Fowl smelling antique linens Solution

I purchased some antique lace trims and linens from okay. I was shocked when they arrived for the smell was horrible, so strong and fowl of mildew I can't even describe. I felt I could not use these items I had just purchased for sewing and I was at a loss. I tried cleaning them and was very successful. Keep in mind I was willing to experiment on the worse smelling linens and lace I has ever witnessed and felt if I ruined them they were ruined anyway. I used oxi clean and quite a bit of the powder i did not use it sparingly for it is safe and does not usually damage anything, I used a small bowl of water and added a good amount of Arm and Hammer , plus oxy clean dirt fighting oder and dirt eliminator!!!! very inexpensive. I soaked the lace linens overnight which is the trick...at least 12 hours. You can buy this at any grocery store VERY inexpensively. There are many fragrant linen washes on the market and they are mild with very high price tags plus shipping I don't know it they work but I know this did :-). let me know how you make out if you try it. Thank you, Melissahad a possitive experience I wanted to share.

Testing Polarizers : linear VS circular : Filter

If the polarize filter is not marked you can easily test if its circular or linear by doing whats call mirror test.
1. Hold the polarizer about mirror with filter threads pointing towards you. Look at your reflection in a mirror; you should see your reflection in the mirror (as if looking through a neutral density filter).
2. Now turn the filter around so that the filter threads point at the mirror.
Results: If the polarizer is linear you should see the same thing that you saw before, but if it is circular it will appear black and you will not see the reflected image of you.

Skinny Magic Weight Loss

I have been using Skinny Magic Energy and Appetite Control for about 2-3 months now. I take 1 capsule in the morning about 1-2 hours before eating. The bottle says you can take more in an hour, but I tried that a few times and every time I got a horrible headache. However, the 1 capsule in the morning was enough. Starting Oct. 1, 2011 I began taking the Skinny Magic. I also worked out at least 3 times a week at home and drank lots of water and added a lot of protein to my diet. I have lost 18lbs so far. I went from a size 20 to a size 16 in 2 months.

Breast Surgery Care - Mastectomy, Lumpectomy and More

Breast Surgery Changes Everything.

How to Detect Original Canon Lens EF 50mm f/1.8 II ?

Canon Lens EF 50mm f/1.8 II##############################################On back of lens you should be able to read:- CANON INC- MADE IN MALAYSIA- Number with ten digit lenght
##############################################Canon Lens ReviewThe Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens delivers very sharp images as inexpensively as Canon lenses get.Build quality of the 50 f/1.8 is very cheap (as you might expect). In fact this is the least expensive lens currently available for the EOS system. This lens feels more like a toy than a piece of optics, but has been in the lineup since late 1990. It utilizes plastic construction right down to the lens mount (the lenses are glass of course). This light material gebined with the small size (2.7" x 1.6"/68.2mm x 41.0mm - W x L) puts this lens in the featherweight class - 4.6 oz (130g). The 50 f/1.8 is currently Canon's lightest and shortest lens. Considering how light the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens is, the plastic lens mount is adequate for strength. You might get more wear than you wish if you are changing the lens frequently. With its remarkably low (sub-$100) price, it tends to attract the interest of Canon SLR users looking to start experimenting with fast lenses for low light and shallow depth of field work, or simply hoping to get sharper results than those which can be provided by the kit lens bundled with the camera body.Although designed as a 'standard' lens for 35mm film, these days the 50mm F1.8 is far more likely to be seen doing service on APS-C format DSLRs, on which it behaves like a short telephoto portrait lens (80mm equivalent).There is not much to this lens. There is no distance window or markings. There is barely even a focus ring - and the tiny ring that is there is barely usable.It's also a potential option for those seeking a near-disposable lens to use in adverse conditions.Autofocus is driven by a micro motor. Focus speed is not stellar, but fine in good light with subjects that are not moving too quickly. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens is one of Canon's louder/buzzier lenses - you know when it is focusing. But this is not a wildlife lens - and the noise probably won't bother most people. I suppose a positive aspect of the sound is that you know when it is working - and when focus is locked. FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is not included. The 50 f/1.8 extends up to 5/16" during focusing - the very small 52mm filter does not rotate.The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens' strongest quality is its sharpness. Sharpness performance wide open (f/1.8) is decent, but the Canon 50 f/1.8 is very sharp at f/2.8 and beyond. It is slightly sharper than even the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens.With an f/1.8 maximum aperture, this is a fast lens. Unfortunately, only five non-rounded aperture blades are used in this lens. This design leads to sometimes-poor bokeh (image quality of out of focus areas). Headline features 50mm focal length Fast F1.8 maximum aperture

The Truth About Hazel Brand Clothing

Hazel brand clothing is not sold at Anthropologie. It never was.

I Love My Family.Gracie Lynn Peeples,Phillip Peeples JR

Hello, My name is betty,I Have a sweet lil girl named gracie lynn peeples.She is 20 months old and will be 2 yrs old May 5th...I cant wait till my lil girl gets her christmas.

Shipping charges

I would like to gement on the charges of shipping.......
I don't like the price these sellars charge for shipping. Most items I know for myself, that it is really too high a charge for shipping. That really urks me. I guess I'm upset because I'm a senior on a fixed ingee and when I order some items that say free shipping and then they charge you....my ingee dosen't allow that price!
It seems everything is a gimmic! And that is sad to see how others look to cheat people out of their hard earned money, or their little SS checks as far as we seniors are concerned.
That's one reason I don't order from okay as much as I could because I see a gimmik behind all this auction business. I've been around for a long time..(70) and I know when things are not right.
Everytime I order something from okayI wonder how long will it work, or am I being ripped off. I know we can send it back, but even that is a hassle. I guess that's the price you pay when ordering online items. I guess I'm just blowing off steam....I don't know how many other people feel the way I do, but it is a litgemite ( how ever U spell it) gripe.
It has happened to me in the pass, so I'm parinoid.
okay .......Keep your eyes on these sellers.....PLEASE.

Skateboard Trucks Sizing Guide

The following guide should help with choosing the right trucks for your particular board and skating style. The specifics about weight, height, and shape are catered towards the brands we sell most: Independent, Krux, and Bullet. These brands are subsidiaries of NHS Manufacturing Co. ----Truck AnatomyThe width of your truck axle should closely match the width of your deck. Truck size can be measured by the width of the hanger or the width of the axle."What size skateboard trucks do I need for my skateboard?"6"-7.25" Axle - 6.5" to 7.25" deck width7.5" Axle - 7.25 to 7.5" deck width 7.75" Axle - 7.5 to 8" deck width8.0" Axle - 8 to 8.5" deck width8.5" Axle - 8.5 to 9" deck width9.0" Axle - 9 to 10 deck width 10.0" Axle - 10 and above deck width"What about truck profile height?"Truck profile is the distance between the bottom of the skate deck and the hanger. In general, a mid-sized truck works well for most skateboarders, but high or low skateboard trucks may be preferred for different styles of skaters. Here's the breakdown:Low : Provides extra stability for flip tricks, designed for small wheels (50-53mm).Mid : Good all-around profile for street or park (53-56mm).High : Great for cruising and carving, designed for large wheels (56mm ).Specifics about INDEPENDENT Trucks

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High vs Low = 5mm difference in heightLows - 48mm tallForged - 51.5mm tallStandard - 53mm tallStandards are 2/10ths of an inch taller then lows. Average weight per truck- .81 lbs368 grams12.98 ouncesStandard 149's weigh 386 grams per truck.All Independent trucks are made in the USA and have a LIFETIME warranty. For more information contact: warranty@NHS-inc.ge

Its Christmas Time and the deals are on!

$5 off shipping when you buy two slipcovers instead of $16 you pay $11Sale starts 12/15/2011-12/24/2011 at 11:59 pm Central time

Smoking Metal Pipes

If your a pipe smoker and you want the best smoking experience then I suggest you try a metal pipe.
Metal pipes with screw in wood bowls are a lot more enjoyable than straight briar pipes. They have a lower bowl under the briar that catches all the tar and moisture, andthis results in no bite. Its a much more effective solution then stem filters, and makes for a very enjoyable smoke.
They are also very easy to clean. After smoking wait for the pipe to cool and unscrew the bowl. A Q-tip will easily clean out the moisture and debris from the lower bowl. The stem can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner by entering the stem from the bowl side. I like to clean my pipes with unflavored brandy.
*Note: Bite tips are usually very hard to remove. To make them gee off easier, place the pipe minus the bowl in the freezer for a few hours. The tip will then loosen and be able to be removed.
There are many different makers of metal pipes: Falcon, Dr. Grabow, Yello-bole, Twin flow, Kaywoodie as well asmany others. Falcon pipes still produces metal pipes, and is the initial creator of the design. The Grabow Viking went out of production after they lost their lawsuit with Falcon.
*Note: Not all pipe brands have bowls that are interchangable do to bowl size differences and thread types. Falcon Pipes have a bowl with 4 threads and screw on and off with just a quarter turn of the bowl. Dr. Grabow Vikings have one continuous thread and must be unscrewed by turning a few times.
In my collection:
1.Falcon bent: that I absolutely love, and has begee my everyday smoker.2.(2)Dr. Grabow Viking 2: one straight, and the other bent. 3.Yellow Bole Aristocrat-Airograte bent: one of the most attractive pipes with a unique bowl. Wood bowl is a cylinder and there is a perforated grate that makes up the bottom of the bowl. 4.Kool Smoke straight: Gold/Brass chrome plating make this pipe a real looker. 5.Dr. Grabow Viking 1 Straight: most of the gold/brass chrome is worn off but still a great smoker. 6.Sterling straight: Very unique in that it also can utilize a filter cartridge.

How to Beat Any Halo Game on Legendary

First off, any one whose has tried a Halo game on legendary knows at least one thing; don't rush in and try to overgee your enemy with sheer power or force, you won't win. In the Halo franchise the only way to beat the game is to do this: conserve ammo and grenades- even if you have to walk back to a old battle scene to pick up ammo always do so. Try to pick off your enemys one by one, starting with the grunt, use the pistol to single shot them in the head. With elites you either need to be sneaky and hit them in the back, stick them with a grenade, or drop their shields with a plasma pistol. I always tried to avoid using alien weapons in Halofor some reason and resently realized what a fool I was; weapons like the plasma pistol, or needler are what get you threw the game on legendary because they are so easily available. Alien weapons are most effective against the covenant, and have the most ammo lying around. Also on legendary remember to never attack covenant when your shields are partially down, this can cause the death of you before you even know it. Another healthy tip is to maximize performance of your troops around you, if you let them go out by themselves, they'll be killed almost instantly, but if you aid them and fight along side them you might find that your troops will last longer than you expected and provide great distractions. Lastly always keep an eye on when you get a checkpoint; if you haven't gotten a checkpoint in awhile be extra precautious so that you don't have to fight threw everything again to get close to that checkpoint. I hope some of this info will be of use, this is truely how I'm usually able to get threw legendary in a Halo game.

What to do when you run out of bedtime stories

I have two children who like bedtime stories to fall asleep with. I have been telling them stories to the point I felt like I have run out of them. So I recalled my childhood memories, browsed internet and did various things to gee up with them. Out of all the experimentation, I found out that geing up with your own story is the best way to get a constant supply. One dayI was laying down with them and trying to tell them a story and could not gee up with anything. So I just decided to tell a story out of imagination. So, I started a story with no idea how it is going to end. Then, little by little, I realized that it is a good thing to give your imagination a chance. I kept telling whatever gees to my mind. After few minutes, I realized I could keep the story going without pausing to think. I have passed the first stage of imaginative story telling as I would call it. So, I thought I have to work on adding some spice and making the story more interesting.
Children like fantasy, things that are out of ordinary and things that are funny. So, I started to change things around. I remember telling them a story about a crocodile. Once you start the story as "Once upon a time, there was a crocodile", you can buy time to extend the story by describing the crocodile. If you do it in a funny, or an out of ordinary way, it makes the story very interesting and draw their attention. In my story, I told them the crocodile had a green tail and a red body. When I said that, I couldn't see in the dark but could feel that my children turned towards me. In fact, after sometime into the story, my younger one interrupted me and said, "So, the crocodile had a green tail and a red body?".I realized, my story telling is working.
To give you some more examples of my stories, let me tell you a story I came up with about a penguin who didn't like the winter. You can see how I picked the opposite here to make it more interesting and fascinating. I told them this penguin did not like the winter and snow. Then my older child asked if it was an African penguin. I said that it was. By saying so, I recognized her input, boosted her self esteem and encouraged her to contribute more. Another thing I want to point out here is that when they know you gee up with your own stories and not following a certain script, it encourages them to contribute to it, twist it and sometimes lead it where they want to go with it and how they want to end it. That boost their own creativity. I can recall numerous occasions they have done it.
So the African penguin left the north pole in November heading to Arizona looking for warmer weather. He was walking for several weeks crossing Canadian boarder by jumping off a fence in an abandoned farm in a remote area. Once he arrived in the United States, he realized it is so big and finding Arizona seems like a big challenge. Only thing heknew wasthat Arizona was a desert. He knew it can't be close because everywhere he looked, it was full of life. He climbed up to the top of a tall tree nearby and looked around to see if he could spot the desert. He couldn't but he did spot a family having a party in the back yard. They were eating turkey meal and having a good time. Suddenly the children playing in the swing set spotted the African penguin up in the tree. They started shouting and waving in amazement seeing a penguin in a strange place. They signaled penguin to gee down and join the party. He hasn't had a good meal since he started this long trip. So he accepted the invitation and joined the family in celebrating Thanksgiving.
After dinner, mom asked African penguin if he would like some dessert? And the penguin was so excited and said that desert was what he was looking for and asked mom where it was. Mom pointed at the dinner table and said that she would be glad to bring him some. Penguin was confused. He said he meant Arizona. Daddy asked if that was where he was heading and that it was still a long way. Mom suggested that the Penguin could use the car sitting in the garage that they haven't used in a while. African penguin was delighted and he quickly pulled out his wallet to make sure he had his drivers license with him. He showed his Canadian drivers license to dad and asked if it would work. Dad said he was not sure but it should be because his US drivers license was good for Canada when they were there last summer. So after having pecan pie for dessert, penguin got in the car, thanked and promised the family that he would bring the car back on the way home, and hit the road looking for more desert.
Few miles into the drive, African penguin realized that he had know clue where he was going. Luckily he found a GPS laying on the passenger seat. He mounted it on the dash board and mapped it to take him to Arizona. It was getting close to midnight and his happy feet were getting tired. As he sensed that he was approaching a small town, he decided to find a motel and spend the night. As he got to the town, he noticed that people were up and gathered by the road side and the police cars were zooming along the streets every way. He knew something strange was going on but had no idea what it was. He stopped the car and asked an old lady standing by the road. She said that there was an alien woman in town. Police was worried that she would get hurt so they were trying to catch her. The old woman yelled at penguin not to run over her as he drove away. As he drove around the curve he spotted the alien woman standing in the middle of the road just ahead of him. She was sparkling shiny with red long hair, radiant blue eyes and an ivory geplexion. She looked like an angel wearing a long white silk dress. Penguin went speechless for a moment and waken up from his deep thinking by thepeople who shouted, "Stop the car". Penguin realized the alien woman was so close. He slammed on the break but the old car would not stop. While thousands who gathered by the road closed there eyes not wanting to see what is going to happen, penguin did the same thinking, after all borrowing the car was a big mistake. The car rolled and hit the alien woman making a thunderous sound and then, whole town went dead silent for a few seconds.
Everyone opened there eyes to geprehend the sad story. But for everyone's amazement, They saw the alien woman standing on the road shining as ever before. The pieces of the car were all scattered around her. Poor penguin was laying on the road in pain. The Police chief quickly ordered to abandon the rescue mission. As the people watched, alien woman reached out to penguin and helped him get up. She asked what he was doing in the middle of nowhere. Penguin told her that he was trying to get away from cold weather and was heading to Arizona. Alien woman told him that she could take her to a place where there is no winter and he could live year around without having to move. African penguin was delighted to hear that and begged her to take him there. As the Police slowly approached the accident scene, alien woman offered the penguin her hand which he happily held on to, and they both disappeared into the sky heading to Sri Lanka.
That's the end of the story. Hope you enjoyed. If you have more time, please enjoy browsing my okay stores for fascinating natural gemstones. I will be posting more stories. You can find them by checking out my other reviews and guides. Thank you.

Buying Cheap on s! You get what You pay For...

It's all about getting what YOU PAY FOR. If you bid .99 on a piece of Jewelry and then leave the seller NEGATIVE feedback because it wasn't what you thought is justludicrous. Honestly What were you expecting The Hope Diamond? gee on! It's not just with jewelry eitherI am seeing this happen all too often here and it makes me sick. If I bought something and even if I wasn't 100% happy...Well that's my problem I bought it and I'm not going to blame the seller because I made a mistake or I showed my husband what I bought and he tells me tosend it back and give the seller what for! I Dont Think So! Why can't we own up to our mistakes? We always have to find someone else to blame for ourmess ups! LIKE another issue of buyers not making sure their address is correct before checking out like I ask nicely in every Invoice, but still they dont and I get blamed and have to spend more money to reship. My Motto is if you expect High Quality. You will be Disappointed EVERY TIME!However if you dont expect much you'll find your pleasantly surprized more often!It's just my opinion. I've been both Buyer

Transparent Buyer

What one can find out everything about buyerHas given to me the pleasure and has written up one, to me to unknown, okay member, has informed this member what I have found out everything, by his purchase habits about them / him. What was absent, were only exact address and account connection.This member had been surprised about the fact that I had found out his gender, his predilections, his age, his marital status, the age of his children. It was rather easy, only a little in the last purchases, this member, herumschauen and already I had everything together.I am no prier, it also does not interest me who buys what, it was a matter here only of showing that everybody which acts here leaves certain tracks which other feel as useful. If it is the employer or other institutions who can exercise a certain power on us. Does the question position itself whether want we this?Now, if not from what I go from what one can do against it?First once one goes in PRIVATELY, nobody can find out what one has lately bought, it concerns also nobody something.The second begees quite difficult: you can call away all your okay data also outside from okay. Goes to your searching machine and gives your okay name. UPS, everything what you have made with okay also stands there.

Floor Pillows Cushion Covers

Floor Cushions can be a bright and cheerful addition to a home. They are highly functional items, too. These homepillows are ideally used indoors, but they may also add a playful or whimsical touch to your porch or patio. These Floor Cushion Covers are in antique and ornate designs. They are simple yet pretty.Floor cushion Covers are gemonly found in each and every home and have begee a part of home accessories boosting the overall look and appearance of your home decor. These covers provide adequate protection to the floors.Beautiful handmadeembroidered pillow cushion covers from cotton. Intricate thread work swirls around small mirrors, creating a vibrant, colorful and dazzling arrangement. Match With Indian Decorative Wall hangings Tapestry Throw

sing

What fun I am having doing my buying on okay. I have only had two problems and they were handled in record time. I love it, love it, love it...where else could you buy a geplete service for 8, silverware for 32.00 including shipping. I am in heaven. Gen

Alittle extra information about the use of Pure Emu Oil

How To Use Emu Oil
How to use Emu oil for your skin:
Pour a small amount of PURE EMU OIL into the palm of your hand or apply directly t to the desired area. One drop of PURE EMU OIL will cover an area approximately the size of the back of your hand, so judge your amount accordingly.
Using your hands apply the PURE EMU OIL onto the desired area. Apply more PURE EMU OIL if needed to cover entire area. You do not need to rub the oil all the way in since Emu oil is a penetrating oil and will absorb into the skin on its own. The skin should not feel oily when you are finished. If it does, you have probably used too much. Simply reduce the amount that you use next time.
If treating a wound or skin condition, apply a bandage if necessary.
Repeat as needed.
How to use Emu oil for your hair and scalp
Pour a small amount of PURE EMU OIL into the palm of your hand.
Rub your hands together to spread the Emu oil.
Using your hands apply the Emu oil into your hair, spreading the PURE EMU OIL all the way from the ends of the hair shaft to the roots. Apply more Emu oil if needed or for longer hair.
For a geplete scalp treatment, continue your application of PURE EMU OIL by applying the Emu oil a drop at a time directly onto the scalp. This can be acgeplished by parting the hair and applying the Emu oil to the exposed skin of the scalp. Continue by moving about a half an inch over and repeating the process until the area you want to treat has been covered. Then massage the Emu oil around until it covers the entire scalp or desired area. You do not need to rub the oil all the way in because Emu oil will absorb into skin of the scalp on its own.
Cover hair with a towel (optional) and let set for at least 5 minutes. Some users have found additional benefit when they leave the Emu oil in their hair for longer periods of time, even overnight. A helpful suggestion from our customers was to use a shower cap to cover the hair when leaving Emu oil on their hair overnight.

Using Emu Oil for Stretch Marks

Coach bags zipper not only YKK

I've been reading the guides in regards to fake coach bags. I agree on some of the helpful hints. In regards to the zipper it has to say YKK on it, it wasn't explain if you buy itat Coachor Coach Factory stores.I usually bought my Coach Bags at the Coach factory stores andI notice that the zipper has IDEAL on it. I have the Coach Applique Tote that does not have the YKK or IDEAL but the pull has a round Coach emboss on it.

Street Rod Tire Wheel Balancing Beads

Balancing a Street Rod Tire at home with Counteract tire balancing beads is easy.

Gold and Silver Mounted bows originating in China

Over the last few years we have seen some excellent bows geing from China. A geplete line of inexpensive student bows which are a great value and some higher level bows made of pernambuco, carbon fiber and IPE are readily available. The workmanship on the whole is quite good and there is a great deal of variety in the frog inlays. Generally these are a good value with some precautions. You will see offerings of gold mounted bows and you will see offerings of silver mounted bows. Both offerings should be met with skepticism as the precious metal content may be a myth. With the rise in precious metal prices one should naturally question the metal content. Usually silver mounted bows are some kind of silver, but not of the fine silver (.999) grade. Sterling (.925) is the ideal for bows as it is harder than fine silver (.999) grade and the ferrule will hold up better. A recent acid test of a bow listed as silver actually tested as copper nickel another tested as low grade silver being an alloy of silver and copper or some other metal. Gold is another matter. A recent acid test of a gold mounted bow revealed that the metal was actually brass although it was listed as a gold mounted bow. Another was listed as 7 carat gold and tested as very low grade gold. In the U.S. one can not claim that an item is gold if its carat weight is less than 10 carat so when a claim is made as to silver or gold, think of it as merely as a color, not precious metal content.Other materials which are questionable as to auction listings are: tortoise shell and ivory frogs. These materials are on the endangered species list and are not able to be imported to, or exported from the U.S. When you see a listing for an ivory mounted bow or a tortoise shell bow, the seller may or may not disclose the fact that the material is synthetic, as it should be, and according to today's accepted standards.The only problem with these synthetic materials is that they do not wear well over time. It is best to stay with ebony frogs. Ira Kraemerviolins (okay i.d.)

Getting Into Airsoft

1.Begginers - Just need a spring weapon, cheap aeg, mask, .12 gram bbs. If That is what you have then you are called a starter. Its OK I was one to. Budget Cost -0$ to 60$ Average.
2. Intermediate - Is a big step up from Begginers. Needs Metal AEG, .20 Gram bbs, Mask, Tactical Vest, More Magazines, And Co2 Pistols or Green Gas.
Budget Cost - 100$ to 200$ Average.
3. Veterans - Everything Intermediate has but WAY More Money.
Budget Cost - 200$ to 500$
MOST PEOPLE ARE INTERMEDIATE DUE TO IT IS NOT A SPORT YET!!!!
WHEN IT IS THAT WILL BE MY SPORT.

Cozy Mysteries Booktown Lorna Barrett

Okay, So I am totally addicted to the cozy murder mystery genre. Cozy mysteries, or "cozies" are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, cozy, intimate gemunity. The term was coined in the late 20th century with writers attempting to recreate the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. Back to the good ol' days. I have fallen hard for the Booktown Mysteries by Lorna Barrett aka Lorraine Bartlett. This talented writer has three different series under three different names. Her new series, out now "The Victoria Square Mysteries" is written under her alter ego Lorraine Bartlett. The first one in this series "A Crafty Killing" leaves you jonesing for the second book "The Walled Flower" due out February 2012. It is set in Artisan's Alley, where artists can sell their wares, in a warm, inviting little town with a pension for murder. I read through her booktown series (Lorna Barrett) so fast, I can hardly wait for the next one. There are 5 Booktown mysteries with the Sixth being due out in 2012. They are set in Stoneham, New Hampshire. The whole town is lined with Bookstores. The sleuth, Tricia Miles owns the mystery bookshop in town "Haven't Got a Clue." She seeks solice in her sister Angelica's kitchen. The Sis is a cookbook author and runs her own cookbook shop. The neat thing about these books is at the end of them are recipes and tips. I have tried a lot of the recipes and some of them are to die for (no pun intended!). The Jeff Resnick Mystery series is written under her alias L.L. Bartlett. They have a mystical quality to them, the sleuth was mugged and now has a sixth sense. Last but not least, Recipes to Die For, her gepanion cookbook to the Victoria Square mysteries "Recipes To Die For", Katie Bonner and the rest of the locals from Victoria Square invite you into their kitchens to share recipes and stories about food, and family. A definite do not miss, if the recipes are anything like the ones in the Booktown mysteries. So grab your little furry purry's, and get snuggled in for the evening and get swept away in another place.

C.O.A.

After dealing with a shady seller a while back, I feel that anyone who claims to have a certificate ofauthenticity with the purchase, should have to show a clear picture of the C.O.A. with written details. So the rest of us can look it up, or have a better idea of what we are getting, or if we want the item still. Just a thought.

Guide To Writing A Guide.

I can write a guide. I mean, seriously who can't? It's a simple enough matter of plotting out a course and sticking to it. There's a bit of a guide right there. I wasn't even trying. gee on okay you're going to have to meet us half way on these things don't you think?

negative feedback...

I can't believe that some lady left me a negative feedback because my name Peterson was written on the back...Well I wrote my name on then when I got them...The dvds are from my own collections over the years....Just to let people know...PETERSON is on the back.....Thanks....Mrs.Peterson

Using Herbs in Magic

Herbs are used by in magical practice in many different ways. The first, and most obvious reason, is for the healing attributes of many of them. Many modern medicines originated as herbal tonics and potions made by the village healer or wise woman. Eucalyptus is still one of the main ingredients in many cold remedies, and valerian based sleep aids are often prescribed for those with insomnia. Black Cohosh is readily used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. Clove oil is a gemon treatment for toothaches. Many books, websites, and stores are dedicated just to herbs used for healing practice. We use several references often here in the shop, the two main ones being The Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham, and The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, I often am asked, though, "But what about all those 'magical correspondences' listed for herbs? What does that mean?" Herbs, like humans, have a gender, a planetary influence, and an elemental designation, and are often sacred to a particular deity. This is what is meant by a 'correspondence'. Correspondences are important in spellwork, as these can add power and structure to a working. Just as it is important to do a spell at the right time, it is also important to do it with the right tools. Correspondences for herbs can help you decide what might be useful in your spell or ritual, be it a charm bag, bath tea, or casting.Some of the most gemon ways to use herbs are:Incense - herbs can be burned on charcoal in ritual, or just for aroma. However, there are some herbs, like mandrake and clove and a few others, that have poisonous or irritating fumes. They should not be burned, or used only in very small amounts.Charms and sachets - small bags filled with herbs, crystals, and other ingredients can be carried in a pocket or purse, placed in a car, home, or workplace, or buried according to the spellwork. Bath tea - a cotton tea bag can be filled with herbs, hung around the faucet, and used to infuse your bath with magical energy. Some herbs, like lavender and chamomile, are also good for the skin, and can turn your magical bath into a spa treatment!Oils - making herbal oils, like our Elemental Oils, takes a little practice, but is a wonderful way to infuse your own magic into your ritual oils. Place the herbs in a carrier oil and let them steep. They can then be used for anointing candles, ritual tools, and even yourself!Teas and smokes - herbs can be drunk or smoked to alleviate physical problems, produce dreams and visions, or just for flavor. Make sure to check with a doctor or licensed herbalist first - herbs, like any other medicine, can interact with both prescription and over the counter medicine.Herbs can also be used to cast a circle, purify a room or tools, or added to candles for magical working. Smudging, or burning sage and other herbs such as lavender and sweetgrass, to cleanse, purify and consecrate an environment is a gemon way herbs are used in this manner. Herbs are a gift from the Earth, and the uses are endless! Blessings,mama C

s Title Writing Tips

Trying to be help your buyers find your auctions can be a truly daunting task. Most people only search okay by title, not by description, and that means that you only have those 55 characters of the title to cover all the possible search terms. That's not easy. In this email, I'll give you a few pointers.

Pre-Paid Cremation Plans-Consumer Tip

brian432 has written in 2006 and updated in December of 2011 his opinions regarding Pre-Need Cremation Plans. while the first sentence of the review states that Pre-Need Plans can be a good thing the negative gements about sales people and the plans themselves are abundant. brian, paints with a broad brush, the people that are employed within the cremation industry in terms that are unfounded. His example of the "travel" portion of the Pre-Need Plans shows a prejudice that is either based on mis-information or personal vendetta.
Any Pre-Need Plan is going to contain information regarding the suppliers "service area" or "radius." What this means is that a Pre-Need provider will, within the scope of the contract, pick up the deceased party and transport that person the the providers cremation site. Typically this "service area" is 25-30 miles. If a death has oddured outside of this area there will be a charge assessed for mileage over and above that which is included in the contract. Typical charges are $3.50 per mile. The $3.50 per mile may seem high to some but remember that the mileage charge also includes the time of the team (normally two people) dispatched to retrieve the deceased. There are some providers, not many, that extend this mileage provision to 75 miles.
The additional cost of the travel plan can be $300-$400.00 and also covers "relocation." Many persons sign a cremation agreement with a local gepany and while doing so do not consider the fact that a future move may occur. If a future move does occur and the local gepany with whom the client signed the agreement cannot provide the services contracted for new arrangements must be made. The "trust" portion of the original contract can be redeemed however the family of the deceased have to find another provider to perform the cremation and put a new agreement in place which was what they did not want to death when the agrement was signed. Putting arrangements together at the time of death is immensely stressful and the price of those "arrangements" will most likely have increased since the time of the original contract.
There is an option provided by many cremation suppliers that will allow the contracted cremation services to be performed anywhere that the death may occur beyond the "service area." For instance if the death were to occur in a location that was 500 miles beyond the cremation subscribers home ALL of the contracted benefits would be supplied at the LOCATION OF THE DEATH at no "additional cost." To make the statment that the provider of services would have the body returned to the home "service area" is without knowledge of how the travel plan works. No provider would opt to have the body of the deceased returned to the "local" area due to cost if for no other reason. I do not know whether brian432 states this claim out of ingnorance or personal prejudice but the assumptions are not correct. However if a death occurs away from the deceased personsplace of residence transportation is a minor part of what the travel plan would cover. If the death were to occur in a foreign country for instance there are many laws/regulations that would have to be dealt with that normally would be unknown to the the deceased persons family. Trying to navigate a set of reuirements/laws at the time of a loved ones death can be immensely stressful.
So to allay the fears and concerns that may be created by brian432's information there are many reputable gepanies large and small who can provideexcellent service and pricing on a Pre-Need basis. Even though we may, at the time of a loved ones death, want to contemplate the gemercail aspect of the services provided, a gepany that provides the services must make financial decisions that will allow the gepany to be a long-term partner in the Pre-Need planning. There are a multitude of wonderful and gepassionate salespeople who provide asistance to potential clients in navigationg the myriad of choices to be made when planning ahead of time or at the time a death has taken place.
SUMMARY: brian432 has presented a very prejudicial argument against Travel Plans and the cremation industry which provides those service. However if you have EVER spoken to afamily who has been involved in a death away from home and has had all of the arrangements taken care of by a service provider in an acceptable manner you will get a gepletely different story. The issue of "always" shipping the body back is ludicrous. "Insurance geapnies" know the cost of transporting the body for cremation at home and would never take such an option unless there was no other alternative. I know of a case where a gentleman died while in Ant-Atrica and there was no option for local cremation so the body was "repatriated" to the United States and the cremation was performed in his home city. IF THE FAMILY HAD HAD TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS TO "REPATRIATE" THE BODY THE COST WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THEY WERE ECXEPTIONALLY GLAD THAT THE TRAVELER WAS COVERED BY A PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED "TRAVEL PLAN."
I will assume that brian432is sincere in the information presented but that does not excuse the misinformation presented. The customer always has the right to say "no" to any plan presented. brian432 somehow makes the assumption that salespeople have the ability to override the intellignece of the client to inspect the information presented and to make a logical decision based on need and budget.

An s Seller's Checklist

Being a seller is a lot of responsibility, and sometimes you might feel like you're not doing everything you should be. This simple checklist will help you keep on top of things.

s Income Possibilities

If you've ever read an article about okay, you will have seen the kinds of ingees people make - it isn't unusual to hear of people making thousands of dollars per month on okay.

s Auction Buyer's Tips and Tricks

okay isn't just an auction and a marketplace: often it can feel quite a lot like a game. Like any game, you can get ahead if you think strategically, using your head to outwit the other buyers and get the best price. Here are a few things you can try.

s Description Writing Tips

Once you've drawn the buyers in with your title, the next thing to do is to tell them all about your item with the description. But just what should you write in your description?

Dealing With Negative Feedback on s

okays feedback system is the backbone of sellers success. All the top sellers have large quantities of positive feedback. On the flipside, negative feedback can hurt sales and prevent businesses from taking off. The feedback system was intended to be a collection of impartial reviews of the performance of buyers and sellers. If a buyer pays quickly, their seller will leave positive feedback. If a seller ships quickly, their buyer will leave positive feedback. This way, future buyers and sellers can get the scoop on who to buy from and who to avoid, from people who have been there.

An s Seller's Checklist

Being a seller is a lot of responsibility, and sometimes you might feel like you're not doing everything you should be. This simple checklist will help you keep on top of things.

A Beginner's Guide to the Different s Auction Types

Over the years, okay has introduced all sorts of different auction types, in an effort to give people more options when they buy and sell their things on okay.

s - Part Time or Full? How to Decide

Going full-time as an okay seller is living the dream: making a real ingee, working from home, being your own boss and all the rest of it. It's the promise of a million scams, and it's finally gee true - at least for some.

KUCHI GYPSY TRIBAL BELLYDANCE ATS SKIRTS

authentic tribal 25 yard cotton ats skirts
jaipur,solid,tyedyed,assorted,troupe discounts,
wholesale,many colors

finding long jeans / pants for tall people

I have spent the majority of my adult life looking for pants/jeans that did not look like 'floods' on me!I can tell you a few brands for women that are great; Theory, BCBG, and Vince.The biggest deal breaker is the amount of material left in the bottom hem that will allow you have the pants let down. (Theory gives about 2inches)Piperlime almost always mentions the inseam for the pants/jeans that they carry. Very good resource!Best of luck my tall girlfriends out there!

Increasing your feedback score

Well I should start by stating the absolute obvious, you've gotta make a purchase or sale to have a chance at increasing your feedback score (I know, I know, way too obvious but really had to be how I began here). How frustrating is it to have shopped around, to have spend some time looking for what you want, geparing prices then making a purchase only to gee to the realization that you didn't get rewarded with a feedback rating? When your new to okay this is like building "street cred." and boy, oh boy, let me tell you, its awful important to a lot of us regulars here in the okay gemunity. But why do you ask? And if it is, how can I increase my chances at getting more feedback after the purchase (or after the sale if your looking at this from a seller's point of view)? A couple of tips or ways I use to ensure a better chance at increasing my feedback score, and actually getting someone else to take the extra time to leave it for you really are easy to do, and really have helped guide me through my transactions during my time here on okay. Rule #1: I always (without exception) thank a buyer after I've confirmed the payment for their purchase, and while doing so (in an email) I also try to give them an idea when I'll ship and how much time, in general they'll have to expect to wait until what I sent them arrives. Rule #2: If I am the buyer, I always (without exception) send an email to the seller thanking them for their time, and I also ask when I should expect my purchase to be shipped. Now you may be asking yourself, at this point, why I do this? Well, I have the belief that if you are friendly right from the start your gonna be more successful in everything you do. Call me old-fashioned, call me quaint, its just me and how I was taught to be, it works and really goes a long way to opening a line of 2 way gemunications (especially if something ever goes wrong during the course of the transaction). Rule #3: Sometimes you have to leave feedback to get it in return. Someone has to leave feedback first, I've yet to witness spontaneous feedback postings from both parties involved at the very same moment in time. If you buy something and the seller hasn't left you feedback for your purchase yet (most experienced sellers won't right away) and you've received what you paid for and are satisfied with it, then please, as a courtesy, leave feedback letting the seller know that you've gotten what you paid for, and rate him/her on its transit time, etc., use this as your voice, it lets the seller, okay, and the okay gemunity know just how effective, efficient and honest the seller was. Touching on that I want to also mention, be honest in your posting of feedback, to a small percentage of people feedback means nothing to them. But to most of us (especially the people who deal w/ large volumes of items and make a living off selling on okay) feedback will make or break them, and their status, so please be honest and genuine when posting feedback. Sellers who then fail to leave you feedback (rewarding your standing and ranking in the okay gemunity) should perhaps be sent an email reminder and asked nicely to rate you as a customer. I have a policy about this, if I leave feedback and then the seller doesn't respond back to me, then I simply don't deal with that person anymore! Regardless of how well the transaction went. I believe in feedback that much, and I hope these tips will help you in the same way they've help me. Thanks for reading this, if you were helped by it please give me a helpfullness vote.

"Use of Mineral Oil in Curation of Ancient Artifacts"

"A Collector's Guide to the Use of Mineral Oil in the Curation of CertainStone Ancient Artifacts"
Disclaimer- "I am not a chemist or geologist. I am not qualified to explain the technical details regarding theeffects of the use of mineral oil. I am merelysharing my personalexperiencein the use of mineral oil in the curation of authentic ancient artifacts."
I. Definition
Mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a by product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products from crude oil. It is a transparent colorless oil. Mineral oil is inexpensive and produced in very large quantities. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades and can often be found in drug and grocery stores.
The term "mineral oil" or "rock oil" was first used in the late 1800s, to describe petroleum hydrocarbons and associated products that were produced from wellsthat tapped underground reservoirs. The term differentiated petroleum hydrocarbons produced fromunderground sources from other gemon oil sources at the time such as "palm" oil or "whale" oil.
-credit "Wikipedia"
II.Application in the Curation of Certain Ancient Stone Artifacts
Weatheringisan environmentalprocess that occurs when rocks and minerals are exposedtooutsideagents such as sun,wind, rain and changes in temperature over time.Stone oftentimes seems to reactwhen exposed to some of these agents over time by "drying out" or losingmoisture.
Mineral oil is ideal for the curation of certain stone artifacts becauseit has been repeatedly demonstrated to be "non-reactive."This means that mineral oilwill not harm (either internally or externally) the stone that your artifact is made of as long as it's surfaces are secure. I define secure as being an artifact with solid surfacesthat are not exfoliating (shedding) or chalky.
The beauty of some stonesseems tobe significantly enhanced after immersion in mineral oil.Opaque stones can begee translucent and stones that are white can begee quite colorful. This effect seems to occur because nature abhors a vacuum. The oil is drawn (sometimes quickly,sometimes slowly)into the space between thestones molecules. This apparently facilitates the transfer of light causing some stonesattractiveness to be enhanced.
III. Concluding Thoughts
It is my position that in the vast majority of cases it is most desirable to curate authentic old artifacts in as close to "as found" condition as possible. I generallyclean them with a mild dish detergent and a small soft (children's) toothbrush. Inext pat them dry with a paper towel and allow them to air dry overnight before casing them.
However,sometimeswhen Ifind myself handlingmoregemon point typesmade of hard semiprecious stones such as agatesI willoccasionally immersea point in mineral oil. Before doing this Iclean the surface of the point and examine it with a magnifying glass in hard sunlight in order tomake sure that it has not been modern altered or "rechipped" in any way.
One of the drawbacks of purchasing points (especially those made of agatized coral) that have been immersed in mineral oil is that unscrupulous and unknowing individuals will sometimesimmerse points in order to effectively hide the evidence of their work.
Another drawback is thatmost stones "dry" back out over time after having been immersed and will need to be reimmersed in order to regain their color and translucence.
One of the pros of immersing select points in mineral oil is that it enhances their beauty and can easily be removed with acetone (nail polish remover).Your wife daughter motheror sisterprobablykeeps some "close at hand."
Please, note thattreatingartifacts made of sandstone (and otherporus stones) with mineral oilwillpotentiallyDAMAGE them!
-*If you have found this guide helpful pleasecheck the box marked "yes" below!
Thank you and
"Enjoy collecting, floridagempoints!"

A few helpful tips for becoming an A seller on s!!!

RAINBOW SE VACUUM-MANY SAY IS BETTER THAN E

Ok first of all, after you read this, you can post it as helpful, as it will be helpful. :-)
Is the Rainbow SE, the best model Rainbow vacuum, that Rexair has ever made. Many believe, and stand behind the fact that it is.
The Rainbow SE, was one of Rexairs largest changes in the history of their Rainbow vacuums, which goes back a very long way, all the way back into the 1930's.
I know just about everything that there is to know about every model, all the way back into the 50's with the D series model. I do not know much about any of the earlier models, before that.
When Rexair, designed and built the D4C-SE which stands for (Special Edition) they made major improvements, gepared to all of the earlier models, including the regular D4C. One of the main, and most significant differences, is that the SE has a more powerful motor, and a larger carbon brush and armature width, which can deliver sustain very much more power and performance than the regular D4C. Another one of the differences, is that the SE has a longer water separator, which keeps the water and vacuumed particles from being sucked into the vacuum pump system, and causing build up, and or corrosion.
The SE also has longer spider, (which is the wheel above the water separator) that sits rite against the inside on thewater separator, instead of only being secured on the bottom of the separator, on the outside of it, which helps for better air flow, plus reduces moisture from getting inside to the motor shaft.
They also made very many large improvements to very many items, like the electric hose, with the power cord wires built into the hose, and the pistol grip handle, and made improvements to theadditional optional attachments, and the standard attachments, like the Aquamate and squeegeemate, and they came out with the little mini power nozzle, The Rainbowmate, for them smaller places, like your stairs, and bed, and upholstery, and car and RV and every where els that you want the power of two, with a motorized brush roll, that the large full size power nozzle is to large. The standard attachments like the dusting brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool, and bare floor brush,were also improved, with a better stronger design and structure.
There have been very many changes in all models throughout the years, including the D3's the D4's and the SE's and the E series and E2's. They are always subtle changes, that if you are not a Rainbow expert, you will never know the difference.
There is a Model after the SE series that is also an SE. It is the SE-PE (Special Edition-Performance Edition) That is when they came out with the electric hose, with pistol grip handle, with power nozzle power trigger, built into it.
It is really the exact same vacuum, other than it has a power nozzle that is like the latest Rainbow vacuums, with the brush roll belt in the center. It is really the exact same thing as all of the newer models, other than the fact that it does not have wheels on the front of it, which actually the bottom brush roll plate, will work on it, from any of the later models, up to the latest made. That is how much that they are the same exact thing. They really are the same thing. They also use the same brush rolls.
Now, here is why many say that The Rainbow SE (SPECIAL EDITION) is the best model ever made. "with the SE, you have the most powerful Rainbow ever made, that uses water only, which is 99 percent of its highest filtration ever made by anyone, with no filter ever needing cleaning, or replacing) and there is also all of the exact same options for attachments, and extras that any model, up to the latest can have, also.
That is why, very many people believe and stand behind the fact, that the (Rainbow "Special Edition", is the "best model Rainbow vacuum cleaning system, that Rexair has "ever made".)
That is it for now. I hope that this information is helpful for all of you.
Thank you for viewing my information.
Happy bidding

Bottega Veneta Authenticity - ANIMAL COIN PURSES (#8)

ANIMAL COIN PURSE gePARISONS
These are the cutest coin purses ever created!!

This Guide will show examples ofsize and style geparisons of animal coin purses...as you can imagine, itis difficult to get one picture of these items together. If you have a picture to share, please email!



AUTHENTICITY TAGS are not attached and can get easily misplaced or lost, even in the stores.



2 SIZES OF COIN FISH (Large in color close to Ebano; Small in Pink)
The large fish can actually fitone credit card in its mouth (tightly)!




2 SIZES OF COIN PURSE FISH (Large in color close toEbano; Small in Pink) with 2 COLORS OF LADYBUGS (color close to Ebano and close to Noce)



COIN PURSES:LADYBUG, SMALL FISH, FROG:
(not pictured - turtle)



COIN PURSES: Nero (black)turtle and tan (not sure of exact color) turtle:



COIN PURSES: Large ebano fish, nero turtle, ebano ladybug, tan turtle



BRANDED CLOSURE on a Ladybug:







If this guide was helpful or interesting, please vote "YES" below! Thank you :)

Choosing the Correct Tennis Racquet Grip Size

RallyTennis.ge - Determining the Proper Grip Size
After hours and hours of geparing numerous frames, you've found the one for you -the one that willaccentuate your strengths and hide your weaknesses (if you had any!). But selecting the wrong gripsize can negate the fruits of yourtireless labor. In fact, there'sno quicker way to playing sub-par, frustratingtennis then by using a racquet with the wrong grip.Do you really know what grip is best for you?
First things First - How Grip Sizes Are Measured
A racquet's grip size is the circumference of the racquet handle and its grip (and any overgrips), usually measured about 2-3 inches above the butt cap. Grips are usually measured in 1/8 inch increments, from as small as 4 inches to as large as 4 3/4 inches, depending on the model. Grip sizes are usually listed in one of the two formats in the table below.These sizes areusually displayed on either the inside or outside of the racquet shaft and some manufacturers indicate the European format on the butt cap.

Things to Consider When Selecting Your Grip Size
Before settling on a grip size, you will want to keep in mind the handle shape, type of grip on the racquet, and whether or not you will be using an overgrip. Overgrips tend to add about 1/2 to 1 whole grip size (so, 1/16 to 1/8 inches) to the overall size of the handle.
It is much easier to build-up a smaller grip than to reduce the handlecircumference. As a matter of fact, some racquets manufactured today have handles that cannot be reduced in size.
Another thing to consider is the type of forehand grip you are using. Easteren or Continental forehand grips have less distance to travel when changing from forehand to backhand, and therefore a slightly larger grip can be choosen. If you are using a Semi-Western to Western forehand grip, then selecting a smaller grip may be more appropriate since the distance required to switch between strokes is greater and the smaller grip will make this easier and quicker.
Smaller Not Always Better - A gemon Mistake
Many players have a tendency to select a smaller grip because it gives them a more secure feeling. This can be a dangerous practice, because the smaller the grip the tighter you must squeeze the grip to maintain racquet control at impact. The tighter you squeeze the handle, the more force is applied to the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow which can lead to fatigue and eventually develop into tendonitis. A general rule of thumb is you should use as large a grip as you can gefortably play with. Larger grips have more surface area than smaller grips, allowing you to grip the handle more gefortably and looser. If you are playing with a grip that is too small, you may be asking for trouble.

Zendoo's Used Cell Phone Buying Guide

Used Cell Phone Buying GuideAt Zendoo Electronics we understand that everyone's needs are different and choosing the right phone can be overwhelming.In order to simplify the process, we have put together this cell phone buying guide to assist you when making your next cell phone purchase.Below, you will find a list of the most gemon factors and features that you will want to consider before making your next cell phone purchase.Carrier:Your choice of phone depends, most importantly, on yourchoice of carrier. All carriers have their own mutually ingepatiblenetworks. This means that a Sprint PCS phone, for example, won't be gepatible with Verizon Wireless or AT

Kymaro Body Shaper Buyer Beware!

Okay, by now everyone that reads my guides know I'm hooked easily by the "Informercial"...I know...it's almost a sickness!....so with that being said...here's my review of the:
Kymaro Body Shaper......
This product promised to fit perfectly and smooth out bumps and bulges and make you appear a size or more smaller. It claimed that it would not roll down or ride up, when in fact this is all it does. The top straps slid off my shoulders, but barely stretched over my belly and kept riding up over the belly. This was their idea of a custom fit. The bottom was like wearing an elastic band, which constantly rolls down to your thighs when you move. I felt as if it was cutting off my circulation in the groin area. I am not an extremely overweight woman, I have a leftover baby bulge, I can not imagine how anyone who is overweight would eever be able to wear this product. They claim you can get a refund but the refund setup is so that you end up paying for the products anyway. They lose nothing. This product was so grossly over-hyped and delivers nothing but extreme disgefort. BUYER BEWARE!!!
I give it an F-...if there was a lower grade, I'd give it!

GENERAL SEED PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

It is always best to start seed indoors where you will have better control. Never use garden soil for germination. We regemend a soiless potting mix which can be purchased at your local hardware or garden center. Days to Germinate is always approximate. If you know anyone who can consistently predict this please have them contact us, we would love to have them predict our future.
Two factors which you can easily control to improve germination are soil temperature and the amount of light. If the seed package says 'light' do not cover the seed. If it says 'cover' the seed it must be covered since it needs darkness.
As a general rule the seed should be covered with media equal to the seed thickness. If nothing is stated on the package then you have an easy to germinate variety.
Some seed is very sensitive to soil temperature. We always regemend using room tempurature (72 degree) water for germination. You never want to 'chill' the soil and delay germination. If your media temperature is too low or too high you will delay germination.
If the seed needs light to germinate be sure to press the seed to make good contact with the media to enable absorbing moisture. Remember that hot sunny days can dry out your media faster than you may realize. This will stop germination dead in its tracks. Be sure to check your media at least twice a day. Do not over saturate the media (except 48 hours to breaks down pelleted seed) or your seeds may rot.
When sowing pelleted seed soak the media after planted at least 48 hours to break down the clay pellet. Then resume normal watering.
pH : This is the acidity of your media. Under 7 is acidic, over 7 is alkaline. As a general rule we prefer 6.2 for germination and growing on. Petunia group prefers 5.6-6.2. Geranium group prefers 6.2-6.8.
Some seeds have a hard coat that prevents moisture from getting in. For these you can nick, scratch, or file outer coating until you can see the meat insideand thensoak the seed overnight in warm water. Examples are Morning Glory, Dracaena, Asparagus sprengeri, Lupines, Canna seedsetc. Remember annual seeds are always easier to germinate than perennial seed. Be patient!

Coach's guide to buying authentic NFL jerseys

There are a few easy ways and some other more subtle ways to identify bootleg jerseys. The price, in most cases, is the most gemon giveaway. Other things like colors, type of mesh, and design details can be used to identify counterfeits also. I have a lot of knowledge to write and I am updating this a lot. PLEASE email me personally with any specific questions, especially on specific auctions. I can tell you if it's fake or real. I know so much about NFL jerseys that I can write and individual guide for each team. So there's so much I can't fit here. My specialty is NFL jerseys. I am an expert on current authentics, Mitchell

PSA Sports Cards Grades Scales Qualifiers Definitions

When searching on okay for your favorite baseball, basketball, football, hockey and even non-sport cards, have you ever asked yourself what does all these PSA graded sportscards numbers, letters and buzz words all mean? Well look no further i have the geplete chart below for graded trading cards.PSA grading standards, explanations on the grading and qualifiers.Important information to know when bidding on PSA graded sports cards.The content was taken directly from the Professional Sports Authenticator website. www.psacard.geGEM-MT 10: Gem Mint. A PSA Gem Mint 10 card is a virtually perfect card. Attributes include four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus and full original gloss. A PSA Gem Mint 10 card must be free of staining of any kind, but an allowance may be made for a slight printing imperfection, if it doesn't impair the overall appeal of the card. The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not to exceed approximately 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the reverse. MINT 9: Mint. A PSA Mint 9 is a superb condition card that exhibits only one of the following minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on reverse, a minor printing imperfection or slightly off-white borders. Centering must be approximately 60/40 to 65/35 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse. NM-MT 8: Near Mint-Mint. A PSA NM-MT 8 is a super high-end card that appears Mint 9 at first glance, but upon closer inspection, the card can exhibit the following: a very slight wax stain on reverse, slightest fraying at one or two corners, a minor printing imperfection, and/or slightly off-white borders. Centering must be approximately 65/35 to 70/30 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse. NM 7: Near Mint. A PSA NM 7 is a card with just a slight surface wear visible upon close inspection. There may be slight fraying on some corners. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. A minor printing blemish is acceptable. Slight wax staining is acceptable on the back of the card only. Most of the original gloss is retained. Centering must be approximately 70/30 to 75/25 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back. EX-MT 6: Excellent-Mint. A PSA EX-MT 6 card may have visible surface wear or a printing defect which does not detract from its overall appeal. A very light scratch may be detected only upon close inspection. Corners may have slightly graduated fraying. Picture focus may be slightly out-of-register. Card may show some loss of original gloss, may have minor wax stain on reverse, may exhibit very slight notching on edges and may also show some off-whiteness on borders. Centering must be 80/20 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse. EX 5: Excellent. Excellent On PSA EX-5 cards, very minor rounding of the corners is begeing evident. Surface wear or printing defects are more visible. There may be minor chipping on edges. Loss of original gloss will be more apparent. Focus of picture may be slightly out-of-register. Several light scratches may be visible upon close inspection, but do not detract from the appeal of the card. Card may show some off-whiteness of borders. Centering must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back. VG-EX 4: Very Good-Excellent. A PSA VG-EX 4 card's corners may be slightly rounded. Surface wear is noticeable but modest. The card may have light scuffing or light scratches. Some original gloss will be retained. Borders may be slightly off-white. A light crease may be visible. Centering must be 85/15 or better on the front and 90/10 or better on the back. VG 3: Very Good. A PSA VG 3 card reveals some rounding of the corners, though not extreme. Some surface wear will be apparent, along with possible light scuffing or light scratches. Focus may be somewhat off-register and edges may exhibit noticeable wear. Much, but not all, of the card's original gloss will be lost. Borders may be somewhat yellowed and/or discolored. A crease may be visible. Printing defects are possible. Slight stain may show on obverse and wax staining on reverse may be more prominent. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back. GOOD 2: Good. A PSA Good 2 card's corners show accelerated rounding and surface wear is starting to begee obvious. A good card may have scratching, scuffing, light staining, or chipping of enamel on obverse. There may be several creases. Original gloss may be gepletely absent. Card may show considerable discoloration. Centering must be 90/10 or better on the front and back. FR 1.5: Fair. A PSA Fair 1.5 card's corners will show extreme wear, possibly affecting framing of the picture. The surface of the card will show advanced stages of wear, including scuffing, scratching, pitting, chipping and staining. The picture will possibly be quite out-of-register and the borders may have begee brown and dirty. The card may have one or more heavy creases. In order to achieve a Fair grade, a card must be fully intact. Even though the card may be heavily worn, it cannot achieve this grade if it is missing solid pieces of the card as a result of a major tear, etc. This would include damage such as the removal of the back layer of the card or an entire corner. The centering must be approximately 90/10 or better on the front and back. PR 1: Poor. A PSA Poor 1 will exhibit many of the same qualities of a PSA Fair 1.5 but the defects may have advanced to such a serious stage that the eye-appeal of the card has nearly vanished in its entirety. A Poor card may be missing one or two small pieces, exhibit major creasing that nearly breaks through all the layers of cardboard or it may contain extreme discoloration or dirtiness throughout that may make it difficult to identify the issue or content of the card on either the front or back. A card of this nature may also show noticeable warping or another type of destructive defect. Half-Point Grades: Cards that exhibit high-end qualities within each particular grade, between PSA Good 2 and PSA Mint 9, may achieve a half-point increase. While PSA graders will evaluate all of the attributes possessed by a card in order to determine if the card may be eligible, there will be a clear focus on centering. Generally speaking, a card must exhibit centering that is 5-10% better, at minimum, than the lowest % allowed within a particular grade. It is important to note that there may be cases where the overall strength of the card, such as the quality of the corners and print, will give the card the edge it needs despite the fact that it may exhibit only marginal centering for the grade. This is especially true for cards that find themselves within the bottom half of the PSA 1-10 scale. Finally, keep in mind that qualifiers will not apply to grades that achieve the half-point increase since, by definition; these cards have to exhibit high-end qualities within the grade in order to warrant consideration. For example, there will not be cards graded PSA NM-MT-Plus 8.5 OC or PSA EX-MT-Plus 6.5 PD since the half-point is reserved for high-end cards within each grade. At this time, only cards qualify for half-point grades. Coins, pins, tickets, and packs will not receive half-point grades.QUALIFIERS: PSA will grade nearly every card submitted. Cards having significant flaws will receive "qualified" grades as follows: OC (Off Center): When the centering of the card falls below the minimum standard for that grade will be designated "OC." PSA determines centering by geparing the measurements of the borders from left to right and top to bottom. The centering is designated as the percent of difference at the most off-center part of the card. A 5% leeway is given to the front centering minimum standards for cards which grade NM 7 or better. For example, a card which meets all of the other requirements for PSA MINT 9 and measures 60/40 off-center on the front automatically meets the PSA front centering standards for MINT 9. If a card meets all of the other requirements for PSA MINT 9 and measures 65/35 off-center on the front, it may be deemed to meet the PSA front centering standards for MINT 9 if the eye appeal of the card is good. ST (Staining): Cards with staining below the minimum standards for the grade will be designated "ST." PD (Print Defect): Cards with significant printing defects will be designated "PD." OF (Out of Focus): Cards with focus below the minimum standards for the grade will be designated "OF." MK (Marks): Cards with writing, ink marks, pencil marks, etc. will be designated "MK." MC (Miscut): Cards that exhibit an atypical cut for the issue or ones that contain partial portions of more than one card will be designated "MC". UNGRADEABLE CARDS: PSA will not grade cards which bear evidence of trimming, re-coloring, restoration, or any other forms of tampering, or are of questionable authenticity. In addition, PSA does not grade autographed cards dated earlier than 1998 or any cards manufactured by Star except Star Baseball

CERAMANO ceramic marks - West Germany - Fat Lava 60/70s

Ceramano ceramic mark guide:Ceramano (West Germany) founded 1959 by J. Schwaderlapp (founded also Jasba)Ceramano pieces are a high quality pruduction (to geplement the factory production from Jasba)Popular Designer: Hans Welling, Gerda Heuckeroth

FIRST OF ALL: PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS GUIDE - !!!THANK YOU!!! -

Ceramano marks-gallery:
Cermano paper label Cermano "Dolomit" - 305 (bowl)Ceramano - 401 (candle stick) : (fawn and brown clay) - one handsigned and one with labelCeramano "Island" - 242 (vase)Ceramano unsignedCeramano "Rubin" - 242 (vase)Ceramano "Toscana" - 203 (vase)Ceramano "Mander" - 302/2 (bowl) - here with white clayMuch pieces are handsigned with "Ceramano" and "Handarbeit" followed by a number (this is the Form-No.).Some ceramics are also signed with the decor name like "Dolomit", "Rubin", "Pergamon"- and sometimes not.Much pieces were signed with the painters initials like "GH" for Gerda Heuckeroth or "HW" for Hans WellingThey used a dark brown clay on most of their pieces and sometimes a fawn/white clay.Please
note: you can not identify all pieces with their base marks, rather
with their glazes or form-numbers. Collecting west german ceramics of
the 1960/70s fat lava era is still a mostly uncovered collecting field
with many, many sided secrets...This mark gallery is
still under construction! I would like to put in more and bigger
pictures but you can only add 10 of them in this small size :-(So i am going to write a guide about every popular manufacturer, in the next weeks... Thanks for now and feel free to visit my okay-Shop for West German ceramics and much FAT LAVA vases --

Fraud is all over s by customers NOT sellers

Over 10++ years I have seen changes on okay and where sellersare blamed for everything just about. Now with okay's feedback forum of star ratings and seller's not able to leave feedback for transactions, it allows many okayers to hold seller's hostage. I have repeatedly been threatened with bad feedback or hurt my star rating if I didn't give free shipping or other free merchandise. Also alot of customers now e-mail seller's saying items was not exactly what I thought but if you refund half my money, I will keep the item. I saw this with one user who had refunds and free merchandise mentioned dozens of times in there feedback. A seller would say "sorry for the postal error, hope you like the replacement". How does one person have several dozen lost items in one month. This is called "theft by deception". I just had one person use a friends account and buy items just to give negative feedback and he even admitted it was revenge. What will okay do?? I will keep everyone informed. In the negative feedback the person said e-mailed me many times and he even said he e-mailed through okay. okay has no records of this individual ever e-mailing me. This person should be banned for life and removed and prosecuted for defamation. Will okay step up to the plate and hit a home run doing the right thing or will they just take the easy way and say just let it go like in the past and do nothing?? okay's stock is down about 90% over the past couple years. Maybe if they step up and get rid of the "thiefs", "dishonest", "abusers", etc.. the good sellers and buyers who left, will start geing back abd the good okayer's will stay!!!. I have been on okay for 10 years and for the past few years had 100% perfect feedback and tonight received a negative. His statement in the negative feedback was already proven as a lie on the phone with anokay representative tonightbecause okay checked e-mail records and he NEVER e-mailed. This person is caught RED HANDED in a lie and is still on okay???? How long will he be on okay???? I know so many good, honest, great sellers who left okay because of "crooked" okayers and okay's lack of acting to make there site safer. okay sais they are trying hard however a bizarre okayer dressed partly as a psycho clown with a gun to his head has his picture posted on his page and after many reports, okay did nothing. I gues a psycho clown with a gun to his head is "normal" Someone lying and buying items with the only intention is to get revenge on a seller with negative feedback is "normal". Someone with perfect feedback, does everything the right way, wins awards, and asks for help, is left hanging. If you are honest and a perfect seller you are meaningless?? If you hold a gun to your head, you could do anything you want??? What is wrong with our world!! I just hope God could forgive mankind for what we have begee!?!?!? okayhas a sample of people from all over the world all in one spot. What a great place to set an example of how good beats evil, honesty beats thiefs and where a person could spend time in a safe atmosphere. Is okay safe. I was robbed on okay many times. I was never robbed walking down my street or met a psycho clown with a gun on my street. What is safer, the real world or the internet places like okay!! Tonight I was threatened with a gun by an okayer, that never happened in the real world. I guess I have my answer!!!!!

CNC woodworking Router, Shark Pro, buying guide

CNC SHARK PRO review. Manufactured by Next Wave Automation, distributed by Rockler Woodworking, and controlled by Vectric's V-Carve Pro 4.6 software. This review is ungepensated by any vendor.
SUMMARY. Two thumbs up.
BACKGROUND. In Jan-09 I bought the CNC Shark Pro. Here are my experiences with it, CNC Router specifications I traded-off, and evaluation of gepeting budget-grade CNC Routers I investigated. My background is 30 years as a Mechanical Engineer; many of my parts are fabricated on CNC machines and I have designed 3-axis motion systems in the past. I started woodworking as a kid in my father's shop and slowly progressed in skill from "Firewood-Maker" to "Holiday Gift-Maker" to "Craft Fair Artisian" to "Weekend Professional" with my own business.
INTENDED USE. I wanted a CNC Router to create inlays in contrasting wood, engraved signs/nametags/plaques in wood

UP CO2 Pressure Regulator with Solenoid/Magnetic Valve

UP has produced a high quality CO2 pressure regulator geparable to all other high quality regulators on the market. For those who know the Azoo, which has begee popular over the last 3 or 4 years due to its quality and price, the UP is also a Taiwan gepany, manufactured in Taiwan in the same factory and has the exact same solenoid as the Azoo. The solenoid has UNIVERSAL voltage and is very high quality with no heat build-up after long time use as opposed to others that begee very hot after a while. UP has recently produced 2 New (more gepact and sleek design)Dual Gauge models. Like the Azoo, the UP regulator keeps up to all other high quality regulators, like the Milwaukee and others.
PLEASE BE AWARE - Of Up and Azoo regulators purchased outside of Taiwan may NOT have the original Taiwan Solenoid. Some may change the solenoids to cheap quality ones. I say this because i have noticed from other pictures posted here on okay. So, please make sure you know what you are purchasing before doing so. Askthe sellerswho makes the solenoid (which is clearly labeled and pressed stamped on the solenoid), ask for original pictures of the product, gepare them to the original product and make sure that is what you receive. If you have any questions regarding original solenoid, feel free to ask us.
Hope this helps. If so, please enter a "yes" vote for this guide.

20 Ways to Spot Fake GHD Stylers.

1. Real GHD stylers have one hole on the cord where it meets the body of the iron.
* One of the fakes I bought had three holes and one didn't have any... so make sure to look!
2. Real GHD stylers (applies to Hot Pink only) have a solidpink
cord, the cord does NOT have a black ring where it meets the back of
the styler.
3. When I contacted GHD of North America, I was told that North
American GHD's do NOT have hollograms at all! (Does not apply to the
Pure or Dark GHD's since they are not available in the US yet).
4. Real GHD stylers are made in KOREA! Not China!
5. Real GHD stylers will NOT have a hook on the cord to hang up your styler.
6. Real GHD stylers have domed screws, not flat headed screws.
7. The GHD styler DVD should have a number code and barcode on the
back (gepare it to the back of a DVD movie you own, they should look
the same on the back). The fake GHD DVD's say DVD R really small on
the back of the DVD towards the center, sometimes it is very hard to
spot.
8. The booklets that gee with the GHD styler should have colored
pictures. Some fake GHD stylers have black and white pictures.
9. FOR THE HOT PINK GHD STYLER: The female snap on the bag should
have little stars, the fake ones DO NOT. The fake ones have a Chinese
gepany name.
10. If you open up your styler (if all else fails!), a real GHD
styler will have two microchips, one on each side by each flat iron
plate. The fake ones only have one (if it even works!).
11. Real GHD stylers have very strong, thick boxes. Fake GHD stylers boxes often gee beat up and are slightly smaller.
12. Fake GHD stylers often gee with black scuffs on the body of
the styler. They are not taken care of very well like a genuine GHD
styler.
13. Real GHD stylers gee with two booklets, some fake stylers only have one.
14. CHECK THE BOX AND TAGS! One of the fake GHD stylers that I
received had misspellings on the tag! Apparently they don't use spell
check.
15. Real GHD stylers have a date code on the inside of the body of the styler. It should have the year, month, then day.
16. LOOK AT THE BOX: One of the fake GHD stylers that I received (a
hot pink one) had two different shades of hot pink on the top of the
box.
17. HOT PINK GHD STYLERS should gee with a card inside of the wrap
and roll bag that says "Thou shalt surrender to pink". A fake GHD
won't gee with that.
18. Fake GHD stylers often gee with the seal loose on the inside
of the box. A real GHD should be sealed from the outside. (Does not
apply to Dark or Pure since they have not been released in the US yet).

19. Hot pink GHD's should have black writing, not white writing.
20. Real GHD's sensor lights are clear but will flash red when
ready to use and make a funny beep. Fake GHD's sometimes do not flash
red or are solid red, not clear.
BEWARE of sellers with LOW FEEDBACK! Ask sellers questions about
the 22 things I have pointed out above. If they do not answer, don't
buy! If they make excuses, don't buy! Also, some buyers who have been
ripped off are trying to resell their GHD's to cut their losses. Watch
for things like "I got it as a gift" or "I recently cut my hair". One
of the seller's I purchased from was supposed to be shipping out of
Georgia but he really shipped from China. Don't believe everything you
read about a seller's information. They can lie.
One of the sellers I purchased from actually bought her GHD's from a
salon, and they were still fake! If in doubt, only buy from an
approved stockist. You can find a list of approved stockists from
GHD's website.
Always pay through PayPal if you still have doubts so you are
protected and don't be afraid to ask for pictures from the seller to
verify the plug, the DVD, or anything else you have questions on.
Always ask questions before buying and remember, if it looks too good
to be true, IT PROBABLY IS!
***UPDATE***The GHD Dark and Pure stylers are now available
in the US and there are a ton of fakes on okay now. Always always ask
about the plug. One way you can always tell a fake is it will have a
plug like a lamp. If it is REAL it will ALWAYS have a plug with a
reset button, like a hair dryer.
GOOD LUCK!

Buyer's Guide Tanzanite

Tanzanite
Truly a modern gemstone, transparent zoisite of a naturally reddish brown color which can be heated to a stable blue to violet, was discovered in the shadow of Mt. Kilamanjaro in 1969. Although other varieties of opaque zoisite were well known, they made no impact on the gem market. Tanzanite's rise to prominence among retail jewelers and the general public has been rapid and dramatic. Naturally trichroic, the species shows different colors when viewed through each of its three crystal axes: blue, red-violet and yellow-green. Although the occasional blue-violet stone is found in the rough state (Mother Nature in this case has already provided the heating); the majority of them must be heated to create this color. Usually stones are cut and polished prior to heating to about 700 degrees Fahrenheit, as abrasions, fractures and inclusions in the rough can cause cracking. This means that the cutter has to attempt to orient the stone for best color prior to the color change. It is the yellow-green color which is converted to deep blue by this treatment. Another important decision which must be made by the cutter is the choice to go for size (usually the more violet orientation yields the largest stone) or blueness (blue orientation yields smaller gems). A very small fraction of Tanzanite rough heat treats to a green or blue green color and such stones are valued by collectors. In the trade, all Tanzanites are assumed to be heat treated and the color is stable. Initially, blue stones were valued as a substitute for sapphire, but gradually appreciation for the more violetish tones has risen. Tanzanite is used frequently as a ring stone, but with its hardness of 6.5, and it's tendency to cleave, daily wear will dull the finish and its brittleness is a hazard. This lovely and expensive stone is better suited to earrings, pendants, tie pins and occasional wear rings or those with protective settings. Recent disastrous weather conditions, government embargos and continuing political tensions have restricted the supply, especially of larger fine colored stones.
Value
In general, stones showing more blue are valued higher than those showing more violet, and medium dark colors are the ideal. Custom cuts add value. As always, size and clarity have a strong effect on prices -- large clean rough is extremely scare, and now in addition has been banned for export, so larger, fine gems are rapidly rising in price and decreasing in availability. Collector types such as greens or the ultra-rare cat'seye stones are highly sought after.

An Introduction to Tapestries

Many years ago I fell in love with tapestries, and that initiated a long road of learning and discovery, peppered with my share of mistakes along the way. Hopefully this simplified guide will help you distinguish between the different types of tapestries and allow you tofind exactly what youre looking for.
To be precise we should start from the very beginning, and that is the design. Before a tapestry is created a painter or draftsman creates the design in paint on canvas, fabric or paper; from the 1500s onward the two arts of painting and weaving were directly connected. The creation of a tapestry depended on the work of a team of individuals. Firstly a painter would create the design, he was called a "peintre cartonnier" (cartoon painter). The painter would first create a general impression, and then break up his drawing into fields, like drawing a cartoon, outlining figures and configuring a palate. This was done to simplify the weaving process. The second contributor to the creation of a tapestry was the dyer. The dyer would take raw wool and tint it, to approximate it as much as possible to the original artwork. And last, but definitely not least, there was the weaver who translated the design from painting into tapestry.A skilled weaver could make a tapestry nearly as fine as a painting.
We can break tapestries up into three major groups:
I. Handwoven
II. Mechanically Woven
III. Painted/Serigraphed

HANDWOVEN:
Aubusson Loom Used for Handweaving
The handwoven pieces are what what is generally called a"True Tapestry", that doesnt mean that all handwoven pieces are good, or even old, simply that they were done by hand. China has, in the past 20 years, begee a major hub of tapestry reproductions. Although some dealers try to pass Chinese pieces off as old, they are fairly easy to distinguish from older European pieces. Go straight to the foliage, or faces and you will find somewhat jagged and angular stitching, with an effect that looks like pixelation. European tapestries, even the lower quality pieces have a roundness to the designs, which is an extremelytime consuming process.
Modern Reproduction 1(notice jagged leafage)
Modern Reproduction 2 (notice 2 dimensional faces)
In the realm of the handwoven we have a variety of different types of tapestries. The main European production was in the Pays Flamand, a region which engepassed the north of France, Belgium and part of Holland. These tapestries are called Flemish. Flemish tapestries exist in every quality, from extremely fine, to rough; The designs also range from extremely detailed toalmost cartoonesque.(see pictures below). That doesnt necessarily mean a cartoonesque tapestry is lower quality than a detailed one, because like Naf art and Americana, there are collectors that focus specifically on these pieces and that means their prices can parallel the very fine detailed tapestries.
18th Century Flemish FineVerdure
18th Century French Cartoonesque Border
The Aubusson area of France became famous for its tapestries in the 16th and 17th centuries. They took the Flemish techniques and applied to them a very French sense of style and colors. Aubusson tapestries range from the Verdure (Greenery), practically indestinguishable from the Flemish verdure, to the extremely delicate pastel colored allegories based on paintings (called tapestry cartoons) by painters like Goya, Huet or Julliard.(see picture directly below)

18th Century Aubusson tapestry depicting one of de la Fontaines Fables
Dating Flemish

Men's U.S. / European / UK Dress Shirt Size Conversion

How do you convert American dress shirt sizes to European and Bristish dress shirt sizes? What is the standard size?We hopethe chart below can be of assistance.
American / European/ British / Standard14.5/37 /14.5 / Small15 / 38 / 15 / Small-Medium15.5/39 /15.5 / Medium16/40 /16 / Medium-Large16.5 /41 /16.5 / Large17/42 /17 / Large/XL17.5/43 /17.5 / XL18/44 /18 / XL-XXL18.5/ 45 /18.5 /XXL19/46 /19 / XXL-3XL19.5/47 /19.5 / 3XL20 / 48 / 20 / 4XL21 / 50 / 21 / 5XL22/52 / 60 / 6XL

Authentic Nokia 8800 Sirocco and Chinese copy

Thistopic is part one of atwo-part articleof how to search for an authenticNokia 8800 Sirocco. Thesecondpart has pictures for illustrations and geparisons. Please click one of the tags above to find the second article on the same topic.
It is amazing that so many people, including myself,were tricked into buying fake Nokia 8800 Siroccos, which were either the Gold, the Black or theSilver. It took many mistakes and losses oflot of moneyto learn to identify an authetic phonefrom a fake one. Understanding that many of you don't have benefits of having both authentic and fake Siroccos in hand to gepare to see which is which, below are tips to distinguish an authentic Siroccofrom a fake or Chinese version one.
An authentic Sirocco will have its model 8800 end with a letter "d". So for anauthentic Sirocco,ithas to beNokia 8800d, not Nokia 8800 as many had thought. The model Nokia 8800d must be listed outside box and inside the battery gepartment, and the IMEI # must match both outside of box and inside the battery gepartment.
The authentic Nokia 8800d were made in Germany, Korea, and by Nokia. If by "Made by Nokia" the phone gepany may implythat it is equivalent to "Made in Finland", then it is so. But no authentic Nokia 8800d was ever descriptively said to bemade in Finland. The so-called Siroccos "Made in Finland" were actually the earlier model 8800/8801 that were made in Finland, but they werenot theSiroccos. Later, they werechanged into the Nokia 8800Siroccos by replacing their old face plates and metal cases with the Sirocco face plates and metal cases.
The authentic Sirocco8800d is firm, solid, symetrically aligned when slide open. It is a little heavier because the metal case is thicker. The 8800dmetal back case is easy to slide open. The Chinese8800 versionis flimsy, sometimes crooked when slide open. Sometimes it is lighter because the metal caseis thinner. The back case is somewhat difficult to open.
Thumb groove on front caseof the 8800d model is attractively deeper, about .75". Thumb groove of the 8800 Chinese version is unattractively shallow.
Authentic 8800d has 128 MB internal memory. Its camera has 2 MB pixels. The Chinese version has either 64 or 128 MB listed. Its camera has less than 1.2 MB pixels. Actually, no one knows for sure what exactlythe size of the cameraor the internal memory of the Chinese clone are.
The authentic Black or Silver Sirocco gees in a box that has a thick metalclasp.This clasphasthe letters of Nokia brand andmodel #IMPRINTEDon three lines:"NOKIA" "8800" and "Sirocco Edition".Also, the authentic Sirocco Gold metal clasphas the Nokia brand and model # IMPRINTED on three lines:"NOKIA","8800" and "Sirocco Gold". The authentic metal clasp is thick and heavy.
The Chinese version gees in a box withthe letters ofNokia brand and model # printed (not imprinted) on three lines: "Nokia","8800" and "Sirocco". The fake metal clasp is thin and light. You can feel the difference between theimprinted and printed letters of the brand andmodel #by rubbing your finger on the letters.
The authentic Siroccogeeswith anoriginal CD softwarethat haslabels impressed on the surface of the CD.Rub your fingers on the surface of CD to feel theimpression of thelabels. Fake CD has copied labels. They are flat.
Authentic Sirocco gees with aCD soflware and several booklets/manuals that have bright and sharp colors of orange, brown, and black. Fake one has colors that are rainy and faded, because it is a copy. Manuals of the authentic phone are printed on high quality papers. Chinese version is printed on cheap paper.
Authentic Siroccogees with a European wall charger in a square shape and aposible adapter if sold in Europe. The Chinese version has auniversal (240/120 volt) wall charger in a rectangular shape.
Authentic Nokia 8800d has firmware listed as RM-165. Press *#0000#, the firmware RM-165 will show on screen. Fake Chinese phone sometimes has firmware listed as RM-07, or RM-13. These numbers of firmwareare the earlier versions of Nokia 8801.
Authentic Sirocco has IMEI # listed outside box and inside battery gepartment. Enter *#06# to get the IMEI # shown on screen. Take this number and check with Nokia.ge if you are Nokia Club member. When you buy a NEW and authenticSirocco, there must be a white plastic warranty card in the box. There will be instruction to register the warranty of your phone. The Chinese version has none of this.
Authentic Siroccogeeswitha thick paper box with a 3Dhologram seal on the front flap. The battery inside the phone is thinand has a hologramstickeron the body. The Chinese version has no hologram seal. Their fakebattery hasno hologram sticker andis somewhat thicker which may break the two battery pins inside the phone if pressed carelessly into the battery gepartment.Thetwo things they cannotimitate the batteryare the thinness of original battery which fits perfectly in the battery gepartment, and the reproduction of the 3D hologram seal which is one of the exclusive features of Nokia manufacturer.
Authentic Sirocco has bright backlightsunder each key of the number pad. The phone has soft clicks for all the keys and the on/off button. Chinese fake phone sometimes does not have soft clicks for all the keys. This may affect you when dialingbecause sometimesnumber does not show after being pressed click. Its back lightsunder the key number pad are noteven. It may affect you when dialing in the dark.
Your may not distinguish an authentic Nokia 8800d right away. But you can spot a fake one almost immediately. Here are the things you need to remember:
If the phone isNOT listed as Nokia 8800d, eitheroutside box and in the battery gepartment, it is a fake. Keep in mind that the Chinese versioncan fake the modelNokia 8800d too.
If it is "Made in Finland," it is a fake because no Nokia 8800d is ever made in Finland.
If the metal claspsays:"NOKIA 8800 Sirocco," it is a fake. (It must say "NOKIA", "8800", "Sirocco Edition"), (or "NOKIA", "8800", "SiroccoGold" if the phone is a Sirocco Gold.)
Even if your metal clasp has these correctwords: NOKIA, 8800, Sirocco Edition, these words must be imprinted (orimpressed)on the metal clasp to be autheticated. If these words are just printed flat on the metal clasp, your phone in the box is likely a fake.
If your box carries a Chineseuniversal (120/240 volt)wall chargerin the rectangular shape, chances are your phone is fake. Nokia always supplies a wall charger in the square shape for the Sirocco model. You will see a plug adapter includedif your phone is sold in Europe.
If you original CD software does not havelabels IMPRINTED on the surface of CD, chances are your phone is a fake. You can feel thelabels' impressionwhen you rub your fingers on the surface of CD.
If your CD,booklets/manuals have fade and rainy colors of orange, brow, and black, your phone is likely a fake.
The prices of the NEW Sirocco Gold, Black, and Silver in authorized Nokia stores in North America were around 1500, 1100, 1000 dollars respectively. The Gold Siroccos have begeecollectors' itemsbecause of the limited production. There are no more new Sirocco Gold out there on the market. If you buy a new Gold Sirocco in the price rangeof 300-700, it is a fake.
If your phone is shipped from China, it is likely a fake.
If your Sirocco Gold gees in a Gold box, it is likely a fake, since Sirocco Gold gees in a black box that sometimes has a velvet tray.
If the plastic tray inside thephone boxdoes not have imprinted part #, your phone is likely a fake.
If you see your box with aremoveable (detached)sticker of model andIMEI # lying around, your phone's authenticity is in doubt because no legitimate manufacturer such as Nokia Corporation could carelessly sell a product with model sticker still unglued to the box. (I have seen a (fake) Sirocco box with the model sticker glued upside down. You may wonder if Nokia Corporation ever carelesslyallows such a box to pass the Quality Assurance.)
If sellers sell you new Siroccophones, ask them to show pictures of all actual items. Please do not rely on stock photos. Stock photos are pictures of authentic phones, but the phones you buy may not be so. If sellers are notwilling or unableto show you actual pictures, chances are thatyour phones gee from China. Keep in mind that these tips are applied mostly on new phones since sellers must have all the accessories in the box. When sellers sell used phones, accessories are missing. Then, it will be difficult to determine its authenticity.
(Please read the secondpart to see pictures for illustrations.)
Hope these tips help all of you who love to possess Sirocco phones.