecutive SU wins. Plus, the advantage of having one of the greatest NFL coaches in history also sweetens the skins side. But, teams who are playing their third game in a row, especially entering the 2nd round of the playoffs are quite dismal.

Psychological...more