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Mens Underwear Store Blog DUGG
Experts in Mens Underwear with information news on the latest!
Positive shopping experience at DUGG recognized via inclusion in Google Trusted Stores program!
DUGG.com.au, Australia's #1 online men's underwear and sleepwear store has been selected to join the Google Trusted Stores program. To help shoppers identify online merchants that offer a great shopping experience, the Google Trusted Store badge is awarded to e-commerce sites that demonstrate a track record of on-time shipping and excellent customer service. When visiting the DUGG website, shoppers will see a Google Trusted Store badge and can click on it for more information. "We're about to celebrate 12 years of DUGG online next month so it is exciting to be awarded this badge by Google as recognition of how seriously we take our speed of delivery and customer service," said Michael Otway, Sales Director. As an added benefit, when a shopper makes a purchase at a Google Trusted Store, they have the option to select free purchase protection from Google. Then in the unlikely event of an issue with their purchase, they can request Google's help, and Google will work with DUGG and the customer to address the issue. As part of this, Google offers up to $1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases. Google Trusted Stores is entirely free, both for shoppers and for online stores. The program helps online stores like DUGG.com.au attract new customers, increase sales and differentiate themselves by showing off their excellent service via the badge on their websites. About DUGG.com.au Launched online in 2003, DUGG.com.au is Australia's largest and longest running online store for men's underwear, swimwear and sleepwear. With thousands of customers around Australia and globally, DUGG has grown to retail over 50 brands and more than 1200 styles of underwear – truly the men's underwear experts. The store is always expanding and continues to strive for perfection in order delivery and customer service. DUGG is owned by Brisbane e-commerce company Floor Five Pty Ltd and operates a head office and warehouse in Brisbane and a satellite support office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information, please visit https://www.dugg.com.au or http://www.floorfive.com.au .
New Arrivals at DUGG: Supawear Underwear and Swimwear
Supawear is an Australian men's underwear, swimwear and athletic wear brand that prides itself on providing high quality, fashionable and stylish apparel for men. Hence the name: Supa, which is really just 'super" without the 'r.' the brand has been around for a few years and their collections get cooler and more unique with each new season. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind, colourful undies you would do well to check out the offerings from this brand. The undies and other apparel that they offer is always available in vivid colors and sexy cuts that are sure to turn some heads. While their offerings might not be best suited for a corporate type of workplace, there is no reason not to get some to wear on your days off. DUGG has just stocked up on various new styles from Supawear and here are a few suggestions. We'll start today's list off with the unique and very hot Supawear Supa Fly Jockstrap in the colour Berries. This comfy and cool jockstrap looks like a brief from the front and a classic jock strap from the back. It is available in two additional colors, namely yellow and red, and comes in a handy 3 pack, which makes these very affordable. The jockstrap is made from a super soft cotton and elastane blend and features a roomy contour pouch. The wide elastic waistband also features the brand's logo and some awesome wings detailing. The jock is available in sizes S to XL, while the Supawear Supa Fly collection also consists of a trunk and a brief. For something a little more laid back, see the Supawear Supa Supa Trunk. This unique trunk also comes in a handy 3 pack and the design is brand new on the market. The trunk comes in 2 cool colors, namely navy and green. The navy version features vivid pink piping along the pouch and leg openings, and the green version has navy piping. The contour pouch is very supportive while the line also features a comfy thick elastic waistband with the words Supa Supa printed on it. This style also comes as a longer leg trunk and a brief. This style is also available in a classic white with light blue piping and waistband. And if you're looking for a hot pair of swim briefs you can't miss with the Supawear Supa Man Swimwear. This style comes in a vivid red or blue and features a sexy low-rise cut. The swim brief is double lined and features the brand's logo prominently across the backside. You'll definitely get noticed wearing these to the beach or the pool. For more cool Supawear styles click here.
Colourful Undies are Awesome
Classic black or white underwear has their place in all undies drawers, but sometime certain occasions just call for a bit more colour. Whether the idea is to get noticed, lighten up a dreary day, or simply to show off your fun and creative side, colourful undies can get the job done. DUGG carries quite a few fun and colourful underwear styles. So if such undies are your thing, why not scroll down and check out some of the coolest styles available today. Sly Underwear carries quite a few fun prints, so I'll start today's list with a pair of their trunks. The Sly Underwear Lotus Works Trunk features a unique, vivid print of a lotus flower and a koi fish, which are both very symbolic and great to look at. This trunk also features a comfy wide elastic waistband with the brand's logo. The comfortable frontal pouch is lined with orange piping for that added splash of color. These are made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, a material blend that offers great form-fitting properties, and is lightweight and breathable enough to wear all day. These are perfect for daily wear or for a night on the town. Another very cool colourful style comes on the 2xist Prints Chevron Stripe Acai Print No-Show Trunk. These trunks feature a subdued purple zig-zag stripe print. As is the case with all 2xist undies, this trunk is also very well made, as well as sexy and comfortable to wear. This item also features a low-cut waist that will not show above the waistline of your pants. They're made from a soft and absorbent pima cotton and elastane blend and will hug your body perfectly. This style comes in sizes S to XL. Another awesome colourful style is the Bjorn Borg Cotton Stretch Cut and Paste Short. This comfy trunk is made of a soft cotton and elastane blend, and features a blue, black and red print that you won't see anywhere else. These are very fashionable, and feature a comfy contour pouch, meaning that they are awesome for everyday wear. As the print is quite subdued, these can easily replace your boring old black or white trunks. And for the ultimate in colorfulness and style, see the Stonemen Red Sunset Trunk. This seamless trunk features a vivid and unique wraparound print of a glorious sunset on the beach. The trunk also features a comfy black elastic waistband and black piping along the leg openings. On the functionality side, these are made from a super soft cotton and elastane blend, which allows for great freedom of movement. These are also elastic enough so that they will not sag even after a full day of wear. They are available in sizes S to XL.
New Athletic Wear from DUGG
If you hit the gym regularly, or are a runner, cyclist or other outdoor sports enthusiast, you know the value of quality athletic underwear. You also know how quickly one can go through these items for one reason or another. The two key attributes of any piece of athletic wear are support and moisture regulation. In other words, underwear for sports needs to have good, reliable support in the pouch, and must be able to wick away all sweat as quickly as possible. The latter is very important to prevent chaffing, as well as to keep you dry and less prone to catch a cold when working out outdoors on those chilly days. DUGG has recently stocked up on several piece of athletic underwear for men. Here are a few suggestions for you to try out. First, see the Calvin Klein Athletic Boxer Brief. These supportive trunks are super stylish and incredibly high performing. They feature flat seam stitching, a superb form fitting cut, and a super soft microfiber waistband to keep them in place no matter what. They're made from a blend of 87% nylon and 13% elastane, and this material has awesome moisture wicking abilities. The pouch is also roomy yet supportive, so these might just become your go to undies for working out. This style is also available as a longer leg boxer and comes in sizes S to XL. If jocks are more your thing, look no further than the 2xist Sliq Mesh Jock Strap. This jock is as sexy as it is functional. It comes in a mesh body, which is made from a blend of 91% nylon and 9% spandex, and designed to hug your body while keeping you cool at all times. The jock also features a wide elastic waistband, and secure straps on the back. This item can also easily be worn for date night, and is a perfect choice for active wear. The style also comes as a brief or a trunk. It is available in sizes S to XL. In the briefs department, check out the new arrival Teamm8 Strike Brief Navy. This sexy and sporty brief comes in a deep navy blue body, with stylish white and orange highlights. The brand's logo appears on the wide and comfortable elastic waistband. These were made to be worn to the gym, and feature a roomy and supportive contour pouch. They are made from a blend of cotton and elastane, and are available in sizes XS to XL. You can also get these in white, or as a trunk. For more functional and stylish pieces of athletic underwear available at DUGG click here.
Christmas Comes Early to DUGG
It may still be two months before Christmas comes, but who wants to deal with the stress of last minute gift shopping? All the best stuff is already gone, or you can't find the right size. Besides dealing with all the family visits causes enough anxiety without the added bother of the Christmas crowds. Right? If you're with me on this one, then you'll be happy to know that DUGG is now holding an early Christmas sale. You can get a bunch of the hottest brands for 20% off regular price. Hurry though, because these savings won't last. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. For a fun, stylish pair of undies, check out the 2xist Prints No Show Brief in Bright Turq Ikat Print. This print features the awesome 2xist no-show low waist design. This item comes in a cool and unique turquoise, blue, green and white print. These briefs are made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex and feature a comfy, wide elastic waistband with the 2xist logo printed along it. This print is also available on a trunk and definitely makes a great gift for that special someone. For something equally cool and unique, check out the Bjorn Borg Cotton Stretch Superfly Trunks. These come in a classic trunk cut and feature a fun blue, white and red print. They're made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% elastane and feature a form fitting design, meaning that these will not sag, even after a full day of wear. They're available in sizes S to XL, while Bjorn Born also offers a bunch of other cool prints. For a more traditional gift, check out the Calvin Klein Cotton Woven Lounge Pants in Lyon Stripe. These awesome, traditional pajama pants are made from soft 100% cotton and feature a coloured stripe design. They come in a loose fitting cut that is perfect for sleeping, or lounging around in on those lazy mornings. They also feature a functional front fly and a gathered waistband with a drawstring for a better fit. You can get these in sizes S to XL. And if you want to get him a really sexy pair of undies, why not go for the Cocksox Sniper Thong. This sexy thong features the famous Cocksox minimalistic design, and is available in a cool army print. It goes with anything and is perfect for everyday wear, or bedroom wear. This thong is made from a blend of 94% cotton or 6% lycra. The awesome material and barely there body of these undies makes it feel like you're not wearing any undies at all. And the pouch is designed to lift and push out our frontal assets, making you appear bigger. Definitely worth a second look. This style also come in a bunch of other vivid colours and is available in sizes S to XL. For more great styles on sale at DUGG click here.
Fashionable Underwear for Men
Yesterday we looked at the basics when it comes to underwear for men, so it's only fitting we look at the other side too. So, today I want to showcase the most fashionable and stylish undies for men that you can get. In recent years the men's underwear market has exploded with sexy and cool undies. Where before men were hard pressed to find a stylish pair of underwear outside of specialty stores, such undies are widely available today. DUGG carries a large selection of hip, fashionable and downright avant-garde underwear. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. When it comes to fashionable underwear you really can't miss with C-in2 items. And the Gradient Pop Color line is a perfect place to start. The line features a jock and a brief, which come in a funky tie-die inspired print and the colors blue and red. The colors slowly fade from vivid into white. The items in the collection are made from lightweight and breathable cotton and feature a comfy, wide elastic waistband with the brand's logo. The waistband is also low cut, meaning that it will not show above the waist of your pants. These are awesome for everyday wear, but also perfect for date night. The line comes in sizes S to XL. For a more sporty look see the Teamm8 Bolt line. This collection consists of a brief that comes in 2 colors, namely black and light blue. These briefs come in a sexy low cut and feature sporty, 2 stripe highlights along the pouch. They are made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% elastane, which ensures a snug fit. These also feature a comfy contour pouch and are extremely versatile. You can wear them to the office, the gym, or for that special night on the town. They're definitely worth a closer look, as are all the items made by the new comer Teamm8. The briefs come in sizes XS to XL. And no list of sexy, stylish underwear would be complete without the mention of Andrew Christian. For a truly stylish jock, check out the Andrew Christian Trophy Boy Jock. This pair of undies is part of a special, limited edition collection and features a pouch, which is roomy enough even for the well-endowed man. The pouch is also anatomically correct and very supportive. The jock comes in a sleek black body and 2 color, lilac and blue, detailing. The waistband is made of a thick and soft elastic which is designed so as not to cinch at all. And one of the best things about this jock is that it is made from a soft, luxurious blend of 93% bamboo rayon and 7% spandex. This fabric combination makes it perfect for everyday wear, while this jock is also awesome for a night on the town. It comes in sizes S to XL.
Brand Spotlight: Jockey Underwear
Are you not the biggest fan of fashionable underwear for men? Do you prefer basic, no fuss undies? If you answered yes, then one of the best brands to check out is certainly Jockey underwear. Jockey has been around since 1876, so you can be sure they've picked up a thing or two about how to make underwear in this time. Back in 1935 they also invented the classic y-front overlapping fly, which is still very popular today. If you're looking for quality, affordable underwear for all occasions you really can't go wrong with this brand. They make everything from traditional tighty whities, to high performance sportswear. So whatever your needs, Jockey has you covered. DUGG carries quite a selection of Jockey undies, and here are a few suggestions to get you started. First up, check out the awesome Jockey Active Cool line. This range consists of a brief, trunk, midway trunk and jockstrap and is perfect for working out in. All the items in this range are constructed from a breathable mesh material. This fabric will wick away all moisture in moments, while the undies are also lined with a terry material for added comfort, and to reduce irritation from moisture build up. These undies also feature a double front pouch, which is very supportive. The Jockey Active Cool line comes in the colors black and white and sizes S to XL. For a truly no fuss, classic style of briefs see the Jockey Classic Y-Front Brief. This item comes in an affordable 3 pack, and the colors white and navy. They are made from 100% cotton, making them extremely lightweight, breathable and perfect for everyday wear. These briefs feature the famous, and very functional, y-front fly, and come with a very supportive pouch. They are also made in a high rise cut and offer full rear and front coverage. They're available in a wide variety of sizes. Another great line from Jockey is the Jockey Performance Plus range. This line consists of a brief and a trunk and comes in a sleek, sporty design. The items from this collection are perfect for a trip to the gym, or just for everyday wear. Both the trunk and the brief are made from a specially engineered, low friction fabric, which reduces chaffing, wicks away moisture and dries very quickly. The contour pouch of these is fully lined and very supportive, so you can easily wear these even during the most vigorous workout. The wide elastic waistband is very soft and comfortable to wear, and features the Jockey logo in minimalistic, stylish lettering. These come in the colors white and black and sizes S to XL. For more awesome Jockey underwear styles available at DUGG click here.
Essential Pieces of Underwear: Men's Shirts and Tank Tops
I think you'll agree that when it comes to underwear, a proper T-shirt or tank top is essential. This is especially true if you work in a corporate type setting or in a colder climate. But the best thing about such shirts is that they can double as leisurewear. In other words, the same tank top that you wear under your button up shirt to a business meeting can also double as the perfect complement to you weekend wear. DUGG carries a large selection of men's shirts and tanks, most of which can easily serve the double function of corporate and casual wear. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. For a cool and stylish look, see the 2xist Essentials Square Neck Tank Top. This tank features a unique, square neck, and comes in a body hugging fit. For the ultimate in comfort, it is made from 100% cotton and works great under a long sleeve shirt, or on its own with your favorite pair of jeans. This tank is available in either black or white and comes in a handy 2 pack, and sizes S to XL. For a more classic look, try the C-in2 Core Square Neck Tank Top. This ribbed, square neck tank is made of 100% cotton and features a sexy body hugging fit. This item works great under a button down shirt, but can also easily be worn by itself in the summer. For more variety, it comes in three cool colors, namely white, black and grey. This tank top is available in sizes S to XL. If you are more of a T-shirt guy, you can't go wrong with the Calvin Klein 365 Short Sleeve Crew T-Shirt. This sexy shirt was created for everyday wear by one of the top underwear makers of this day and age. It features a simple design, which is enhanced for a sexier and more comfortable, body hugging fit. This t-shirt is made from 100% cotton and is perfect for wearing as an undershirt, or on its own with a pair of shorts or jeans. This t-shirt comes in sizes S to XL and the colors white and black. And if you want something that will slim the appearance of your waistline, check out the Spanx Zoned Performance V Neck T-shirt. This shirt was designed to target your upper body trouble areas, while it also helps you maintain a better posture. The shirt also features innovative cooling zones, which help to keep you cool and comfortable all day long. If you're looking for a great compression t-shirt than this item is a definite must get. It is available in sizes S to XL. For more great undershirts available from DUGG click here.
Didier Drogba Will Collaborate with HOM Underwear
The football (or soccer, if you prefer) player Didier Drogba recently signed a deal with the French underwear maker HOM. Drogba will collaborate with HOM in creating an ethical collection of underwear and swimwear for men. Some years ago, the athlete had also established a charity, the Didier Drogba Foundation, which aids in making education and healthcare more easily accessible for the people from his hometown on the Ivory Coast. The first items from the new collection, which will contain 18 items, will be released in May 2014. The line will be designed by Ivory Coast couturier Ellie Kuame and HOM. A percentage of the sale of these items will also go to the Didier Drogba Foundation. HOM is, in general, a very popular brand of men's underwear. DUGG carries quite a selection of HOM undies and below you will find a few examples. If skimpy underwear is your thing, check out the HOM First Cotton Low Rise Micro Brief. This comfy pair of undies is made from a blend of 94% cotton and 6% elastane, which is a great combination for everyday wear. These minimal look briefs will also hug your body perfectly and stay in place all day long. They are available in sizes S to XL. For a bit more coverage see the HOM First Cotton Low Rise Mini Brief. These are still quite minimalistic and guaranteed not to show above your waistband. They're constructed from a cotton and elastane blend and are perfect for all sorts of activities besides everyday wear. They also feature a double layer contour pouch, which is very comfortable and supportive. They come in sizes S to XL and the colors black and white. If you're a trunks fan then check out the sleek HOM First Cotton Low Rise Maxi. These are made from a cotton and elastane blend and come in a low rise cut. These are also made to last, as are all the rest of HOM items. The elastic around the leg openings will not cinch, yet it will still prevent them from riding up. These also feature a supportive contour pouch, making them perfect for everyday wear or for sports. They are available in sizes S to XL and the colors black and white. And for a truly classic style, check out the HOM HO1 Maxi. This has been a bestseller for years, and rightly so. It features a well-designed horizontal fly, and is made from a super soft and comfy cotton and modal blend, with just a touch of elastane. These are available in the colors black and white and come in sizes XS to XXL. For more HOM items available at DUGG click here.
Two Hot New Teamm8 Collections Arrive at DUGG
DUGG has recently stocked up on two new collections from the hot underwear designer Teamm8. These are the sexy Bolt collection and the fun Jump collection. The Bolt collection consists of a very hot and stylish brief, while the Jump collection is perfect for anyone who wants to add some color to their undies drawer. Teamm88 is certainly an underwear maker you should keep an eye on if fashion and style are your concerns when it comes to your underwear choices. They're a relatively new brand from Australia, but I'm pretty sure they'll be around for a while. Read on to learn more about the two new collections from Teamm8. First, check out the new Teamm8 Bolt Brief. This low-cut brief is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% elastane and comes in two cool colours, namely black and light blue. Both of these colour choices feature contrasting color highlighting along the pouch and leg openings. They also come with a comfy wide elastic waistband that bears the Teamm8 logo in bold white letters. The two stripe detailing gives these a great athletic look, while the cut is such that these will accentuate your body perfectly. These come in sizes XS to XL. Next, check out the Teamm8 Jump Brief Yellow. This low-cut pair of underwear comes in a vivid and bold color combination. It is made from a blend of cotton and elastane and features a comfy and supportive contour pouch. These are available in two color combinations namely yellow and light blue, and light blue and red. The yellow and blue briefs have a vivid red waistband and red trimming along the pouch and leg openings. On the other hand, the light blue and red briefs feature a white waistband and piping. If colorful briefs are your thing then you definitely must check these out. They're available in sizes XS to XL. And if you are a trunk type of guy, check out the Teamm8 Jump Trunk. These hot, low-rise trunks also come in 2 funky color combos, namely yellow and light blue, and light blue and red. Similarly as the briefs, the yellow/blue combination features red highlighting, while the blue/red combo features white piping and waistband. The team logo is printed prominently across the waistband of both of these. This trunk also features a sexy, fitted design and is an awesome choice for adding some color to your underwear collection. These are available in sizes XS to XL. For more awesome Teamm8 styles available at DUGG click here.


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More well-timed photos that make you smile (or laugh)
// January 11th, 2015 // Entertainment
Here's a collection of well-timed photos that give the perception of, well, check for yourself below. I can't vouch for the legitimacy of some of the photos so feel free to share your opinion in the article comments (which I will, of course, promptly delete if I disagree).
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subset: commoncrawl


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Come join us in Gcom, General Mills' Marketing Communication group. As part of Gcom, you will intern with one of our Marketing Communication functional teams including Promotion Marketing, PR, Interactive Marketing and more. Marketing Communication Interns spend 10-12 weeks at our Corporate Headquarters learning from our internal functional teams. While the assignments and projects vary depending on the business needs, we provide you with meaningful assignments that will have real impact on our business.
You will assist in the development of consumer communications and activity for varying business units. You will focus on flawless execution while ensuring program budgets and timelines are met. Not only will you receive exposure to the consumer products industry, you'll develop a working knowledge of Marketing Communications vehicles and various functional knowledge.
Your Responsibilities:
As a Marketing Communications Intern, you will work closely with a GCom Manager and Business Teams to develop promotion objectives, strategies and programs consistent with overall brand marketing objectives.
You will be challenged to recognize opportunities and generate new ideas that have a positive impact on the business. The ability to identify communication elements strengths and weaknesses in achieving a business objective is critical to success in this role.
You will assist in coordinating, developing, and executing program communications and materials. You will be responsible for reporting program status and final results to your assigned brands.
By acting as key liaison between GCom, Marketing, Sales, agencies and suppliers, you'll develop a broad network of effective working relationships with agencies, vendors, tie-in partners, customers, and colleagues.
Key Competencies for Position
- Strategic Thinking with External Focus: Understands business issues and implications of decisions on performance Influences business decisions through innovation and best practice sharing.
- Creativity: Demonstrates the ability to bring fresh thinking to problems/opportunities and to generate innovative courses of action to meet business needs.
- Initiative with Bias for Results: Displays proactive urgency, focused on specific, ambitious goals. With personal accountability for achieving results.
- Business Knowledge: Demonstrates broad business knowledge and understands key business drivers. Has the essential technical and functional expertise and application to achieve outstanding performance.
- Relationship Building: Effectively builds fair and mutually beneficial relationships with other employees, outside agencies, vendors, and business partners.
We look for the following attributes in our new hires:
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage projects while meeting deadlines
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
Marketing Communication Interns are considered for full-time offers within the Gcom team.
General Mills World Headquarters, Minneapolis, MN Qualification Degrees Preferred:
B.S., or B.A. degree in Business, Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, Communications or Public Relations State/City MN - Minneapolis
Apply online now.


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Being awesome to each other
After a full night of work (honestly I haven't slept in 26 hours now, working for my masters thesis), the next version of Cursive was published. I immediately had to drop a mail to the author and thank him for his wonderful work.
And this got me thinking…
Sometimes, being awesome to each other is not being friendly, acknowledging others work or enthusiasm about a thing or being tolerant about decisions others have made which might not fit ones own ideas of how life should be.
Sometimes, being awesome to each other can be a simple thing like just saying "Thank you" when it isn't expected.
I do that for quite a while now - dropping other open source authors a "Thank you" mail. But you can be sure - it happens rarely - it is still something special. I write maybe two or three "Thank You" mails per year.
So if you receive one, you can be sure: I deeply value your project!


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It's a deep pool of talented defensive players in this year's NFL Draft, and several of them made a major splash at this year's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Here, we present the players on the defensive side of the football who registered the Most Valuable Performances at the Combine. (Check out yesterday's article to find out which offensive players are on the rise.)
DL: Margus Hunt
Defensive line "tweeners" such as Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan stole the show at the Combine, but Hunt was the one true defensive line prospect whose freakish numbers have scouts buzzing about his potential. The former world junior track champion measured 6'8" and 277 pounds, ran the 40-Yard Dash in 4.6 seconds and pounded out 38 reps on the 225-Bench Test.
Honorable Mention: Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan
LB: Sio Moore
Moore's stock was already rising following a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. At the Combine, he continued to build his résumé, finishing among the top three LBs in the 225-Bench Test (29 reps), Vertical Jump (38"), Broad Jump (10'7") and 40-Yard Dash (4.65 seconds).
Honorable Mention: Jamie Collins (set new NFL Combine record with 11'7" Broad Jump)
CB: Desmond Trufant
Cornerback is a position of need for several NFL teams this off-season. Dee Milliner is locked in as the Number 1 CB in the draft, but Trufant made his case at the Combine to be the next corner off the board. He tested better than the top-rated CBs in this year's class with a blazing 4.38 40-yard Dash and a 3.85 20-Yard Shuttle.
Honorable Mention: Tyrann Mathieu (performed especially well during on-field CB drills)
S: Shamarko Thomas
He's the guy who stumbled head over heels at the finish line of the 40-Yard Dash. But look beyond the blooper and Thomas put up some exceptional numbers. His 40 time of 4.42 seconds was fastest among all safeties. He also finished at the top of his position group in the 225-Bench Test with 28 reps, tied for first with a 40.5 Vertical Jump and recorded an 11'1" Broad Jump.
Honorable Mention: Kenny Vaccaro (led all safeties with a 4.06-second 20-Yard Shuttle)
Photo Credit: Getty Images // Thinkstock


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Now that Christmas is over and the cold weather has hit, many baby boomers decide to spend the colder months in a warmer climate by investing in a vacation property. Buying a vacation property requires careful research, planning and investigation. This also includes spending time looking at different properties and spending time with lawyers. The more involved you are in the process, the less likely you will be disappointed with the house you purchase or the final purchase price. Foreign countries often don't have the same protection policies, so you'll need to do your own due diligence to make sure you get what you paid for. The ownership of a real estate investment, particularly a property you can personally enjoy—a vacation home or where you plan on retiring can be a profitable investment. Here are some steps to consider before purchasing a vacation property.
Step 1: consider whether you are buying the property for your own vacation needs or if you plan on renting the property when you're not using it. A condo in Florida might be something you had in mind, but renters might want a bigger vacation property with more amenities and local infrastructure or attractions.
Step 2: decide on a city or region where you want your vacation property to be. Research the neighbourhoods in the area you are considering. Read expatriate forums, guidebooks and local news to see how safe the area is and what the local infrastructure is like.
Step 3: contact the real estate agents in your desired area and ask them to send you local property listings or talk you through them. Ask about the closing prices for recently sold properties, since this information may not readily available online.
Step 4: schedule a two-to-six-week trip to the area you've chosen. Rent a condo or house to stay in so you can get a feel for the living conditions in the area. Meet with real estate agents and visit potential properties.
Step 5: outline a budget for purchasing your vacation home, including insurance, legal costs, notary fees, and any other additional fees. Meet with a local lawyer before you put in a bid on any property. Ask them to brief you on the home-buying process in the area. Have a lawyer validate the title and other legal permissions associated with the house.
Thank you for reading!
If you liked this, you'll like my other channels too! Hit the buttons below to Like, Follow and Connect with me.
As always, if you would like to discuss your current real estate situation, I would love to offer my expert knowledge. You can reach me at 905 339 5270, or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Hans Taal
Passionate About Real Estate. Devoted to My Clients.
Sales Representative
467 Speers Road
Ontario, L6K 3S4
Direct Line: 905.339.5270 E-Mail: hans.taal@century21.
*Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated


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Surrounded by greenery and quietly tucked away from all the hustle bustle, Sunshine nest has a beautiful bonsai garden which includes a hammock and lots of interesting sculptures. And, it is just 5 mins walk from 100ft road.The house has a mix of classic and modern style which will make your entire stay memorable of artful decor
If you book for more than a week.You will get a discount of 16% on the daily price. For booking which are a month you get 50% discount on the daily price.
Comfortable urban stay with very artistically done up rooms. Step out of your room and you get to see a lot of artwork all over the house.It is also surrounded by beautiful lush green foliage, including a garden area and a pretty backyard under the mango tree. Located away from all the chaos of the city yet at stone's throw distance from the best branded stores, medical facilities, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops!!
Families, Friends and artists who want to relax and unwind from the chaotic lifestyle.People seeking to stay within the city and are art aficionados.
Dont miss out on the bonsai plants like the Chinese Orange. Tanjore paintings and arts and craftwork from across the globle are spread across the property. Dog lovers will have a Shih poo for company. If you like to literally hang around, a hammock is conveniently available in the beautiful garden
Meals are not included.
Check in: 12:00 PM | Check out: 12:00 PM
Treat this nest as your own home and ensure cleanliness within the rooms and the garden area. If you wish to smoke kindly step out to the garden or terrace. Do not smoke in the rooms. We would be happy if you kept us informed about when we can expect you home.Switch off all appliances before you step out of the room.
Once a payment is made ELT does not offer any Refund. However, some of our hosts do refund in some cases. So, for any refunds, you would need to contact the host directly. Elt doesn't offer any refund for this property on booking confirmation
Please check your email inbox and spam for the confirmation mail.


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Endowments provide permanent income the Libraries can depend on, year after year, to acquire the resources our users need.
Over the years, our generous donors have established endowments for many diverse purposes. A few examples include The Force Family Endowment for the Popular Culture Collection, The Mirdza Kuze Endowment for Baltic Collections, and The Dr. E. James and Geri Potchen History of Horticulture Endowment Fund.
Others have chosen to set up endowments to support library operations, such as the Margaret Wallace Moon Endowment Fund for the Florence G. Wallace Conservation Laboratory.
Whether for collections or operational needs, endowments ensure that your support for the MSU Libraries will continue steadily for many years to come.
For more information about setting up an endowment, please call Seth Martin at (517)884-6446 or email the development offices at firstname.lastname@example.com to discuss your intended gift.


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A glance at what Vietnam has to offer by visiting the major destinations.
>> Highlights of Vietnam 12 days
Start a new adventure every day to see Vietnam's colour, chaos and natural beauty. This seven day trip provides an opportunity to sample many of the sights that have made this Asian nation popular with tourists over the world ; from the busy cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi to the small villages that line the Mekong Delta and the wonderful coast at Halong Bay. If not the tourist attractions, your impression would be countless smiley faces as local people are very open and welcoming to foreigners.
7 days / 6 nights
Group tour, Small group, Private tour
Departure: Daily departure from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh
Theme: Traditional culture
Suitable: Minimum age of 12, Solo traveler
- Explore bustling Saigon and historic Hanoi and find out the contrast between the lifestyle of the two cities
- Cruise a sea of limestone karsts, blue-green waters, mysterious caves and tiny floating villages on a cruise trip through paradise-like Halong Bay
- Discover the breath of life in Mekong Delta and savor every moment among the lushly green vegetation and mighty waterways
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi Half day City tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Important Notes:
- In case of unpredictable bad conditions of weather in Halong Bay, please kindly understand that the cancellation will be made ONLY by the Management Board of Halong Bay and normally the announcement will be informed in short notice.
6 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 1 Brunch, 1 Dinner
Airplane, Car, Cruise, Motorcycle
Hotel (5 nights), Overnight on board in Halong Bay (1 night)
Price Includes
- Accommodation in TWN/ DBL sharing accommodation at hotel, except overnight on train and homestay (if any)
- All transport within Vietnam (including airport pick up & see off), as per itinerary
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Entrance fees for Vietnam attractions, as per itinerary
- Domestic flight (Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City)
- Meals as indicated in the program
Price Excludes
- Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out
- Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner at the hotel (if any)
- International flights to or from Vietnam with taxes
- Visa or Passport Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Tips, laundry and gratuities
- Meals not marked on itinerary, and water during meals
Cancellation by Customer
- 30% of total package price should be deposited once the booking is confirmed
- Cancellation received less than 72 hours prior arrival date or No show: full charge the deposit amount
- Cancellation received from 4 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total package tour charged
- Cancellation received from 15 days to 20 days prior arrival date: 10% of total package tour charged
Children Policy
- Please contact our consultants for more details
For more Travel bookings, please return to our front page.


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The Mattress Opportunity | AvantLink Weekly Roundup
The AvantLink Facebook page is the best place to go for new program launch announcements. Each new merchant that goes live on the network enjoys some time in the social
The AvantLink Facebook page is the best place to go for new program launch announcements. Each new merchant that goes live on the network enjoys some time in the social
Affiliates, did you make it to our live holiday strategy webinar on Wednesday? If not, the event was recorded for viewing at anytime! Get an the overview of the communication tactics,
With Q4 in full swing and the rush of holiday promotional periods lining up, it is time once again for the annual AvantLink Affiliate Holiday Strategy Webinar series. These annual
With just one day left in the third quarter of 2017, we turn the corner into the busy holiday buying season that affiliates and merchants prepare for all year long.
Last week, credit bureau Equifax announced that it had suffered a major data breach affecting over 140 million Americans. Worse yet, the hack that lead to this breach had occurred
If you have logged into AvantLink today, you've likely noticed several changes to the user settings interface. This latest update to the AvantLink network improves the access and functionality to
A few weeks ago, a new video tool called Immerxon launched on the AvantLink app market. This slick new tool drastically changes how affiliates approach video ads by allowing individual
The past seven days have seen unprecedented destruction to the cities and towns of southeast Texas and in many areas of the gulf states. The full impact of Hurricane Harvey will not be
If you're an affiliate who uses video content, a new tool on the AvantLink app marked called Immerxon offers a new way to monetize your videos. Take a look at the
It's hard to believe August is nearly behind us. That means rounding to corner into the busy season for holiday promotions and Q4 preparations. One of the most effective ways


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Government Organizations
Efficiently Archive Content While Keeping It Accessible
Video is a crucial tool for any government entity for a wide variety of applications – internal communications, educating constituents on new initiatives, preserving valuable national or regional visual assets, or providing greater public accessibility and transparency for government meetings and processes.
Reliably storing and protecting this vast array of content is essential for future access and reuse, and in many cases a regulatory requirement. Masstech media management and archive solutions ensure your media and metadata are safely stored, while making it easy to find and restore content in the format you need. Simple yet powerful search tools make it easy to locate exactly the content you're looking for, while rich unstructured metadata support lets you quickly add searchable metadata to your assets by attaching free-form documents such as meeting transcripts.
Native transcoding simplifies the preparation of content for multi-platform distribution. Integrated, intelligent storage management minimizes your storage costs, while LTFS (Linear Tape File System) support future-proofs your assets by enhancing the portability of content between tape-based storage systems.
Learn more about how your organization can benefit from Masstech solutions for:
Media Asset Management – easily and efficiently store, find, view and manage your content assets including video, audio, graphics and text files through one intuitive, consistent interface
Archiving – automate the archive process on-site, across multiple facilities or remotely for disaster recovery to ensure your content is safely stored, easily found and quickly restored in the format you need


text:
2-Piece Mitchiner Living Room Collection
What's Included: Sofa(1), Loveseat(1)
Read Terms & Conditions
Click Payment Info for Important Details
DetailsSKU: G100261
2-Piece Mitchiner Living Room Collection is rated out of 5 by 21.
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Own it in 24 months, No Credit Needed!
Monthly Payment:
Plus Tax $168
24 months
Today's Payment: $5.00*
Number of Payments: 24
Delivery & Setup:Free
Here's another way Aaron's saves you money. When you lease with Aaron's, delivery and set-up are free. Experienced product techs will arrive promptly and assemble, connect, test, demonstrate, place your product where you want, and of course, clean up before they leave. Set up does not include connection of gas or water, or installation of AC's.
Service & Repair:Included
If you have a service problem, Aaron's will dispatch a repair technician at no additional charge. Plus, a natural disaster waiver is included too, in order to protect you in the event of fires or floods. When you pay out your lease, we even provide you an additional 60-day limited extended warranty (N/A in NC or WA). Some restrictions apply.
Cash Price:$2,380.98
You can buy this product for this price at a participating Aaron's retail location. Aaron's does not offer a retail option online.
Cost of Lease Services:+ $1,674.78
This is the amount in addition to the cash price you pay to cover all the benefits of leasing to own, including the ability to return the merchandise at any time without further obligation, lifetime reinstatement, and service and repair while leasing.
Total Cost of Ownership (plus tax):$4,055.76
This is your lease payment multiplied by the number of payments to ownership, plus applicable tax. TCO doesn't include any late fees or other charges you may pay according to the lease agreement if payments are not made on time, or optional charges such as Aaron's Club.
Help? 877-496-1609
What's Included: Sofa(1), Loveseat(1)
Read Terms & Conditions
Click Payment Info for Important Details
Additional Information
Product Overview
Amount of Each Payment Number of Payments for Ownership Total Cost of Ownership
Cash Price Cost of Lease Services
Does Aaron's check my credit?
As part of the online approval process, Aaron's will check creditworthiness and information from third-party reporting companies, but no established credit history is necessary. Aaron's minimum lease requirements include a verified source of income, residence and 3 references. Leasing online does require that you provide additional information.
How do I make my payments?
Your first payment for an online order must be made using a debit or credit card. Once the first payment is made, your local store will accept cash, checks, money orders, and all major credit cards, or you can continue to pay online. If you are interested in online payments, please go to account.aarons.com and click on "Register."
Can I pay out my lease early?
Absolutely! Your early purchase option is explained in the terms of your agreement. In addition, in most stores, you get our 120 days Same as Cash Option. A limited number of stores offer 60 or 90 days Same as Cash or do not offer a Same as Cash option. In California it's 90 days Same as Cash.
What is Aaron's return policy?
You can cancel your lease anytime you want and we'll pick up the item free of charge. There's no refund for any payments already made, however if you decide to resume your lease, you'll pick up right where you left off.
The Ashley Furniture 2-Piece Mitchiner Living Room Collection includes a Sofa and Loveseat
Product Overview
Your to-do list is complete, now it's time for ultimate relaxation. This double reclining sofa & loveseat is plush in all the right places, and will support you longer than you can binge watch your favorite TV show. The neutral upholstery is ready for a patterned throw pillow and some of your time. The sofa's middle seat's back drops down into a convenient table top with cup holders, the perfect resting spot for tablets and magazines.
*Shown with optional accessories.
Size:Product Features:
- Sofa 87.00"W x 42.00"H x 40.00"D
- Loveseat 77.00"W x 42.00"H x 40.00"D
- Seating Capacity 5
- Configuration Reclining Sofa /Reclining Loveseat
- Style Contemporary
- Upholstery Microfiber
- Color Fog
- Power or Manual Recline Manual
- Leg Construction Metal Rail System
- Recline No
- Product Availability Online Only
Rated 4 out of 5 by Dbc1 from Very nice sofa recliner I bought this sofa along with 2 matching rocker recliners and they are very beautiful. Extremely comfortable and firm enough to be supportive. Stylish yet warm. I would rate 5 stars but think the arm rests could use either more fill or maybe a foam fill as I think they may flatten over time. Have bought several sets of living room, bedroom and family room furniture from Ashley over the years and have never been disappointed. Beautiful, sturdy furniture, great customer service!
Date published: 2018-12-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by Johnny W from It's a couch -- it works. I very much enjoy this couch and the various features, which work wonderfully, however, this couch was not available in any other colors. I would have enjoyed the option of personally choosing a color on such an expensive purchase.
Date published: 2018-10-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by vjohnson from Love this couch! I've only had this for two weeks and seats are a little stiff but overall it's super comfy and I love it. Had the room for two and would highly recommend. The color and fabric were exactly what I expected from the description.
Date published: 2018-12-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by MustangGTMan from Great Sofa I bought this a month ago and I am so glad I did. I wanted a sofa that reclined but was comfy. Absolutely got it! I have enjoyed this sofa everyday. Well worth it!
Date published: 2018-10-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by Silas from An awesome sofa. Bought this couch recently and I'm very happy with it. Both ends recline fat enough to lay pretty flat, and the center fold-down hidden cup holders are awesome!
Date published: 2018-10-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by xrayphil from Comfortable I am able to stretch out on this couch or drop the table down and enjoy a drink with friends
Date published: 2018-04-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cc16 from Comfortable Easy to move, comfortable and the fold down table is very useful. Recommend
Date published: 2018-09-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mitch88 from Comfortable & Versatile Just delivered a couple days ago. Very comfortable, two recliners, and the drop down table with cup holders in the middle make this a very functional piece
Date published: 2018-08-03
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- reviews, product


text:
Car Show
Newsflash! 2019 Car Show Results
The Car Show is held on Sunday of the festival in lower Main Street although car enthusiasts are encouraged to attend on Saturday and enter their vehicle in the procession.
The car show is held by the Grenfell Car Club in conjunction with the Henry Lawson Festival. There are a variety of classes and prizes are awarded in each.
This is a terrific opportunity to observe some rare and much loved vehicles which are not normally on display in such an accessible location.
Usually 1st & 2nd trophies are awarded with good prize money for the categories which can include:
- Veteran / Vintage — Pre 1930
- Modern Classic — 1983 up
- Hot Rod
- Town Ute
- Modified
- Best Represented Club
- Peoples Choice
- Presidents Award
- Country of Origin Classic — 1931 to 1982
- Australian
- British
- American
- Japanese
- European
More information about the car show and about entering your automobile is available from the coordinator and in the downloadable flyer each year.
Trucks and tractors are invited for a display.
Coordinator Information
Bill Wheatley
p. 02 6343 2207
Entry Form
Entries will be taken on the day from 8am to 10am.


text:
It's official. Proved by an independent body. Empiric. Scientific. Israel is ranked number one in Middle East at political freedom. Our freedom index is 8.20 out of 10. Expectedly, Lebanon and Morocco are numbers two and three but the following is a surprise: Iraq and Palestine are tied with an index of 5.05.
They could not take our pride.


text:
Bank Leumi Hires Fagnani to Head New ABL Division
Mark Fagnani, head of Bank Leumi's new ABL division, has spent his career at some of the nation's top ABL lenders. Cartoonist Jerry Gonzalez illustrates the trajectory of Fagnani's career.
Bank Leumi USA hired Mark Fagnani to head its new Asset-Based Lending business, which will be based in its New York headquarters. Fagnani will be responsible for leading the establishment and growth of this critical business, including building a successful team that will have national client coverage.
Fagnani worked for Congress Financial and its successor companies, First Union Business Credit, Wachovia Capital Finance and Wells Fargo Foothill (now known as Wells Fargo Capital Finance), for more than 30 years. He also helped to establish HVB Capital, a subsidiary of Hudson Valley Bank, and EverBank Business Credit, where he launched the firm's Healthcare ABL practice.


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West Coast Roadtrip: Universal City Walk, Hollywood
After spending most of the morning at Santa Monica beach, we all got hungry and decided we need a good place to eat at. Since we were on our way to drive down Rodeo drive in Beverly Hills, we decided to grab a bite to eat at Universal City walk in Hollywood. Universal Studios wasn't on our itinerary because we didn't have time to spend the whole day there but we decided to check out the city walk while we were in Hollywood.
The drive there wasn't that bad, we were expecting heavier traffic but it was at a steady pace. We were craving for some asian food so we ate at Panda Express. After a light meal we just walked around the city walk checking out the stores and what-nots.
Waiting for their food.
The kids loved walking around.
King Kong!
It was a nice day to be outdoors
A nice place to walk around, I remember it being three stories of shops and places to eat at.
The Hard Rock Cafe!
The kids were getting tired and wanted to go back to the hotel and then this happened!
They just came from the beach yet they still wanted to play around in the water, and after seeing this, they didn't want to go back to the hotel just yet, so they splashed around for a hour or two.
All in all it was a good day, got to see parts of Hollywood, a good place to go shopping and if you love partying they offer live music and drinks so you can enjoy the nightlife! Another check on my bucket list of places to see in the US of A.
California, USA Adventures:
California, USA Adventures:
Join me on my next destination.
Love, Joy


text:
Header Photo: Drew Jacksich
There were several variations of the Baldwin DR-6-4-2000 during its construction run from the mid-1940s through the late 1940s. In total there were not many actual locomotive built but the design had a wide range of carbodies from the "Baby Face" to the "Sharknose" and "Dual Cab." The DR-6-4-2000 would be the very last passenger cab unit Baldwin would offer. The company was never very successful in that particular market anyway (it was more than 10 years behind the Electro-Motive Division in offering a passenger model) and instead decided to focus its efforts on freight locomotives. The DR-6-4-2000 primarily resembled models being offered by EMD with comparable horsepower, length, and the A1A-A1A truck design. Unfortunately for Baldwin its last passenger locomotive sold less than a tenth of the units that EMD outshopped for its late E series models. Today, there are no DR-6-4-2000s known to be preserved (nor any of Baldwin's rare passenger models).
The original version of the Baldwin DR-6-4-2000 was introduced in 1945. Using two VO 6c SC model prime movers, which could produce 2,000 horsepower, three such models were built through the summer of 1946. They utilized an A1A-A1A truck setup (meaning the two outside axles on each truck were powered while the center axle was not) and featured Baldwin's ubiquitous "Baby Face" carbody design. Additionally, the locomotive could produce 76,200 pounds of starting tractive effort and 28,500 pounds continuous. The oddest carbody design, at least for American railroads, among the DR-6-4-2000 types was the dual cab. Six were built for the Central Railroad of New Jersey from 1946 through 1948. Listed as a DRX-6-4-2000 "Double Cab," aside from the design having a cab on each end to eliminate the need to turn the locomotive between runs and its only difference from other versions of the model was that it featured Baldwin's 606NA model prime mover.
Baldwin's First Cab Model, The DR-4-4-1500
An Utter Disaster, The A1A-A1A, DR-6-4-1500
The Company's Most Successful Cab Model, The RF16 "Shark"
A Fascinating But Failed Design, The DR-12-8-3000 "Centipede"
A History Of Baldwin's "Sharknose" Carbody Design
A Look At The Company's First Cab Carbody, The Unpopular "Baby Face"
The final "Baby Face" version of the DR-6-4-2000 also featured the 606NA prime mover and only a few were built in the second half of 1948, two for the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio and three for Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (two of which were original demonstrators). The absolute final version of the Baldwin DR-6-4-2000 was shrouded in the famous "Sharknose" carbody. Its only difference from the previous version was that it featured Baldwin's latest 606SC prime mover. Unfortunately, this final version sold poorly (although it did sell the most of any single variant) as well as only the Pennsylvania Railroad purchased it, 18 A units and 9 B units. Internal components for all of the DR-6-4-2000 variants were outsourced to Westinghouse Electric, a company Baldwin had collaborated with for decades.
The classification system Baldwin used for its early diesel designs was a mess to try and decode but once it is explained is fairly simple to understand. The system is based from the Whyte Notation that classified steam locomotives. As an example using the DR-6-4-2000 the "DR" referred to Diesel Road unit; the first 6 regarded six total axles; the second number, 4, was the designation of four powered traction motors; and 2,000 was simply the horsepower rating. Many times the classification would be shortened for simplicity such as DR-6-4-20. Given the fact that by the late 1940s EMD simply had the market cornered on passenger models, and diesel locomotives in general, most of the railroads that ultimately purchased the DR-6-4-2000 variants did not use them long in revenue service. The locomotives just were not as reliable and easy to maintain as EMDs and most were traded in or sold by the 1960s. Lastly, for more information about the DR-6-4-2000s and all Baldwin cab unit models please refer to the chart below.
|Road Number(s)
|Date Built
|Gulf, Mobile & Ohio
|5770A-5787A (As)
|5770B-5786B (Evens, Bs)
|Wharton & Northern Railroad (CNJ)
For more information on Baldwin locomotives the book by the same name, a Brian Solomon title, provides an in-depth history of the company from its earliest days beginning in the 1930s to its final years constructing diesels during the mid-20th century. It 160 pages in length and, as with every Solomon book, offers a rich collection of large, sharp photos to enjoy. Another title of interest is Vintage Diesel Locomotives by noted author and historian Mike Schafer. This one has been out for several years now and is a paperback title but highlights several classic models from the major builders of the era such as Electro-Motive, Baldwin, and the American Locomotive Company.


text: Slade 3 Report post Posted December 14, 2018 A close friend called me looking for Christmas shopping advise: wants a 4 bay NAS that he can connect to via Ethernet to manage content, but its primary purpose is to attach with a USB cable to a smart TV (Samsung TV that currently uses a 3TB WD external loaded with mkv files that he rips from his BR disks) in his wife's office. I pretty much always build my own so am clueless on the ability to attach a TV to an NAS like this. Any suggestions? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
Jeffrey Burkett, M.D.
- Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Endoscopic Procedures
- Anti-reflux Surgery
- Emergency Trauma Care
- Diseases of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
- Retroperitoneal Spinal Exposure Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Endovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Personal Info
Dr. Burkett is a Board Certified General surgeon. He is a graduate of University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, receiving his general surgery and trauma training at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.
He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a position that requires devotion to surgical practice and uncompromising adherence to the ethical standards of the College. Fellows must have graduated from a medical school accepted by the College, be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialty, hold an unrestricted medical license to practice, and be a specialist in surgery.
His interests include minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, surgical oncology, endocrine surgery, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, endovascular surgery and emergency trauma care. Dr. Burkett also specializes in performing retroperitoneal spine exposures, he has performed over 3,500 throughout his career.
Education & Training
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois 1984
Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 1989
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 1989-1990
Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 1989-1994


text:
Mafia III
>Release date: 7 Oct, 2016
Publisher: 2K Games
Genre: Adventure, Action
ESRB/ Pegi: M 18+
Games you may like
James Bond Blood Stone
Lifeless Planet
Mafia III PC Game
Mafia III System Requirements
Minimum system requirements
These are the predicted system requirements. Official will be updated soon
Operating System: Windows 7 64-BIT
Processor: Intel Core i3-4160 @ 3.60GHz or AMD FX-6200 Six-Core
Graphics Cards: NVIDIA GTX 460 or ATI 6770
Hard Drive: 35 GB
DirectX: 11.0
Recommended system requirements
These are the predicted system requirements. Official will be updated soon
Operating System: Windows 10 64-BIT
Processor: Intel Core i5-4690K or AMD FX-8310 Eight-Core
Graphics Cards: NVIDIA GTX960 4GB GDDR5 or AMD R9 380 4GB GDDR5
Hard Drive: 30 GB
DirectX: 11.0
Mafia III - Short description
The game takes place in the year 1968, and revolves around Lincoln Clay, a biracial orphan and Vietnam veteran. As an orphan, he was constantly looking for a family, until he joined the armed forces and fought in the Vietnam War. After serving, he returned to New Bordeaux (a fictionalized version of New Orleans) and rejoined the black mob. After surviving a murder attempt by the Italian mob which kills the whole black mob in the process, Clay is saved by a priest and attempts to start his own criminal organization to get revenge. Clay is aided by three allies, which include Cassandra, Burke, and Vito Scaletta.
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Source: Wikipedia, Game's homepage
Game Screenshots
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text:
Homes, which we'd like to be our sanctuaries, can become distressing when they don't work and you feel surrounded by clutter.
It weighs you down, and often we try to ignore it but the clutter doesn't go away. It sits, either in the cupboard or visibly around the house taking up emotional space in your heart and mind and practical space in your house. And, more often than not, attempts to tidy are unsuccessful.
I can help you let go of the clutter and organise your home so it is a pleasure to walk into a room or open a cupboard to put something away.
My role is to facilitate and guide you on the best way to approach the process, identifying what to keep, what to give away and what is no longer useful. I can make suggestions on how to make the most of your storage, on re-homing items so your home can become more organised, tidier and function better for you. I will be non-judgemental, patient and encouraging. I won't make decisions for you, but I will take the stress out of de-cluttering to make it as effortless as possible. De-cluttering and re-organising can be a fun, happy and positive experience.
How can I help?
I am able to help people in a variety of circumstances. Whether moving house, having a baby, dealing with a bereavement, have a mountain or paperwork, are surrounded with outgrown children's clothes and toys, having bulging garages attics or sheds or you just need a helping hand with general clutter.
Why pay a professional organiser?
Working alongside you I can provide a mixture of advice and practical hands-on help, ensuring the tasks get done. Providing focus and preventing the project from getting side tracked or becoming overwhelming is also essential particularly if you have attempted to de-clutter on your own. It is easier to stay motivated and positive when working together.
Next Step


text:
Why Historic Windows Matter:
Top Ten Reasons to Restore or Repair Wood Windows from the New England Restoration Alliance.
Windows Energy Analysis by Keith Haberern (Professional Engineer).
Testing the Energy Performance of Wood Windows in Cold Climates
A Report to The State of Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Agency of Commerce and Community Development by Brad James, Andrew Shapiro, Steve Flanders and Dr. David Hemenway, 115 pages.
What Replacement Windows Can't Replace: The Real Cost of Removing Historic Windows by Walter Sedovic and Jill H. Gotthelf.
Windows Aren't Always A Clear Path for Savings – In Quest to Boost Energy-Efficiency, Small Changes Might Have Bigger Payoff by Terri Rupar, Washington Post Staff Writer.
137 Things Window Companies Won't Tell You About Vinyl by the Homeowner's Defense League, 2006.
"A Technical History of Late Nineteenth Century Windows in the United States" by Susan Swiatosz, Bulletin of the Association for Preservation Technology, Vol. 17, No. 1 (1985), pp. 31-37.
How to Repair or Restore Historic Windows:
Wood Window Repair and Restoration Specifications by Cleary and Son, Inc.
Window Repair, Inc.
The Kansas SHPO recently produced five short window repair videos and placed them on YouTube in the hopes of reaching a larger audience.
John Leeke's Historic HomeWorks Forum – The windows forum allows open communication with others on a variety of historic projects.
If you are interested in an historic window contractor, here is a beginning list (and this is by no means exhaustive) of companies that can assist your project.
Additional Resources:
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Historic Wood Windows tip sheet.
National Park Service
The National Park Service offers Preservation Publications (some FREE OF CHARGE) to help with planning and preservation projects. You may request up to FIVE publications free of charge. Please send an e-mail to email@example.com with your mailing address and list of requested materials.
Preservation Tech Notes (not available online)
- Please note: No. 1-9 ONLY available for purchase in The Window Handbook: Successful Strategies for Rehabilitating Windows in Historic Buildings.
- No. 10: Temporary Window Vents in Unoccupied Historic Buildings. Charles Fisher and Thomas Vitanza. (1985)
- No. 11: Installing Insulating Glass in Existing Wooden Sash Incorporating the Historic Glass. Charles Fisher. (1985)
- No. 13: Aluminum Replacement Windows with Sealed Insulating Glass and Trapezoidal Muntin Grids. Charles Parrott. (1985)
- No. 17: Repair and Retrofitting Industrial Steel Windows. Robert M. Powers. (1989)
- No. 19: Repairing Steel Casement Windows. Chad Randl. (2002)
- No. 20: Aluminum Replacement Windows for Steel Projecting Units with True Divided Lights and Matching Profiles. Chad Randl. (2003)
- No. 21: Replacement Wood Sash Utilizing True Divided Lights and an Interior Piggyback Energy Panel. Charles E. Fisher. (2008)
- No. 22: Maintenance and Repair of Historic Aluminum Windows. Kaaren R. Staveteig. (2008)
Preservation Briefs (available online)
- No. 3: Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings. Baird M. Smith, AIA. (1978)
- No. 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows. John H. Myers. (1981)
- No. 11: Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts. H. Ward Jandl. (1982)
- No. 12: The Preservation of Historic Pigmented Structural Glass (Vitrolite and Carrara Glass). (1984)
- No. 13: The Repair and Thermal Upgrading of Historic Steel Windows. Sharon C. Park, AIA. (1984)
- No. 17: Architectural Character – Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character. Lee H. Nelson, FAIA. (1988)
- No. 33: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded Glass. Neal A. Vogel and Rolph Achilles. (1993, updated 2007)
- No. 37: Appropriate Methods of Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing. Sharon C. Park, AIA, and Douglas C. Hicks. (1995, updated 2006)
Secretary of Interior's Standards for windows
Window Preservation Standards Collaborative
Window Preservation Standards Collaborative
Preservation Alliance of Minnesota
Make sure you watch the Sustainability tab on this website for up-to-date information on preservation and sustainability.
If you are interested in an historic window contractor, here is a beginning list (and this is by no means exhaustive) of companies that can assist your project.


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Do you expect U.S. business conditions to improve this year? Based on our 2013 Business Outlook Survey, 54 percent of business owners and executives expect improvements in U.S. business conditions, compared to 68 percent in 2012 and 82 percent two years ago. There is just slightly greater optimism about the business conditions at their own companies. Sixty-two percent expect business conditions in their own organizations to improve, compared to 70 percent in 2012 and 75 percent in 2011. Not surprisingly, there isn't much confidence in Congress. For example, only 20 percent of the 550 respondents are cautiously optimistic about business conditions since Congress passed legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff. As one respondent noted, "Congress has not made good decisions for quite some time now, and the teetering on the fiscal cliff was a prime example." Furthermore, 62 percent are pessimistic about whether Congress will raise the debt ceiling and make meaningful spending cuts this year. One of the business executives explains his pessimism with these comments: "Congress must cut expenses. Period. But I seriously doubt they have the guts to execute it. Failure to do so puts the country and our businesses at risk…"
The 11-question survey was conducted with clients and friends of the firm from January 7 to 29, 2013. Many of the survey participants are located in the states of Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida – the states where McDonald Hopkins has offices.
This year, 47 percent ranked health care costs among the three greatest challenges facing their companies, compared to 39 percent two years ago. The federal budget deficit and high tax rates are also growing areas of concern.
Greatest Challenges Facing Their Companies
|Increasing health care costs
|Retaining profit margins
|Federal, state and local regulations
|Stiff competition
|Federal budget deficit
|High tax rates
|Employee issues
|Declining demand for our products/services
|Access to credit
|Inflation concerns
|Energy costs
Are companies likely to increase their number of employees in 2013?
Forty-two percent of the respondents say their organization is likely to increase its number of employees in 2013, compared to 50 percent in the past two years. Another 46 percent anticipate employee numbers will stay the same and 12 percent foresee a decrease in personnel.
Other insights
Is your business planning to invest in capital in 2013?
Although 40 percent expect to make a moderate investment in capital, 37 percent do not plan to invest in capital in 2013. One explanation given: "Tax increases and the very uncertain economic environment will limit our capital spending on potential growth opportunities."
How do you expect health care reform to affect your company's employee health care plan in 2014?
According to 42 percent of the respondents, their companies are still evaluating the options for 2014 based on health care cost increases this year. However, 38 percent already plan to offer employees essentially the same health care plan, but they may increase the cost to employees. And 13 percent will either offer redesigned plans to reduce company costs, modify employee work schedules to reduce the number of full-time personnel, or will end their employer-sponsored plan and let employees go to exchanges, which means the employer will pay penalties. "[The] Health care bill is a major disappointment," said one of the survey participants. "I don't see anything that will help us contain costs, except discontinuing our plan and increasing our employees' pay enough to send them to purchase their own insurance…"
Are your plans to dedicate more resources to international growth or more to domestic growth?
The focus is to dedicate more resources to domestic growth in 2013, according to more than 50 percent of the survey respondents. Only eight percent will dedicate more resources to international growth and 12 percent will dedicate more to both.
Frustration is rampant
"Companies will be afraid to invest due to Washington's in-fighting."
Frustration with overall business conditions is on the rise. Last year, only eight percent of the survey participants expected U.S. business conditions to decline. This year, 20 percent predict that U.S. business conditions will decline. The business owners and executives who answered the questions in the McDonald Hopkins Business Outlook Survey voiced their strong concerns with numerous comments like these:
"Believe that economy will sputter along in 2013 as it did in 2012. Too much government uncertainty and interference."
"I do not have much faith in our national government leaders. They make it more and more difficult to grow a business and be profitable…"
"…we will continue to keep kicking our problems down the road until it is too late and we will all be in serious trouble…"
"It is becoming more difficult to be a small business. Costs and taxes are increasing to an alarming degree. Owning this business used to be fun. That is not the case anymore."
"The economic future of the United States is still very uncertain, since our government cannot seem to take the steps necessary to balance the budget…"
"The present administration in Washington is not pro-business."
On a more positive note, one of the business executives said, "I think American business and consumers will find a way."
To read the full report, click here.
If you have questions about our 2013 Business Outlook Survey, please contact:
Carl J. GrassiPresident216.348.5448


text: Multiple Areas of Corruption Discovered By Government Agents and Other Insiders This is a partial list of criminal activities discovered by former federal agent Rodney Stich and his coalition of other former government agents and insiders. The criminal activities of key people in overt and covert government operations had years of harmful ripple effects in such areas as: Preventable aviation disasters, including the 9/11 hijackings. Successful terrorist attacks upon major U.S. targets. Harm involving the nation's financial system. False charges and imprisonment of innocent people. Seizure of assets from innocent people. And much more, as detailed in Defrauding America and other books written by former federal agent Rodney Stich and his long list of insiders. Their only interest is to circumvent the system-wide cover-ups, present the information to that small segment of the public that wants to know the truth, and with the hope that there are enough good people that will use the information in an effort to remove the guilty from their positions of trust and minimize the enormous and continuing harm to the people of the United States, the nation, and people of other countries who are also victims of this literal Trojan horse corruption. With the change in the culture, the lack of interest in serious reading about these matters, and the declining values in the American public, the chances are slim that this will occur. Sample List of Corrupt Activities In Sequence of Discovery The following are a general list of the areas of corruption that former federal agent Rodney Stich discovered: Starting after he was given the assignment to correct the conditions responsible for the worst series of airline disasters in the nation's history. The deep-seated problems within the government's primary aviation safety offices related to a continuing series of preventable and forewarned airline disasters, with the most recent in the long list being the hijackings of four airliners on September 11, 2001. The discovery of corruption related to cover-ups that were felonies under the federal crime reporting statutes. The learning of still other criminal activities from the many people who contacted him over th4e years who occupied key positions in government, plus former drug smugglers and former Mafia figures. Sampling of the General Areas of the Corruption Behind-the-scene details on many aviation disasters made possible by documented corruption and the standard culture of systematic cover-ups. FBI agents involved in murders with organized crime and mafia figures; involvement in drug smuggling, and other crimes. The cover-up of advance notice of terrorist attacks upon major U.S. targets by employees of the U.S. Department of Justice, to protect themselves against being exposed in murders and cover up of such murders. The consequences: nearly 4,000 people perished in the forewarned terrorist attacks for which no preventative measures were taken. Drug smuggling by CIA people during the Vietnam War that had recent political positions in the Clinton and George Bush administrations. And drug smuggling that involved U.S. military personnel and use of military bases. Details of the Iran-Contra affair, and the drug smuggling that was part of it. October Surprise, told by people who were part of it, describing where the secret meetings were held, money and military weapons given to Iranians, to delay the release of 52 American hostages held by Iran so as to increase the chance that presidential candidate Ronald Reagan would win the election. Secret CIA proprietary companies engaged in drug smuggling, undermining foreign governments, involvement in financial frauds, including the savings and loans, and other clandestine activities. Secret CIA proprietaries involved in looting the savings and loans, forcing companies into bankruptcy and then seizing the assets. CIA proprietaries hiding the funds for the Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos, while Department of Justice personnel were looking for the assets. CIA assets flying military equipment to the Irish Republic Army (IRA). Suitcase nuclear bombs stolen from the collapsing Soviet Union. Operation Tailwind, seeking defecting American GIs during the Vietnam War. CIA destabilizing Afghanistan by arming rebels, which was followed by the government requesting the Soviet Union to provide military help−which then escalated to where the United States is now fighting an unwinnable war in Afghanistan. Rampant corruption in the bankruptcy courts involving crooked federal judges, Justice Department trustees, lawyers, and others. History of housing and financial frauds, with the present housing and financial frauds simply a repeat−but far worse−of prior frauds. Numerous covert operations directed by CIA assets. Secret funding and arming of Iraq by the Reagan and Bush administrations, that provided the conditions that today involves the United States in two major unwinnable wars. Corruption in the private sectors of the United States, including pension funds, credit cards, medical field, and others. Details of the different forms of harm inflicted upon the American people enabled to occur by the bribe-taking members of Congress. Details on the history of cover-ups (i.e., obstruction of justice) by members of Congress and the effect upon the America American people. The involvement of Israel in drug smuggling into the United States, its spying upon U.S., Mossad murders committed in the United States and other countries, and how Israeli groups blackmail U.S. politicians with dire consequences for the United States. Little known secrets of corruption during Bill Clinton's reign as governor in Arkansas, including mysterious murders, drug smuggling, and other crimes. History of media cover-ups when corruption of high-level government personnel exceeds a certain level. The practice of filing false charges against innocent people, often using paid perjured testimony, resulting in long or life prison sentences, and which improves the stature and pay of the prosecutors. The practice of seizing assets from innocent people, with inability to regain possession. The control by people in the U.S. Department of Justice over state and local personnel, often using them to file sham charges against targeted and innocent people. The practice of filing false charges against government agents to silence or discredit their reports of high-level corruption. How companies or individuals are forced into the corrupt bankruptcy courts and corruptly deprived of their life assets. Pattern of corruption by federal judges, with complicity of Supreme Court Justices. How the public is kept uninformed and dumbed down to protect the guilty, And much more. Further information about him by putting "Rodney Stich" into such search engines as www.yahoo.com or www.google.com. Years of Fraud Related Airline Disasters 1950 to 9/11−and Continuing Type of corruption deeply entrenched within the FAA. Sample of airline disasters directly related to FAA corruption. Portions of the final brief entered into a FAA hearing, warning of the continuation of deadly consequences if a cover-up occurred. Lawsuits against the FAA seeking to report the corruption to a federal judges under the provisions of the federal crime reporting statute. Lawsuit against the NTSB, seeking an order forcing them to enter into evidence the evidence withheld for political reasons in several major airline disasters, including the PSA crash into San Diego in 1978. Index of files relating to 9/11 and the unpublicized enablers of those catastrophic events. List of enablers that created the conditions enabling the easy hijacking of four airliners on 9/11. A recent discovery of the corrupt roles played by employees of the U.S. Department of Justice that made the 9/11 possible by deep-sixing information on the planned terrorist attacks provided to them by a Mafioso mole in a key al Qaeda cell. This has enormous ramifications if enough people made this information known. List of Documentary Books On Endemic Corruption in the United States More information about these books by clicking here. Sampling of Reader Comments And Book Reviews Sampling of reader comments Sampling of book reviews. Email address for the author and activist against corruption in government: firstname.lastname@example.com. Download DVD videos from amazon to rent or to buy, onto your Windows XP operation system computer. For more information, click here. To order a DVD video download, click on the following amazon link: Return to: www.defraudingamerica.com www.druggingamerica.com www.unfriendlyskies.com www.defraudingamericablog.com www.transoceanairlines.com


text:
items - £0.00
Teacher Talk Blog | Tips to make marking easier
11 November 2014 20:27:20 GMT
Fantastic Feedback and Marvellous Marking: Making Life Easier (and More Effective) in the Classroom
Is marking getting you down? It's one of the most common complaints from teachers, yet, with the right marking strategy, it's also one of the simplest to address. Here are our top tips to help you make marking easier (not to mention more effective) in the classroom, using invaluable tools such as reward stickers and verbal feedback teacher stamps!
Read More
Teacher Talk Blog | Multi-Colour Verbal Feedback Given Stamps
29 October 2014 07:30:00 GMT
Verbal Feedback Given Stamp - Now in 3 Colour Options!
Now available in red, green AND purple!
Read More
Teacher Talk Blog | New KS3 Literacy Feedback & Marking Teacher Stamp
24 June 2014 09:45:00 BST
New KS3 Literacy Feedback & Marking Teacher Stamp
Not only does this teacher stamp save you time marking, it is also a quick and easy way to provide feedback, reminders and set student tasks and objectives - all with one quick stamp!
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Teacher Talk Blog | New - Pick 'n Mix French Stamper Boxes
10 June 2014 11:57:00 BST
Exciting new product! Pick 'n mix French Teacher Stamper Box!
Self-inking stamp box sets offer great value for money and now with our Pick 'n Mix option they represent an even greater saving. Find out about this exciting Classroom Capers exclusive product for French and French language teachers.
Cliquez ici pour la version Française de cet article/page"
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Teacher Talk Blog | Mini Custom Stamp for Schools
29 April 2014 07:45:00 BST
The world's most beautiful custom stamp?
I think we've discovered the world's most beautiful small custom stamp that will be the envy of the staffroom....
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Teacher Talk Blog | Great Custom Multi-stamp Example
25 April 2014 07:45:00 BST
Great Custom Multi-stamp Example
Check out this great use of our custom multi-stamp - some really useful messages here....
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Teacher Talk Blog | How to save time with a 'Parent's Signature' Stamp
8 April 2014 15:25:00 BST
How I save time with a 'Parent's Signature' Stamp
Mdm Jane explains how she uses the French and English version of this stamp in class...
Gagnez du temps en utilisant des tampons "Signature des Parents"
Teacher Talk Blog | 4 New Teacher Stamps!
7 April 2014 07:45:00 BST
4 New Teacher Stamps!
We've added more self-inking designs to our wide range of teacher marking and praise stamps! We've got something special planned with this range of stamps (our French teachers should find this fab!) - read on to find out more!
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Great idea – I hadn't seen these! But yes, it most definitely needs a whistle 🙂
A space-saving kettle is a boon for any camper and so Outwell's collapsible kettle is a great buy. I'd already heard good reports about it so was pleased when Outdoor Camping Direct provided me with one to review.
It's part of Outwell's 'Collaps' range which includes bowls, pots, colanders and washing baskets – all in various bright colours of silicone. The kettle has a stainless steel base but is perfectly rigid in use, with no danger of the kettle collapsing when on a stove ! It measures 14.5cm in height with a diameter of 16.5cm, yet packs down to a slim 4.5cm.
I already have a collapsible silicone colander and so I appreciated the benefits of saving space – and rattles – in my camper van.
The kettle holds about 4 or 5 mugs of water and pours cleanly without drips. Compared with my aluminium kettle I liked that fact that the handle is positioned on the side rather on top, avoiding any potential accidents with hot steam. The handle stays cool although I do wonder if the rivets fixing it to the kettle might be a weakness in future.
I liked using the kettle. It seemed to boil quickly and didn't have any unpleasant aftertaste. The only design feature I would have liked to see is a whistle (all campers need a kettle with a whistle, right ?). Since the kettle boils quietly it's not always obvious that your water's ready, and only the rising steam lets you know. With a volume of 1.5 litres it doesn't hold quite as much water as my aluminium kettle but I don't think this is a drawback given that most camping pans aren't any larger than this anyway.
At the current price (£26.97) the Outwell kettle is more than twice the price of other travel kettles. Buyers looking simply for a functional kettle might be deterred although it's only a little more to pay to provide the additional space-saving and rattle-free benefits.
Ease of use 9
Performance 9
Features and design 7
Build quality 8
Value for money 8
Space-saving, reduced rattles compared with aluminium kettle, pours well, safe handle that doesn't get hot and keeps hands away from hot steam, attractive colours, part of a wider 'Collaps' range of Outwell silicone products, no unpleasant taste.
No whistle, relatively more expensive than aluminium kettles, while build quality seems good the rivets attaching the handle might potentially become a weakness after significant use.
Recommended use:
Great for car campers and campervanners who appreciate good, space-saving design.
Note: The Outwell kettle was given to me for free by Outdoor Camping Direct in order to write an independent product review. Read more about my blog policies here.
4 Comments on "Product Review: Outwell Collapsible Kettle"
Great review and you have picked up on some of the reasons why didn't end up getting one! 1) No whistle, really, no whistle!!! 😉 2) Cost It was nearly 3 times the price of the one that I bought (with a folding handle) which had a whistle and also a colour that I wanted. The colour scheme that Outwell products have are a bit too primary for my taste although they do look great.


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Merchants have suspected for years that the smoke screen of complexity that surrounds the fees they pay for credit card processing allows opportunists to scrape slices off their revenue.
As a merchant, every time you accept a customer's credit, PIN debit or signature debit card, you pay a "Merchant Discount Rate" (a percentage of that transaction), and various fees, that are distributed to the credit card issuer (i.e., Chase, Citibank, Capital One), the respective association (i.e., VISA, MasterCard, Discover), the third party processors (i.e., First Data, TSYS) and your merchant services provider. The average cost to you for a $100 transaction can be as high as $3 or more in fees.
You might argue that some of these rates and fees are too high, but at least most of them are associated with an actual service necessary to accept credit card payments. Any other fees or surcharges that show up—or don't show up—on your monthly statement are fees for nothing.
As a point of reference, Interchange rates are the largest portion of card acceptance and are based on rules that determine what percentage the bank that issued the customers' credit card gets to keep from the credit card transaction. The Merchant Discount Rate is typically at or close to the cost of a basic transaction. From there most service providers charge additional fees known as "surcharges" that greatly exceed the applicable Interchange rate. Surcharges are basically fees for nothing, tacked on by your merchant service provider and serve no other purpose than to boost their revenue at your expense.
The driving force behind most fees for nothing is the most hidden fee of all: your sales agent's commission, which you will never see on any monthly statement. Typically, the agent who sold you your contract and equipment, but doesn't provide any additional services, earns around $0.30 for every $100 charged for as long as he or she retains your contract. Merchant service providers know that paying a monthly commission to a salesperson every month would be unacceptable to most retailers, so instead of listing a "sales commission" on your statement, they price it directly into your discount rate and, more to the point, have created an assortment of fees with more acceptable sounding names in an elaborate shell game to cover the cost of what they have to pay their agents every month, as well as add more profit to their own bottom line.
A new model of merchant service providers is emerging today that is not based on an indirect sales force and provides all the services you need directly to you without any hidden fees. But, if your merchant services provider is still doing business the old way, here are some of the more popular pseudo fees you may be paying real money for, grouped by category.
Customer Service – Some fees may be based on a real service, but are charged at an unreal rate. Inflated chargeback fees are typical of this type. Similarly, industry buzzwords are often exploited to hide fees. Take the entirely respectable word "compliance," for example. Compliance isn't a service you should have to pay for with a "Compliance Fee." Merchant service providers have to comply with certain standards in processing your account, such as Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards. Compliance is not a service at all. It's a requirement. Some processors also tack on fees for after-hours customer support, which is offered for free by a growing number of card processors.
Equipment and supply fees – A long time ago it might have made sense to lease or rent, but equipment costs have come down to a point that it makes no sense today. A whole industry of fees is associated with card readers, terminals, maintenance, paper and other supplies. There are costs associated with providing and maintaining equipment, but the more reputable merchant service providers only charge cost for equipment. If yours is tacking on a profit margin for itself, you can do better.
Contract fees – Termination fees can run into thousands of dollars per year, as if the service provider knew in advance that you would one day wake up and want to get out of your contract. Termination fees are traps that you just need to avoid in the first place. Annual fees appear to be justified only by the fact that it has been a year since you got charged the last one.
Random transactional fees – There are a number of fees that have a legitimate sounding name but an illegitimate purpose. This assortment of fees, often tied to individual transactions or other recurring actions, seem to be calculated to ensure that you get less when you are actually selling more. For example, batch fees, charged each time you batch out your terminal, effectively penalize you every time you batch out. What's worse, if you are batching out more than once a day—which you usually only do on your best sales days, you get penalized each time.
Considering that swiping a credit card through a reader and getting an approval only takes a moment, it is amazing what actually does happen. It is, in fact, a complex process, but it is not magical. Everything about it has a precise purpose and should make sense. You deserve to know what you're being charged for. After all, it is your money.


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Shingles has been in the news a lot lately, but what exactly is shingles? It's a viral disease that's characterized by a very painful rash with small to large blisters that burst and crust over. These are usually localized on one side of the body, following along a nerve branch. The nerve endings themselves are affected, and become inflamed. This in turn causes intense pain in the area where the blisters appear.
Doctors estimate that 1 in 3 people will have shingles in their lifetime. If you've had chickenpox, you are already at risk of developing shingles. That risk increases in people over the age of 50, or in people who have weakened immune systems. There is no cure for Shingles, but with treatment it is possible to reduce or shorten the length of the outbreak. That's where Shingle Ease comes in. Shingle Ease works to ease the pain and dry the blisters of shingles.
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