Style and Focus News Bites

** Where have all the black models gone? a statement that has been echoed over the past couple of years in the fashion industry. Model and co-host of Bravo's "Make Me a Super Model", Tyson Beckford recently spoke about it to the Associated Press.

In the article "Fashion Week Hits Diversity Problem" some in the fashion industry are aiming to make a change, includes: Tracey Reese, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Diane von Furstenberg to name a few. Diane von Furstenberg is the current President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, she reportedly has "sent a memo to its members encouraging them to create fashion shows 'that are truly multicultural' " (Associated Press).

** The New York Times will cut 100 newsroom jobs this year. The cuts will be achieved “by not filling jobs that go vacant, by offering buyouts, and if necessary by layoffs,” according to the executive editor, Bill Keller (The New York Times).

** Nike Inc. Introduces Their New "green" Air Jordan. The Air Jordan XX3 is part of Nike's "Considered" program -- a broad plan to reduce greenhouse gases and trim factory inefficiency by making cleaner, more sustainable designs in Nike's own labs. These shoes are made with less chemical-based glues and the outsoles are made of recycled material (Wall Street Journal).

** Fans of the CW Network series "Girlfriends" were outraged that the eight-year-old series did not have a proper finale episode following the network quietly cancelling the long running series. Cast members were notified by telephone by creator Mara Brock Akil that the network had decided to end the show.

** Jessica Simpson is in talks with CMT to star in a special chronicling her life as she records her upcoming country album (Us Magazine).

** CBS has renewed 11 of its series for the 2008-2009 season. The 11 shows are: Cold Case," "Criminal Minds," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "CSI: Miami," "CSI: NY," "Ghost Whisperer," "NCIS," "Numb3rs," "Two and a Half Men," "Without a Trace" and "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS).

** The Detroit Kennel Club will celebrate a milestone when its 100th and 101st shows open at Cobo Center on March 1st & 2nd. The annual Celebration of Dogs, proudly presented by Purina, allows visitors up-close and personal time with breeders, owners, handlers and over 2,500 canines from the 169 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Tickets: $12 for adults and $8 for children (under 12) and senior citizens (60 and over). Family packs (2 adults, 3 children) are also on sale for $35. Tickets will be sold separately for each show and are good only for that day's show. Group rates are available by calling (248)540-5206.

Show hours: Dogs will be on display to the public and demonstrations will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Best in Show will go into the ring approximately 6:00 PM each day. Tickets are available at the door. For more information call 248-DKC-SHOW [(248) 352-7469], or online at http://www.detroitkennelclub.com (Press Release).