Saturday, 18 September 2010

Finish Nails - finish nails


Well there's not much to say, except that they're nails and they work accordingly with my DeWalt finish nailer. Unfortunately though, I bought 'em because they were described by Amazon as being galvanized in a "hot dip" process in which case they should work in ACQ lumber that I'm building a fence out of. However, I wasn't so sure so I called DeWalt and found out that they are electro-galvanized, meaning NOT suitable for ACQ. So other than the good value, which is why I am keeping 'em, I guess don't buy 'em for outdoor use and don't believe the Amazon description. DEWALT DCS16200 2-Inch by 16 Gauge Finish Nail (2,500 per Box)

Bought these nails for my Porter Cable 16ga nailer. They were about 25% (with free shipping) less than what the Home Improvement stores sell 2,000pc packages. Other than that I don't see much difference over other manufacturers nails. I have only been doing work with pine trim so they drive very well.

I have been finishing the interior walls and ceilings of a house with 3/8 resawn paneling (in place of drywall). I am using these brads, with a Dewalt 18V brand nailer, to nail off the panels. The brads hold the panels well and they are not so long that they hit wires in the studs. As expected they do sometime mess up the panel face if you hit a nail plate with them. It is best not to pop any of these brads into the panel until your sure the panel is in the right spot. When hanging panels I have been holding the panel where I think it goes, then driving 3 brads into it with a hammer, not setting them all the way so that they can be pull out if needed. This holds the panel in place so I can check the gaps to make sure they are 1/16" or less before nailing it off the nailer.

I have a Hitachi NT65M2 16 GA nailer, which is a great tool, but doesn't like certain brands of nails. I have been using the Hitachi nails since I got the gun, but couldn't find them in 2 1/2" 16 GA. The Bostich nails jam my gun on every other nail, so I gave the DeWalts a try. They work as well as the Hitachi nails, and cost less. Recommended. - Finish Nails'


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Acne Treatments - acne treatments, blemish control


I started having problems with adult onset acne at about age 25 - am now 40. Have tried everything - oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, retin-a, etc. etc. Despite trying numerous dermatologists, I never got what I considered good results - just a three minute visit and a couple of scripts. Decided to try this - at the price, nothing to lose. Man am I pleased. For the first time, acne is resolved (I have used the peel once a week for about six weeks). My scarring is improved and my skin tone is becoming much more even. Even improving my melasma. I would highly recommend this product. Word of caution. Acne will worsen after the first treatment - wait it out - it will improve Dramatically. Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional)

I started getting acne young, when i was about 10 and i didnt know how to look after my skin then. No cleansing, toning or even moisturizing because i thought that would give me more spots, what a fool i was.

The problem with black skin is that it hyperpigments easy and by the time i was 21 i couldnt bare to look at myself in the mirror, i had so many acne scars i couldnt stand it. Dermatologists were no help, the pills and creams are useless if you dont have a good skin care regimen which is something the doctors dont usually tell you.

In 2001 called around and was told by everyone on Harley Street that dermabrasion and skin peels were not for black skin tones so i paid £1800

for lazer treatment. It worked to some extent, the spots went and my skin looked clearer but if i had known about this product i wouldnt have bothered.

The truth is that these skin acids can and are used safely on ebony skin tones and have been for years. I am a caramel complexion (like Tyra Banks), my first peel ever was the Skin laboratoty 70% lactic acid peel and i experienced no problems at all, just be sure to follow the instructions. My second peel was the salicylic 20% peel by Skin Laboratory and my skin looks great. My skin is visibly clearer, lighter due to the fact that the hyperpigmentation is fading, i just look great and i'm so happy. And for the price, its a bargain compared to £200 per month on microdermabrasion or £1800+ for a course of lazer treatments. I would highly recommend both the product and the company. I honestly cant imagine my life without these peels now, i'm totally smitten.

At first i was skeptical of this acid peel, but changed my mind soon after.

I took before photos to see the change the peel would have on my face, and its only been about 4 weeks, but i will take pics soon of the after results after 6 weeks.



Im 20, male, white, with slightly oily skin, and acne that sometimes turns horrible on me and makes cysts only on cheeks though. One cyst next to my eye and eyebrow left a bad scar.



This stuff does tingle a bit, but very bearable. Used first for 2 mins, and had no effect, upped it to 4, same result. Used the full 8 mins the next day, started to see improvements. I modified the instructions a bit because my skin is used to exfoliations by 10% benzoil peroxide which only made pimples smaller and face a bit dry.



I used every other day for the full 8 mins every time. But i suggest follow their instructions first before adjusting it. No down time here, and no redness like some people mentioned, and i dont apply moisturizer. The skin feels same before and after application, but results can been seen a few hours after the application as well as increased results over 24-48 hours. The company suggests using a moisturizer, so dont take my word for it that you may not need it, so start with that. I started first using this product with a moisturizer but i think it clogged my pores and cause mild acne.



The results i got were:

-Pores got smaller noticeably on the nose, but not as much on the cheeks.

-Face became much more smoother, the scars got blended in(not the major ones thought)

-Face is less oily after application as well as for the next 24 hours or so. No moisturizer was needed for me, as the amount of oil on my skin after use of the peel stayed at a perfect level.

-Face got lighter (can be seen in my pictures), and red spots from old acne lightened up slightly.

-Acne breakout decreased alot. I no longer get acne on my cheeks and forehead. My problem is the nose and chin, mainly the bottom portion of the nose.



Final Comment: I would recommend this product to first time chem peel users. My sister is trying it right now. My skin is not sensitive, so i will be looking for a stronger solution, maybe 30% salicylic, or 35% glycolic. May buy this (in the 100 mL bottle) after i get rid of my red spots to maintain an acne free face.



Ill keep you guys updated with what happens in the next 2 months or whatever because its only been 1 month, and full results may take much longer. btw, i still have half the bottle left after 1 month use.



Update (aug 16, 2009): I ran out of the stuff and have ordered another bottle, but i have not been getting acne after i stopped, so i think it played a huge role in it. Much less red spots compared to 3 months ago. Scars did not really change much. Skin also feels much more smooth without any pimples appearing all the time.

Product works great, noticeable immediate improvement, though not drastic. I have been repeating it and have not had harsh results, just the expected peeling. I have large pores on my nose, chin and between eyebrows. After the peel I notice a change in pore depth and size. I am very impressed.

Well, I suppose my title got your attention. What does that mean? Let me start at the beginning and walk you through this. I developed Rosacea as an adult, about 40 or so, I'm 58/male. At first it was just some redness that was no big deal. Well one of the side effects is that Rhinophyma can start to develop. That's what happened to me. It starts slowly, you don't even realize it is happening. If you have "normal" bathroom lighting it actually masks a lot of the first stages. I went to Vegas for a wedding and the bathroom at the hotel had fluorescent lighting. If you want to see something frighting, go look in a mirror and use fluorescent lights. Holy COW! The skin on my nose looked gray! I also had one place on my nose that was a stubborn pimple. It wasn't red though so I never paid it a lot of attention. I like to think that I'm not narcissistic, but my nose got to the point that it was starting to call attention to itself. There would be times that I got pimples also, make no mistake about that! I tried OTC acne products,not much difference, heck I tried so many things I can't list them all. Sure I'd get some peeling but nothing really changed. So, I ordered this and Glycolic Acid and got them the first of August. I wanted to use it for 2 months before I reported back. So here I am. I have not used the Glycolic Acid yet, I've used 1/2 bottle of the Salicylic.



O.k. here is what I did. I have used it almost exclusively on the nose, along with a couple other problem areas. First the results on the nose. Like the title says - I have my nose back! It is a normal looking nose as smooth as you would expect for someone my age if not smoother. The excess gray (dead) skin is 95-99% gone at this point. It is flesh-colored and has no bumps anymore. I figured the bump was a cyst of some time, deep in the nose. It took a lot of work to get it out, even with this product. When I had finally removed enough layers of dead skin then an amazing amount of fluid came out. I hope I haven't grossed you out too much but if there is anyone out there that has gone through this they understand the frustration. BTW I've been to dermatologists in the past, ALL of them told me that it would cost thousands of dollars to apparently do what I've done for under $20.



Here is exactly what I did. I used this product every day, sometimes twice a day for two months. Did it sting? No,not for a LONG time. There was so much dead skin that it didn't make a dent. Does it sting NOW? Yes, but nothing that I can't handle. Mild stinging. I used a cotton swab(Q-tip type) to apply it. I waited the ten minutes then used COLD water to remove it. Patted it dry with a towel and then used jojoba oil immediately after. I highly recommend the jojoba oil in conjunction with this. I produce a lot of Sebum btw (probably had a Sebum cyst.) You can get the jojoba oil right here on Amazon too. It seems to balance all kinds of skin types.



You will get some peeling but I saw a lot less peeling on areas of my face besides my nose. The other areas I mentioned are another problem area that also had an old acne scar that looked like a small punch hole. This area improved so much that one day I went to apply the Salicylic and I was unsure where the area was. THAT was very gratifying. You DO have to keep using it though. Based on my results you can't just stop using it. I have gotten to the point where I use it a couple times a week now. I think that I will switch to the Glycolic Acid next since it's a longer interval on that regime. The Salicylic instructions say that you can use it every day. I'm also going to use a bit over the rest of my face because it DOES smooth out the flesh very nicely.



At any rate, that's what I did and that's what I got. My nose back! - Acne Treatments - Blemish Control - Chemical Peel - Acne'


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Missing Manual - microsoft, missing manual


This is a GREAT manual--it aggravates me to have to buy a manual for a program that I just spent $200+ for but that is the way of the world today. However, the $20+ I spent on this one was well worth it--great job Nancy & Matthew!



It was the only Office 2010 manual I found that actually covers all of the programs in some reasonable depth without being overwhelming. Also, the conversational tone of the book is a big plus when dealing with the dry topic of computer software.



It has been very helpful in bringing me into the new developments of Outlook and made One Note less daunting for me.



Thanks again for a useful tome... Office 2010: The Missing Manual

'Office 2010: The Missing Manual' by Nancy Conner & Matthew MacDonald is an absolute gem of a book. With 900+ pages of material covering Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and so much more, this is the definitive reference item for all heavy Office users that want to ramp up as quickly and efficiently as possible. Broken up over 31 chapters, this book logically separates the different applications and uses of the Office program suite. Focusing heavily on not just the use of the apps but the differences with previous versions, this is another grand slam by the 'Missing Manual' line of books.



The only person that I really couldn't recommend this for is if you are a user of a particular application in the Office suite. For you I would recommend on picking up one of the particular books that delve more into detail than this book does. Only gripe is the lack of color but that isn't enough to not recommend this highly.



Awesome books, incredible job by one of the best book lines out there today.



***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like many software manuals, it covers the basics but doesn't give you anything special. As large as it is, I expected a really strong index (and there are a lot of things listed) but it just didn't get there for me. I'm not a beginner, but Office 2010 was obviously new for me. I'm finding it easier to struggle through the new software and find the solution than struggling through the book to find it.

I usually get one of these mega-books on each upgrade of software, and this was a very good choice. It does what it says it is going to do, and I am using it repeatedly as I explore Office 2010. The information has been correct every time I look, and leads to aspects I didn't know I wanted to know about until informed in this manual. Sort of like Windows 7, that anticipates problems and solutions without your having to ask.



The only complaints I have are the lack of color, which has turned out to be a very minimal lose, and the lack of depth in some not so unusual areas, like style in Word, which has a very complex set of functions. It is covered, but I left it hungry.



I will most likely get a dedicated book on Word, or just keep following up with searches on the MS Office 2010 Site. The video tutorials there are, by the way, quite good introductions to various parts of every Office program.



bmkmd

Super price for what you get! This book is well written and covers the BASICS of using this Microsoft (M/S) product. But there is so much to know about the Office Suite products that this book, even at 900+ pages, cannot possibly cover the detailed information that I would like to have. I dislike having to go online for help information from M/S and become lost in the process. I cannot understand why M/S cannot include the equivalent of an electronic manual with their products. Most laptop PCs have memory & hard-drives in the megabytes and memory-sticks (& cards) in the gigabytes. So if your looking for information on how to use this M/S Office product you'll have to keep looking. Please let me know if you do. For the neophyte user of M/S Office this book definitely gets you off the ground and is well worth the cost.

Unlike previous versions, the launch of Windows XP wasn't immediately followed by one of Brian Livingston's classic "Windows Secrets" books, so I looked for an alternative. I found and bought the "Windows XP Missing Manual", which proved to be a complete waste of time and money. I wrote a scathing review on Amazon, and swore to never buy another "Missing Manual". Fooled me once -- shame on you.



Years went by and I kept that pledge, until recently when Microsoft Office 10 and a Kindle 3 arrived on my desk almost simultaneously. It seemed logical that one of my first Kindle books should be an Office 2010 manual. Searching Amazon's lists I found that most of my favorite authors and series were not yet available and, keen to try out my Kindle, I plunged one of the best reviewed of the available few -- Office 2010: The Missing Manual. Fooled me twice -- shame on me.



If you find anything in this disorganized mess of a book, you're lucky. If you find more in this book than is already quickly available from the program's Help, or from the most cursory web search, you're a talented bookworm. As a book, this is just a pack rat's nest of superficial, incomplete, and poorly edited information that can be found in a more complete, and better organized form on any number of Microsoft and third-party web pages. As a Kindle book this is a disgrace. Because there is no quick reference, searching requires leafing through pages and pages of detailed Table of Contents heads and sub-heads (most of the information in the book is so incomplete and superficial that there are many, many sub-heads, with little text between them). Near the end of this TOC search, one finally finds a link to the Index, but clicking on that just leads to yet another search through pages and pages of what is nothing more than the same table of contents re-organized in alphabetical order. That is when you find that what you are looking for -- being neither simple nor obvious -- is not covered in this book.



Really? That bad? Here's one simple example: when I sit at my desk in the morning the first thing I look at is my agenda for the day, in the form of "Outlook Today". Regularly, through the day, I check my progress through "Outlook Today". In the evening, before leaving my desk, I check "Outlook Today" for tomorrow. Now, go look in the Missing Manual's Table of Contents, Index, or use the Kindle Search for "Outlook Today" -- not once, not one mention,.. Missing. - Missing Manual - Microsoft'


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Milwaukee M18 - combo packs, lithium-ion


I recently owned a Makita set so I will compare the two. I use the tools every day in remodel and new construction work.

* The Milwaukee is slightly heavier, but still easy to use.

* The belt clip on tool base is very useful. Makita doesn't have same feature.

* Battery life seems to be the same. I love the charge level indicator on the battery, but when it is dead, it stops immediately, no gradual loss.

* The hard plastic carry case will last much longer than the Makita cordura bag, which was pretty beat up after six months of use.

* Both brands have a use light above trigger but Makita's will glow for a short stretch after trigger release whereas the Milwaukee turns off immediately.

* Makita also has the glow ring on the impact driver that makes finding it in the dark easier, very handy.

* The Milwaukee impact driver has a rubber bumper strip on both sides of the nose for friction protection [nice] but one end on both sides come unattached with very little use [annoying]. I had to super glue them in place and they have held for several weeks.

* I anticipate no difference in tool life and durability having used both tool brands for many years. Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

After owning two of the white Makita lith-ion drills I had to return both of them because the charger kept killing the batteries dead. From what I have read this is a known problem.



Here is what I like better about the Milwaukee.



First the charger does not kill the $80 batteries no matter how long you leave them on the charger. Second, the Milwaukee has a great battery charge indicator right on the battery. This is very important with Lith-Ion batteries as they have full power right up to the end and quit without warning. With is level gauge you know exactly how much battery life you have when you grab your drill. Third, the Milwaukee drill has bit storage on board, handy for philips and reg bits. Lastly the red color holds up much better then white.



Hope this helps.

Recently I've been doing a lot of work around the house getting ready for winter. I went to Home Depot looking for an impact driver (something that could easily drive 4-6 inch lag screws and 8-10 inch Timberlock screws). The Makita and Milwaukee impact drivers seemed to outperform any others available. I chose the Milwaukee based on prior experience with this brand AND final sale price of $225.00 for the set (versus $275 for the Makita). Right out of the box there was enough charge in the battery to finish driving several timber screws in a drain box I was repairing. I've been very impressed with the weight, durability, and performance of this set. The torque in the impact driver is eye-popping. No buyer's remorse for this tool purchase.

After having Makita products in the past, I chose to buy this Milwaukee drill after the Makita Lithium Ion drills had concerns about wobbly chucks and poor batteries. I received the drill and immediately liked it. The weight, size, trigger control, etc. were all fantastic. The best drill I ever handled. So I took my new drill to put up several blinds and thought the new quick change bit set I bought was junk. Everything was wobbling and it was even hard to put in the screws. I went down to the shop and started going through some other bits. Every one of them wobbled. So, I pulled out my old Makita and the wobbling was immediately gone. I was in the middle of a bunch of different projects, so I went to a local store and picked up another Milwaukee. I got it home and the same problem. They both wobble like nothing I've seen before. Beware, others say Makita has wobble problems, but in my case 2 Milwaukee compact drills from two different stores have suffered from wobbly chucks, while I've never seen a Makita with this problem. There's definitely some quality control issues at Milwaukee with these drills.

I'm a hobbyist...a retired car nut. I like good tools, and in this case, I wanted a cordless drill with lots of power, and a keyless chuck that would hold a drill bit without slipping. I haven't used my new Milwaukee drill and impact driver much yet, but my initial impression is very positive, with one exception: battery life. Both pieces have all the power you could ask for, and they're light and well-balanced. They feel good in your hand...not over-bulky or lop-sided. The chuck on the drill grabs great, and doesn't spin on the drill bits, but I noticed the battery charge getting low after about 30 holes in sheet metal. Battery charge lasted a little better on the impact driver...I don't know if the drill just pulls more charge out of the battery, or maybe my drill battery happened to be weaker than the driver one. In any case, the battery charge indicator lets you know where you're at (after you put the battery on the charger), and the batteries recharge in a relatively short time. I questioned at first, why I'd need or want an impact driver if I had a powerful drill. Won't they do basically, the same thing? The impact driver gives you much greater control in driving screws. I was able to drive about 75 sheet metal screws into thick sheet metal without boogering up a single phillips head or twisting off a single screw. I know that using a drill to drive those screws, I'd have had about a 75% success rate at best. For me, these are great...for a contractor or someone working for a living, you'd want to have a handful of batteries so you can keep going.

How could a craftsman who's bought Milwaukee tools for over 20 years, (and many are Still in constant use), mark a "one star"? Two reasons: very very poor engineering and cheap brittle plastic. First of all I should have realized a change when my trusty 'ol 18 volt nicad Milwaukee drill slid off a chair onto a wood floor - and the handle snapped in half! Luckily I could buy the case, and after 2 hours of reassembly it is functioning again. Their plastic looks maleable, it is an illusion - it is incredibly brittle. The opposite of what is needed in a 'Heavy Duty" tool. So I should have known better than to buy this new set. I could find nothing amiss with the impact driver - it looks like good ol Milwaukee quality. But, believe me or not, the driver drill snapped in half too! And this was one half hour out of the box, drilling studs with a 1" spade bit for wiring. The bit caught on a knot, I resisted, and the drill snapped. Same brittle plastic. But far worse is the engineering / design of the drill. On a cursory inspection it looks strongly built. It's totally an illusion. All that holds the drill motor to the handle is two tiny pieces of brittle plastic hidden under pretty coverings.

Amazon prime is wonderful, they refunded in full in short order. I so regret I did not take pictures of this pathetically designed tool broken in two in my hands! And I am no gorilla -( like those who still respect these Chinese made Milwaukees may need to presume). For me, 20 years of supporting them has come to an end until I learn they have recalled this tool And changed their plastic formulation. Next day I went out and bought a Bosch set, nearly the same price, with even better specs on torque. (Bosch CLPK23-180 18V 2-Tool Litheon Combo Kit) After careful inspection and hard use I can say they are designed very well. It seems Bosch hasn't gone the route of Milwaukee. Whew. My partner uses a Makita set, and as can certainly happen on a job site, eventually one fell a story and half. We just picked it up and kept going, as it should be. Makita is not quite as well built IMHO, but certainly a good second choice. I have never written a review before, hope it's useful. - Lithium-ion - Milwaukee M18 - Drill - Combo Packs'


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Yoga Towel


My wife and I avidly practice Bikram yoga, sometimes as often as 6 classes a week. We started our practice using bath towels and quickly moved to yoga towels for the added slip-free design, sweat-wicking and fast drying composition of the Gaiam towels.



Briefly, my PROS and CONS;

PROS

- Once slightly damp provide a very slip-free surface

- bunches only slightly, I usually have no issues in Bikram but my towel moves a bit during active Vinyasa sessions.

- Wash them and hang to dry, they are often completely dry in a few hours

- Hold up fairly well after washing (which you need to do after every class)



CONS

- We now have purchased 6 of these towels since we started in January 2011. We needed at least 4 (2 towels each) to rotate every other day or for when we do double classes on weekends.

- After 3 months the towels pick up a mildew smell that is impossible to remove. I have washed with baking soda, vinegar, hung out in the sun, tossed the older ones in a dryer, but the smell is horrible.

-After 3 months of regular use and maybe 30-40 washings, I've had to throw out 2 of the towels.



I am going to try the Yogitoes towel that is a little more expensive, to see if the towels hold up a little longer. I will update this review once I have tried the other brand. Gaiam Thirsty Yoga Towel, Dark Blue

I own two of these yoga towels, and I have found them to be durable, highly absorbent, and an overall great value. I can't believe people actually spend 2-3 times as much on other brands! I practice yoga 5-6 times per week, so I need a towel that will stand up to lots of use and washing.This is a perfectly good towel that fulfils my needs: a non-slip, absorbent surface that completely covers my yoga mat. I have used this towel for both Bikram-style hot yoga classes as well as Vinyasa flow classes, and it works well for both. It's lightweight and dries really quickly too. This towel doesn't shrink or fade either, even after dozens of washings, unlike the shrunken Yogitoes towels I see others using in my yoga classes. I would have given it 5 stars instead of 4, but it sometimes doesn't stay put perfectly - I've found that I may have to straighten it once during an especially active flowing class. Overall, I'm satisfied with this yoga towel, and I see no need to waste money on the pricier brands.

I am brand new to yoga and enrolled in a hot yoga class. I learned that I should pick a mat that is not slippery or sleak - so I picked an Atlus mat which has small grips (so the towel does not slip). I can easily spin around on the towel and it does not bunch up. The only challenge is in the warrior pose; the wider the feet, you have to really dig your heels in so that you don't slip - but any towel without grips would have the same issue. The towel dries quickly and washes up nicely.

I have two of these towels and do Bikram 5-7 days a week. It works as well as a more expensive yoga towel. I wash it after each class and since I rotate towels, I really didn't want to pay the money for more expensive towels. I've used mine for six months and it smells clean after I wash it and lay it out to dry. I put it outside as much as possible. I sweat like a river and it does a good job. Ok so once in awhile it does a minor bunch, but a quick flick of my toe and it is fine. I don't find that it slips at all, but maybe that is more muscle use than trying to push into the towel.

I purchased this mat to use in a hot yoga class and I was disappointed with how it worked. While the texture was nice and washes well, it did not stay put during my yoga practice and i had to keep straightening it out. It would recommend getting a mat towel with grip on the bottom if you are doing a faster paced practice.

Towel is great for my hot yoga class. Exactly what I needed to keep me from soaking my mat. It is not completely slid free, however...soemtimes I have to move it out of the way for real deep leg poses.

Considering the price, this towel isn't too bad. But if you do hotyoga you Will slip on it. It helps to splash water on it before you practice. And I still like the towel. The color is nice, and it deals easily with a lot of water/sweat.'


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Success Manifestation - financial freedom, dave ramsey


I enjoy discussions about my finances about as much as I enjoy talking about my weight. I certainly need to work on both, but I'd prefer to avoid the topics if at all possible, thank you very much. Can I get an "amen"?Dave Ramsey, radio talk show host, author and all-around financial guru, is no stranger to this ostrich routine. After his own bankruptcy he came to the conclusion that the key to financial (and physical) fitness isn't knowing all the tricks of the money trade; it's being honest with yourself. "If I can control the guy in the mirror, I can be skinny and rich," he says in his new book THE TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER.In other words, you have to get your head out of the sand. Okay, I have to get my head out of the sand.Leaving the skinny to other books, Ramsey is a prophet to those who want to be rich but would settle for being financially stable. It's clear that this is a large group, given the popularity of Ramsey's radio show and books. After reading THE TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER, I can see why they flock to him for advice.Ramsey's principles are simple and straightforward. Pay cash. Pay off debts from smallest to largest. Create an emergency fund. He provides easy-to-understand answers to many seemingly complex questions about budgeting, retirement funds, saving for college education, and more.Large pullout quotes scattered throughout the book offer bite-sized financial advice and factoids in Ramsey's typically direct manner:"A new $28,000 car will lose about $17,000 of value in the first four years you own it. To get the same result, you could toss a $100 bill out the window once a week during your commute.""Looking to spend $100 per month on life insurance? You could pay $7 a month toward term insurance and invest the remaining $93. But go with a cash-value policy if you'd rather have someone else earn interest on your investments.""49% of Americans could cover less than one months' expenses if they lost their income.""If your mortgage payment is $900 and the interest portion is $830, you will pay that year around $10,000 in interest. What a great tax deduction! Right? Otherwise, you'd pay $3,000 in taxes on that $10,000. But who in their right mind would chose to trade $10,000 for $3,000?"All of this advice is helpful and eye opening, but what Ramsey really excels at is presenting inspirational tales of those who were once, but are no longer, in financial disarray. Their stories make up at least a third of the book, and the cumulative effect is that of a published pep rally designed to get people pumped up about saving money. And it works.This is a must-read book for anyone whose looking for a little basic financial information and a whole lot of courage to finally put away the ostrich suit. --- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

If you're thinking about passing on this latest book from financial guru Dave Ramsey because you've already read his first New York Times bestseller Financial Peace, think again. Financial Peace is "what to do." Total Money Makeover is a step-by-step, nuts and bolts "how to do" kind of book. Dave takes the seven key principles of a healthy financial plan from Financial Peave and gives them a shot of adrenaline and a ton of muscle! He walks with you through each of the seven "baby steps" and shows you exactly how to accomplish each one. Along the way Dave shares dozens of stories from people who are working on or have completed their own Total Money Makeover. The result is a book that could replace all others on personal finance. Reader beware: If you're looking for the next "get rich quick" book from a guy with a calculator and no experience, this is not the book for you. But if you want an uplifting and encouraging book that will show you exactly how to build true wealth and will give you loads of stories from people who have done just that, pick this book up today! Dave knocks it out of the park with Total Money Makeover, and your personal finances could be doing the same very soon.

Finally, a book that speaks to everyone, from those who are complete financial disasters to those who pay their bills on time, but overpend and need to reduce their debt load. Too many books about debt focus only on paying your bills on time and reducing your interest rates, while ignoring the people who have too much debt and are too smart about it, never paying a late fee and keeping it all at low interest.



I have never heard Ramsey's radio show, but this book was a huge wake-up call for me. It is motivational and it will get you pumped to get intense about reducing your debt load and living only with the cash you have today. The strategies are excellent, the advice is solid, and people have turned their lives around under Ramsey's guidance. There are a lot of testimonials in this book, perhaps a few too many, but I enjoyed seeing the success stories and seeing the different kinds of people who turned to Ramsey's method.



This book has wide appeal and everyone should check it out once to give their finances a good sanity check.

This is the first book I've read that thows away the fancy models, throws out all of the crappy advice your broke friends have given you, and simplifies financing down to easy, understandable concepts. This book isn't for people looking to get rich quick. If you're looking for a high-risk big payback scheme, move on. If you're looking to build a financial future based on solid, time-tested concepts, this book will change your life. It shows you a clear path to financial success based on debt reduction, saving, and, believe it or not, giving.



Dave was a millionaire by the time he was 30-years-old. Then he went broke, filed for bankruptcy and had to start over from nothing. His concepts are based on interviews he's done with millionaires and an autopsy on his financial failure. His plan is rooted in very sound financial concepts such as: there is no way to borrow your way to wealth.



He lays out a plan based on simple baby steps that walk with you from your current situation (buried in debt otherwise why are you looking at this review), to retirement with enough money to burn. No matter your income level, mine is quite high, this book will give you a path from debt to wealth.



Here's the catch. This plan requires you to change your habits. IT IS NOT FUN. IT IS NOT EASY. IT CAN BE DOWNRIGHT PAINFUL. But if you put yourself through this plan, within 5 years you will be out of debt, and on a path to some serious wealth. I will be completely debt free with money in the bank and a retirement plan going by June of next year. I can see how I will retire with millions of dollars in the bank. I have financial security for the first time in my life. Dave's plan simply works. Are you fed up with living paycheck to paycheck? Tired of CitiBank? Tired of GM Finance? Buy this book and get intense. Thank me later when you're rich. - Dave Ramsey - Debt - Finance - Financial Freedom'


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Hp Laptop Charger


I don't know which power supply this review is for; the no name I purchased or original OEM one I later bought.



If it's the original OEM HP power supply, it should be 5 star, and good value. If this is for the no-name "clone" I first purchased, it should be a 1 start (because there is no zero star) with the warning to stay away form the no-names. It was worse than bad and to top it off, the seller kept sending me messages about giving me a refund for not saying anything bad. Did not agree to the terms, but got my money back anyway.



Stay with OEM charger and look for best price. NEW for HP Pavilion ZV6000 AC Power Adapter Charger'


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Ironman Watch - gps, heart rate monitor watch


Watch is the same as you would expect from a Timex Ironman. The watch is very comfortable. It looks like a regular sports watch. It appears to be well made. I am sure that it will only last about 2 years but that is alright for the money. Usually the timex ironmans tend to get beat up looking before they actually die. The interface is very intuitive. It works like a standard Ironman. You can display the heart rate in many different ways. I like that the time is visible while the heart rate monitor is functioning. I also like that you can display the heart rate in a bunch of different ways. I don't really use all of the fancy features. I did use it once just to see how it worked- it worked fine. (Avg hr, peak hr, blah blah). All that I do is keep my heart rate between 140-160. I would not count on the calorie counter to work. The recovery heart rate is a handy feature that is really easy to use. I think that measuring recovery heart rate is one of the best measures of heart health.



I bought this watch to replace an Omron that I bought off of Amazon for $32. The Omron was alright, but it was telling my that my heart rate was 220 plus beats a minute once in a while. And I wanted to see if I was going to have a cardiac arrest. The timex is coded, so I don't get any interference from the equipment or other heart monitors. The timex road trainer is superior in every way to the omron.



The only real downside is that the chest strap is a little short for big guys. I am 6'2" 240 lbs with a wide chest (48") and it is a little snug on me. I am hoping that it stretches out after a little while. This is a small annoyance that I don't mind dealing with for how well this watch works. Most people won't need to worry about that. I would say that only if you are bigger than me that it would be a real problem. It is nice to leave the watch on all day and then just throw the strap on when I go to the gym. During the day, the watch reminds me to hit the gym after work!



The heart rate is very accurate and reliable on this watch. It works consistently with no problems what so ever. This is definately worth the extra money. Using a heart rate montitor is a must to get the most out of cardio workouts. I will always use one from now on.



I had a polar a few years ago, and that thing was no where near as user friendly as this watch. This thing beats my old polar in every way. Also- I wouldn't be caught dead wearing the polar outside of the gym! Timex Ironman Men's Road Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Grey/Red, Full Size

I had previously purchased a heart rate monitor with an analog transmitter system, and it would only work if it was nowhere near any electrical equipment (e.g., fluorescent lighting, television, or treadmill). The Timex heart rate monitors (including this unit) that have a digital transmission eliminate this electrical interference issue.



I have never been particularly fond of excessive bells and whistles, perhaps because I am technologically challenged--I have never found a use for all the extra features, much less been able to figure out how to use them. This unit does lack some features that some users may have preferred to have-- it doesn't retain more than one workout in memory, for example. I am also unsure whether the transmitter is compatible with treadmills and other equipment that work with Polar brand transmitters. But if you want a reliable heart rate monitor that provides real-time guidance of where your heart rate is, then this unit fits the bill.

I purchased this watch one month ago and have been very pleased. If at first you don't understand the instructions can go to YouTube and check out the tutorials some people have been kind enough to make. The only negative is the chest band which is tight on me (48" chest). I researched for months which watch to buy a friend was trying to talk me into a Garmin with GPS but it seemed like overkill. This watch is perfect for those who do multiple sports are serious about improving their conditioning. It is definitely priced right and has a ton of features I am glad I made this choice.

Moving from a very simple and outdated Polar, which only showed heart rate, I appreciate all the integrated functions of this Timex. Just after a few workouts, I have found the integrated heart rate monitor and stopwatch with laps and recovery rate to be practical and easy to use. The display is easy to customize with combination stopwatch/heart rate or just large heart rate. The chest strap is comfortable and easy to adjust. I have no complaints at all and am happy I purchased this model.

I completely recomend this product. This was my first HR Monitor watch and I've had it for a couple of weeks and it has revolutionized the way I train and practice sports. I know when to push harder and when to slow down and it's easier to track your progress. The only downside it has is that it doesn't include a way to download the information into your computer for easier tracking, but you can purchase additional equipment to do so. But if data transfer is a must for you, I recomend you look into the Timex Ironman Race Trainer line. It is practically the same watch, with the ability to transfer your data.

I needed a heart monitor for my workouts. This works great. I would like it better if it kept track of time in each zone but that is not a big deal. I am quite satisfied with this products performance and ease of use.

Just what I was looking for. All of the functions that I need in one place.



Previously, I had a Heart Rate Monitor for one wrist and Watch for the other. While effective, it was cumbersome. With this monitor, I have both Time and Heart Rate at the same time.



Instructions are straight-forward (can download from Timex). Features include Lap Times, Cumulatives, etc. Avg HR by lap and total Time-in-Zone (within a particular range) are excellent features.



Some have had problems with the chest strap. No problem for my 42" chest.



I am concerned that there are no replacement bands. With my previous watches/monitors, I replaced the band every 2-3 years. I would like to know that I can replace this one if/when necessary.



In Summary, I'm very pleased with this purchase. - Heart Monitor Watch - Gps - Heart Rate Monitor Watch - Ironman Watch'


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Russell Athletic - gym shorts, russell athletic


My husband is a big man. He needs a good t-shirt. We haven't found any better T's anywhere. Just in case you have the same question we did about choosing 6x or 5x-tall. The 5x-tall is about 2" longer. Russell Athletic Men's Big & Tall Basic Short Sleeve Solid Crew Neck T-Shirt With Chest Pocket, Navy, 2XT

Update. I'd like to upgrade this to five stars, now. Why the turn-around? Well. Since I got my iPhone, the front pocket has become invaluable. Before the iPhone I had nothing to put there and it was kind of an eyesore. But given my longer torso, the iPhone's iconic white headphones are just a bit too short for comfort if I carry my iPhone in my pants pocket.



So now I'm only buying the pocket tees. The $1 premium is cheap for a quality iPhone sleeve :-)



The rest of my original review:



- The quality and fit of the t-shirt itself deserves five stars. The pro cotton is a world different from the regular cotton on most t-shirts, its slightly heavier weight letting the shirt hang off your shoulders and maintain a nice shape. Cheaper material light t-shirts have tended to crumple or cling a bit more than is comfortable, and are best worn inside of shirts or something. This pro cotton t-shirt can be quite elegant worn on its own.



- I used to buy the regular XXL shirt, but now the 2XLT's are my favorite, even if they are more than twice the price on Amazon. The problem is, you can't find these sizes anywhere else, including on Russell Athletic's own online store. So Amazon is it, mostly.



- I'm not unusually tall but my torso is proportionately longer. My normal XXL t-shirts would often un-tuck themselves, or expose my belly if I was reaching for something. The 2XLT's are a perfect remedy for that, allowing me to be more physically active - you won't believe how much the annoyance of a shirt escaping out of its tucked position limits your movement. You hold yourself back even if you aren't aware of it.



- Even though it seems there are only color differences, the materials do differ slightly depending on the color. The heather variety are more flexible, but I think they are ugly in the lighter colors. Navy heather's my favorite, though rare to find here.



- Follow the washing instructions. If the washing and drying is too hot, the t-shirts DO shrink. I have some XXL's that were washed in the "normal" setting of the washer and dryer, and they have distinctly become tighter and shorter, almost by an entire size.

I exclusively buy Russell t-shirts for one reason:

THE NECKS NEVER, EVER DROOP EVEN WHEN THEY ARE SEVERAL YEARS OLD !

this is a very big issue with me and Russell is the only t-shirt I have ever owned that keeps it shape.

Russell Athletic Men's Big & Tall Basic Short Sleeve Solid Crew Neck T-Shirt With Chest Pocket I purchased 4 shirts. When I received them the material was puckered along the seams under the arms. Looked like a high school home economic class did the sewing. The seam joints were misaligned also.



I subsequently bought shirts from another supplier made in the same country and the workmanship was excellent. This may have been a problem with one assembly organization.

Got three of these for working out at the gym. I'm fairly well satisfied.



Pros: Excellent quality construction and very heavy fabric. These should last a long time.



Cons: These shirts have the tightest neck I've ever experienced in a t-shirt. They are the only t-shirts in my collection that I have to take my glasses off to put on. They fit my neck so tight that, combined with the heavy weight fabric, they get awfully hot due to lack of ventilation. Sure, I've got a big neck, but I bought shirts for a big man. You'd think they would take that into consideration when designing the neck.



Overall, they're pretty good shirts but I don't think I'll buy anymore. I'll probably go for a V-neck shirt. However, I might consider the long-sleeve version for winter use. They should be great.

I've worn Russell tees for about 30 years now. I'm 6'2" tall, and used to weigh 260 - 270 pounds; they used to fit, not shrink, and have neck room.



I'm down to 230 pounds, but as soon as I wash the shirt, it shrinks - even in cold water wash, and delicate dry. The neck size is more like for someone that wears a medium.



I had to "stretch" / pull the shirt to be able to wear it; upon the 2nd washing I noticed that the stitching is falling apart.



Only the Russell Premium has held up (although the neck size is smaller than XL).



All tee shirts are becoming like this - I too think it's due to poor craftsmanship & sizes running smaller - due to being made outside of U.S., with no real quality control in place.



Gary - Jersey Shorts - Shorts - Gym Shorts - Russell Athletic'


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Swim Gear - swim gear, tommy


Product is good but I wear size 10.5 to 11 shoes, the 11 - 13 barely fits my feet, I sent one pair back, then had to reorder, so I will use the 11-13. I would order at least 2 sizes large than you think you need. TYR Crossblade Training Fins, LG (9-11)

After hearing so many reviews of fins being small and having size 14 boats I ordered XXXL 15-17 first thing. They were actualy too big! I returned them to Swim2000 in exchange for the XXL and they were way too small, Going back to swim2000 they suggested Auqasphere Alpha fins (a little funky looking) but they work great. I am not knocking the TYR fins just the sizing discrepancy. And Swim2000 was great!

I got this on the advice of a fellow swimmer who was also recovering from knee surgery for acl repair. I wanted to condition, balance and strengthen my legs and knees without adding stress to my knee joint. so far this has worked very well. I can really feel it for a workout, but it has not put any stress on my knee that I can tell (flutter kick from hip only) and no pain. :) a swim shop owner with a daughter with many knee injuries also highly suggested this fin. online reading of knee injured folks all show the split fin style to be the one that is knee-gentle. the color is based on the size. i have the yellow (size 39-40 or 6-7 M) size, and my foot size is 8 1/2 minimum but usually a 9 womens. this has good propulsion and a comfortable foot pocket. it feels and looks well built. - Swimming - Swim Gear - Tommy'


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