Quilting practice is currently easy and convenient. There is no need of wasting too much time using traditional quilting machines. The Long-arm quilting machine works even faster than the hand-quilting machine. No wonder it has lately gained huge popularity. It is used to simultaneously sew a quilt top, a quilt backing and a quilt batting into a finished quilt top. Long arm machines have caused the rise in recent years for quilting activity. The quilters can easily have their quilts ready without tolerating the previous time consuming process linked with usual machine quilting. The emergence of the long arm machine has caused the launch of new quilting services. Therefore the sewers could have a professional long arm service anytime they want as long as they are willing to pay a fee in exchange. Typically, this machine consists of a 10 to 14 foot table, a sewing machine head and numerous rollers. Each feature is described below:
The table
Each long arm-quilting machine has a table region. The table’s size in terms of length can range from 10 to 14 feet. It has a flat surface consisting of a thin layer of transparent plastic. You could place all your patterns on this surface. If you want to make larger quilts, it is important to select a larger table.
The sewing head
This is made of a sturdy industrial metal. The sewing head is guided using computerized controls or hand controls on both sides. By placing the head on wheels that run on metal tracks along the machine frame, you can cause a full range movement.
Some sewing machines heads have a laser pointer to guide the user along the pantographs. The pantographs are patterns, which are placed underneath the clear plastic part of the table’s surface. The hand driven machine head has special handles onto which the user can direct the machine along the textile. He or she can freely choose the best designs. A computer machine head is quick and convenient. The quilter’s only task is to press a keyboard button. The long arm machine will sew the selected pattern onto the quilt. The user’s assistance is not needed.
The Metal frame
The machine frame has numerous rolling bars. These rollers hold the textile layers together. On the side of the quilting machine, one can see two rollers called feeder bars. They have a muslin leader onto which the quilt top and the backing can be attached with sewing pins and zippers. Then the fabric can be stretched out tightly on the belly bar. The sewer is free to choose how tight the stitches should be.
Long arm controls
Every machine you are likely to buy has electronic controls serving different roles. They help the sewer to make any adjustments at the same time as the fabric covers the area where the machine runs.
Using the long arm quilting machine, a sewer can quilt two types of designs. One type of a design is called a pantograph and the other design is called custom work. A good machine can help you finish any type of a design quickly and efficiently. In Northern America you can find at least ten world-class quilting machine manufacturers. So, you have many models to choose from.
Quilting practice is currently easy and convenient. There is no need of wasting too much time using traditional quilting machines. The Long-arm quilting machine works even faster than the hand-quilting machine. No wonder it has lately gained huge popularity. It is used to simultaneously sew a quilt top, a quilt backing and a quilt batting into a finished quilt top. Long arm machines have caused the rise in recent years for quilting activity. The quilters can easily have their quilts ready without tolerating the previous time consuming process linked with usual machine quilting. The emergence of the long arm machine has caused the launch of new quilting services. Therefore the sewers could have a professional long arm service anytime they want as long as they are willing to pay a fee in exchange. Typically, this machine consists of a 10 to 14 foot table, a sewing machine head and numerous rollers. Each feature is described below:
The table
Each long arm-quilting ogłoszenia towarzyskie machine has a table region. The table’s size in terms of length can range from 10 to 14 feet. It has a flat surface consisting of a thin layer of transparent plastic. You could place all your patterns on this surface. If you want to make larger quilts, it is important to select a larger table.
The sewing head
This is made of a sturdy industrial metal. The sewing head is guided using computerized controls or hand controls on both sides. By placing the head on wheels that run on metal tracks along the machine frame, you can cause a full range movement.
Some sewing machines heads have a laser pointer to guide the user along the pantographs. The pantographs are patterns, which are placed underneath the clear plastic part of the table’s surface. The hand driven machine head has special handles onto which the user can direct the machine along the textile. He or she can freely choose the best designs. A computer machine head is quick and convenient. The quilter’s only task is to press a keyboard button. The long arm machine will sew the selected pattern onto the quilt. The user’s assistance is not needed.
The Metal frame
The machine frame has numerous rolling bars. These rollers hold the textile layers together. On the side of the quilting machine, one can see two rollers called feeder bars. They have a muslin leader onto which the quilt top and the backing can be attached with sewing pins and zippers. Then the fabric can be stretched out tightly on the belly bar. The sewer is free to choose how tight the stitches should be.
Long arm controls
Every machine you are likely to buy has electronic controls serving different roles. They help the sewer to make any adjustments at the same time as the fabric covers the area where the machine runs.
Using the long arm quilting machine, a sewer can quilt two types of designs. One type of a design is called a pantograph and the other design is called custom work. A good machine can help you finish any type of a design quickly and efficiently. In Northern America you can find at least ten world-class quilting machine manufacturers. So, you have many models to choose from.
Tags:
“When in Rome”
My 0-10 rating: 5
Genre: Comedy
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Screenwriter: David Diamond, David Weissman
Starring: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Alexis Dziena, Jon Heder, Danny DeVito
Time: 1 hr., 28 min.
Rating: PG-13 (some suggestive content)
A featherweight confection for those moments in which you just don’t want your brain to be disturbed, it really tends to give chick flicks a bad name. It won’t annoy you at all, unless you regret the loss of 88 precious minutes of your time in this life.
On its rapid way to DVD, “When in Rome,” which simply appropriates the lamest, most trivial aspects of much more legitimate romance comedies since the classic 1953 “Roman Holiday,” begins its tiptoe around the country for an undiscriminating female audience.
Saved from oblivion only by some amusingly quirky performances by a full-of-himself Dax Shepard character, plus an energetic Danny DeVito, a bit nutsy Jon Heder and Will Arnett, the film never resorts to substance. Kristen Bell is undeniably cute, but most definitely no Meg Ryan. She starts with a certain appealing personality and never builds on it from her first scene.
The innocent plot has admittedly some merry whimsy to it but aspires to a whole lot of nothing.
Beth (Kristen Bell), an ambitious young Guggenheim Museum junior art curator, disillusioned with romance after being dumped one time too many, decides, right before a big fund-raiser, to take advantage of the timing of her sister’s (Alexis Dziena) suddenly announced wedding to a handsome suitor in Rome, to go on a weekend trip to attend it.
Once in Rome, at the wedding, she meets hunky Nick (Josh Duhamel), a New York Daily News sportswriter, who’s the former college roommate of her sister’s new husband (Luca Calvani). Nick actually may already be attached. A move he makes on another babe indicates that things may or may not be looking good for Beth.
Suddenly in a rebellious, and slightly sloshed mood, she haughtily grabs some magic coins from a fountain of love. This, in the fountain’s own magic, touches off an attraction to the very four guys who originally tossed those coins, all of them, of course, New Yorkers, all of whom now follow her home to New York. Nick having noted her being the object of so many male affections, also goes after her.
Those other four are a quirky group indeed. There’s a zany street magician (Jon Heder), a sausage magnate (Danny DeVito), a love-loving painter (Will Arnett) and a full-of-himself model (Dax Shepard). As they do their amorous pursuits, poor Nick has no idea why she’s now rather cool to him.
One sequence, which should have scored on the laughs meter but doesn’t, is when Nick and Beth are in a blackout cafe in which the diners are blind to their food or each other. But the humor is cheap and unimaginative.
Duhamel has a barely serviceable comprehension of comic timing but he’s OK in his character’s modesty. And check out Heder who, as an in-joke, is paired again with Efren Ramirez with whom he played in “Napoleon Dynamite.” Danny DeVito is given somewhat more dimension than the other oddballs. But yes, Rome is shown in its most romantic moods.
This is, granted, a cheery little — very little — film effort.
“When in Rome”
My 0-10 rating: 5
Genre: Comedy
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Screenwriter: David Diamond, David Weissman
Starring: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Alexis Dziena, Jon Heder, Danny DeVito
Time: 1 hr., 28 min.
Rating: PG-13 (some suggestive content)
A featherweight confection for those moments in which you just don’t want your brain to be disturbed, it really tends to give chick flicks a bad name. It won’t annoy you at all, unless you regret the loss of 88 precious minutes of your time in this life.
On its rapid way to DVD, “When in Rome,” which simply appropriates the lamest, most trivial aspects projekty budowlane of much more legitimate romance comedies since the classic 1953 “Roman Holiday,” begins its tiptoe around the country for an undiscriminating female audience.
Saved from oblivion only by some amusingly quirky performances by a full-of-himself Dax Shepard character, plus an energetic Danny DeVito, a bit nutsy Jon Heder and Will Arnett, the film never resorts to substance. Kristen Bell is undeniably cute, but most definitely no Meg Ryan. She starts with a certain appealing personality and never builds on it from her first scene.
The innocent plot has admittedly some merry whimsy to it but aspires to a whole lot of nothing.
Beth (Kristen Bell), an ambitious young Guggenheim Museum junior art curator, disillusioned with romance after being dumped one time too many, decides, right before a big fund-raiser, to take advantage of the timing of her sister’s (Alexis Dziena) suddenly announced wedding to a handsome suitor in Rome, to go on a weekend trip to attend it.
Once in Rome, at the wedding, she meets hunky Nick (Josh Duhamel), a New York Daily News sportswriter, who’s the former college roommate of her sister’s new husband (Luca Calvani). Nick actually may already be attached. A move he makes on another babe indicates that things may or may not be looking good for Beth.
Suddenly in a rebellious, and slightly sloshed mood, she haughtily grabs some magic coins from a fountain of love. This, in the fountain’s own magic, touches off an attraction to the very four guys who originally tossed those coins, all of them, of course, New Yorkers, all of whom now follow her home to New York. Nick having noted her being the object of so many male affections, also goes after her.
Those other four are a quirky group indeed. There’s a zany street magician (Jon Heder), a sausage magnate (Danny DeVito), a love-loving painter (Will Arnett) and a full-of-himself model (Dax Shepard). As they do their amorous pursuits, poor Nick has no idea why she’s now rather cool to him.
One sequence, which should have scored on the laughs meter but doesn’t, is when Nick and Beth are in a blackout cafe in which the diners are blind to their food or each other. But the humor is cheap and unimaginative.
Duhamel has a barely serviceable comprehension of comic timing but he’s OK in his character’s modesty. And check out Heder who, as an in-joke, is paired again with Efren Ramirez with whom he played in “Napoleon Dynamite.” Danny DeVito is given somewhat more dimension than the other oddballs. But yes, Rome is shown in its most romantic moods.
This is, granted, a cheery little — very little — film effort.
Tags:
While in WWII my father sent home a necklace. On the box it says “Handmade black pearl necklace, purchased while he was in Italy.” It is black with orange beads between pearls shapes. It looks more like mother of pearl to me, but the black color throws me off. The pearls could be genuine, but to be sure you really need to get a professional evaluation either by an estate jewelry appraiser or gemologist.
Another way to tell if they are genuine is to rub a pearl against your teeth. If it is smooth, it is not genuine. Pearls will always have a roughness that you can’t detect visually. The orange beads could be coral. If they are genuine black pearls, their value would depend on size, quality and color. Something only someone with a “hands-on” examination could determine.
I’m going to sell an antique strand of pearls and a potential buyer asked to know how the pearls were “signed”. Generally in old items and even some new, signed simply means some means of identification of the maker or designer. On antique glassware for example, a signature mark may be pressed or cut into the glass. Some antique costume jewelry is “signed” with a makers mark and that does increase the value if the maker is among the popular ones at the time.
For pearls, a “sign” is difficult. The only place for a signature or makers mark is generally on the clasp area. This will be either on the clasp or the “tongue” that goes into the larger clasp body. Clasps can be changed when pearls are restrung and a signed clasp can always be suspect as to the real “maker” of the pearls. If these are genuine or cultured pearls, the value is likely more in the pearls than in the “signature”.
If these are costume pearls, the value is partially in the signature and then in the condition of the strand. The condition of the pearls is more imprtant than the condition of the cord used for stringing.Stringing can be and should be done regularly for pearls worn often.
I have not seen pearls “signed” very often and as I said, that can be suspect as to accuracy. Look for some mark on the clasp parts to see if any names or “trademarks” are stamped there. That will be the only signature you will have.
Could be the potential buyer is looking for a particular make of costume pearl or then again might be asking and not really knowing what the buyer is asking for! The best thing is for the buyer to look at the pearls and to offer you a price. If not happy with the price, just refuse it. Some buyers are in the business to resell the items and only offer prices way below market values.
It is possible to take the strand to a qualified jeweler for an appraisal. If the pearls are costume, the jeweler should be able to tell right away and advise against a full appraisal. If they are real pearls, the jeweler can appraise the strand based on the pearls, not on the antique value. That is at least a starting place.
I cannot see your pearl brooch but assume the pearls radiate in some floral pattern, perhaps on individual “stems” or as part of “flowers.” If this is the case, you have some space between the pearls which will make cleaning easier. If the pearls are closely grouped covering much of the gold, cleaning will be more tedious and difficult.
I will get into specific cleaning in a moment: First, consider care and cleaning of pearls in general. In a nutshell, cleaning the brooch yourself will come down to baking soda, a good jewelry polishing cloth and a mild detergent. You may opt for a jeweler to do the cleaning. I will get into the specifics later.
“Pearls.” Composition of a pearl and why care must be exercised in cleaning and wear. Pearls form naturally in both fresh and saltwater mollusks. The most well-known pearls are saltwater pearls formed inside various forms of pearl oysters. While “oriental” or totally natural pearls were the gems in ages past, pearl farming has led to a supply of cultured pearls which would be impossible from free ranging oysters and the efforts of pearl divers.
Only chance will bring a free swimming oyster to produce a pearl and only fortunate environment will lead to a natural pearl being well-formed, smooth surfaced and beautiful. In pearl farms, many conditions are controlled to help insure a good crop but today pollution in the waters are damaging the growth and supply of fine cultured pearls.
The pearl forms around some type of foreign object inside the oyster shell. In cultured pearls, the object is a bead of mother of pearl (pearl shell) placed into the oyster by pearl farmers. Seeing the object as an irritation, the oyster covers the object with layer and layer of a material called nacre. This is essentially the same material making the shiny and lustrous lining of the shell.
Pearl nacre is made of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate. A sort of “pearl glue” holds together microscopic plates of aragonite. As long as the oyster is healthy, the nacre forms and becomes thick over the core, developing the luster and shine we recognize as a pearl.
Why all of that information? There is one reason: aragonite or calcium carbonate. This is the substance of the pearl, the nacre. This material is soft compared to earth formed gemstones. This material is easily damaged by acids, certain chemicals and abrasive substances. The general cleaning methods used for mineral gemstones cannot be safely used to clean the tarnished metal and pearls at the same time. Where a simple gold item may be placed into a mild acid to remove tarnish and buffed to restore shine, that same mild acid will etch the pearl and can actually dissolve it.
“What to avoid when cleaning pearl jewelry?” As important as how to clean the jewelry is knowing what “NOT” to use as a cleanser. Commercial jewelry cleaning liquids are too strong for pearls. Most of these cleaners contain ammonia and ammonia can damage the pearl, reducing the luster. Jewelry cleaners are pretty much ineffective in removing tarnish and are designed to free up and remove dirt and grime more than remove tarnish.
Avoid any cleanser with ammonia, chlorine or abrasives added. Avoid jewelry or silver polishing cloths with a red rouge layer. The rouge is a polishing compound but the red material(iron oxide) can easily get lodged in unseen recesses of a pearl and make the pearl unsightly.
“What to use to clean pearls and remove tarnish from metal?” Oh my, now we get into basic elbow grease! At home cleaning in the safest form is done by taking a wet paste of baking soda and gently rubbing the metal. If the tarnish is not severe, the mild abrasive nature of the damp soda will remove it. Rub with your fingers on the metal only, using a soft brush or implement such as a wet toothpick or cotton ear swab for hard to reach areas. To restore shine to the metal, follow-up with a fine quality jewelry polishing cloth metal.
I recommend one of the chemically treated cloths such as “Sunshine Cloth” from a jewelry parts and tools supplier. Other similar cloths are available at jewelry stores. Frankly, many jewelry store employees don’t know much about the cleaning supplies that sell. So be sure not to get the kind with a red rouge layer, even if recommended. Craft stores and jewelry stores often use RioGrande as a source and should be able to get a “Sunshine Cloth” for you. Like other similar cloths, light action quickly removes tarnish. With light tarnish, you may use the cloth alone and skip the baking soda. These cloths are used “as is” and are simply discarded when used up.
To follow-up this cleaning with a quick rinse in a mild dish detergent is a good idea. This will remove any residue. Simply take a mild solution of dish detergent like Joy (remember, no ammonia!),rub gently with the fingers, rinse in warm water and pat dry. That is it.
“Security of the pearls.” While cleaning the brooch, gently grasp each pearl and see if it turns on the mounting stem or within the setting. If on a stem of metal, the pearl should be removed and re-cemented with a clear two part epoxy cement. This is likely a job for the jeweler to do. If loose in a claw or prong type setting, a jeweler can quickly and gently tighten the settings.
“Cleaning by a jewelry.” You may decide to let a jeweler clean the brooch and secure any loose pearls. If pearls are removed and re-cemented, while the pearls are removed the brooch may be machine polished to an almost like new condition with no fear of damage to the pearls. If cleaned with the pearls intact, the jeweler will use fine rotary brushes to buff away the tarnish. Then, all is cleaned in a mild detergent solution generally using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Before you do any of the things that I have just suggeted to you, you should go see a jewelry and ask him some of the questions that I have just mentioned. That way you get all of your base covered and you will not tarnish the pearls.
While in WWII my father sent home a necklace. On the box it says “Handmade black pearl necklace, purchased while he was in Italy.” It is black with orange beads between pearls shapes. It looks more like mother of pearl to me, but the black color throws me off. The pearls could be genuine, but to be sure you really need to get domek holenderski a professional evaluation either by an estate jewelry appraiser or gemologist.
Another way to tell if they are genuine is to rub a pearl against your teeth. If it is smooth, it is not genuine. Pearls will always have a roughness that you can’t detect visually. The orange beads could be coral. If they are genuine black pearls, their value would depend on size, quality and color. Something only someone with a “hands-on” examination could determine.
I’m going to sell an antique strand of pearls and a potential buyer asked to know how the pearls were “signed”. Generally in old items and even some new, signed simply means some means of identification of the maker or designer. On antique glassware for example, a signature mark may be pressed or cut into the glass. Some antique costume jewelry is “signed” with a makers mark and that does increase the value if the maker is among the popular ones at the time.
For pearls, a “sign” is difficult. The only place for a signature or makers mark is generally on the clasp area. This will be either on the clasp or the “tongue” that goes into the larger clasp body. Clasps can be changed when pearls are restrung and a signed clasp can always be suspect as to the real “maker” of the pearls. If these are genuine or cultured pearls, the value is likely more in the pearls than in the “signature”.
If these are costume pearls, the value is partially in the signature and then in the condition of the strand. The condition of the pearls is more imprtant than the condition of the cord used for stringing.Stringing can be and should be done regularly for pearls worn often.
I have not seen pearls “signed” very often and as I said, that can be suspect as to accuracy. Look for some mark on the clasp parts to see if any names or “trademarks” are stamped there. That will be the only signature you will have.
Could be the potential buyer is looking for a particular make of costume pearl or then again might be asking and not really knowing what the buyer is asking for! The best thing is for the buyer to look at the pearls and to offer you a price. If not happy with the price, just refuse it. Some buyers are in the business to resell the items and only offer prices way below market values.
It is possible to take the strand to a qualified jeweler for an appraisal. If the pearls are costume, the jeweler should be able to tell right away and advise against a full appraisal. If they are real pearls, the jeweler can appraise the strand based on the pearls, not on the antique value. That is at least a starting place.
I cannot see your pearl brooch but assume the pearls radiate in some floral pattern, perhaps on individual “stems” or as part of “flowers.” If this is the case, you have some space between the pearls which will make cleaning easier. If the pearls are closely grouped covering much of the gold, cleaning will be more tedious and difficult.
I will get into specific cleaning in a moment: First, consider care and cleaning of pearls in general. In a nutshell, cleaning the brooch yourself will come down to baking soda, a good jewelry polishing cloth and a mild detergent. You may opt for a jeweler to do the cleaning. I will get into the specifics later.
“Pearls.” Composition of a pearl and why care must be exercised in cleaning and wear. Pearls form naturally in both fresh and saltwater mollusks. The most well-known pearls are saltwater pearls formed inside various forms of pearl oysters. While “oriental” or totally natural pearls were the gems in ages past, pearl farming has led to a supply of cultured pearls which would be impossible from free ranging oysters and the efforts of pearl divers.
Only chance will bring a free swimming oyster to produce a pearl and only fortunate environment will lead to a natural pearl being well-formed, smooth surfaced and beautiful. In pearl farms, many conditions are controlled to help insure a good crop but today pollution in the waters are damaging the growth and supply of fine cultured pearls.
The pearl forms around some type of foreign object inside the oyster shell. In cultured pearls, the object is a bead of mother of pearl (pearl shell) placed into the oyster by pearl farmers. Seeing the object as an irritation, the oyster covers the object with layer and layer of a material called nacre. This is essentially the same material making the shiny and lustrous lining of the shell.
Pearl nacre is made of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate. A sort of “pearl glue” holds together microscopic plates of aragonite. As long as the oyster is healthy, the nacre forms and becomes thick over the core, developing the luster and shine we recognize as a pearl.
Why all of that information? There is one reason: aragonite or calcium carbonate. This is the substance of the pearl, the nacre. This material is soft compared to earth formed gemstones. This material is easily damaged by acids, certain chemicals and abrasive substances. The general cleaning methods used for mineral gemstones cannot be safely used to clean the tarnished metal and pearls at the same time. Where a simple gold item may be placed into a mild acid to remove tarnish and buffed to restore shine, that same mild acid will etch the pearl and can actually dissolve it.
“What to avoid when cleaning pearl jewelry?” As important as how to clean the jewelry is knowing what “NOT” to use as a cleanser. Commercial jewelry cleaning liquids are too strong for pearls. Most of these cleaners contain ammonia and ammonia can damage the pearl, reducing the luster. Jewelry cleaners are pretty much ineffective in removing tarnish and are designed to free up and remove dirt and grime more than remove tarnish.
Avoid any cleanser with ammonia, chlorine or abrasives added. Avoid jewelry or silver polishing cloths with a red rouge layer. The rouge is a polishing compound but the red material(iron oxide) can easily get lodged in unseen recesses of a pearl and make the pearl unsightly.
“What to use to clean pearls and remove tarnish from metal?” Oh my, now we get into basic elbow grease! At home cleaning in the safest form is done by taking a wet paste of baking soda and gently rubbing the metal. If the tarnish is not severe, the mild abrasive nature of the damp soda will remove it. Rub with your fingers on the metal only, using a soft brush or implement such as a wet toothpick or cotton ear swab for hard to reach areas. To restore shine to the metal, follow-up with a fine quality jewelry polishing cloth metal.
I recommend one of the chemically treated cloths such as “Sunshine Cloth” from a jewelry parts and tools supplier. Other similar cloths are available at jewelry stores. Frankly, many jewelry store employees don’t know much about the cleaning supplies that sell. So be sure not to get the kind with a red rouge layer, even if recommended. Craft stores and jewelry stores often use RioGrande as a source and should be able to get a “Sunshine Cloth” for you. Like other similar cloths, light action quickly removes tarnish. With light tarnish, you may use the cloth alone and skip the baking soda. These cloths are used “as is” and are simply discarded when used up.
To follow-up this cleaning with a quick rinse in a mild dish detergent is a good idea. This will remove any residue. Simply take a mild solution of dish detergent like Joy (remember, no ammonia!),rub gently with the fingers, rinse in warm water and pat dry. That is it.
“Security of the pearls.” While cleaning the brooch, gently grasp each pearl and see if it turns on the mounting stem or within the setting. If on a stem of metal, the pearl should be removed and re-cemented with a clear two part epoxy cement. This is likely a job for the jeweler to do. If loose in a claw or prong type setting, a jeweler can quickly and gently tighten the settings.
“Cleaning by a jewelry.” You may decide to let a jeweler clean the brooch and secure any loose pearls. If pearls are removed and re-cemented, while the pearls are removed the brooch may be machine polished to an almost like new condition with no fear of damage to the pearls. If cleaned with the pearls intact, the jeweler will use fine rotary brushes to buff away the tarnish. Then, all is cleaned in a mild detergent solution generally using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Before you do any of the things that I have just suggeted to you, you should go see a jewelry and ask him some of the questions that I have just mentioned. That way you get all of your base covered and you will not tarnish the pearls.
Tags:
Stamp collectors dedicate lots of time in finding new stamps to add to their collection for the love of collecting them or because of the value the stamps have. Stamp value is very important especially when it comes to selling or buying them. The collection of stamps can actually be taken as a profitable venture when the right factors are taken into consideration.
The stamps can be got easily from stamp dealers and postal companies for those willing to buy. However, before even buying them, one will need to be familiar with the local catalog for the stamp collecting. This catalog varies from one country to another and is mostly dedicated in guiding the interested stamp collectors on the most valuable stamps. In most cases the catalog is released on an annual basis and the stamps are even available online for sale. Libraries could also have the stamps available for those interested.
Before buying stamps with the intention of finding the most valuable, you can make a point of talking with a reliable dealer who can tell you more about the most valuable ones. There are also good online dealers with listings of the most valuable and therefore it should not be that hard to look and find those you are interested in. The same criteria should be used when looking to sell stamps as only a very good dealer will give you the exact pricing depending on how valuable the stamps in your collection are.
This is a great way of avoiding situations when you get a raw deal when you could have reaped great profits from your stamp collecting work. The condition of the stamps is what normally determines its value. This means therefore that the factor should be taken with great seriously. This is especially important for people looking to invest in the art and not those collecting for the fun or it or just like a hobby.
A guide on how to make profits using the stamps you have collected can prove to be very helpful especially when looking for ways of making profits. A simple search online will help in knowing which stamps are most valuable, where to find them and also how to maintain and handle them to ensure that they are in top condition. Always take your time in weighing the available options before settling on selling or buying stamps depending on what your main reasons for the collection are.
Stamp collectors dedicate lots of time in finding new stamps to add to their collection for the love of collecting them or because of the value the stamps have. Stamp value is very important especially when it comes to selling or buying them. The collection of stamps can actually be taken as a profitable venture when the right factors are taken into consideration.
The stamps can be got easily from stamp dealers and postal companies for those willing to buy. However, before even buying them, one will need to be familiar with the local catalog for the stamp collecting. This catalog varies from one country to another and is mostly dedicated in guiding the interested stamp collectors on the most valuable stamps. In most cases the catalog is released on an annual basis and the stamps are even available regały metalowe online for sale. Libraries could also have the stamps available for those interested.
Before buying stamps with the intention of finding the most valuable, you can make a point of talking with a reliable dealer who can tell you more about the most valuable ones. There are also good online dealers with listings of the most valuable and therefore it should not be that hard to look and find those you are interested in. The same criteria should be used when looking to sell stamps as only a very good dealer will give you the exact pricing depending on how valuable the stamps in your collection are.
This is a great way of avoiding situations when you get a raw deal when you could have reaped great profits from your stamp collecting work. The condition of the stamps is what normally determines its value. This means therefore that the factor should be taken with great seriously. This is especially important for people looking to invest in the art and not those collecting for the fun or it or just like a hobby.
A guide on how to make profits using the stamps you have collected can prove to be very helpful especially when looking for ways of making profits. A simple search online will help in knowing which stamps are most valuable, where to find them and also how to maintain and handle them to ensure that they are in top condition. Always take your time in weighing the available options before settling on selling or buying stamps depending on what your main reasons for the collection are.
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Blending in with the surrounding terrain is the prime feature of any camouflage pattern. Because of the varying conditions in Afghanistan, MultiCam was developed and tested to provide specific camouflage properties for the soldiers stationed there. As a multi-environmental camouflage pattern, MultiCam is less location-specific and works in a wide range of conditions. By reflecting the surrounding area to take on an overall tan or green appearance, MultiCam is adept to handle several seasons, elevations, and lights.
A seven-color combination composes MultiCam. A brown to light tan gradient is the foundation of the pattern, and dispersed in between is a drab green shade punctuated by light pink and dark brown blotches. The combination changes across the fabric and trick the human eyes’ perception of color when placed against a tan or green background.
According to an article published by the Army News Service in March 2010, all forward-deployed soldiers to Afghanistan have been receiving new MultiCam Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs). Those currently stationed in the country began receiving new uniforms in the fall to replace garments with the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). As part of the Rapid Fielding Initiative process, MultiCam ACUs have been issued along with MOLLEs in the same pattern and Mountain Combat Boots.
UCP did not meet all of the camouflage needs for soldiers needing to blend in with Afghanistan’s terrain, and testing for a new pattern began in September 2009. The first consisted of comparing MultiCam, UCP, and UCP-Delta side-by-side in the types of conditions encountered in the country. MultiCam and UCP-Delta had the best blending effects in this case.
More thorough data collecting for the pattern was done by the U.S. Army Infantry Center, PEO Soldier Systems, Natick Labs, Asymmetric Warfare Group, Army Special Operations Command, and U.S. Naval Research Center. Six camouflage patterns, including MultiCam, UCP, and UCP-Delta, were photographed against different backgrounds and at varying distances. Approximately 750 soldiers were then asked to rate these pictures, and MultiCam came out ahead of the five other camouflage patterns.
Blending in with the surrounding terrain is the prime feature of any camouflage pattern. Because of the varying conditions in Afghanistan, MultiCam was developed and tested to provide specific camouflage properties for the soldiers stationed there. As a multi-environmental camouflage pattern, MultiCam is less location-specific and program do wystawiania faktur works in a wide range of conditions. By reflecting the surrounding area to take on an overall tan or green appearance, MultiCam is adept to handle several seasons, elevations, and lights.
A seven-color combination composes MultiCam. A brown to light tan gradient is the foundation of the pattern, and dispersed in between is a drab green shade punctuated by light pink and dark brown blotches. The combination changes across the fabric and trick the human eyes’ perception of color when placed against a tan or green background.
According to an article published by the Army News Service in March 2010, all forward-deployed soldiers to Afghanistan have been receiving new MultiCam Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs). Those currently stationed in the country began receiving new uniforms in the fall to replace garments with the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). As part of the Rapid Fielding Initiative process, MultiCam ACUs have been issued along with MOLLEs in the same pattern and Mountain Combat Boots.
UCP did not meet all of the camouflage needs for soldiers needing to blend in with Afghanistan’s terrain, and testing for a new pattern began in September 2009. The first consisted of comparing MultiCam, UCP, and UCP-Delta side-by-side in the types of conditions encountered in the country. MultiCam and UCP-Delta had the best blending effects in this case.
More thorough data collecting for the pattern was done by the U.S. Army Infantry Center, PEO Soldier Systems, Natick Labs, Asymmetric Warfare Group, Army Special Operations Command, and U.S. Naval Research Center. Six camouflage patterns, including MultiCam, UCP, and UCP-Delta, were photographed against different backgrounds and at varying distances. Approximately 750 soldiers were then asked to rate these pictures, and MultiCam came out ahead of the five other camouflage patterns.
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After the first Dream Chronicles trilogy, Faye’s journey has come to an end. Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air begins the adventures of Lyra the Chosen Child, daughter of Faye and Fidget the fairy. Just before her 18th birthday, Lyra suddenly finds herself caught in what seems like a cross between a dream and an alternate dimension. With the advice of her grandfather, help Lyra find the mysterious Clockmaker and find her way home!
Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air is the fourth installment in the Dream Chronicles adventure puzzle game series. After the first three games, the stories and adventures of main character Faye have finally come to a close. Now the spotlight shines on Lyra, the daughter of Faye and Fidget the fairy. Lyra is the Chosen Child of prophecy, and is destined to become the next Fairy Lord, and The Book of Air marks the start of her amazing journey.
The Book of Air begins on the eve of Lyra’s 18th birthday. In what seems like a dream, Lyra sees a group of people approaching her, with her grandfather among them. Just as her grandfather is about to hand her a gift, everything goes black and Lyra wakes up outside her old school. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like she’s really at her school because there are energy bolts arcing across the sky and destroying things around her, and the entire place is deserted!
Trapped in what seems like an alternate dimension, Lyra has to find a way to escape and return home. Luckily, her grandfather has managed to get in contact with her, and is able to give her advice and help her overcome obstacles on her journey. Lyra’s adventure is presented in the game as an adventure and puzzle game hybrid. The main interface shows Lyra’s current location where you can interact with various objects. You will need to solve intricate puzzles and find cleverly-hidden objects in order to progress in the game.
The first thing you will notice when playing The Book of Air is how absolutely gorgeous the art is. Beautifully hand-painted art and subtle CGI and animation combine to create a steampunk-fantasy atmosphere that is simply breathtaking. The Dream Chronicles series has always been famous for great artwork, but this latest game has definitely set a new standard. Add to that a great soundtrack and believable voice-acting, and you have one great piece of entertainment!
The puzzles in this game are fairly original and quite challenging. There are some of the standard puzzles such as jigsaws and logic games, but they are accompanied by more unique and original games such as encryption, word puzzles and combination locks to name a few. Quite a few of the puzzles have also been integrated into the main adventure screen, providing a more seamless gaming experience. Rather than having to click on an object to launch a puzzle, these puzzles are solved by moving or interacting with objects on the main screen.
The Book of Air also adds an element of growth (or leveling, in RPG terms). There are little jewel pieces scattered all over the various locations in the game, and you unlock certain abilities when you find enough of them. Finding ten of these pieces will unlock the ability to decipher encrypted codes, another twenty pieces will unlock the ability to reveal magically hidden objects, and so forth. These abilities also serve as obstacles preventing you from accessing more difficult areas, as you will need them to solve some of the puzzles that you come across.
Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air is a great adventure puzzle game that will satisfy both newcomers and fans of the series alike. The production quality of the game is top notch, as can be seen in the almost-perfect art and soundtrack as well as the intricate and detailed puzzles and story. This game is also designed to be the first part in a new Dream Chronicles trilogy starring Lyra, so there’s no better time to enter this magical dream world.
The basic version of the game is not out yet, but you can get the Collector’s Edition which includes exclusive extras including bonus locations and gameplay, bonus soundtrack, a built-in strategy guide as well as a sneak peak of the next Dream Chronicles game!
Rating: 4.5/5.0
After the first Dream Chronicles trilogy, Faye’s journey has come to an end. Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air begins the adventures of Lyra the Chosen Child, daughter of Faye and Fidget the fairy. Just before her 18th birthday, Lyra suddenly finds herself caught in what seems like a cross between a dream and an alternate dimension. With the advice of her grandfather, help Lyra find the mysterious Clockmaker and find her way home!
Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air is the fourth installment in the Dream Chronicles adventure puzzle game series. After the first three games, the stories and adventures of main character Faye have finally come to a close. Now the spotlight shines on Lyra, the daughter of Faye and Fidget the fairy. Lyra is the Chosen Child of prophecy, and is destined to become the next Fairy Lord, and The Book of Air marks the start of her amazing journey.
The Book of Air begins on the eve of Lyra’s 18th birthday. In what seems like a dream, Lyra sees a group of people approaching her, with her grandfather among them. Just as her grandfather is about to hand her kosze wiklinowe a gift, everything goes black and Lyra wakes up outside her old school. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like she’s really at her school because there are energy bolts arcing across the sky and destroying things around her, and the entire place is deserted!
Trapped in what seems like an alternate dimension, Lyra has to find a way to escape and return home. Luckily, her grandfather has managed to get in contact with her, and is able to give her advice and help her overcome obstacles on her journey. Lyra’s adventure is presented in the game as an adventure and puzzle game hybrid. The main interface shows Lyra’s current location where you can interact with various objects. You will need to solve intricate puzzles and find cleverly-hidden objects in order to progress in the game.
The first thing you will notice when playing The Book of Air is how absolutely gorgeous the art is. Beautifully hand-painted art and subtle CGI and animation combine to create a steampunk-fantasy atmosphere that is simply breathtaking. The Dream Chronicles series has always been famous for great artwork, but this latest game has definitely set a new standard. Add to that a great soundtrack and believable voice-acting, and you have one great piece of entertainment!
The puzzles in this game are fairly original and quite challenging. There are some of the standard puzzles such as jigsaws and logic games, but they are accompanied by more unique and original games such as encryption, word puzzles and combination locks to name a few. Quite a few of the puzzles have also been integrated into the main adventure screen, providing a more seamless gaming experience. Rather than having to click on an object to launch a puzzle, these puzzles are solved by moving or interacting with objects on the main screen.
The Book of Air also adds an element of growth (or leveling, in RPG terms). There are little jewel pieces scattered all over the various locations in the game, and you unlock certain abilities when you find enough of them. Finding ten of these pieces will unlock the ability to decipher encrypted codes, another twenty pieces will unlock the ability to reveal magically hidden objects, and so forth. These abilities also serve as obstacles preventing you from accessing more difficult areas, as you will need them to solve some of the puzzles that you come across.
Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air is a great adventure puzzle game that will satisfy both newcomers and fans of the series alike. The production quality of the game is top notch, as can be seen in the almost-perfect art and soundtrack as well as the intricate and detailed puzzles and story. This game is also designed to be the first part in a new Dream Chronicles trilogy starring Lyra, so there’s no better time to enter this magical dream world.
The basic version of the game is not out yet, but you can get the Collector’s Edition which includes exclusive extras including bonus locations and gameplay, bonus soundtrack, a built-in strategy guide as well as a sneak peak of the next Dream Chronicles game!
Rating: 4.5/5.0
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Men’s barn coats are offered in many styles and prices. Having so many choices can be a good thing if you like variety and prefer something different, than others may have. Men generally like simplicity, having too many extra pockets, buttons and gadgets can be overwhelming and could prohibit them from working.
Comfort and warmth is usually what most men seek, which makes finding men’s outerwear actually quite easy. It is best to do a small amount of research by searching on the internet to gain an idea of what is available and how their prices compare. The prices will vary depending on brand name, weight and the quality of materials. If you are shopping for a man that is large or tall they also come in many sizes up to 10X and 7XT; no one is left out.
Materials are available from lightweight everyday wear to heavy harsh weather wear. Think of a ranch worker in North Dakota, they would insist on the heavier material while a man in South Carolina would want something lighter. Keep the climate in mind when shopping or you may get more or less than what is needed.
Since this type of purchase can last for generations it is quite possible to find a well made, lightly used one in a vintage clothing shop. This is a great place if you’re hunting for a rugged broken in look. They were meant to last and they live up to it, some are still being used even after forty years of wear, with no signs of failing.
If you prefer shopping locally, then some of the best locations are large farm supply companies. These establishments offer an abundant selection of outerwear for men. These stores can be found just about anywhere, so there’s no need to worry about finding one; if you live in the city. Another excellent place to shop are at western, saddlery or tack stores they can also be a great place to find what you are looking for. They typically have a very experienced staff that can direct you to the very best they have to offer and in your budget. To find your locations in your area, try looking in the phone book or use the online yellow pages, which also will provide maps to get you there easily.
Prices are just as wide as the selection, it is fair to know that just because it is expensive doesn’t automatically declare it well made. Use you’re best judgment and verify the quality, look for any defects in the stitching and materials. No one wants to spend a lot of money on something that will not last for any length of time.
If you’re looking for a bargain, then waiting until the end of season sales begin, will benefit your wallet enormously. It is not unusual to see sales of up to 80% off the retail price! If waiting is not for you then using an online auction site maybe just what you need to get the best for the least amount of money. A man’s barn coat will last for decades so shopping around and taking your time, will be your best bet.
Men’s barn coats are offered in many styles and prices. Having so many choices can be a good thing if you like variety and prefer something different, than others may have. Men generally like simplicity, having too many extra pockets, buttons and gadgets can be overwhelming and could prohibit them from working.
Comfort and warmth is usually what most men seek, which makes finding men’s outerwear actually quite easy. It is best to do a small amount of research by searching on the internet to gain an idea of what is available and how their prices compare. The prices will vary depending on brand name, place zabaw weight and the quality of materials. If you are shopping for a man that is large or tall they also come in many sizes up to 10X and 7XT; no one is left out.
Materials are available from lightweight everyday wear to heavy harsh weather wear. Think of a ranch worker in North Dakota, they would insist on the heavier material while a man in South Carolina would want something lighter. Keep the climate in mind when shopping or you may get more or less than what is needed.
Since this type of purchase can last for generations it is quite possible to find a well made, lightly used one in a vintage clothing shop. This is a great place if you’re hunting for a rugged broken in look. They were meant to last and they live up to it, some are still being used even after forty years of wear, with no signs of failing.
If you prefer shopping locally, then some of the best locations are large farm supply companies. These establishments offer an abundant selection of outerwear for men. These stores can be found just about anywhere, so there’s no need to worry about finding one; if you live in the city. Another excellent place to shop are at western, saddlery or tack stores they can also be a great place to find what you are looking for. They typically have a very experienced staff that can direct you to the very best they have to offer and in your budget. To find your locations in your area, try looking in the phone book or use the online yellow pages, which also will provide maps to get you there easily.
Prices are just as wide as the selection, it is fair to know that just because it is expensive doesn’t automatically declare it well made. Use you’re best judgment and verify the quality, look for any defects in the stitching and materials. No one wants to spend a lot of money on something that will not last for any length of time.
If you’re looking for a bargain, then waiting until the end of season sales begin, will benefit your wallet enormously. It is not unusual to see sales of up to 80% off the retail price! If waiting is not for you then using an online auction site maybe just what you need to get the best for the least amount of money. A man’s barn coat will last for decades so shopping around and taking your time, will be your best bet.
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A great tattoo to consider is a dragon tattoo. You can do many things with a dragon tattoo, and have it symbolize different aspects of life. Here are very important dragon tattoo representations:
1. Power: Dragon tattoos can very easily represent power from the obvious nature of the dragons physical appearance and physical performance associated with dragons.
2. Wisdom: A dragon tattoo can also signify wisdom. Many who choose wisdom as representation usually choose Chinese style dragon tattoo’s.
3. Mysticism/Magical. Dragons are very mystical creatures, which makes this representation ideal. Many who are after this type of meaning choose very vibrant, colorful dragon tattoo designs.
4. Warrior. A dragon tattoo can represent the warrior within. Someone who takes control of situations and fights alone and strong in times of distress.
5. Loyalty/Protectiveness. The dragon tattoo can represent a strong sense of loyalty as well as protectiveness to one’s own family. A father or a mother could choose a dragon tattoo as a representation of being the strong protectors of the family.
6. Fierceness/Explosiveness. Representation of these elements could be worn by athletes such as mixed martial arts fighters who want to symbolize their own strong fighting skills. Dragons have a powerful, fierce, and explosive nature and athletes who wish to represent those qualities could choose a dragon tattoo.
7. A Strong Woman. The dragon tattoo worn by females can symbolize that of a strong, independent, and intelligent woman. Males can also wear dragons representing their strong natured intelligent other halves or symbolizing the strong relationship their in.
Dragon tattoos have many options in both symbolism and design. Black and white, color, and even tribal dragon designs are available. It’s best to consult a tattoo catalog either at a parlor, or an online tattoo design book, to get ideas to choose your ultimate dragon tattoo.
A great tattoo to consider is a dragon tattoo. You can do many things with a dragon tattoo, and have it symbolize different aspects of life. Here are very important dragon tattoo representations:
1. Hotele Wrocław Power: Dragon tattoos can very easily represent power from the obvious nature of the dragons physical appearance and physical performance associated with dragons.
2. Wisdom: A dragon tattoo can also signify wisdom. Many who choose wisdom as representation usually choose Chinese style dragon tattoo’s.
3. Mysticism/Magical. Dragons are very mystical creatures, which makes this representation ideal. Many who are after this type of meaning choose very vibrant, colorful dragon tattoo designs.
4. Warrior. A dragon tattoo can represent the warrior within. Someone who takes control of situations and fights alone and strong in times of distress.
5. Loyalty/Protectiveness. The dragon tattoo can represent a strong sense of loyalty as well as protectiveness to one’s own family. A father or a mother could choose a dragon tattoo as a representation of being the strong protectors of the family.
6. Fierceness/Explosiveness. Representation of these elements could be worn by athletes such as mixed martial arts fighters who want to symbolize their own strong fighting skills. Dragons have a powerful, fierce, and explosive nature and athletes who wish to represent those qualities could choose a dragon tattoo.
7. A Strong Woman. The dragon tattoo worn by females can symbolize that of a strong, independent, and intelligent woman. Males can also wear dragons representing their strong natured intelligent other halves or symbolizing the strong relationship their in.
Dragon tattoos have many options in both symbolism and design. Black and white, color, and even tribal dragon designs are available. It’s best to consult a tattoo catalog either at a parlor, or an online tattoo design book, to get ideas to choose your ultimate dragon tattoo.
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You used to be able to shoot a round of golf in a few hours. Now a round of golf drags on longer than a weekend with your relatives. You play the first hole and then you wait. Finally, you tee off and then you wait. You go to your tee shot and wait until they are off the green. Slow play has never been worse. Let’s all learn to recognize and avoid these slow play sources:
Playing “The Blues”
Too many golfers overestimate their ability and “play the blues.” You shouldn’t play the blue tees unless you have a 10 handicap or better. The handicap of most people “playing the blues” is their swing.
Lost Balls
Don’t spend 20 minutes looking for a lost ball. These thrifty golfers organize a safari with tents and camping gear and push further and further into the underbrush. One of the adventurers cries out, “Eureka, we’ve found it, I see a Titleist at the bottom of that ravine!”
Hey, it’s just a golf ball! It’s lost- you can buy another one. Don’t worry about the ball. Some twelve year kid will find it and sell it back to you from his used ball store set up between holes on the front nine. Don’t let his skateboard throw you off. This kid is the Bill Gates of used ball sales. I know one kid who made $20,000 in one summer selling used golf balls! By August he had set up a drive-through for golf carts. It looked like a mini-McDonald’s. He repeats your order into a little speaker: “Your order is 6 Top-Flites and 6 Molitor X-outs. Please pay at the first window.”
Yardage Gurus
Another person sending golf back to the ice age is the golfer that needs to know the exact yardage. “Is the pin at the front of the green or the back? What does the yardage on that drain say? Let me check my course guide- it says it is 183 yards from this eucalyptus tree.” After tearing up some grass and throwing it in the air they say, “Looks like about a half club breeze.”
Putter Woes
One source of slow play are weekend Tigers who evaluate a putt from every direction. First they stand behind the ball and plumb-bob their putter as if they are surveying new road construction. They don’t feel confident until they consult a U.S. Corps of Engineers topographic map they have spread out on a Black and Decker Workmate set up on the green. Then they take a soil sample to determine moisture content and grass variety. By this time you’ve sat in the fairway so long you are getting hungry so you build a fire and roast hot dogs.
Golf Course Management
I don’t find many course marshals that do anything to deter slow play. One marshal told me, “There’s really nothing we can do. Even if we let people play through it doesn’t help.” Maybe he would be more effective if he wasn’t sneaking into the trees for a shot of Jack Daniels. He isn’t helping when he yells at a foursome for having eight players on the fairway because he’s seeing double.
Many golf courses don’t get it at all. I saw one course that had a sign near a water hole that said “No Fishing!” So far I haven’t had to wait because the foursome in front of me was fishing. Hey, not a bad idea- “Martha, I shot 175 again, but look at this mackerel! I hooked him with some ham on the end of a sharpened golf tee.”
Eating at the Turn
Learn to order quickly. Don’t ask to see the wine list. Don’t order Chicken and Shrimp in White Cream Sauce. In fact, don’t even sit down in the grill at the turn. Eat while you play. My brother can hit his driver 270 yards while drinking a Heineken.
Mr. Equipment
This guy has the latest Callaway Big-As-Half-a-Loaf-of-Rye-Bread Bertha. He had the first metal woods on the market. He had the first graphite shafts. He had the first titanium. He scours golf magazines looking for articles like, “Will the New Kryptonite Shafts Help YOUR Game?” All day he must tell you what equipment you need, “You should get a Tight Lies. You would have hit a good shot there with a Tight Lies.” I wouldn’t have hit a good shot there with Jack Nicklaus’ clubs, graphite breath.
Don’t take 8 practice swings and let’s all get home before the sprinklers pop up at dark and hose us down.
(c) Joe Ditzel
You used to be able to shoot a round of golf in a few hours. Now a round of golf drags on longer than a weekend with your relatives. You play the first hole and then you wait. Finally, you tee off and then you wait. You go to your tee shot and wait until they are off the green. Slow play has never been worse. Let’s all learn to recognize and avoid these slow play sources:
Playing “The Blues”
Too many golfers overestimate their ability and “play the blues.” You shouldn’t play the blue tees unless you have a 10 handicap or better. The handicap of most people “playing the blues” is their swing.
Lost Balls
Don’t spend 20 minutes looking for a lost ball. These thrifty golfers organize a safari with hotele mazury tents and camping gear and push further and further into the underbrush. One of the adventurers cries out, “Eureka, we’ve found it, I see a Titleist at the bottom of that ravine!”
Hey, it’s just a golf ball! It’s lost- you can buy another one. Don’t worry about the ball. Some twelve year kid will find it and sell it back to you from his used ball store set up between holes on the front nine. Don’t let his skateboard throw you off. This kid is the Bill Gates of used ball sales. I know one kid who made $20,000 in one summer selling used golf balls! By August he had set up a drive-through for golf carts. It looked like a mini-McDonald’s. He repeats your order into a little speaker: “Your order is 6 Top-Flites and 6 Molitor X-outs. Please pay at the first window.”
Yardage Gurus
Another person sending golf back to the ice age is the golfer that needs to know the exact yardage. “Is the pin at the front of the green or the back? What does the yardage on that drain say? Let me check my course guide- it says it is 183 yards from this eucalyptus tree.” After tearing up some grass and throwing it in the air they say, “Looks like about a half club breeze.”
Putter Woes
One source of slow play are weekend Tigers who evaluate a putt from every direction. First they stand behind the ball and plumb-bob their putter as if they are surveying new road construction. They don’t feel confident until they consult a U.S. Corps of Engineers topographic map they have spread out on a Black and Decker Workmate set up on the green. Then they take a soil sample to determine moisture content and grass variety. By this time you’ve sat in the fairway so long you are getting hungry so you build a fire and roast hot dogs.
Golf Course Management
I don’t find many course marshals that do anything to deter slow play. One marshal told me, “There’s really nothing we can do. Even if we let people play through it doesn’t help.” Maybe he would be more effective if he wasn’t sneaking into the trees for a shot of Jack Daniels. He isn’t helping when he yells at a foursome for having eight players on the fairway because he’s seeing double.
Many golf courses don’t get it at all. I saw one course that had a sign near a water hole that said “No Fishing!” So far I haven’t had to wait because the foursome in front of me was fishing. Hey, not a bad idea- “Martha, I shot 175 again, but look at this mackerel! I hooked him with some ham on the end of a sharpened golf tee.”
Eating at the Turn
Learn to order quickly. Don’t ask to see the wine list. Don’t order Chicken and Shrimp in White Cream Sauce. In fact, don’t even sit down in the grill at the turn. Eat while you play. My brother can hit his driver 270 yards while drinking a Heineken.
Mr. Equipment
This guy has the latest Callaway Big-As-Half-a-Loaf-of-Rye-Bread Bertha. He had the first metal woods on the market. He had the first graphite shafts. He had the first titanium. He scours golf magazines looking for articles like, “Will the New Kryptonite Shafts Help YOUR Game?” All day he must tell you what equipment you need, “You should get a Tight Lies. You would have hit a good shot there with a Tight Lies.” I wouldn’t have hit a good shot there with Jack Nicklaus’ clubs, graphite breath.
Don’t take 8 practice swings and let’s all get home before the sprinklers pop up at dark and hose us down.
(c) Joe Ditzel
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