Acra, NY Home Improvement Loans in New York

The top business news from The Associated Press for the morning of Friday, Sept. 5, 2008:

Asian markets plunge after Wall Street sell-off

TOKYO (AP) _ Asian stock markets plunged Friday after more bad news on the U.S. economy, a vital export market, triggered a broad sell-off on Wall Street overnight. Disappointing reports on U.S. retail sales and jobless claims undercut hopes for a late-year recovery in the U.S. and depressed investor sentiment across Asia. In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed down 2.75 percent at 12,212.23. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index tumbled 3.1 percent to 19,752.65, dropping below the key psychological level of 20,000 to its lowest point in more than a year. Markets in mainland China, India, Australia and Singapore were also down more than 2 percent.

Hillsides bloom with black trumpets. Disc-shaped mushrooms called artist's conch sprout from tree trunks.

Reem Acra is known for luxury bridal and eveningwear. With her attention to detail, signature beaded embroideries and unique fabric combinations, Acra has an insatiable desire for luxurious fabrics, deep ...

If you weren't the kind of girl who always dreamed of a fairy tale wedding, tricked out in the Cinderella gown with the handsome prince, watch out: Reem Acra will change your mind.

A Reem Acra look from her Spring 2008 collection Last week, when a very pregnant Angelina Jolie glided down the red carpet in a mocha caftan at the Cannes premiere of "Changeling," everyone wanted to know who ...

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary ASE Test Limited today announced May 30, 2008 as the anticipated effective date of the proposed ''going private'' acquisition by ASE ... via Earth Times

KINGSTON Three people were injured when the 2000 Bayliner Trophy they were in on the Hudson River crashed into the rocky shore near the Ulster/Greene County line, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office reported ... via Mid-Hudson News

TRANSMISSION ART is not related to cars or trucks. It's something that is happening right here in GreeneLand. via SeeingGreene

"Muslims in southern Thailand live in fear of the army storming in to take their men away to be tortured"

THE mysterious death of an imam in Thai army custody last week has highlighted the plight of Muslim rebel suspects who say they have been tortured while detained for interrogation, Human Rights Watch said on ... via The Straits Times

"It's all about finding pleasure wherever you can. We are here to give pleasure. We are here to receive pleasure. "

PartyLines- photographs by Patrick McMullan New York State Theater. March 5, 2008. via New York Magazine

A FTER the Lenten season, the wedding season begins in earnest and many brides-to-be would find it more convenient to start scouting for their choice wedding gowns as early as possible. via Guardian Newspapers

FRANCHISE SERVICES OF NORTH AMERICA INC. announced today the sale of the U-Save franchise for San Diego International Airport, two new Rent A Wreck Franchises, one in Sudbury, Ontario, and a two-location ... via Earth Times

FOX News entertainment correspondent Jill Dobson is covering her first Academy Awards this weekend. via Fox News

"An empire gown emphasizes the detail on the top as well as framing the waistline."

Sirens of the silver screen of yesteryear are today's muses for brides-to-be who are looking to channel their inner Rita Hayworth as they splurge on gowns redolent with glamorous accents. via CourierPostOnline

Furry, feathery, retro

Rachel Sutherland, Style Editor

Only a few days removed from the craziness that was my first trip to Fashion Week in New York, I'm eager to share a glimpse of what we'll be wearing in six months.

The frantic pace of last week nearly scrambled my brain (more than 100 events were scheduled during the eight 'official' days): Shows were scheduled on the hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., some at Bryant Park, some off-site, some with conflicting times and at least one managed to start early by industry standards (yes, I'm talking to you, Marc Jacobs), throwing the fashionistas into a tizzy, myself included. Read more

Perhaps it's the red-carpet drought caused by the writers' strike, or the stars' recent field trips to New York Fashion Week, but one thing's for sure: This year's Grammys were all about the new Hollywood ... via VH1 News

"An insider shared that Posen wanted to 'refocus the attention,' on him and his clothes and fill his first three rows with buyers"

There may only be one day left of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, but the energy in New York City hasn't even come close to dieing down. via Trend Hunter Magazine

"One man's prospective on things to come"

"CAIRO, NY" is the title of a poem that appeared in the January 7th issue of The NewYorker . via SeeingGreene

The clock is ticking and as we get closer to New York fashion week, everyone at Papierblog will be taking a looking at designers on their radar. via Papierblog

"For spring, acrylic colors are so hot in spring fashion, but I'd stay away from things that could look so dated in the future. If it looks like true blue on, it will look really blue in a photograph."

NEW YORK- Brides probably don't know exactly why they're wearing something blue on their wedding day, but they've been doing it for so long few want to break with tradition. via WisInfo