Dr. Martens boots have a history spanning over 110 years, with mass adoption by many teen sub-cultures throughout the past 50 years especially in the UK, but you might be surprised where the roots of this popular boot and shoe range originated.

The History of Dr. Martens Boots

Doc Martens, DM’s or Dr. Martens boots to use some of the popular names for this footwear brand became popular with teen sub-cultures back in the 1970′s, however these iconic boots came to light literally by accident by the union of traditional British craft and German inventiveness.

The creation of the very first Dr Martens Air Wair boot happened in April 1960, with the marriage of the production power of the Griggs family shoe factory and the inventive genius of Dr. Maertens of Munich, who offered up his idea for a new air filled sole for boots. This new idea, like many, was the result of necessity as Dr Maertens had received a foot injury on a ski trip and this new sole was designed to provide a cushion for the foot to aid recovery.

Bill Griggs, owner of the Griggs family footwear factory was browsing through industry magazines one day and spotted an advertisement for collaboration by Dr Maertens and the rest is history… with the Dr Maertens name being anglicized and turned into the Dr Martens brand.

Progress was initially slow for the new brand, but these boots soon became popular with Policemen, postal workers and other workers who spent long days on their feet. The new ‘Air Wair™’ sole provided the support and comfort needed for long periods standing and walking, with the added advantage that these boots gave insulation from cold concrete and even snow – a great advantage to those people who worked in factories and outdoors.

The Dr Martens Subculture Explosion

Things really took off for the Dr Martens brand when teen sub-culture started to adopt the boot as a symbol. First the skinheads took up the boot, with the 1460 black boot being the boot of choice and when Pete Townshend appeared on stage sporting his own 1460′s things really took off for the brand, with many wanting the same look.

Subsequent music, fashion and youth movements have adopted the Dr Martens boot as their own, with everything from Britpop to Grunge utilising these iconic shoes as part of their wardrobe and of course fans flocked to buy. Innovations such as the move away from ‘black’ and ‘red’ – the original colours for Dr Martens boots – have seen an explosion of colour, with even flouorescent colours now being available for those who are brave enough to wear neon green or baby pink!

Rocky Horrors is a well established retailer in alternative and fashion clothing offering a great selection of alternative footwear including Dr Martens boots

This is a guest post from Stephani S, a freelancer writer who contributes to Advance Me Inc America’s leading provider of merchant cash advance products.

A busker is a street performer.

Their origins can be traced back to the jesters and traveling show people from long ago. The literal definition of a busker is a person who provides entertainment in public places in exchange for money.

You can find buskers performing in many places around the world such as England and Italy, but, they aren’t welcomed in other spots because they are often legally considered the same as panhandlers. In these areas buskers can be arrested and face prosecution.

The term “busking” was first used in Great Britain in the late 19th century. Prior to this, street performers were refered to as minstrels. The word “busk” is derived from the Spanish “buscar” which means “to seek” – since buskers are seeking fame and fortune.

It is believed that the Romani people, also known as gypsies, are responsible for bringing busking to England. Due to their nomadic way of life, busking was relied upon as a form of income, and each new place they arrived in would be exposed to this variety of street performance.

Abroad, you will find busking in the form of Mariachis in Mexico – bands who wear jackets with detailed embroidery, and large sombreros. In Japan, the Chindonya first appeared around the mid-19th century, and can still be seen today. In the United States, the first buskers were probably the traveling vendors who brought “medicine shows” to towns across the country. It has also been speculated that the circus played a part in the spread of busking. Circus performers who needed to continue earning when not officially working would tweak their acts to be suited for street performances.

Today, the basic act of busking is the same as it has been throughout history, but modern technology has made things easier. Buskers can use the Internet to promote themselves and book engagements, they can follow busking festivals, and determine which holiday and travel destinations are busiest at any given time. There is even a new twist on an old theme – known as “cyber busking”, performers can upload their work for others to download in exchange for donations via online payment systems such as PayPal.

The “brave new world” of busking!

If you frequent the market in Covent Garden then you are well aware that it is not only packed with crowds of Londoners and tourists alike, but also a variety of street performers looking to entertain and earn a few tips.  But if you happened to wander into the square last Wednesday, you might have been surprised to find yourself in the middle of a mob of dancing hooligans, breaking it down to blaring club music.  This is just the latest in a series of flash mobs that seem to have taken over public gathering spaces across the globe (not to mention your television – believe it or not there is a reality TV show about flash mobs).  But what’s all the hype?  And why did it recently strike Covent Garden?

To answer the first question, all you need to do is see a flash mob in action.  The one that performed in Covent Garden is no trained group of professional dancers; just a bunch of teens out having fun.  And yet, they incorporate elements of classical dance (hints of ballet and jazz can be seen in their movements) alongside contemporary and even street.  Hip hop, breakdancing, Latin, and gymnastics are exhibited in their rollicking performance.  Their moves are not always perfectly executed, they are not always in sync, but somehow you can’t tear your eyes away.  Through eight and a half minutes of musical changes, the Dynamic Dozen (as the troupe calls itself) held the attention of a growing audience outside the market.  And why did they choose that location?

The truth is that they’re not the first flash mob to perform at this open-air venue.  As recently as May 30^th, a flash mob that included dancing, singing, and even a horn section showed up and had the whole crowd singing the Beatles’ “Love” and King Crimson’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” with them (video on YouTube).  It seems that the atmosphere of Covent Garden just lends itself to outbursts of artistic expression.

The Dynamic Dozen is a project that actually receives partial funding from City of London, Canada (in Ontario).  There are two teams of dancers (selected through tryouts) stationed in the city: the northeast and the southeast teams.  Once the group has been selected they spend 20-30 hours a week training for these seemingly impromptu performances.  People in the know (Facebook friends of the Dynamic Dozen, for example) will be apprised of the time and date of events so they can show up and support the group (some bring hand cams and then post the videos online).  Others who happen to be in the right place at the right time will just get a pleasant surprise, as was the case for many in Covent Garden on July 13^th at noon.

And you just never know who might be in the crowd.  Jon-Paul McGonigle, a Project Manager for City of London, was apparently surprised by the performance, calling it “impactful”.  It does seem a bit strange that he should happen to be in Covent Garden at the same moment that a group his organization sponsors was performing, unbeknownst to him.  But there you are; that’s the beauty of a flash mob.  They arrive, they perform, and they withdraw.  No warning, no explanation.  They simply bring a ray of sunshine to an otherwise average London day.

Sarah Danielson writes for Adiamor Diamond Engagement Rings. Why not propose flash mob style with the perfect ring from Adiamor?

As of about a week ago, the firm had acquired nearly £700 million worth of property in and around Covent Garden, with plans to purchase more.  They are currently putting out feelers concerning the historic Africa Centre on King Street, which was conceived in 1961 as a way to promote awareness and dialogue between multiple ethnicities and cultures.  The centre has decided to sell their lease, it seems, although whether they are seriously considering an offer from Capco is as yet unknown (representatives seem unwilling to confirm or deny that they have reached a settlement).  However, the mega-corporation has let it be known that they’re interested in the property, with the caveat that they have “no plans” pertaining to its usage.  Yeah, right.

As for the current tenants of the building, they will go somewhere else (as yet undetermined) to spread the culture of Africa.  Capco certainly doesn’t care.  The real problem is what this could mean for the future of Covent Garden, which has long been regarded as a cultural mecca.  Although the district now boasts quite a bit of shopping to attract the tourist crowd (as well as the wealthy and elite of London), it also houses a plethora of historic buildings (and history), some of the finest theatres in the city, a wide variety of food and entertainment, and a certain amount of individual flare that corporate entities cannot mimic no matter how they try.

Sadly, this corporate acquisition of properties all over the district could be just the beginning of the end.  What exactly is Capco going to do with the sites they’ve already purchased?  They remain mum on the subject.  But it’s a good bet they have no plans to donate them to artistic and cultural pursuits.  They’re a lot more likely to put in high-end stores that will earn them back the money they’ve spent and more (destroying smaller businesses in the process).  And if they are successful in their venture, then hordes of soulless corporate entities could follow suit.

Although it may be too soon to speculate on Capco’s plans for Covent Garden, no one can deny that they’ve spend a pretty penny on their recent acquisitions.  And despite their claims to the contrary, they almost certainly have big plans for all of it.  The real question is: how much will a corporation change the face of this charmingly eclectic district?  And how much are people willing to put up with before they take a stand?

Chris Larue writes for BluWiki where you can find Knott’s Berry Farm Coupons and Ensure Coupons.

1.       Bring lots of women.  It’s no secret that hot chicks are ushered into clubs quickly as a way to entice men into paying more for entry.  So if you show up with a hottie on each arm (read: more women than men in your group), you may be able to get yourself on the guest list and in the club in seconds flat.  Of course, it’s just about as likely that you’ll end up stuck in line while your gal pals head into the club, but it’s definitely worth a try.  If you happen to be female, dress to the nines to improve your chances of immediate entry upon arrival.

2.       Ask the concierge.  If you’re visiting London from afar, you may actually have an easier time getting your name on the guest list at your club of choice thanks to the skills of your hotel concierge.  This is especially true if you opt to stay at a high-end, trendy hotel that caters to young adventurers of the decidedly wealthy sect.  A good concierge will have established relationships with promoters and club-owners in the area and they should be able to secure you unfettered entry to just about any club you wish to visit.

3.       Call the promoter.  You really never know what a well-timed call to a club promoter can do for your odds of entry into a club.  Of course, you first have to ascertain who is doing promotion for the club and then get ahold of them, but most promoters are happy to help people that are willing to go to the trouble to track them down.  Call early to ensure placement on the guest list.

4.       Get to know the bouncers.  If you are likely to come to a particular club quite a bit, make an effort to butter up the bouncers that control the velvet rope.  Be gracious, courteous, and respectful at all times, but do whatever it takes to endear them to you (tipping couldn’t hurt, but don’t be a jerk about throwing your money around).  If they get to know you and like you, it could result in your name as a permanent entry on the guest list.

5.       Pay for bottle service.  If you can afford the payout, call ahead to see if the club offers bottle service.  It could cost you anywhere from a couple hundred bucks up to several thousand (depending on what you order and the club you frequent), but it will get your name on the guest list and set you up with a table and drinks to start off the night (the name is derived from the bottle of alcohol you pre-order).  For a group of guys looking to party it up for the night without waiting in line, this is a great way to quickly get through the door and into the action.

Sarah Danielson writes for The Guestlist Club  where you can find info on the hottest club in London, Chinawhite.

All of your favorite moments will be covered in this extravaganza of depravity, from her stint as a Playboy playmate to her marriage to billionaire (and octogenarian) J. Howard Marshall to her sex-symbol image and subsequent descent into drug use.  In other words, you get to see her meteoric rise to fame (her struggle to “rape the American dream”, as she crassly puts it) and the equally rapid descent that followed, ending in her death from drug overdose at the age of 39.  But it’s not all fluff; this show has some substance, and by the end you’ll be asking yourself whether it’s better to burn out or fade away.

Anna Nicole has often been portrayed as the tragicomic embodiment of fame gone wrong, but Thomas leaves the question open-ended with his clever libretto.  This is not to say that there isn’t plenty of the tabloid smut element that characterized this trailer-park bred American’s “career”, but there are also quite a lot of elements of traditional theatre (such as the Greek chorus portrayed by paparazzi, a variety of jazz themes ranging from upbeat and edgy to the subtly evocative, colorful lighting that speaks to the crazed dream-state that often revolved around the un-reality star, and of course, the over-the-top costumes that we all came to anticipate).  And Dutch soprano Eva Marie Westbroek shines in the titular role.

Of course, it simply wouldn’t be Anna Nicole without the sensationalism that surrounded the star, including an abundance of bawdy lyrics, vulgar body-shaking, and drug-induced ramblings that we don’t necessarily want to watch (but we simply can’t turn away from).  She may have been a pathetic victim of her own yearning for the finer things in life (despite her inability to recognize or tactfully display them), a mere blow-up doll with a head full of air and a Barbie-doll physique, and an often exploited and over-sexed caricature.  Or perhaps she was just a girl out for fun who ended up taking one long roller-coaster ride.  Either way, the fame monster put the stars in her eyes and snatched them back too soon.

So while this eye-goggling spectacular based on the outrageous and entertaining life of Anna Nicole Smith will certainly keep you in stitches (or leave you shaking your head in disbelief…again) it will also offer some food for thought.  The opening was lauded for its juxtaposition of elements: a compelling musical score, salacious content, and surprisingly gentle handling of the often-fragile superstar’s most memorable moments.  The audience gave it a standing ovation and critics have offered unexpected raves.  So if you were thinking about sneaking in for a guilty-pleasure viewing, you can now walk in boldly and tell all your friends you went to see what could become the show of the year.

Shirley Simpson writes for Charming Puglia where you can find the best in Lecce hotels and Puglia hotels for your luxury vacation.

Regardless of your reasons for visiting London (business or pleasure) you should make the time to swing by Covent Garden for some shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing.  Although you might think of it as an antiquated portion of the city, there’s a lot more to it than an old marketplace.  It’s true that this was once a central meeting place for neighboring farmers to sell their wares.  And you can definitely marvel at some of the many architectural masterpieces that line the streets.  But in this particular area of London, you will find a unique marriage of old and new, a blending of classical buildings with modern inhabitants.  You can see some old-school theatre and immediately follow it up with a trip to the movie house.  You can shop both vintage and modern clothing stores.  And when it comes to food, you can find anything from traditional pasties to the best in modern culinary arts.  In short, Covent Garden embodies the best of what London has to offer.

If you’re looking for a day of sightseeing and you’ve already worn out the major attractions such as Big Ben, the Parliament, and the infamous Tower of London (who can miss a chance to lampoon the stolid beefeaters?), then head over to Covent Garden.  The famous Piazza is ringed by buildings designed by Inigo Jones (including St. Paul’s church, which has been under renovation).  In fact, much of the square has been subject to upgrades, leading to an interesting historical palette of architecture.  And of course, there’s the famous Royal Opera House, the central market, and the Seven Dials to see (although you might be surprised to discover there are actually only six).

But there’s a lot more to do than look at the buildings.  If it’s entertainment you’re after, there’s plenty to be found in Covent Garden.  You can see an opera, play, or ballet at the Royal Opera House (or visit any number of other theaters in the area).  You can also check out the London Transport Museum to get a look at the travel history of London through their many passenger vehicles over time.  And of course, there are a diverse array of shops to tempt you, from an Apple store that displays the old-world flare of the area, to a costume shop that houses six floors of potential disguises (Angels Costumiers), to a vintage shop run by a pop star (Lily Allen’s Lucy In Disguise), to modern skate shops and high-end retailers.

And of course, there are plenty of options for dining, as well.  Any type of world cuisine you want is available in this diverse district, from French to Italian to Greek to a variety of Asian, African, and Latin options (and even American).  Plus, you can easily find traditional British fare as well as a number of hopping pubs for food, drinks, and a look at the soccer scores.  Regardless of what you’re looking for in your trip to London, or the amount of time you have to see the sights, you’re going to find it all in one place.  With loads of history and a lot of modern amenities, you can see the best of London by going to Covent Garden.

Emma Martin writes for TripBase, a personalized travel website. Whether you are searching for transatlantic cruises or even find cheap hotels in Glasgow, TripBase is sure to meet all your travel needs.

One can no doubt think of any number of romantic date locales to whisk their one true love away to on Valentine’s Day.  The Eiffel Tower (or really anywhere in Paris) is sure to wow anyone.  The top of the Empire State Building comes in at a close second (thanks to An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle).  But if you’re a London local looking to take that special someone out for a night they’ll never forget, you could do no better than a Valentine’s Day extravaganza courtesy of Covent Garden.  You may not be too keen to shop the crowded central market or visit some of the many historical sites scattered throughout the area, but there are plenty of romantic hotspots to grab your fancy and fan the flames of amour on this special day.  Here are just a few to consider.

1.       Lucy in Disguise.  Songstress Lily Allen and her sister, Sarah Own, recently opened this buzz-worthy vintage clothing shop in the heart of Covent Garden as a way to spread their love of everything retro to others looking for a little styling panache.  Pop in for an autograph and try on some duds from your favorite era.  You may find a fun outfit to wear out to dinner, although some of the best pieces might be for rent only.  No worries; just return them at the end of your date!

2.       Clos Maggiore.  If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, you need go no further than this ritzy little restaurant on King Street.  Dine in the conservatory under a canopy of blossoms with a blazing fire burning nearby (protected from the cold by a glass ceiling) or find a table tucked away in a dimly-lit corner of this atmospheric eatery.  As the website states, food and wine are their passion, with French cuisine styled in the manner of Provence and Tuscany, but even better are the prices (which are quite low considering the amazing ambience, service, and of course, the menu…locals recommend the rabbit).  All this and it has been voted “Most Romantic” by at least three UK publications.

3.       The Piazza.  A tour around this historic square to take in the architecture and ogle street performers is sure to help you walk off dinner and it will give you a chance to talk (with just enough distractions to avoid awkward silences).

4.       Eine kleine nachtmusik.  In other words, a night at the opera.  Mozart penned the frantic masterpiece and the Marx brothers made it silly, but don’t let that stop you from attending one of the many area theatres (most notably the Royal Opera House) to see a show or catch a musical performance (the Royal Orchestra plays frequently).

5.       Candy Cakes.  Stop by the Seven Dials district to ogle the namesakes, and while you’re there, pop into this sweet shop for a nightcap of coffee or tea along with one of their many fine pastries or a now-famous cupcake.  There’s no better way to end the sweetest day of the year than with a sugary treat for you and your significant other (hint: take some home to enjoy the next morning!).

Sarah Danielson writes for Ask Deb, where you can find Pizza Hut coupons, Chuck E. Cheese coupons and tons of other great deals on your favorite eating and shopping establishments.

If you happen to be in London around the winter holidays (whether you live there or you’re just visiting), you’re in for a treat.  Imagine walking through the world of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and you have an idea of the nostalgia and beauty that touches London at this time of year.  The city, which is an all-around mix of the modern and the historic, is a beautiful sight to behold when it is lit with a million twinkling lights and dusted with a light powder of snow.  But no area is quite as festive and fun to visit as the West End, and in particular, Covent Garden.  So if you’re looking for a new holiday tradition that blends evocative traditions with contemporary aesthetics, there are more than enough reasons to head over to Covent Garden.

For one thing, there are interactive displays and events galore set to delight and amuse both those who are looking for them and the unwary traveler who happens to come upon them unawares.  Aside from the many wonderful light displays placed by shop proprietors, you can opt to take part in a technological marvel that starts with a little kiss under the mistletoe.  If you go to the main tree (which is bedecked with 50,000 LED lights) and give your honey a smooch under the mistletoe that is hanging there, you will set the lights, which are programmed to respond to human touch, awhirl.  This neat bit of techno-wizardry will cost you a grand total of nada, although you are welcome to make a donation to charity.

Of course, you won’t be lacking in fun activities, either.  The bright lights are a great draw, but if entertainment is what you seek, you won’t be disappointed.  The festivities kick off on November 24^th with International Kiss Day, an opportunity for couples to film a kiss and a message to send to friends and family around the globe.  From there visitors can enjoy a slate of entertainers such as choral performers (not to mention the ever-present street performers) and kids can participate in activities like petting Santa’s reindeer in the Piazza, listening to seasonal stories, and making arts and crafts.  And don’t forget that there is always tons of great shopping, dozens of theatre shows to attend, and a smattering of museums (including the famous London Transport Museum) to visit.

But that’s not all.  You can also enjoy the many fine-dining establishments scattered throughout the area.  And some of them will be offering traditional holiday foods throughout December (be sure to check out the Real Food Market, in particular).  Whether you have a craving for mincemeat pies, mulled wine, oysters, or Christmas pudding, you can likely find whatever food your palette desires and satisfy the sentimental aspect of the season.

In short, there’s no better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit than by visiting Covent Garden.  You can take in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season, inundating your senses with enough Christmas cheer to last you right on through the holidays.  So have yourself a hot-buttered rum as you listen to carols, sneak a smooch under the mistletoe, and shop for anything and everything you need to make this season special.  You can have it all during this festive time of year, and it’s courtesy of Covent Garden London.

Shirley Simpson writes for AdvanceMe, the nation’s leading merchant cash advance provider and credit card factoring company.

Covent Garden, long favored by West-Enders, Londoners, and tourists aplenty as an excellent mixture of old and new (blending theatre and history with modern shopping and street performers) is taking on the big Apple.  No, they’re not challenging New York City (even though they’ve got the acting chops to give Broadway a run for its money, as well as more theatres than you can shake a stick at).  In fact, Apple, the well-known electronics conglomerate that created graphics-heavy computers (Macs) and iDevices galore, has recently opened a storefront in the piazza, an area which once overlooked the famed vegetable market (now a high-end shopping center).  And it’s not just any Apple store.  In fact, it is the largest shop of its kind, and it just happens to be in Covent Garden.  So what does this mean for both area businesses and regular patrons?

The store opened in August, and in the few short weeks it has been in operation, it has brought some major changes to the area (for better or for worse, depending on how you look at it).  For one thing, the location itself has a lot to offer the iGeneration.  Housed in an original building (as per the restrictions on the piazza structures), the interior features original brickwork and glass elevators, giving it a slightly different feel from other Apple establishments.  Why the elevators?  There are three sprawling floors for shoppers to peruse, and all of them are put to good use.  Each Apple product has its own section, so you can head straight for iPad heaven or saunter through iPhones and accessories on the way.  With a special area for kids and hundreds of blue-shirts to meet your every need, you could get lost in this store for days.  They may have to send in a rescue party (who will probably be quickly distracted by the latest iGadget on display).

And as for their impact on the area, it is already being felt.  On opening day, nearly 20,000 people lined up to get a peek at the new store.  And if you thought that number might peter out after the initial rush, you couldn’t be more wrong.  They have managed to sustain numbers close to 15,000 visitors daily, reportedly bringing in nearly half a million customers to the area in their first month alone.  And their consumer draw does not seem to be dwindling.  While other shop-owners may be thanking their lucky stars for the overflow foot traffic, many local patrons don’t seem too thrilled with this turn of events.

Comments on blogs lament the loss of the quirky shops that made Covent Garden different from other shopping areas in London and speculate that this brings the historic area one step closer to utter ruination.  While some seem content to have an Apple location nearby to meet their many technological needs, most feel that what you can get at one store you can get at another.  Despite the fact that they’ve slapped a pretty veneer on the shop, it is just a cookie cutter franchise akin to McDonalds or any other chain.  However, even the critics cannot deny that this store has brought a lot of business to the area and will likely continue to do so.  Whether or not that’s a good thing for Covent Garden remains to be seen.

Mary Lewis writes for The Woodlands TX, your local guide to the best in shopping, dining, entertainment and more!