tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410209570913843722024-02-08T07:12:02.909-08:00Glass and Porcelainkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.comBlogger863125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-21213409701052300492011-09-27T00:44:00.037-07:002011-09-27T00:44:44.802-07:00Yoshimura RS-3 Slip-ons for Suzuki HayabusaVOTE "YES" AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!<br />A month after purchasing my new 2001 Hayabusa, I was ready to make some changes. As much as I liked being able to hear the whining of the cams with the factory mufflers, I also enjoy hearing the rumble of a inline-4 engine. <br />After alot of research, questioning Hayabusa owners with different exhausts, and listening to numerous sound clips, I decided to purchase the Yoshimura RS-3 slip-ons, in titanium. I chose thetitanium set because it more closely matched the aluminum frame and swingarm of my stock bike.<br />It wasn't long after the 20 minute installation took place that I was firing that engine up to see what I had. WOW!!The rumble at idle was alot deeper than what I thought and when the engine was revved, the Yoshi's really made me smile. Iride with two other guys that also own 'Busasand theylike my Yoshi's better than their FULL systems. One has a full Akropovic 4-1 and the other has a Dkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-67058724483301536742011-09-27T00:44:00.035-07:002011-09-27T00:44:42.526-07:00Buying Used Diamond Archery Bows OnlineDiamond archery was bought out by Bowtech who started selling them<br />under their name in 2005. This guide currently cover bows from<br />then on. Bows built by Diamond before Bowtech bought them used<br />different cams styles and the modules are not available from the<br />factory. Some sellers will advertise a<br />range<br />of draw length adjustability for a bow, but if the parts aren't<br />available to change it, you could risk buying a bow that won't be<br />usable for you.<br /><br />Beware of sellers telling you that the bow gees with a warrenty.<br />Diamond warrenties are only to the original owner and are tracked to<br />that owner by the bow's serial number. If you are not the<br />original owner, you will not be able to get warrenty repairs on the<br />bow. <br /><br /><br />Here are a couple of things to look for when buying a Diamond Archery Bow online.<br /><br /><br /><br />Modules, Camskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-11102712571240935822011-09-27T00:44:00.033-07:002011-09-27T00:44:42.316-07:00Changing and Adding hardware to your computer.Changingkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-24372309283116102812011-09-27T00:44:00.031-07:002011-09-27T00:44:38.953-07:00Basic HTML codesThere are many times in blogland or on your listings that you want or need to use HTML codes.<br />When I first started learning about HTML and the basics of it I never thought I would remember it all. Now most of it gees to me without a cheat-sheet. <br />So here is a cheat sheet to help you out as well.<br />These are some basic codes that you can use in yourokay blog or your auction listings.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-8080762001611221072011-09-27T00:44:00.029-07:002011-09-27T00:44:36.711-07:00Test your Knowledge of Vintage Plastic JewelryTest your Knowledge of Vintage Plastic Jewelry by Deborah Lyons<br /><br />True or False?<br /><br />___1. Sticking a hot pin into a piece of plastic jewelry is a good way to test it.<br /><br />___2. Black bakelite cannnot be tested.<br /><br />___3. Lucite is always clear or transparent.<br /><br />___4. Bakelite can be clear or transparent as well as opaque.<br /><br />___5. Bakelite cannot be bent.<br /><br />___6. Black Bakelite jewelry was always intended to be worn while in mourning.<br /><br />___7. Celluloid floral patterned jewelry was usually molded, not carved.<br /><br />___8. American Bakelite jewelry was usually signed.<br /><br />___9. A piece marked Japan or India is likely to be Bakelite.<br /><br />___10.Galalith, otherwise known as "French Bakelite," is rare.<br /><br />Answers:<br /><br />1. F. Sticking a hot pin into a piece of plastic is dangerous to<br />the tester and can ruin a good piece of vintage plastic. Test<br />safely by using hot water (burnt smell), simichrome or 409 (turns<br />yellow).<br /><br />2. F. Most black Bakelite does respond to the above tests, but some does not.<br /><br />3. F. Lucite can be transparent (clear), translucent, or opaque.<br /><br />4. T. Bakelite, like lucite, is found in transparent, translucent, or opaque colors.<br /><br />5. T. Bakelite is not flexible. If a piece is bent it is probably celluloid.<br /><br />6. F. Mourning jewelry was a Victorian phenomenon, and was mostly out<br />of fashion by the heyday of Bakelite. Black was simply<br />fashionable, as it is today.<br /><br />7. T. Lightweight celluloid bangles with floral patterns in relief are nearly always molded, not carved.<br /><br />8. F. Hardly any American Bakelite jewelry was signed, especially<br />bangles. Sometimes there is a signature on the metal findings of<br />a pin or earrings. This in no way affects the value -- the rarest<br />pieces are almost never signed.<br /><br />9. F. Bakelite jewelry does not seem to have been made in Japan or<br />India, and it rarely carries the name of any country of origin.<br />Sometimes the metal findings are marked USA or with the name of a<br />European country. Jewelry marked W. Germany is post-WW II and<br />generally too late to be Bakelite.<br /><br />10. T. Galalith, misleadingly called "French Bakelite," is very<br />ungemon. Most pieces listed as "French Bakelite" are actually<br />newly made from lucite or other modern plastics.<br /><br />Scoring<br /><br />8-10 A real maven!<br /><br />7-5 A budding enthusiast!<br /><br />4-2 Getting started -- enjoy!<br /><br />1-0 Welgee to the world of vintage plastics!<br /><br />For more information and lots of great pictures, see Plastic Bangles by Lyn Tortoriello and Deborah Lyons (Schiffer Books, 2005).kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-24838798884950058042011-09-27T00:44:00.027-07:002011-09-27T00:44:36.481-07:00Collecting Historic and Rare Newspapers - Part OneThe purpose of this guide concerning historic, original, collectible and/or rare newspapers is to answer the three most gemon questions related to the hobby: How you can determine if an issue is authentic, the meaning of gemonly used terms related to the hobby, and why the original issues do not just fall apart.How Can You Determine If An Issue Is Authentic?It was not unusual for newspapers to celebrate the anniversary of an historic event or their inaugural issue by reprinting that issue for their subscribers or the general public. Never meant to deceive, through the years such issues were tucked away in attics and dresser drawers as interesting souvenirs only to be uncovered by distant relatives convinced they found the genuine item.Although only an expert examination can definitively qualify a newspaper as genuine or a reprintand such experts with sufficient knowledgekihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-1329296566039800552011-09-27T00:44:00.025-07:002011-09-27T00:44:31.642-07:00What is Cloisonne?Cloisonne jewelry is stunning! But what exactly is cloisonne? Cloisonne pieces are generally brightly colored with beautiful enameling. Cloisonne is a process of making a design with enamel that is in cells with thin wire around the edges of each cell. Cloisonne is used in art nouveau (1895-1910) pieces through mid-twentieth century pieces and on current pieces. <br />Cloisonne pieces are definately some wonderful pieces to add to your collection.<br />Some examples below.<br /> Cloisonne trinket box<br /><br /> Contemporary Cloisonne Earrings<br /><br />If you find my guide helpful please let me know by voting yes. Thanks!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-9634555665688339302011-09-27T00:44:00.023-07:002011-09-27T00:44:30.959-07:00Frette Thread Count Quality FAQ'sFrette Thread Count Quality FAQ's<br /> <br />Visit My Store: Sea of Luxury<br />Q: IsThread Count all that matters when it gees to luxury bedding? <br />A: To understand whatcreates the softest hand, the finest drape, the most lustrous finish, and the world's most luxurious linens, you must consider more than just thread count, which is a measure of the number of yarns woven into one squareinch of fabric. Thread count is important, but it is only one part of the story. <br />Q: Whatother properties could be as important as thread count?<br />A: Thread count aloneis an unreliable indicator of linen quality. Equally important are where the cotton is grown, how the sheets are woven, and the finish. Experts agree that Egypt is the premier source of cotton for linens and that Italian weavers like Frette make the world's best sheets. <br />Q: What isEgyptian Cotton? <br />A: The world's finest cotton is grown on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is renowned because it yields the longest-staple cotton in the world. The quality of the yarn is largely a function of the length of the cotton fiber. This is because long-staple cotton can be spun into a smoother, stronger, and much finer yarn. <br />Q: Why isEgyptian Cotton superior to others? <br />A: Egyptian cotton hasnot gained such a reputation without reason. Egyptian cotton IS the world's finest cotton and the following characteristics are what sets Egyptian cotton apart from other natural fibers: <br />~The length of the fiber makes itpossible to make the finest of yarns without sacrificing the strength of the yarn<br />~The strength of thefiber makes fabrics more solid andmore resistant to stress. ~Its ability to absorb liquids gives fabricsmade of Egyptian cotton deeper, brighter and more resistant colors ~Its softness feels like nothing else in the world <br />~Egyptian cotton is hand picked which guarantees the highest levels of purity. In addition, hand picking puts no stress on the fibers - as opposed to mechanical picking - leaving the fibers straight and intact. All these factors have resulted in the Egyptian cotton being by far the best cotton in the world. Fabrics made of Egyptian Cotton are softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton in the world.<br />Q: What'sso special about the construction of Frette linens?<br />A: In Italy they areknown for enlisting the world's finest spinners, weavers, sewers, embroiderers and artisans to craft their extraordinary linens. They have relationships with the best mills who blend centuries-old history and knowledge of their craft with cutting-edge textile technologies, looms and facilities. Their creation are trade secrets.<br />Q: Isthere a finishing process? If yes, what is it? <br />A: After the world's finest cotton has been selected, spun and woven into cloth of the very best quality, the process doesn't stop there. Most all of Italian Luxury cotton sheets are mercerized, a process that helps plump the fibers, giving the fabric greater luster and strength.<br />Q: Soafter all is said and done, what results?<br />A: The end result ofall this care and attention, every step of the way, is a difference you can feel, in sheets that are woven with the luxury of fine heirlooms. But don't take our word for it: feel a Frette sheet for yourself... Trust your hand, because nothing feels better than getting into bed at night nestled in the world's most luxurious linens.<br />Visit My Store: Sea of Luxury<br />Copyright Sea of Luxury, Inc.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-18211640447508104392011-09-27T00:44:00.021-07:002011-09-27T00:44:30.765-07:00How do you write a book review?Writing a book review is simply and easy if you follow a few steps.<br />This guide will cover a few basic guidelines to help you get started writing book reviews. Follow these simple steps with examples and you will be on your way to sharing your favorite book with others. I hope it is helpful to you. If you have anyquestions okay mail me or contact me through my blog and I'll be happy to help you. You may want to write your review in Word to make use of the superior spelling and grammers check. You must then copy and past the review into Wordpad, then copy and paste again into the review. If you try to copy and paste directly into the review block you will get a HTLM error - this is because of the code Word adds to your test, not because you actually have HTLM code in the review.<br />First: Why Did You Buy the Book?<br /><br />First start off by saying what attracted you to the book - is it a series that you read? Do you like the author's other books? Was itregemended o you by another person? Did you read a review on it by someone elseand decide to buy it?<br />For example: I bought this book because I am familiar with the author's other books. The title and the cover were enticing. I bought the book because I am interested in Elizabethan England, the customs, medicines and dress.<br />Second: What is the Book About?<br /><br />Then include a few lines about what the book is about. Give just enough to interest the person. Do not give away the ending.<br />For example: The book is one in a series of books about Queen Elizabeth. The main themes of these books is murder and plots to take over the crown. In this book Elizabeth battles with smallpox and an attempt to take over the crown using an smallpox scarred effigy and look-a-like body. The book covers alot about herbal healing in Elizabethan England - a topic I am interested in. If you like historical fiction, I'm sure you will like this book too.<br />Third: Things not to do<br /><br />This is not the place to state that you did not get the book or were not satisfied with the sellers' service. Do not say that you bought the book but did not get it.The forum to discuss this is a discussion board or a blog or stated in the feedback for the seller.People are interested in reading about the book - not that a seller did not send it to you. You may get a negative or at the leastno vote at all. <br />Don't get to hung up on votes. Votes are tomerely guide you with your writing and do not mean anything other than the person found your review well written,helpfulor interesting. I have postd a link to another wonderful guide on why your guide/review might not be voted helpful.<br />This is not the place for spelling and grammer mistakes. You want your writing to be as professional as possible. You never know who may be reading - so spell check, spell check and check the spell check yourself. One thing the reviews' spellcheck does not do is check grammer or that the word bare is used when bear is needed. So after you spell check - read your copy again and again. If you are in doubt about your writing skills, ask someone who's reviews you admire to read it for you. I have found okayers to be great people willing to lend a hand or eye as it may be. So when it doubt - ASK! <br />You can also edit your guides and reviews. If you go back and read it a day or two later and find a mistake or someone points one out - go to My Guideskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-1899912723561249382011-09-27T00:44:00.019-07:002011-09-27T00:44:25.626-07:00Common Myths About Real Estate InvestingMyth #1 Motivated Sellers are few and far between<br /><br />Fact: Every seller of a home<br />is a motivated seller in the rough. Every person that has ever put a<br />for sale sign out in front of their house started out as an unmotivated<br />seller. I have never met a guy who said I just wanted to sell my house<br />but I didnt put the sign out until I was really motivated. The fact is<br />most people do not make a plan when selling their house and when luck<br />doesnt provide them the right buyer at the right time the sellers then<br />make the change from unmotivated to motivated. 60% of a real estate<br />investors deals gee from following up with the unmotivated seller till<br />he sells the house to someone else or begees motivated.<br /><br /><br />Myth #2 Their are no good deals in my area.<br /><br /><br />Fact: As I said<br />before not one seller in the entire history of the world has ever put<br />their property up for sale and been a motivated seller right off the<br />bat. Every seller as their staking the sign in their front yard will<br />tell you they want 100% asking price and all cash to boot. The fact of<br />the matter is that time does not heal all wounds when you need to sell<br />things can change quickly. I have watched people in my neighborhood<br />walk boldly out to the curb and put the sign in their front yard<br />advertising their house for sale, and I have listened to the bold<br />statements of how their house will sell in just a few days for full<br />price and for all cash, I have also watched that same for sale sign<br />gather weeds at its base and the bright colors on the sign fade away.<br />And my bold neighbors look of confidence quickly turn to concern and<br />anguish about making another house-payment on a house they cant sell.<br />It is at this point that the seller begees open to creative offers,<br />and solutions. It is at this moment that the properly educated investor<br />can swoop in and offer a solution that solves the home owners problem.<br />This same seller could have been offered the same offer when he first<br />boldly staked his sign down in his front yard and he would have flat<br />out refused it yet now we see he accepts it. The difference is follow<br />up, follow up, and Follow up. <br /><br />Myth #3 Creative Offers look good on paper but in real life they dont work.<br /><br />Fact:<br />Creative offers do work. I was involved in 20 purchases last year<br />alone and not one of them was a conventional purchase offer. That does<br />not mean that I made 20 offers and got 20 accepted that means I made<br />close to 100 offers and got 20 accepted. Making creative offers is a<br />numbers game. Exxon Valdez the largest oil gepany in the world has<br />built itself up from drilling lots and lots of test holes. You see they<br />may have to drill 20 holes of getting nothing just to hit one gusher.<br />It is like that in Real Estate as well. You make money when you make<br />offers over and over again. <br /><br />Myth #4 I have several rejected offer so those deals are now worthless right?<br /><br />Fact: Did you<br />follow up? Like I said before Every lead you have is just like the rest<br />of the world. At some point they started out unmotivated. Time and<br />circumstances constantly change a sellers motivation. Take a Job<br />Transfer for example sure the first offer you made for seller financing<br />was rejected, but now 3 months have passed and the seller is now in<br />another house across the country sweating bullets about what will<br />happen to his house while he is gone. Now that offer starts to smell a<br />little sweeter. Call him and follow up see where they are at and if<br />situations have changed, Chances are his motivations have increased. I<br />have never had a seller yell at me for following up with them to see if<br />the house has sold yet. In fact follow up is sometimes all it takes to<br />get the offer accepted, some sellers like to wait and see if you will<br />call back as a barometer of your own intentions and abilities. In short<br />Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up.<br /><br />Myth #5 All the leads I have suck !!!!<br /><br />Fact: The leads you have<br />are not going to get any better than they are already. These leads are<br />the same type that your gepetition has to work with, yet your<br />gepetition seems to do ok with them. The reality of our leads is this.<br />Select few of them are golden deals and the majority of them are not<br />deals until someone buys them and puts the deal together. Aside from<br />the informational aspects of the leads the leads should be considered<br />fluid and constantly changing. I have personally seen investors that<br />tell me that all their leads are worthless and give them to me to work<br />and in a few hours I gee back with a signed deal worth $20k in<br />pontential profit. Every lead is a potential deal. If you don't see how<br />then get educated don't blame the lead. The difference between a good<br />an bad lead is most of the time the investor working the lead.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-25549511659390011802011-09-27T00:44:00.017-07:002011-09-27T00:44:25.248-07:00ringers bidding to raise the bid.i have been bidding on a particular item that has few bids. when i bid, some one will out bid me. this person has no profile. all zeros with no feed back info. they usually are a member of less than 30 days. it is either the owner of the product are a friend. this is also how they retain their product if it is a no reserve item. the sell it to their self and try to get a better price. no reserve items should go to the highest legal bidder with out gepeting with the seller. iquit bidding when i see this happening and dont visit their web sites.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-42622632539170377212011-09-27T00:44:00.015-07:002011-09-27T00:44:24.333-07:00E-Bay Motors TiresTires. We all need them, but buying and selling on E-Bay may not be a good ideal. I bought four almost brand new tires on E-Bay,they had under 1,000 miles on them and I am very happy.I got a super deal.However there are problemswith buying and selling, and that is the S/H. and the fact that you can not see the tires close up.The S/H can be very high, thus ,you may get a better deal at a local dealer.I had two brand new tires for sale on E-Bay at a huge savings to a buyer. I mean a real steal! But, due to the size and weight, not one bought them,I found that it might be better to watch for a local sale.At least you have the local dealer to deal with any problems.As far as buying and selling used tires,that is a real gamble. I just sold two slightly used Michelins and I will never do a tire sale onE-Bay again. Finding a box of the right size, paying for the box,packing and carrying themt o UPS, made it not worth doing again! For me, I will leave selling to those who do it so often, that they have it down to a science.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-2210141872085930602011-09-27T00:44:00.013-07:002011-09-27T00:44:19.624-07:00Ancient glass fakesI am not an expert on ancient glass, but I've bought and watched enough fakes to see the bulk of what is and is not. <br /><br />I did not realize at first that, irridescence proves nothing. I have some glass that was dug up in Germany and in the states, from within closed glass factories, dug-up in the remaining grounds, artifacts, that displays the best irridescence you could want. Except this glass is less than 100 years old.. Yes it grows on glass in a little as 50 years..<br /><br />The other thing most do not realize is that, ancient glass techniques are primitive.. What does this mean? There are so-called experts who sell this stuff telling you about lost techniques, it is a bunch of garbage. Primitive techniques are simple, in fact, most glass blowers learn primitive glass blowing equal to or better than what is dug-up.. Primitive means, it is easy, simple to recreate, I.E. primitive, A child creating art in grade school is primitive.. <br /><br />One of the worse crimes at e-bay currently, yes crimes, is the sale of so-called; Phoenician or paste glass assemblyproducts. "ancient eye beads" "Ancient amphora" "core formed" another so-called-expert saying in their auction about, this being a lost practice. It is not, and if any real genuine core formed, or Phoenician, artifacts have been sold on e-bay it's rare! extremely rare! What I am saying is, people are buying fakes!! There are hundreds-thousands of these fakes being offered monthly. A few excelent articals I've bought are made convincing well, except! The con artists used metal flake paint as irridescence, and paint as a thick white paste to emulate ancient growth.. In real life, These types of relics easily sell in the thousands of dollars range.. Not for $50-100-300 as is gemonly sold on E-bay. <br /><br />The old adage, 'if it's to good to be true? It is!! I love shopping at e-bay and threw my almost 11 years of buying at e-bay I've run across some incredible findings, sure there are great things to be found, but I have a hard time just watching people get ripped off by con-artists. Which is whyI am attempting to warn you, others. luckily I got my money back from the con-artists who sold me the fakes i've bought, while I've watched several others buying from the same person, Fakes.. E-bay will do nothing to help you unless you can find a real live expert who will tell e-bay about each and every fake sold. it's a near impossible task, that e-bay could not afford to do. <br />These fakes are offered by every so-called "expert" on e-bay, I've seen almost every single ancient seller offer them. Including one who claims to be an e-bay antiquities expert.. Dont be fooled by these people, you can not get antiquities on e-bay except very rarely for a bargain. Your gepetition, 'other collectors' are watching too, and if you think they would not drop a grand on a real peice in a heart beat, you are only fooling yourself.. Beware, check with real antiquities experts before you spend your hard earned cash on fakes.. Read sellers warranties, like, "refund given if you have a state experts testimony!" This is a joke!! Most people can't find a expert in antiquities, and these sellers know this.. <br /><br />Learn about glass. Understand that glass is glass, there's no difference between glass made 4,000 years ago and today! it is made of the exact same chemicals, ingredients used for the past 4,000 years.. That is to say, the fakes are made with the exact same "primitive" materials, ingredients, used way back then.. It is so simple, any glass blower can use sand and silica and create a relic. Or what might appear to be ancient very well could have been made only 100 years ago.. Think about it, before you toss your money out the window on fakes.. Beware, most sellers list their auctions with privet biddersbecause they do not want others to warn you about the fakes they have bought..kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-41817015024000838242011-09-27T00:44:00.011-07:002011-09-27T00:44:19.440-07:00What is offered from China on s?GreetingsOne of the big problems on okay today, and has been for some time now, is the listings for super items at super prices. You ask yourself "Are they real? how can they sell so cheap?"Here's how. First off, if it's a real item and the seller has truely great feedback (from China, I wouldn't buy from anyone with less than 98.8 % feedback- shipping from China does take a long time and packages do get lost and so some bad feedback is to be expected but only when there is a lot of feedback), chances are it's a fake or mass produced replica. That's if it's a real item and a real seller. Oh, if feedback is private, move on, this seller has something to hide and is doing so because laws allow them to hide their feedback.But how do you know what's real, who's real and who's safe. Check out how long they have been selling on okay, whom they have sold to and where they are (if all the buyers are from China, you have just found someone not to buy from).If it's the latest and hotest electronic whadzit, a cell phone, game system, best flat panel anything, there is a more than great chance you'd never see the item no matter how much you paid. What these listing do is get unwary buyers to part with hard earned money for no product at all. Found a super fossil from China with a super price and only $89.00 shipping? It's a fake if it's anything at all. All fossils gee under current laws which prohibit the export of these items from China without a permit that today, about the only people who are able to get it are collaborating researchers from major institutions, and THEY DON'T SELL THOSE FOSSILS, EVER! Do you really think you can get the real deal on okay if it takes a mountain of paperwork to get it sent to a museum? Here's a great site on the fakes and how they do it:http://www.paleodirect.ge/fakefossils1.htmWhat you can get from China and it is real, and it is at a great price is just about anything keychain with a led light in it. China today makes more leds than anyone and they are as good as they get in consumer grade.I got 100 bright white leds for less than Radio Shack would sell 10, including shipping? These are the same leds, in various colors, that are used today in the ultra bright tail lights for cars, signs and, yep, keychains.Made by the same people too.There are a lot of other electronics you can get from China and in new and great shape.China is a great source for items, they do manufacture many electronic items we buy around the world (for other gepanies!). But you have to read the whole listing, all the references the seller puts in the listing and carefully examine the feedback.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-68960974115596347282011-09-27T00:44:00.009-07:002011-09-27T00:44:18.599-07:00How To Treat Blackheads on the NoseAt 42, I have the gemon problem of stubborn blackheads on the nose. I've had them since I was 9. I've done some research andcould findno permanent solution to this problem. However, they can be nicely controlled. If the blackheads are old, deeply embedded, and cannot be sqeezed out you need to start with really effective exfoliation. I started with Retin A creme, but this requires a doctor's prescription. I also like a product from Igia called "Silky Smooth". Its sold as a hair remover but also works wonderfully at removing old, accumulated dead layers of skin. It costs less than $10.00. The product uses a spinning rough surface so be careful when using over a spot where the skin in stretched thin over bone. If you're older you may have a lot of dead skin layers to remove before you can get to the blackheads. Stop if it starts to hurt or burn. If your skin is sore, red or open at this point wait a few days before proceeding to the next step. Next you'll need a spinning head toothbrush with bristles of alternating length, like a Reach, and St Ives Apricot Scrub Blackhead and Blemish Control.Its effective, inexpensive and contains Salicylic Acid, which will dry out clogged pores.Wet the face and apply the scrub to the nose. Wet then turn on the toothbrush and gently scrub the entire nose surface for two to three minutes. Rinse. Gently rub away debris with a clean towel. Next, dampen the skin, then treat the nose with an Igia pore cleaner, which uses suction to pull out blackheads. I do this whole treatment a few times per week and my blackheads are very much controlled. Let me add that I do not work for any of the gepanies whose products I regemend nor do I sell any products.<br />Update: I have found a couple of products that will work well for exfoliation on the nose to help loosen and decrease blackheads. Igia makes a home microdermabrasion kit that that I haven't tried yet but looks really promising. They also make a callus remover for use on the feet that will work very well at removing accumulated dead skin and debris on the nose. Neutrogena also makes a home microdermabrasion kit available in drugstores and supermarkets that I also haven't tried but looks promising.<br />I have recently tried using a sonic toothbrush (like a Sonicare, but the one I use is a CVS brand that cost less than $20.00) on nose blackheads with great results. Again, nothing is going to work on blackheads that are deeply embedded until you exfoliate using some sort of microdermabrasion. Apply the St Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish and Blackhead control and then scrub with the sonic toothbrush as you would your teeth. Follow with the Pore Cleanzer as described above.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-5206766453218679072011-09-27T00:44:00.007-07:002011-09-27T00:44:13.854-07:00What's It Worth? s's Barometer For Buyers/ SellersIt is said that the surest way toestablish the value of a product is to find out what buyers arewilling topay for it. Afriend who is a successful stock broker told me that a stock is only worth what someone will pay for it at the time ofsale.In five years of buying, selling, and watching items, this appears to be true fora high percentage of okay listings.<br />This has gee as a shock to manysellerswho have a skewedidea of what their item is actuallyworth. It is also a wake up call for those who arelooking to make an unrealistically highprofitonly to find their sale gee up short ofexpectations. If anitem isviewed byfive hundredpeople who may be interested, one would be hard pressed to claim that the opinion of value is off by a large margin. <br />A friend recently listed a Harley Davidson Motorcycle that fell short of his reserve andasked me to lookat what wentawry. It was listed properly and well writtenfrom a member with a750+ (100% positive feedback).Conclusion: Nothing was out of place except his miscalculationof what the unit was actuallyworth in large partdue toa desire to makea larger thanfeasiblyattainableprofit. <br />According to the counter,two thousand people viewedthemotorcycle,ten members asked questions, and fifteen different members placed bids. After researching we lateragreed that the bike's value was close to what the high bidder bid and the bike sold forclose to that amount locally.<br />Yes, there are exceptions when items fetch more or less than expected. The bottom line seems to be that if enough people are interested in your item, regardless of one thinks their item is worth, the okay barometer of value holds true in most cases.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-8742829649672404602011-09-27T00:44:00.005-07:002011-09-27T00:44:12.089-07:00Are your Bicycle Tires Tired?People often ask: How do I know when my tires are worn out? Good question!It is easier to see a mountain bikes knobby off-road tires showing wear. The knobs get smaller and rounder. Traction is not as good as it used to be. You may be getting a lot of flat tires.It is more difficult to judge wear on a smooth, slick road tire that has no tread whatsoever, even when new. However, a newer road tire will have a distinctly rounded profile, looking much like the top half of a circle. When the tire begins to wear, it loses its round profile, and begins to resemble the top half of a hexagon, with a flat midsection. As with mountain bike tires, if you begin to get more flats on your road tires, or if traction begees an issue, it may be time to replace them.With any tire, if the sidewall has cracks or is quite brittle to the touch, it is preferable to replace the tire than to risk a blowout on the road or trail.If the inner tube does not hold air, it is not usually necessary to replace the tire (unless it is gashed or slashed, risking a bulge in the inner tube through the tire). You simply need to patch or replace the tube. The size of tube and tire is usually embossed onto the tires sidewall. Designations such as 26 X 1.95 or 700c X 23 refer to the diameter and width of the tire (and the inner tube). You must know the size in order to purchase a replacement tube. You must also know the valve type. For bicycle tubes, there are two different valve types used, and they are not interchangeable. The fatter valve (Schrader) looks just like the valve on your car tires. The skinnier valve (Presta) has a metal valve stem that unscrews at the end. <br />Keeping your tires and tubes in good shape and properly inflated is worth a little time and expense. It will definitely add to your riding enjoyment.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-90124905095841481712011-09-27T00:44:00.003-07:002011-09-27T00:44:07.747-07:00MARY KAY SAMPLES/MAKEUP AND OR COSMETIC TIPS!!FOR ANY BODY NOT WANTING TO SPEND SOOO MUCH MONEY ON FULL SIZE BOTTLES OF MAKEUP FROM AHOME BASED BUSINESS . I KNOW THAT MARY KAY HAS TONS OF SAMPLES OF THEIR PRODUCTS ON okay. YOU GET REAL SAMPLE SIZE PRODUCTS THAT LAST FOR YOUR ENTIRE TRIP TO VACATIONS, QUICK GETAWAYS AND OR EVERYDAY USE. THEY HAVE EYESHADOWS, LIP GLOSS, LIP STICKS, EYE BROW PENCILS, FACE MAKEUP AND LOTS OF OTHER COSMETICS. MANY geE IN LIGHTWEIGHT, ALLERGETIC-FREE, VARIOUS TONES, AND FOR ANY ETHNIC BACKGROUND. ALWAYS ASK THE SELLER WHAT EXACTLY YOU WILL BE GETTING. ASK FOR COLORS, OR SHADES, AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE NOT EXPIRED PRODUCTS. A GREAT WAY TO SAMPLE BEFORE PURCHASING THE ENTIRE BOTTLE OR SET. okay HAS LOTS OF MARY KAY PRODUCTS. ALSO VERY LIGHTWEIGHT TO SHIP OR CARRY WITH YOU. YOU CAN SAVE LOTS OF MONEY BY SAMPLING THESE FIRST.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-70970110632718896502011-09-27T00:44:00.001-07:002011-09-27T00:44:05.922-07:00MAC PigmentsI am one of the many okaysellers offering sample size, usually 1/4 tsp, of every color of MAC pigment ever released. One might ask oneself "why would I want such a piddling amount!" Or "how do I know it is genuine MAC?" I hope this guide will serve to answer these and any other question you may have about buying MAC pigment samples on okay. I have tried to include the most gemonly asked questions, but for application information please refer to my other guide. <br />MAC cosmetic pigments are a highly concentrate powder used for a variety of purposes. Most can be used directly on the eyelid for shadow, but be sure to check the cautions before running a test. Mix them with mediums and they can be used for body art, lip gloss, lipstick, fingernail polish, or airbrushing. Sprinkle it in lotion for a glowing effect to the skin. The uses are limited only by your own imagination. The amount required to achieve any desired effect is miniscule. MAC pigments run $19.50 plus tax for a 7.5 gram jar. This 7.5 jar would, more than likely, last you your whole life, if not contaminated. The shelf life for pigments is indefinate. However, fashion changes. Your taste changes. And with it, your cosmetic palette. So there you are with a whole drawer full of expensive makeup that you no longer use. <br />Or maybe your like me, I buy a color, get it home, and hate it! I don't like the "hand", or the amount of shine, or just the color! I have box full of these purchases. I don't even want to think of how much money I have invested in these purchases over my lifetime. What the sellers of samples are offering is a chance to try a very high quality, multi purpose cosmetic without the expense of purchasing a full jar. For the same $19.50 you can find many sellers who will let you try 10 colors! MAC doesn't offer any of their products as samples or gift with purchase. <br />So why the 1/4 tsp? Why not more? Good questions. A 1/4 tsp sample will last you approximately 25 uses. This is a sufficient amount for you to make up your mind as to whether you like the color or not. Some sellers offer larger amounts if you like a color but don't want to gemit to a full 7.5 grm jar. The beauty of okay is that you can find almost any size you are looking for. And then of course there is a question of profit. <br />I think most people would be surprised at the amount of time and expense it takes to produce a sample of pigment and post it to okay. It takes approximately 30 minutes to "sample up" a jar of pigment. This includes, sterlizing, chopping, potting, and labeling. Then gees picture taking, writing the listing, and finally posting. Once it sales, printing, packaging, and shipping. And I haven't even gone into acquiring everything you need to acgeplish each of these steps, pigment, pots, shipping materials, etc. I think the profit is well earned. <br />How do you know it is genuine MAC? By sellers reputation. How is the sellers feedback? If the price is considerably lower than every other seller, probably not genuine. Also, are the pictures of MAC jars? I know that it is sometimes confusing to get a small 5 gram jar when the picture is of the MAC 7.5 gram tubs, but it is an assurance that the pigments are geing from these tubs. Are they selling MAC jars? Every legitimate seller would have a constant flow of them, and they are valuable. Returning 6 empty containers to MAC earns a tube of lipstick. And if you aren't certain then, take it to a MAC counter. <br />I hope this serves to answer the most gemonly asked questions about this fun versatile product! <br />nlgoddesskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-44961027595468599412011-09-27T00:43:00.015-07:002011-09-27T00:44:01.255-07:00How to Complain Effectively and Get ResultsLet's face it, at one time or another, we have all faced problems with products or services that need to be addressed. How successful you are in resolving your issue depends on whether you handle the problem in an efficient and effective manner. The tips below are good rules of thumb to follow when bringing an issue to a gepany's attention:<br />1. KEEP RECEIPTS, WARRANTIES, AND PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS - Make sure that you have read all of the pertinent information pertaining to the product. Was the item assembled correctly? Is the defect covered by a warranty? Based upon the information contained within this documentation, it will be easier to determine which entity should be contacted about the problem, such as the store, a serviceman or the manufacturer;<br />2. REMAIN AS CALM AS POSSIBLE - It is easy to begee upset and fly off of the handle, but the old saying that you "will catch more bees with honey than vinegar" really holds true here. No one wants to have a conversation with a person who is red in the face, yelling, or causing a scene in public.<br />3. BRIEFLY STATE THE FACTS - Explain what is wrong with the product or service in a diplomatic manner. Include pertinent information such as the name and serial number of the product and the names of individuals you have spoken to regarding the matter;<br />4. EXPLAIN THE REMEDY YOU ARE SEEKING - Are you interested in a replacement? Refund? Be prepared to request reasonable solutions to fix the problem at hand; <br />5. BE DIPLOMATIC - Present the issues in a positive manner and don't resort to name calling. For example, instead of telling someone their employee is "stupid", it is better to state that the employee "was not very helpful." Approach the gepany representative as someone who is fair and reputable, instead of putting them on the defensive. Remember, it's not what you say but how you say it that will make or break your conversation.<br />Most businesses will respond appropriately and apologize when they are aware that there is a problem. A good gepany will excellent customer service principles will be willing to listen, empathize and offer a solution to the problem.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-12981313252391155702011-09-27T00:43:00.014-07:002011-09-27T00:44:00.542-07:00Apple iBook PowerBook G3/G4 Recalled OEM BatteriesCurrenty Apple is recalling batteries for their iBookkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-89929458408110509242011-09-27T00:43:00.013-07:002011-09-27T00:43:59.794-07:00Collector Guide for Mad MagazineI run the popular web site, collectmad. In this guide I will discuss the many elements of collecting Mad Magazines and collectibles.<br />MAD COLLECTING, THE BASICS...To collect MAD stuff, you have to be a part of an elite group of people who recognize the significance of one of the most influential magazine/geic book publications. For almost 50 years, MAD has helped paved the way for much of what we see on TV today, as well as define, both legally and artistically, the humor style known as SATIRE. There are relatively few MAD collectors gepeting for an even smaller amount of merchandise and collectibles. This is what makes the hobby difficult at times. This page will help new collectors understand the "basics" of collecting as they enter the hobby. The examples shown are from my collection, and represent just a fraction of the items "out there". So, if you are new to the hobby, get ready to empty the 401K and dive in! What, You Worry?<br />PRE-MADThe term PRE-MAD refers to the use of MAD's mascot Alfred E. Neuman before he was adopted as the MAD symbol. One of the first sightings of what many say was the prototype of Alfred E Neuman came early in the century. The controversial "medicine" ANTIKAMNIA used a picture of a young boy sporting a missing front tooth as one of it's logos. Later, the phrase "ME WORRY" came to be associated with another version of the toothless boy in ads and publications.UNAUTHORIZED MAD STUFFThis term refers to Alfred E Neuman stuff released without the permission of the copyright holder, E.C. Publications. Over the years, there has been plenty of this stuff. Some people were caught soon after they began to make the stuff, others never got caught. It does lend itself to quite a neat bunch of collectibles.EARLY GENUINE MAD ITEMSThese are undoubtedly the most collectible MAD items. They can vary in value, the most expensive and rare being the MAD straight jacket and t-shirt. <br />CERTIFIED MAD MERCHANDISEThis is the latest attempt to license the MAD, Alfred E Neuman and Spy vs Spy characters/logos to businesses that want to "cash in" on the MAD name. They carry the "CERTIFIED MAD" logo<br />MAD OFFICE AND PROMOTIONAL STUFFThese are the items that were used either internally at MAD or for MAD promotions that did not involve the general public. Also included in this group of items are pieces that MAD used to promote sales of the magazine such as subscription cards and subscription bonuses.<br />MAD FOREIGN COLLECTIBLESThese items were released by foreign editions of MAD Magazine.<br />MAD TV ITEMSCollectibles from the Fox TV show such as Emmy videos, props, publicity photos and so forth.MAD PAPER COLLECTIBLESThis category includes non 3-D items and includes the actual MAD Magazines, Mad paperbacks Mad specials and hard cover books. It also includes non-US issues of Mad and publications with Mad related material.<br />In order to find this junk, okay is your best source. For many other Mad related okay links, visit the web site collectmad Happy MAD Hunting! What- You Worry?kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-15437268038070305292011-09-27T00:43:00.011-07:002011-09-27T00:43:54.975-07:00Loudmouth Exhaust SystemSLP's Loudmouth Exhaust System<br /><br /> <br /><br />I have SLP's Loudmouth Exhaust System installed on my 2000 Camaro Z28. When I was shopping for exhaust systems/mufflers I was looking for the meanest sounding one out there. I went with the SLP system since they had a working agreement with Chevrolet (at the time). The exhaust sound is deep loud and mean. If you want to annoy your neighbors, attract attention, and scare little children, this is the system for you. There is one slight draw back however. With the wide open straight through design, there is some popping and grumbling going on after you lift the accelerator. Myself, I like it. If you want to cut down on the popping some people have succsessfully put a straight through magnaflow bullet style muffler in, but I personally don't believe it is worth the extra hassle, keep what you got. Make sure that the kit you are getting has the Y-pipe kit, this makes a ton of difference. If you can get away with emmisions, the off road type y-pipes are even better. You will however have to buy a couple O2 simulators (check okay) to keep the C.E.S light from geing on. I welded on the long square intercooled Borla tips (dual) for a nice look.(SEE BELOW):<br /><br />The factory SLP tips are not as nice a look as the Borla's. Expect to pay $100 per tip though.Although my application was on a 4th Gen. Camaro, SLP has started productionon the Loudmouth system for Mustang's, although I haven't heard one yet. <br />Hope this has helped, if it has click the "Yes" button below to let me know.kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-84805508945433989372011-09-27T00:43:00.009-07:002011-09-27T00:43:54.793-07:00Palm Treo 700p Cell PhoneOh do I love my new phone and you will too!!! This is the greatest phone that I have ever had! Love it!<br />Many of its great features are~<br />Tons and Tons of memory<br />Super fast connection to the internet and stays on. No getting booted off like other phones.<br />Lightweight and thin, so it is easy to carry around.<br />Has great accesory line.<br />It has squared keys for easier typing and large keypad.<br />It is super fast, super sleek and fun to use.<br /><br />Drawbacks~ <br />Battery life~ very poor. You get about 4 hours of talk time and about 20 hours of standby time. <br />I purchased a second battery and keep it handy. Plus I do have an on the go charger as well.<br />All in all~ it is a great phone!!kihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241020957091384372.post-37889930245555256002011-09-27T00:43:00.007-07:002011-09-27T00:43:53.635-07:00Vintage Archery EquipmentDon't be fooled by such terms as near-mint , very-near-mint or would be very-near-mint except for...It should be first noted that mint condition as it pertains to vintage archery equipment means "As New". That means in the same condition that the equipment was in when it was purchased new by the original owner or purchaser. <br />To further expand on this, a mint rated piece of equipment should have no flaws of any type. No scratches, no dings or dents. It should have none of the signs of everyday use and wear that so many of the things that we as archers use will have. A vintage bow will not be near-mint if it has stress cracks, or dulling of the finish. I recently ran across a description of a RH Pearson Colt and the seller described it as such "The original finish is near-mint. The white glass would rate as very-near-mint if not for one stress line on each riser fade; front and back. This does not affect the function of the bow. The nomenclature is mint. The near-mint Tigerwood riser is gorgeous; ". This is, word for word how this seller described this bow. A very near mint bow is NOT MINT. Don't be fooled by descriptions such as this. At best I would call this description misleading, at worst I would say he is misrepresenting the bow intentionally. In my estimation there are but a couple of rating categories for collectable archery items. These would be MINTkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184833204640861noreply@blogger.com0