Articles by Ben Anton on ArticleSnatch.com

Using Groupon without Losing Your Shirt

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:34:16 -0400

People are asking about Groupon, Google Deals, LivingSocial and the many other online deal sites in recent months because of their perceived ability to generate hundreds of leads for any type of business with little effort and low upfront costs. They seem to be the best online opportunity to generate sales. But savvy business owners are realizing that their financial and marketing interests and those of these social deals websites are not always in line with each other. Many early users of these sites have discovered that poor planning can turn an online offer through these sites into one of the biggest mistakes they make as a small business. Based on feedback from small business owners and general marketing best practices, the following questions have been put together to help business owners and marketing managers ask the right questions before using Groupon and the like: 1. How Much Are You Willing To Spend For A New Customer? Business owners should never expect to break even on the first sale; the first sale should be looked at as a step in the door. In most industries, you will make your money on the lifetime value of a new customer. **End Summary** Topics: Portland interactive agency]]> web design firm]]> website design company]]> human-focused design]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Synotac's human-focused approach to web design and emphasis on sites that convert make them the leading interactive agency in the Portland area. Visit their website to learn more about their approach to design - www.Synotac.com .

Where SATA Cable and Adapter Technology Is Headed

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) computer bus is a storage-interface for connecting host bus adapters, often found in laptops and desktop motherboards to mass storage devices. SATA host adapters and peripherals communicate with each other via a high-speed serial cable. The Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) is the group responsible for developing, managing and driving adoption of SATA specifications. Users of the SATA interface benefit from greater speed, easy-to-use upgradeable storage devices and simpler configuration. The SATA interface debuted in 2001, and it is now the most popular interface for PC applications. With data transfer rates of 1.5 Gbps, SATA 1.0 soon became a replacement for the Parallel ATA (PATA) interface. As of 2009, SATA has replaced all but legacy ATA in all consumer PCs being shipped. SATA is advantageous over PATA in several ways, including its smaller and less expensive cable, faster and more efficient data transfer and ability to hot swap, or add/remove devices while in operation. The next generation of SATA doubled the data transfer rate to 3 Gbps. The SCSI interface had been able to accept several requests and respond to them in the order which minimized response time. **End Summary** Topics: sata compliance testing]]> sata test]]> sata certification test]]> eSATA]]> Sata 3.0]]> Sata cables]]> SATA 1.3 test]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Find out more about the SATA certification test services available at Allion Test Labs, a device testing lab with locations in Oregon, China, Korea and Japan.

Localization Testing: Introducing Your Product to an Expanded Market

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In computing, localization is the process of modifying software and translating text so that it is more suited for a specific area or language. It involves adding culture-specific components for a region. Similarly, the localization of a product or device involves adapting the product or device so that it can perform under the conditions of a specific region by adding or adjusting locale-specific components. To ensure a product or device will function properly in a specific locale, a localization test can be administered. Localization testing determines how well products can perform under the conditions and environment of a region. This test is based on globalized testing results where the functional support for that particular locale has been verified. The primary benefit of product localization is access to a higher number of markets. While it is seemingly costly to produce localized products for international markets, in the burgeoning global economy, it is becoming increasingly advantageous to localize products and devices. Also, because end users generally lack the ability to self-localize as in open-source environments, supporting one region is limiting. Localized software will often face domestic competition. **End Summary** Topics: localization testing]]> software localization]]> testing labs]]> device testing laboratories]]> localization]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton is a frequent writer for Allion Test Labs. Localization software testing for China, Japan, Korea, India and many more countries is available from Allion Test Labs, a wireless and device testing lab located in the U.S. and around the world.

2009 Prom Hair: Ideas From the Celebrities

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As important as it is to have the perfect prom dress, it is just as important to have the perfect hairstyle that compliments it and your personality. In 2009, prom hairstyles embody some of the hottest celebrity trends. Hair stylists have been watching the stars as they walked the red carpet at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes to figure out what works and what doesn't and transform those styles into gorgeous and easy-to-do prom hair styles. When it comes to 2009 prom hair styles, picture your dress on your favorite celebrity and see if it will jive with their award show updo. Also, look at the dresses the celebrities wore, match the similar ones to yours and see how they chose to wear their hair. Here are a few of the highlights we caught that you may want to use for your prom hairstyle. BOHEMIAN PROM HAIR A big 2009 prom hairstyle trend is the bohemian look. These styles allow you to show some freedom and a care-free attitude. Consider weaving tiny braids into you updo like Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, and Charlize Theron have done at events past. **End Summary** Topics: 2009 prom hairstyles]]> 2009 prom updos]]> 2009 hair updos]]> celebrity updos]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want more information on stylish 2009 hair updos ? Visit AllUpdos.

Seven Steps for Lawn Mower Maintenance

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Your lawnmower is an investment that will keep your lawn turning headsâ€”as long as you take care of the engine. Proper lawnmower care is crucial to for smooth performance. The changing seasons require certain precautions to properly store the lawn mower while it is not in use. Here are six steps you should take to protect your lawn mower throughout the year: 1. Check the Battery Recharge the battery throughout the off-season starting the engine from time to time or simply attach the battery to a charger. 2. Check the Fuel All engines can be damaged by old or deteriorated fuel. In as little as just one month, gasoline can deteriorate damage your lawnmower's small engine by clogging the carburetor, thus preventing the engine from starting properly. The keep your lawnmower's engine clean, add a fuel stabilizer each time you fill the tank. 3. Check the Oil Just like automotive engines, small engines must undergo regular oil changes. Oil lubricates the engine during use, which prevents premature damage. Before starting the lawn mower in the spring, give it an oil change. This is especially important if you did not change the oil before storing it for the winter. 4. **End Summary** Topics: small engines]]> mower small engine]]> lawn mower care]]> repower kits]]> Toro mower]]> kohler small engine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Repower Specialists, Ltd. Get your Toro lawn mower or other lawn mower prepped for summer by updating the engine. Contact the Repower Specialists for small engine repower kits for mowers, golf carts and snowmobiles.

Kohler's Small Engine Innovation Timeline

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Kohler has an industry leader for over eighty years by consistently offering innovative, reliable products and exceptional customer service. Curious about how a company stays in business across generations? Here's a timeline of Kohler events throughout their eighty years of innovation. The 1920s Kohler's first generator, released in 1920, was designed to serve rural markets. Kohler's first generator set, the KOHLER Automatic Power and Light Model "A," used a 1500-watt engine to deliver a 110-volt DC current. The 1930s In the 1930s, Kohler introduced their range of liquid-cooled diesel engines. Kohler engines also turned up in some unlikely places during this decade: Admiral Richard Byrd took several Kohler generators with him on his second expedition to the South Pole in 1933, even naming a mountain range after the company. The 1940s In 1948, Kohler opened a factory dedicated to the manufacture of small engines and began to develop a range of engines designed for industrial use. The 1950s Kohler introduced a single cylinder cast iron air-cooled engine, known as the K90, in 1951. **End Summary** Topics: Kohler small engines]]> Kohler Power]]> Kohler mower engine]]> lawn mower engine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton works for Labworks Design, a Portland design house . The Repower Specialist site is dedicated to supplying small engine repair kits for golf carts, greens mowers and other course maintenance small engines.

Vanguard Engines: Small Engines For Every Need

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Business owners know the value of customization. After all, every business has unique needs and strengths. Vanguard appreciates that every business is different, so their line of engines offer many operation options. In addition to providing quality workmanship, high power output and durability, Vanguard is committed to meeting the small engine needs of the commercial sector. Vanguard engines are used to power rental equipment, professional landscaping tools, and even construction and firefighting equipment because they are available in a wide range of power outputs, ranging from 2.4 to as much as 36 horsepower. The Vanguard Engines product line features five different engine styles, each with its own power range. With a total of 36 different models across these five styles, there is a Vanguard small engine to meet every commercial need. Below, you'll find an examination of each of the five Vanguard engine designs. Single-Cylinder Engines Vanguard small engines in the single cylinder engines line can produce between 2.4 and 15 horsepower, ensuring that you have enough power to run the generators, mixers and pumps that your worksite needs. **End Summary** Topics: Vanguard engines]]> Briggs and Stratton]]> Briggs and Stratton engines]]> Vanguard golf cart engine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton works for Labworks Design, a Oregon design house . The Repower Specialist site is dedicated to supplying Vanguard small engine repair kits for golf carts, greens mowers and other course maintenance small engines.

Understanding Your Gasoline Small Engine

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

From large industries to the average homeowner, gasoline powered small engines are widely used to complete major and minor tasks all over the world. Lawn mowers, air compressors and pumps are among the most the popular equipment that utilizes this machinery. They also power ATVs, motorcycles, scooters and certain light aircraft. For household mechanics, knowing the basics of a gasoline powered engine can help better maintain your equipment and help you trouble shoot potential issues that may arise. What is a Gasoline Powered Small Engine? These systems are also known as an internal combustion engine. To run these engines, a spark created when the ignition is switched on creates an explosion as it comes into contact with the gasoline in the combustion chamber. Gasoline is a slow burning combustible liquid that becomes explosive when it mixes with air. This explosion is what gives the engine its power. There are a number of parts within these engines that make this entire process work efficiently. Small Engine Components 1. Fuel System The fuel system is made up of several other components. The fuel tank stores the gasoline until it enters the carburetor. **End Summary** Topics: small engines]]> small engine components]]> repower kits]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Have a small engine vehicle that needs repair? Don't replace it, repower it using a Kohler small engine from the Northwest Repower Specialists .

Palliative Care and Other End of Life Plans

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The older one gets, the more important it is to start an open, honest discussion on end-of-life preparations with your family and doctors. Most people put off discussing the tougher questions related to passing on: --- How would I like to spend my remaining days? --- Who will take care of me as I approach the end? --- What sort of legal matters should I get taken care of before it is too late? --- How do I help friends and family cope with my impending death? These questions, if avoided, force family members to make difficult decisions under duress. By discussing these things openly, families and their loved ones can have peace of mind. It is very difficult for others to try to make important decisions for you without any inclination as to what you would have wanted. It also can put family members at odds with each other if they have different ideas about how best to handle your end-of-life care. Taking the time to communicate those wishes to the ones who will be handling your death will help remove these obstacles. **End Summary** Topics: end of life]]> end of life care]]> death planning]]> palliative care]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> End of Life Care : Read more about coping with grief and helping families during this difficult time on the Valley of Life website. Valley of Life online memorials serve as a healthy and loving way to remember a life of a loved one.

End of Life Care: Open Family Discussions Are A Must

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The older one gets, the more important it is to start an open, honest discussion on end-of-life preparations with your family and doctors. Most people put off discussing the tougher questions related to passing on: --- How would I like to spend my remaining days? --- Who will take care of me as I approach the end? --- What sort of legal matters should I get taken care of before it is too late? --- How do I help friends and family cope with my impending death? These questions, if avoided, force family members to make difficult decisions under duress. By discussing these things openly, families and their loved ones can have peace of mind. It is very difficult for others to try to make important decisions for you without any inclination as to what you would have wanted. It also can put family members at odds with each other if they have different ideas about how best to handle your end-of-life care. Taking the time to communicate those wishes to the ones who will be handling your death will help remove these obstacles. **End Summary** Topics: end of life]]> end of life care]]> death planning]]> palliative care]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Planning For End of Life Care Celebrate your loved one by creating a memorial life story web site in their honor. Find everything you need to remember a loved one , share favorite life stories and encourage the grieving at valleyoflife.com.

Dog Bowl: The Solution For Overeating Dog Breeds

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Hope for the opposite as we may, humans donâ€™t enter this world on an even playing field. Even excluding complex socioeconomic issues, inequality lurks in our medical charts: some of us are genetically predisposed for medical issues such as heart disease and certain cancers. A study from Harvardâ€™s School of Public health suggests that our genes even make some of us more likely to be obese*. The genetic injustice doesnâ€™t stop with homo sapiens. Our canine companions can be genetically fated for certain disorders as well due to breeding practices. Over countless generations, dog enthusiasts created the various breeds by selecting and breeding only dogs that displayed certain desired traits, such as certain coat colors and face shapes. This selective breeding for appealing qualities depleted genetic diversity, leaving weaknesses in individual dogsâ€™ genetic maps. For instance, the intense breeding required to produce the Dalmatianâ€™s stunning spots also brought their genetic predisposition for ailments such as kidney stones and deafness. Along the same lines, poodles are well-loved around the world for their gorgeous, hypo-allergenic fur and intelligence. **End Summary** Topics: dog bowl]]> dog bloat]]> dog overeating]]> obese dog]]> dog obesity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Best Collie Dog Bowl : Reduce your dog's chances of becoming obese by checking out the best solution for reducing dog bloat at DogPauseBowl.com.

Tips For Preventing Winter Mold Outbreaks

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The wet season can also be the mold season in many areas of the country. Mold is often found near sources of water where it can easily grow and reproduce. As it grows, mold can breakdown and compromise the integrity and strength of the source in which it lives. When large amounts of mold spores grow, they can also compromise the health of the people living near it. Mold can be killed, but if it is not removed properly, it can remain in the area just cleaned and the dry spores can be released into the air. There are professional mold remediation services that can help get rid of the mold in your home as well as any molded personal affects like documents, photographs and book. However, prevention is the best way to help keep your lungs healthy and homes and buildings strong. Rapid Refile has put together a few easy to follow tips on how you can help thwart mold from infesting your home. Below is a sample of what they say are real-life preventive measures a home owner can follow to reduce the likelihood of mold damage. **End Summary** Topics: mold damage]]> mold remediation]]> water damage]]> mold remediation service]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to learn more about mold remediation services for your books and photos ? Visit the Rapid Refile website to read this complete article and get more information on home flood disaster recovery methods.

Seven Steps to Prepping Your Snowmobile

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Before you take your snowmobile out for a spin this winter season, it is important to make sure it is ready for what you have in store. Some snowmobile owners recommend taking your machine in for service at the end of the season, rather when the season begins to make sure there are no long term effects from letting it sit for several months. Forget to do that last April? Not to worry. There are several things you can do to make sure your snowmobile works perfectly this winter. Step I: Perform a thorough visual inspection of your snowmobile Under good lighting, look over your machine for any loose parts, worn belts, an any other obvious stresses, buckling or cracks. Consult your ownerâ€™s manual to find the lubrication points on your snowmobile and lubricate as indicated using a grease gun. Just be sure to avoid adding too much grease during this process. It should just be visible outside the joint. Step II: Add fresh fluids If you had your snowmobile in storage with gas left in the tank, drain the tank before adding any fresh gasoline. **End Summary** Topics: small engines]]> snow mobile engines]]> repair snowmobile]]> snowmobile maintenance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and works for Labworks Design, Northwest-based web design firm. Looking to improve your old snowmobile's small engine ? Contact Rick with the Repower Specialists for repower kits for small engines used in golf carts, mowers and motorcycles.

IT Services: Saving Money with Outside Consultants

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

When the owner of a small business goes out of town, whether for the holidays, for a business meeting or just for the weekend, they want to know that their technology infrastructure is secure, maintained and working. But how many such owners have that peace of mind? More and more business owners are outsourcing this task to qualified network management individuals or companies that can save them time and money. Ascensha has outlined some key reasons they are finding small business owners are seeking out qualified IT service consulting firms and why they think that move is so advantageous. Hiring Third-Party IT Services There are four key reasons why small businesses are hiring third-party IT service providers right now. 1. Cost-Savings Hiring outside IT services is often much less expensive than hiring a full-time IT staff member. With outside service providers you get to choose exactly what IT programs your company size and workload needs. That means you can decide whether you want to pay for network management, help desk support, systems security elements, server support and on-going maintenance or just a subset of these. **End Summary** Topics: IT consulting]]> IT services]]> systems security]]> network management]]> help desk]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Having a knowledgable IT help desk available to your staff for systems services and troubleshooting is invaluable for a small business. Find out what additional services a Portland IT professional company can provide by visiting Ascensha.com.

Headstones and Markers: Choosing A Memorial For Your Loved One

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The gravesite marker is a permanent fixture; a tribute that will be seen and remembered for eternity. It is therefore important to give thought to choosing the right marker for your family members. Pre-planning for a death allows family and friends to act precisely in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. The person who has pre-planned their funeral and gravesite marker before they die will have everything from the ceremony arrangements to the gravesite location exactly the way that they wish and will help alleviate the stress and burden on the family during a very difficult time. Some families choose to put off the decision to buy a gravesite marker for weeks or even months after the funeral is over if the decision was not made prior to the loss of a loved one. The event is such a stressful and grief-filled time that it can be hard to make such permanent and important decisions. Instead of rushing into a decision that is not quite perfect, it is wise to wait until things have calmed down. You should never rush into the purchase of a gravesite marker or settle for one that is less than ideal. **End Summary** Topics: gravesite markers]]> headstones]]> memorial plaques]]> funeral urns]]> funeral planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Funeral Planning Supplies : Learn more about burial vessel options and as well as find beautiful memorial keepsakes and frames at Funeral Supply Online.

Grief Support: Helping the Bereaved During the Holidays

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The bereaved need the support, encouragement and time of their family and friends during the holiday season to help calm their thought and comfort their souls. The grieving often try to maintain the same level of activity as they have in past years even though they may not be mentally and physically ready to do all of the usual activities holiday parties, family get-togethers, shopping and meal preparation. These bereaved loved ones need others to help them cope with their feelings during this stressful time in a healthy, less stressful way. The writers at Valley of Life, an online memorial website, have put together some helpful suggestions for friends and family who have loved ones struggling with grief during the holidays. Being a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on and a strong supporter are the best ways they have found to support the grieving during this time of year. A Sympathetic Ear Friends and family should be prepared to listen, truly listen, to the thoughts and concerns of someone who is grieving. Often times, the bereaved simply need to talk through their thoughts in order to begin to feel comfort. **End Summary** Topics: online memorials]]> grief support groups]]> condolences]]> holiday grief]]> holiday death]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Read the complete article on how friends and family can help the bereaved during the holidays on the Valley of Life site, a virtual memorial and bereavement site for families to share and celebrate a loved one.

Fire Safety: How To Protect Your Home During the Holiday Season

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

During the holidays, all too often in our rush to get everything done to make the season special we overlook some of the basic safety precautions necessary to make everything magical. Home fires is one of the leading causes of holiday disasters and these fires are more often than not, completely preventable. Rapid Refile, LLC, a document restoration and disaster recovery service, has put together a very helpful fire prevention guide for home owners to follow this holiday season to ensure a safe and disaster-free celebration. The following is some of the recommendations they have compiled (see full article for references): Christmas Tree Safety and Fire Prevention: â€¢ Keep trees securely upright in a stand to ensure that it will not accidentally tip over or be knocked over by children or pets. â€¢ Keep your tree away from any and all heat sources. â€¢ Make sure natural trees are well watered. â€¢ If you have purchased an artificial tree, please make sure it is labeled fire retardantâ€. â€¢ Unplug the tree lights before leaving your home or before going to bed. â€¢ Avoid using real candles on a tree. **End Summary** Topics: fire damage]]> fire safety]]> home fire prevention]]> fire restoration]]> christmas tree fire]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to learn more about home fire prevention during the holidays ? Visit the Rapid Refile website to read this complete article and get more information on disaster preparedness and recovery methods.

Small Business: Don't Neglect Your Disaster Recovery Plan

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Small business owners have an enormous amount of responsibilities on their shoulders. Most donâ€™t have the time to think about planning for a natural or man-made disaster. According to a recent poll by the National Federation of Independent Business, almost forty percent of small businesses experience disaster at some time. That statistic is broken down to ten percent man-made (broken water pipes, mold outbreaks, etc.) and thirty percent natural (flooding, hurricane etc.). Document recovery experts, like Joe Perko, Director of Field Services with Rapid Refile, LLC agree that this is one of the most common shortfalls in business planning. Although the experience of Katrina in New Orleans has motivated many companies and organizations in high-risk areas to develop disaster recovery plans, and to incorporate document salvaging as part of those plans, there remains a great number of people and businesses that have not formalized a response to potential property damaged and/or business interruptionsâ€ said Joe Perko in a recent interview. Regardless of the time, it remains very necessary for small businesses to take some steps to ensure a disaster doesn't take down their entire business. **End Summary** Topics: business disaster recovery]]> disaster services]]> business continuity]]> disaster planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Protect the continuity of your business in the event of a disaster. Contact recovery service Rapid Refile to discuss how they can help develop a plan right for your company.

Take Courage: Coping With Loss This Holiday

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The holidays can be a difficult time for those that have lost a loved one. The joy of the holidays makes emotions like grief and sadness much more profound and harder to cope with. Valley of Life, an online memorial service, is built for bereaved and grieving families looking to honor a loved one in a long-lasting way. A recent article published by the site provides helpful suggestions on how to cope with loss during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and other holiday times of year based on the writings and discussions they have with members of the site. Below is just a summary of some of the key points the article touches on. Holiday Tradition Can Change There's no need to do every activity you used to do this time of year if grief is still a major emotional factor in your life. If you feel like attending Christmas parties or baking for your church pageant is too much this year, skip it and take care of yourself. It is important to set realistic expectations for yourself on what you can successfully and happily complete. **End Summary** Topics: online memorials]]> grief support groups]]> condolences]]> holiday grief]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> You are invited to read the complete Holiday Grief Support article at valleyoflife.com or talk directly with others coping with the death of a loved one in the site's Forum.

Flood Insurance: What You Need To Know

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Many people are unaware or apathetic to the risk of a flood in their area. Flood damaged homes and businesses can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars if proper protection is not taken. Most people living in highly risk areas for flooding will inevitably purchase flood insurance. But what kind? It is often hard to know what kind of a policy you should invest in. Many home and business owners are unaware of what the typical cost for such coverage is and what the benefits of the coverage can be. To find the right insurance for you, it is important to understanding a little bit about what flood coverage is, what kinds of policies exist, and, most importantly, what coverage fits for your particular flood risk. What is Flood Insurance? There are three basic types of flood insurance: Dwelling "Dwelling" insurance usually covers residential buildings that contain no more than four families, residential condominium units, manufactured homes, and the storage contents of the insured building's tenants. General Property "General property" policies tend to cover larger residential buildings like those that house more than four family units as well as certain commercial buildings, such as churches, schools, and small businesses. **End Summary** Topics: flood damage]]> flood insurance]]> disaster insurance]]> flood restoration]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Get more information on water damage and flood disaster insurance at Rapid Refile, a book and document restoration company .

Basic Hunting Knife Sharpening

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Being prepared is the keystone to any successful hunting trip. That means having the right gear ready when you need it. It also means having that gear in working order for the tasks at hand. You can own the most expensive hunting knife on the market but if it is not properly sharpened, it will be useless. Knife sharpening is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of hunting trip preparedness. With just some basic sharpening knowledge and a couple of simple tools, however, any hunter can be sure to have their knife ready. Testing Your Blade A number of simple tests exist to test the sharpness of your hunting knife. Some outdoorsmen test a knife's sharpness by shaving a small patch of hair on their arms or hands. This test is quick and effective but, letâ€™s be honest, a little dangerous for a novice. For those not confident that they can tell their blade is dull, there are blade edge testing kits available at through outdoor equipment retailers. These kits can be expensive. Experienced hunters can often tell if a blade is dull just by looking at it. **End Summary** Topics: hunting knife]]> knife sharpener]]> knife sharpeners]]> sharpening stone]]> blade sharpening]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton lives in the Northwest. Ben Anton invites you to learn more about hunting equipment essentials like the Arkansas Sharpening Stone and other Hunting tools at our site for deer hunting equipment .

Pamper Your Pet: Great Dog Gift Ideas

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Dogs, like people, enjoy a gift every now and then. Purchasing something that your companion loves and benefits from is a great feeling. As with purchasing any gift, it is important to remember the likes and dislikes, the personality, and the needs of the four-legged recipient. It is also important to do a little research to ensure you purchase something worthwhile rather than junk. Weâ€™ve put together a list of a few gifts that your dog might like this holiday season, or anytime praise is warranted. Doggie Beds Like people, sleep is an important part of a dogâ€™s life. Providing a comfortable place for him or her to sleep will not only make the dog happier but will also reduce the chances of your pet getting spine, joint and muscle problems. To choose the right bed, watch how your dog sleeps and, along with assessing the size of your dog, try to find a bed that will compliment their habits. Dogs that sleep curled up may best appreciate a donut dog bed while active or younger dogs may be better off with a chew-proof bed. Orthopedic beds are available for older dogs that may have arthritis or incontinence. **End Summary** Topics: dogpause bowl]]> dog gifts]]> dog bowl]]> dog bowls]]> canine health]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> DogPause Dog Food Bowl : Don't let obesity take over your dog's health. Give your dog the new dog bowl proven to reduce canine overeating .

Choosing Funeral Music

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Funeral music can be an excellent way to truly capture the essence and spirit of your loved one. Though usually played softly, the music at a funeral can also shape the ceremony by reminding mourners of the type of person they have lost. Music can evoke powerful memories, emotions, and thoughts of good times. Choosing Funeral Music Because of this, it is important that funeral music is not chosen haphazardly. Organizers should try to pick songs that are appropriate. Many families ask a minister or music director for advice in this area. Although it is not uncommon to step away from more common or traditional songs, it is critical that you know why you are choosing a nontraditional song. You may even need to explain the song selection to the mourners, especially if it appears to the average person to be a complete deviation from the norm. Traditional songs chosen for funerals are usually classical, religious, or soft and somber. Often these are songs with few or no words. The traditional religious songs are typically hymns or songs that haven been passed down through various generations. **End Summary** Topics: funeral march]]> funeral music]]> funeral songs]]> songs for funerals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Appropriate funeral music and memorial songs can be sentimental or celebratory. Find the right classical funeral march music at Funeral March online.

Document Restoration: Saving Smoke Damaged Books

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Smoke damage can be caused by the smokeâ€'s gases or the soot it leaves behind. Depending on the extent of the damage and the type, different cleaning and restoration techniques must be implemented to properly clean the mess. When smoke damages books, photos, or important paper documents, the process to restore them can be especially difficult because of the fragility of these items. Smoke Types Smoke damages can be categorized into three general types: wet, dry, and fuel oil soot. Wet Smoke Wet smoke is a low-heat, smoldering type of smoke that leads to sticky residue. This smoke damage has the potential to warp books and documents. Dry Smoke Dry smoke is a created by high temperature, fast-burning fires. It is especially damaging to older, more fragile books. Fuel Oil Soot Fuel oil soot occurs when furnaces and other heat sources give off gritty puffs of soot. This kind of smoke acts as an abrasive on paper items like books and archive documents. Smoke follows a general pattern for movement and destruction. It moves to the top floors of buildings. It is attracted to cool areas and easily moves through plumbing and ventilation systems. **End Summary** Topics: smoke damage clean-up]]> document restoration]]> book restoration]]> damaged books]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Finding the right book restoration service can save a business thousands of dollars in recovery costs and downtime. Visit the Rapid Refile website to read this complete article as well as get more information on smoke damage recovery services.

The Advantage of an LED Flashlight

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The bright light of an LED flashlight can be an invaluable tool when on a camping or hunting trip, and a potential life saver in a home or car emergency. The power and efficiency of these light sources has made them incredibly popular throughout the world. How did these bright lights become so popular? How does the LED bulb in the flashlight actually work? Science and practicality have come together to create these innovative light sources it may just be a good idea to know why. What is an LED? To understand how an LED flashlight works it is important to understand what an LED light is. LED stands for light-emitting diode. It is a semiconductor diode that emits light when an electric current passes through it, like a simple circuit. This circuit produces electroluminescence, which can be infrared, visible, or ultraviolet, and a number of different colors depending on the make up and condition of the semiconducting material used. These lights are often very small, typically less than 1 mm. Manufacturers usually add special optics or lenses to the chip to help with reflection, creating an incredibly powerful beam for the size of the bulb. **End Summary** Topics: LED bulb]]> LED flashlight]]> white led light]]> LED technology]]> Cree LED]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for DLK. Ben Anton invites you to read more about the energy efficiency of white light LED flashlights on our tactical LED lights and outdoor knife website.