How to Choose the Right LED Lights

One application where LEDs (light emitting diodes) shine is in flashlights. Because LEDs have high brightness, low power consumption, long life, small size and other characteristics, they're ideal for portable lighting. You can choose a good LED flashlight if you look for some key features.

Here are things you should consider before buying led lights:

Efficiency

Manufacturer’s claims vary wildly about the efficiency of LEDs and can often be quite misleading. The simplest way to ensure that you are comparing “like with like” is to look at the efficiency in Lumens per Watt. That is, how much light do you get for each Watt of electricity used. Today (early 2010), LEDs that are in production range in efficiency from about 20 to 60 Lumens per Watt. New developments should increase this to around 80 or 100 Lumens per Watt over the next few years. This compares with around 10-15 Lumens per Watt for old-fashioned incandescent lamps and 50-100 Lumens per Watt for fluorescent tubes.

Colour Temperature

Early LEDs were mostly a very much higher colour temperature (ie a bluish light) than the typical 2700K colour temperature of a warm white incandescent lamp. This has led many people to think that LEDs gave a “cold” light. LED technology has however advanced a great deal in the last couple of years and some types of LED are available in a range of colour temperatures from warm white (2700 or 3000K) up to daylight (6000K and beyond). LEDs with a higher colour temperature do however tend to be slightly more efficient than those with a lower colour temperature so some companies offer these as a way of making their products seem brighter. To replace standard incandescent or halogen lamps, a colour temperature of around 2700K to 3300K is preferred. Some companies use non-standard terms when describing the colour of LEDs such as “natural white” or “office white” which cannot be readily compared with other products. To ensure that you are comparing like with like always check the colour temperature.

Colour rendering

The colour rendering of LEDs varies quite markedly between brands. For some applications this is not particularly important but for ambient lighting it is important to check the quality of light emitted. The LEDs that we offer for ambient lighting all have good colour rendering, comparable to that of a good quality fluorescent tube. Many manufacturers do not however quote a colour rendering index for their LEDs so we are rarely able to quote specific figures.

Heat output

LEDs give off relatively little heat but do run reasonably warm and often incorporate a heat sink to dissipate any excess heat and maintain the LEDs at optimum operating temperature. Compact lamps such as miniature spot lights can thus still get reasonably warm whereas larger bulbs and candles certainly cool enough to touch when operating.

Rated Life

The one area where LEDs really score highly is in their rated operating life which typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 hours. This is 20 to 50 times longer than a typical incandescent lamp so LEDs are ideal for use in areas where maintenance is difficult or long life is important.

Watts

Watts is how people think about power usage and how bright a light will be. However when working with LED lights, we all have to change our thinking from watts to “lumens”.  Why?

The simple answer is that a 10 watt LED bulb manufactured by 5 different manufacturers will likely have 5 different light outputs. In fact some LED bulbs can be twice as bright at the same wattage. The reasons for this are numerous, but we will mention 3 here:

1. The brand of LED chip contained in the light will directly affect brightness
2. The colour of an LED (even with the same brand chip) will significantly affect light output
3. The quality and type of materials used to make the light housing will greatly affect brightness

Below is a basic guide on how to choose the correct wattage you'll need for different uses and circumstances: Notice the large variance in light output.

Some LED chips will give 50 lm/w while others can give in excess of 100 lm/w. The figures below are conservative.

Watt Power(w)	Lumens range (lm)	Used for:
3w	150 to 240	Candle bulbs and spotlights. Used in lamp shades, garden fittings, under benches. Where the light source is located close to the object being illuminated.
4w	200 to 310	Used for the same as 3w when a little more light is desired
5w	250 to 380	This is used a lot in led downlight fittings, led bulbs for bedside lamps and wall fittings. Colour changing bulbs often come in this wattage.
6w	300 to 480	Good middle of the range wattage used for general lighting in domestic homes for hallways & bedrooms. Can also be used for accent lighting of paintings. Also commonly used in LED bulbs for lamp shades.
7w	310 to 500	7w is used for the same reason as 6w when more light is desired. A very common wattage for MR16 and GU10 LED spotlights to replace 20w or 35w halogen downlights.
9w	320 to 600	This is the most popular wattage for downlights and spotlights where general lighting is used. Can be equivalent to or greater than a 35w halogen.
10w	350 to 760	A 10w LED spotlight such as an MR16 or GU10 will produce light output equivalent to 35w to 50w. This makes it a popular choice for retro-fitting.
12w	550 to 1000	Used mostly in downlights for higher ceilings or in kitchens where more light is desired & floodlights.
15w	680 to 1300	Many brands use this wattage as a 50w halogen replacement. Although a better quality fitting with a lower wattage can also do the job.

Lumens

Lumens are the measurement of the total amount of light emitted from a light source. You may hear the term ‘lux’ thrown around as well. Lux is simply the amount of lumens in a specified area.           1 lux = 1 lumen/m² 

Beam Angles

LED strip lighting and LED bulbs commonly use 120° beam angles. However, if you are purchasing LED spotlights and downlights, you will want to consider which beam angle to use. Below is an easy guide on how to choose your beam angle when choosing lights:

Sources:http://www.abcsources.com/How-to-Choose-the-Right-LED-Lights-p26382/

How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Home

When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. Paint color can have the most dramatic effect on your space, and it is the least expensive way to update your home.Color can change our perception of the space around us, turning it cool and energetic, spacious or cozy. There are three key steps that can help you with the process of color selection:

1. Find Inspiration

You can come up with ideas by creating a portfolio of what appeals to you: a favorite painting, the color of your baby's eyes, an unforgettable vacation in Mexico or that great hike in the Grand Canyon.

First, take into consideration your inspirational image's common denominators in terms of color. Do you like a variety of colors or particular shades and tints of a specific color? Do you like them bold or muted? Digging deep in the well of inspiration plays an important role in selecting and whittling down your choices.

2. Define the Mood

Secondly, is there a mood or theme that you would like to achieve in a particular space? Do you want a restful feel in the bedroom, or an energizing feel to the family room? The mood will lay the groundwork on the desired visual impact of a chosen paint color palette.

3. Use Key Elements in Your Home

Last but not least, take stock of all the key elements in your house. Do you have carpeting, hardwood floors, modern or antique furniture? The color of the flooring is an important consideration when you choose colors because it anchors the room and can impact the color on the wall due to reflections.

Furnishings also play an important role in determining the perfect color scheme for your house. Since these are usually the most expensive and not easily replaced items in the house, they tend to suggest a coordinating color scheme that ties everything together. An invaluable heirloom dining table, for example, will never be discarded because it doesn't match the wall color of the dining room.

The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint color will set the tone for the room.

Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized.

Coordinate Decorating Samples
When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. No tellng where you might see something wonderful.

Really Study the Colors
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Custom Color Matching
If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your paint store or home center offers custom color mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created to be a perfect match. Visit Home Depot or Lowe's or call a local hardware store to inquire.

Look Up to the Ceiling
Light colors are usualy most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow. If you'd like the ceiling to match the wall color, buy ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall color (on its color chip). Or, dilute your wall color with white paint in a ratio of 25% color to 75% white.

In the end, trust your eyes, says Minchew. “Judging color isn’t something you need to be highly trained for. Just look at the swatch or sample on the wall throughout the day and evening. If it’s working for you, then that’s all there is to it. If you see it and you like it, you should be fine.”
Sources:http://www.abcsources.com/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Paint-Color-p29437/

8 Things That Matter When Hiring A Business Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer may be one of the most important decisions your business makes. The skill and attentiveness of your lawyer will affect everything from the strength of your company’s contracts to how well you’ll be able to defend your company from employee claims.

“If you hire the wrong lawyer for your business, there are so many horrible things that can happen,” says West Palm Beach, Florida business lawyer and mediator Jonathan Gilbert. “It’s like losing the game before you even start. You should never let that happen.”

Here are eight things to consider when hiring a business lawyer:

1. Experience. Experience matters with business law. Like with almost anything, lawyers improve with repetition. A lawyer who has written hundreds of contracts will likely write a more solid contract than a lawyer who is drafting a contract for their first time.
2. Relevance. Make sure the lawyer actually practices business law and that it’s a substantial part of her practice. You probably want to avoid hiring a jack-of-all-trades for your business or using your divorce lawyer to review your contract “just this one time.”
3. Results. Ask the lawyer about their past results. In most states, lawyers can’t advertise results. But they can discuss past performance if you ask. With business law, as much as with anything else, a lawyer’s past performance is relevant to their future success.
4. References. Ask the lawyer for references. No matter how much the lawyer toots their own horn, it’s even better when someone else toots their horn for them. Try to get references from people you actually know and who work in your line of business.
5. Communication. There’s nothing more important than being able to communicate effectively with your lawyer. You need to be able to speak openly about your business. And you must be able to reach your lawyer — by phone, email, etc. — when you need to.
6. Fees. Make sure you’ll be able to pay for all of the legal services you need. Legal fees vary widely, with some business lawyers charging north of $1,000 per hour. If that’s too steep for you, find someone more affordable, although too cheap should raise red flags.
7. Personality. You must feel comfortable talking with your lawyer. Your personalities can’t clash. When you meet a business lawyer for the first time, take the conversation beyond the legal topic at hand. See how well you get along. If it’s not a good fit, move on.
8. Research. Do your homework on your business lawyer before signing the engagement letter. Look up the lawyer’s Avvo rating, see if they’re listed on SuperLawyers, and make sure they don’t have any disciplinary history with their state bar association.

“One of the most important things you need in a business lawyer is alignment with your level of risk aversion,” says Josh King, General Counsel and VP/Business Development at lawyer rating website Avvo. “Attorneys are trained issue spotters, but every businessperson knows that all issues aren’t created equal. Some legal risks matter, and some don’t. A good lawyer for your business will focus their energies on avoiding the risks that matter, and help power you toward the opportunities that lie on the other side of many more minor legal risks.”

Once you’ve considered these tips and are ready to start meeting prospective lawyers for your business, make sure you shop around, ask lots of questions, and, just in case, know how to fire your lawyer if things don’t work out the way you expected.

How to Choose the Right Wig for You

How many times have you seen an attractive woman whose hairstyle looked a little "off" for her face? Many women make the mistake of selecting gorgeous wigs that simply do not compliment their looks. Some wigs which look simply beautiful on the mannequin, suddenly look "silly" and artificial when placed on the head of a willing human.

Wigs are becoming all the rage amongst women who wish to instantly change their looks. They are the perfect accessory for the woman who is thinking of trying out a new haircut, or weaved hairstyle. But no matter where you purchase your wig, if you want to achieve the most natural look, it's imperative that you really understand the look you're going for, and shop accordingly. Thus, here's a little guide to choosing the best, most natural-looking wig for you.

THE HAIR UNDERNEATH...

First and foremost, before covering your head with any wig, make sure that your own tresses are clean and pulled neatly (and comfortably) away from the face, as close to the head as possible. Many women choose to wear a wig cap underneath their wigs for this just purpose. Wearing a cap underneath is really a personal decision. But they are traditionally used to help keep your own hair from breaking due to friction between the wig and your hair (especially if worn daily.) Additionally, if your natural hair is fairly long, you will want to keep it easily away from your artificial style. In essence, once applied, your wig should be free of the lumps and bumps of natural hair which has not been smoothed down.

YOUR FACE...

You should pay particular attention to the shape of your face, as well as your skin tone, when shopping for wigs. As with natural hair, some styles and haircuts do not work well with certain facial shapes. For instance, those with round or wide faces should opt for styles which elongate the face. A huge "bouiffant" of a hairdo may cause the wig to look more artificial than it already is. Try more lengthy styles which gently frame the face. People with heavy jawlines, should opt for styles which draw the eye upward, providing volume. The lucky ones are those with naturally oval-shaped faces, as this shape is complimented by a variety of styles.

TEXTURE...

The beauty of wearing wigs is that one can experiment with a variety of hair textures much unlike her own natural texture. This is especially important for African American women, who are known for their extreme variations in hair texture. One popular faux pas committed by lots of African American women is wearing a wig unit with hair that looks too brassy. These are the wigs that are so shiny, you feel as if you can see your reflection in them. Black women who are typically seen wearing relaxed hairstyles should take note of the texture of their natural hair after the relaxing process. Try to locate a grade of [wig] hair that most closely matches your own texture. That way, when you transition from a relaxed do, to a wig---the difference will appear minimal. If you've happened to find a style that you love, but looks a little too shiny, then just dust a little baby powder in the style and shake (until the powder is gone). This will take away some of that gleam, making the hair appear more natural.

Lace front wigs are excellent choices for those who are looking to find a really seamless style, as the hairlines of these wigs are virtually invisible. Be mindful though, of curlier textures. Curls which look a little too perfect will certainly give off an artificial look. When shopping for wigs, practice finger-combing the curls for a naturally tousled look; your overall style will appear much more like your own.

STYLES...

Now this is where things get a little hairy (pun intended). While the point of wearing a wig may be to achieve a look completely opposite of your natural 'do, you may find that the style you choose can fool even the most discerning observers. Many black women transitioning from a braided style to a relaxer, may opt to wear a wig in between. Try finding wigs whose colors match your braided style. It's less "shocking" if you happen to work in a conservative environment. Also wearing wigs with similar textures, colors, and lengths, but varying styles, will give the appearance that you are simply changing the style of your natural hair. Case in point, check out former Victoria's Secret model,Tyra Banks. She is most frequently seen wearing very long, honey-colored lace-front wigs. In fact, you'll notice that many of the styles Tyra wears are fairly similar in color, and length. By wearing many different styles of the same texture and color, Tyra has created her very own look, without compromising the health of her hair underneath.

The bottom line in choosing a wig, is that you want people seeing you to think that the hair they're seeing could have grown out of your scalp. Part of that involves not only finding a style that works, but also the right fit. Make sure that the wig's adhesive combs, straps, or ties are securely tucked away and out of sight. Do the head-shake test (shaking your head quickly from side to side, backwards and forwards) once you've applied your favorite style---to determine whether the fit is secure. The last thing you'd want, is to have your prized 'do blowing off your head, and into the wind!

Golf Tips - Choosing the Right Golf Balls

Not all golf balls are the same, instead, the type of ball used greatly affects the most important elements of a golf game: distance and control. For golfers, choosing the right golf ball is a critical decision; however, with so many kinds to consider, the choice can seem overwhelming. Finding the right ball depends on the golfer's ability and goals.

A Short History of Golf Balls

When golf originated in the 15th century in Scotland, the golf balls were made from wood, goose feathers, or a type of rubber called gutta. These original balls could not travel far, nor could they fly straight or in predictable patterns. By 1900, the golf ball had come a long way and consisted of a solid rubber core wrapped in rubber thread that was contained in a hard, outer sphere-shaped shell. This remains the basic composition for golf balls today, but recent advancements in technology have allowed the development of balls that consist of two, three, or four layers. Each ball has unique performance characteristics.

Types of Balls

There are three types of golf balls that are each designed to do different things when struck. Choosing the right one can greatly impact the game being played.

Distance

This type of ball is designed to react quickly as soon as it is struck to produce the maximum speed. Thus, the result is more distance overall. Although these balls can add many yards off the initial tee, they do not stop as quickly on the greens.

Control

Control balls are designed to reduce excessive spin when struck into the air. Additionally, they help golfers reduce hooking and slicing tendencies. For a right handed golfer, a hook is hitting the ball hard to the left, and a slice is hitting the ball hard to the right. This is reversed for left handed golfers.

Spin

Spin balls create more side and backspin, which allows the ball to have a higher trajectory even though it goes a shorter distance. Spin balls also have a better stopping control around the greens.

Construction

Golf balls are constructed in three ways. Each one is developed to help accomplish specific golfing goals. Buyers should choose their golf balls depending on what their needs or handicaps are during a golf game. For example, if a golfer has a powerful stroke that can go far, yet he or she lacks control, the four piece ball might be a good fit. In contrast, if the golfer has excellent control but needs help with distance, the two-piece ball might be a smart choice.

Two Piece

Also known as traditional golf balls, two piece balls are made of a large solid core and have a thermoplastic resin cover made from Surlyn. These balls are made with a heavy jacket and are very durable. They are designed to allow the golfer the most distance from a shot, but they do not offer a lot of spin. Most distance balls are two-piece. Two piece balls are a good choice for beginners and high handicappers who wish to gain more distance but reduce spin when hitting a golf ball. Two piece balls are the least expensive golf balls.

Three Piece Balata

Three piece balls are made from a soft, plastic rubber called Balata. The solid, thin core of a three piece ball, called the mantle, can either increase distance or enhance spin, depending on how it is hit. Thus, these balls offer good control. Three piece balls are also called professional balls because they are preferred by pro golfers who want better control over the direction and distance of their shots. 

Four Piece

New to the golfing scene is the four-piece golf ball. Although it is similar to the three piece golf ball, it has an extra layer in the middle. This layer takes the force from the impact of the club head and transfers it to the center core, which allows the ball to fly straighter with less spin. Players attest that these balls offer a longer distance from the tee, more spin on approach shots, and greater control around the green. Because these balls are so effective, they are referred to as "total performance" balls. These balls are the most expensive.

A Word About Dimples

On all golf balls, buyers will notice dimples covering the sphere. This dimpling affects the aerodynamics of a golf ball, giving it more or less trajectory. On a typical golf ball, the number of dimples varies between 300 and 500. Larger dimples lead to a higher trajectory, while smaller dimples promote a lower trajectory. Golfers should choose those that best meet their needs while on the golf course.

Buying Golf Balls

After becoming familiar with the types of balls as well as the construction of golf balls, buyers should be able to determine which combination is best for them. Additionally, buyers may want to try out several golf balls to physically see which fits their playing style the best. When doing this, buyers should pay close attention to how far the ball travels, how well it handles the greens, and how it rolls on the various surfaces. When testing golf balls, users should also consider the following before the final purchases are made:

Swing Speed

Perhaps the biggest factor is choosing which ball is best is the swing speed of the golfer. Golfers with lower swing speeds should use a harder distance golf ball, whereas golfers with higher swing speeds should use a softer golf ball since it offers more control.

To determine personal swing speed, golfers can go to to a golf retailer and purchase a swing speed monitor or have a retailer with a launch monitor determine swing speed for them. If looking to save some money, golfers can perform a series of calculations to determine swing speed:

1. First, hit several distance golf balls using the driver. Then, take the top ten distances and add them together.
2. Divide this number by ten to find the average carry distance for the drives.
3. Next, divide the average carry number by 1.75, which is the number used to estimate ball speed.
4. Finally, divide the ball speed calculation by something called the smash factor, which is another "set in stone" number determined by experts. The smash factor is 1.5. Once the golfer has calculated this final equation, the estimated swing speed is found.

Handicaps

Although not used among professional golfers, some players admit handicaps in their golf game. This is a numerical measure of a golfer’s playing ability based on the tees played for a specific course. Handicaps exist to allow golfers of different abilities to compete with one another on a more level playing field. The higher the handicap of a player, the poorer the players is. In contrast, the lower the handicap of a player, the better the player is. For those who have high handicaps, it is probable they will lose many golf balls, so those balls that are less expensive are a wise choice. Furthermore, those with high handicaps also tend to need golf balls that offer the most distance when hit.

To find out personal handicaps, golfers can be evaluated at a golf club or a mathematical calculation can be performed:

1. First, take the scores from the last five rounds of golf played.
2. Next, look up the rating and slope for the course that was played for each score. This information can be found on the scorecard, by calling the course, or by searching for the course online.
3. Subtract the course rating from the score earned on that course.
4. Multiply that number by 113.
5. Divide that number by the slope of the course. This number is the differential.
6. Take the lowest of the five differentials and multiply it by 0.96, which gives the handicap.

Top Three Reasons Why Choose USB 3.0 Flash Drives

As USB flash driver, computer, smart phone have been more and more important in our daily life, USB 3.0 has been familiar with us. All the gadgets support USB port and USB 3.0 has gained great reputation because of its steady, speedy and smooth performance. USB flash driver, as one of the most necessary memory storage, has played an important role in our life. And USB 3.0 will be the top priority. Share top three reasons why choose USB 3.0 flash drive. 

Speedy-70MB/s

Although not all USB 3.0 flash drivers are able to reach as 200MB/s at transfer speed, usual ones at least reach 70MB/s which is far more better than 20MB/s at USB 2.0. There are many people store HD movies with USB flash drivers, and it will go crazy if spend hours in waiting for copying 10 GB movie from computer to flash driver at speed of 20MB/s. It will be faster to use latest USB 3.0 flash driver to help with you.

More Application

Apart from store memory, it will be better if is able to be applied to our daily life, such as backup data, create startup disk. It just takes 2 minute and 40 second to finish creating startup disk at the speed of 24.29MB/s with USB 3.0 flash driver. But it takes 6 minute and 29 second at the speed of 10MB/s. It will faster to create startup disk with USB3.0.

Price

It is believed that whether buy a product is dependent on the price. Although it is obvious that USB 3.0 work well than USB 2.0 flash drive, it is strange that they are sold at the similar price. That is the main reason why there are so many people prefer to the first one than the latter one.

All in all, needless to say, USB 3.0 flash driver is better than USB 2.0 in speed, function and price. You are suggested to have best and latest USB 3.0 flash driver, if you are looking for a flash drive to store movies and so on.

Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

You have a friend who caught his first large mouth bass last month He hasn't quit talking about it since - and he's bugged you to death until you agreed to take him fishing. Although you offer to let him borrow one of your good bass sticks, he insists on bringing his own rod and reel.

He shows up with a cheap discount store combo. It has a tiny, plastic ultra-light reel mounted on a rod that resembles a willow switch with guides on it. The rod and reel would struggle to land the minnows you planned to use for bait.

His fishing experience would have been much better had he known what to look for in a rod and reel before buying an outfit.

Beginning (and sometimes experienced) anglers often don't know how to select a rod appropriate for the type of fishing they plan to do. A rod designed for panfish won't work for hauling in big bass.

Before deciding which rod is best, anglers should know the power and action of a rod. These two components often get intertwined and confused, even by experienced anglers.

Rod Action

The action refers to how much a rod bends when you're casting or have a fish at the end of the line. An extra fast action rod bends just at the tip. A fast action bends in the last quarter of the rod. A moderate-fast action rod bends over the last third. A moderate action rod bends over the last half. A slow action rod bends all the way into the handle. Fast action rods put more force into your throw and give you longer casts. Softer action rods are more forgiving and have less tendency to throw live bait from your hook.

Rod Power

The lure weights and line sizes that a rod can handle determine its power. Ultra-light rods are designed for 2-6 pound line and lures weighing from 1/32-ounce to 1/4-ounce. Rods can handle progressively heavier lures and line as their power increases from light to heavy.

All Around Rod Choice

A great choice for all-around fishing in Kentucky is a medium-light power, fast action rod for use with a spinning reel. These reels have an open spool in the front and mount on the bottom of the rod. They are the best choice for fishing situations where the line being used is 10 pounds or less in strength.

This kind of rod is supple enough to enjoy catching small farm pond bass and panfish, while beefy enough to land a large channel catfish or a four-pound bass. Spinning gear is easy to use and allows you to cast light lures a long way. Spinning rods help protect light lines, allowing beginners to make mistakes while landing a decent sized fish without breaking off.

The fast action gives the rod enough heft to set the hook when fishing a plastic worm or jig for bass, or setting the hook on a catfish.

Light Power, Fast Action

For bluegill, crappie and small trout, a light power, fast action spinning rod is a good choice. A quality ultra-light rod also works for these fish, but many ultra-lights are too short and too wimpy. A 4½-foot ultra-light rod with the backbone of a boiled noodle isn't worth the packaging it came in for any species.

Medium Power, Medium Action

For larger black bass, walleye and channel catfish, a medium power, moderate fast or fast action baitcasting rod works well. Baitcasting reels have an enclosed spool and mount on top of the rod. They are the best choice for lines of 10 pound test or higher. They require much greater practice than spinning gear to use effectively.

Moderate Fast Action

Choose the moderate fast action if you plan to fish leeches or minnows for walleye, or chicken livers for channel cats. The slightly softer action usually helps prevent you from throwing off the bait while casting. If you plan to jig and worm fish for largemouth bass and occasionally fish for the other species, choose a fast action, medium power rod.

Hfeavy Action

Get a medium heavy or heavy power baitcasting rod with a fast action for striped bass, muskellunge, flathead catfish and blue catfish. This set-up is also good for flipping or pitching jigs for largemouth bass. Choose a moderate or slow action rod with a medium-heavy or heavy power rating if you plan to use live bait. Again, the softer action protects against throwing the bait off the hook on the cast. These rods possess enough strength to land these fish, but they can also handle the heavy lures and strong line needed.

Yiwu China Commodity City: How to Navigate China’s Largest Wholesale Market

Yiwu China Commodity City (中国小商品城) is known throughout the country as a vast shopping destination. From Middle Eastern businessmen buying wholesale goods, to local shoppers picking up clothing, the large shopping city really has it all. The UN, World Bank and Morgan Stanley have called the shopping center, "the world's largest small commodity wholesale market," for a reason!   

Founded in 1982, the shopping plaza spans over 4 million square meters and employs 200,000 workers. Over 210,000 shoppers browse the merchandise every day. When traveling to or living in Yiwu, the shopping area is worth checking out, despite its overwhelming size. Commodity City is divided into districts: International Trade Mall Districts 1-5 and Huangyuan Clothing Market, together making up the shopping giant. Our advice: this is not a place to shop aimlessly, know what you want and pretend to be a wholesaler.

1) International Trade Mall District 1
District 1 of the International Trade Mall has four floors and a vast array of merchandise. The first floor is home to fake flowers, flower accessories and a wide range of toys. The second floor stocks accessories and jewelry and the third floor houses decorative items including festive decorations, crafts, porcelain, crystal, picture frames and more jewelry. The fourth floor is an outlet center selling high quality ceramics, crystal and glass.

2) International Trade Mall District 2 
This district has five stories. Floor 1 contains bags, umbrellas and ponchos. Handymen (and women) should check out the second floor which sells hardware, tools, electronics, locks and car parts. The third floor holds kitchen equipment and small appliances as well as telephone and cell phone related items, and watches. The fourth and fifth floors contain manufacturer outlet centers, specialty boutiques and foreign trade procurement centers.

3) International Trade Mall District 3
With five functioning floors, District 3 sells everything from pens to make-up. The first floor sells pen and ink supplies, glasses, and paper goods. Floor number two contains office and school supplies as well as a sports and leisure section. The third floor sells cosmetics, zippers, buttons and other garment-related accessories. Floor four is the corporate sales center and the fifth holds imported goods from 28 countries including Italy, Japan, Brazil, Africa, Spain and Malaysia.

4) International Trade Mall District 4
Another five story shopping center but specializing in accessories. The first story sells hosiery. Yes, that means there is an entire floor of panty hose. The second floor sells gloves, hats and cotton fabric. Floor three sells shoes, ties, towels and wool fabric and the fourth floor houses bras, underwear, belts and scarves. A variety of vehicles can reach all the floors of the market because of the special elevated lanes, so drive right up to the floor of your choice!

5) International Trade Mall District 5
A bit to the west, District 5's five floors stock everything from alcohol to hats to knitting needles. The first floor carries jewelry, crafts, food (and alcohol), first-aid and healthcare products, general merchandise, clothing, shoes, hats and important products from Africa. The second floor sells bedding and the third floor houses textiles and knitting materials (yarn). The fourth floor contains car accessories and the fifth floor is a trade service zone.

6) Huangyuan Clothing Market
Opened in April 2011, the Huangyuan Clothing Market (篁园服装市场) has eight whole floors of, you guessed it, clothing. The first floor sells business wear and jeans, the second floor carries men's clothing and the third floor is all for the ladies. The fourth floor contains sportswear, the fifth floor houses children's clothing and the sixth floor is a parking lot and food area. Floors seven and eight contain a showcase of local specialty products.

If you are planning to pay Commodity City a visit, note that its main purpose is to function as a wholesale market for businessmen. Because of this, many sellers will not take the time for non-bulk customers, however if you look around and buy a few of each item (get one for the whole family!) you can take advantage of the great deals. If one person won't sell to you, chances are another salesperson will. Skip the over-priced tourist shopping area and pretend to be a wholesaler for the best deals!

7 Common Scams in China and How to Avoid Them

Although China is relatively safe compared to other countries, there are still dangers. City life is never 100% crime-free – there are pickpockets, unscrupulous shop owners, and dodgy taxi drivers everywhere. Although personal safety is mostly common sense, knowing what to look out for can make a world of difference. Here are some common scams you might encounter in China, and how to stay one step ahead.

1) The teahouse scam 
A lot of people fall for this one when they first arrive in China. It is most common in Beijing and Shanghai, but it also happens in other big cities. A couple of young people will approach you, often asking if they can practise their English. After a brief conversation, they will offer to take you to a teahouse. After the tea ceremony, you’ll be hit with a bill running to hundreds (even thousands) of RMB. Your new friends will have vanished; or they’ll pay part of the bill – money they’ll get back as soon as you leave. Even if you ask to see the menu to verify the prices, the staff will bring you a different one with ridiculously inflated prices. No cash? The kind manager will escort you to the ATM. Refuse? They’ll get nasty. Your only choice is to stump up or run, if you dare.

How to avoid: Either refuse to talk to anyone in the street, or, if you want to be friendly, suggest a reputable teahouse, or a chain like Coffee Bean or Starbucks. If they refuse, it is likely to be a scam.

2) The art scam
This is similar to the tea scam, but the students claim to be art majors, and offer to take you to their gallery. Once there, you’ll be strong-armed into buying overpriced, worthless art.

How to avoid: Don’t take the bait. Simple.

3) Pickpockets 
Obvious, but still a danger. They operate on public transport, busy streets, restaurants, and often work in gangs, so by the time you notice the fingers slipping into your bag or pocket, your wallet will be on the next street.

How to avoid: Street thieves can be incredibly sneaky, so be ultra careful at all times. Carry your important documents and most of your money in a money belt, make copies of your documents, don’t keep all your cash in one place – divide it between pockets or belt and wallet.

4) Airport taxis
You know the feeling: you land at Honqiao or Pudong, glimpse the taxi queue snaking into the distance, and decide to hop into an unlicensed cab instead of waiting. After all, you just want to get home, right? Think again. Best case scenario, you get ripped off as there’s no meter. Even if your Mandarin is great, there’s no arguing with a crooked taxi driver. Worst case scenario, you’re driven to the back of beyond and robbed of all your possessions.

How to avoid: Don’t use unauthorised cabs. Even if you get into a licensed one and feel that the driver is taking you for a ride, literally, write down his identification number.

5) The card swap
If you pay your taxi fare with a transport card, sneaky taxi drivers sometimes swap your card for an empty one without you noticing.

How to avoid: Mark your card with permanent ink, or invest in one of those card-sized stickers that teenage girls like to use.

6) Dodgy tour guides 
A trip to the Great Wall? A panda tour? A guided walk along the Bund? These are just some of the ruses that con artists use to get tourists to part with cash. Sure, they’ll take you to the Wall/sanctuary/Bund, but once you get there you’ll be asked to pay extra fees. You’ll also most probably be taken to souvenir shops along the way.

How to avoid: Book your tour with reputable companies, not street touts – however trustworthy they might appear.

7) The Traditional Medicine Scam 
You’ll be invited to tour a traditional medicine clinic. A physician will examine you. Lo and behold, you’ll be diagnosed with some ailment or other, and – quelle surprise! – the clinic has just the medicine to cure you. Obviously, it costs several thousand RMB…

How to avoid: Simple - don’t buy. Or don’t get examined.

The Definitive Guide to Choosing an Office Chair

If the average business person or desk bound fellow were to determine how much time they spend in their office chair, they would be surprised. At 40 hours per week, they’d rack up approximately 1900 hours over the course of a year. Multiply that by the average number of years a person works, and it’s easy to see that a large portion of one’s life is spent in an office chair.

In spite of this calculation, more money is often spent purchasing a desk than is spent on the chair. The same can be said for home office setups. Some people are spending more time in front of a computer than they spend sleeping. It only makes sense to have an office chair for both the office and the home that is comfortable and supportive.

Hit the jump for our my tips on making yourself chair-wise.

There have been many ergonomics studies done and it has been shown that a supportive office chair increases productivity and maximizes the efficiency of the person sitting in it. A bad office chair, on the other hand, can lead to back strain, leg problems, and carpal tunnel, all of which cause lost time at work and send turn send productivity spiraling.

So, instead of losing money due to employee absences, it is important to spend money on good office chairs that promote back health and keep employee from missing work due to injuries. The cost of the chair is more than made up by fewer absences.

What to Look For in an Office Chair

Office chairs are a part of the décor of any office and so many people try to make sure they look good without worrying about the health influences the chair will have on the person who uses it. The design or ergonomics of the chair should be considered above everything else.

Lumbar Support: A good office chair will have support for the lower back. Some of the better ones will even have an adjustable lumbar support that allows the user to fit the chair to their lower back. This is important in preventing back strain that can worsen and become sciatica, a condition which can be debilitating.

Adjustability: Almost all office chairs have a height and arm adjustment; however, these are not the most important adjustments to look for when shopping for an office chair. The best office chairs have at least five adjustments with some having up to 14 different adjustments.

Important features that should be adjustable include lumbar support, arm width and height, seat back width and height, seat and back angle, and tension control. Many of the supports are dial controlled while a few are controlled with a hand-held bulb pump, similar to a blood pressure cuff pump.

Wheel Base: Nearly all office chairs have a wheel base; however, if the office is carpeted it may be necessary to get a chair with wheels specifically made for carpet. Rolling is important in preventing strain due to reaching across a desk to retrieve items that are out of reach.

Swivel Base: All office chairs should swivel freely to allow for easy access to various parts of the desk. If the chair doesn’t swivel freely, arm fatigue can result from over extending to reach various items.

Fabric: The fabric should be breathable to keep the chair from becoming hot and uncomfortable after hours of sitting in it. In addition, it should have enough cushion to support the person sitting in it without feeling the base of the chair through the cushion.

Why Is a Good Chair Important?

There are many benefits to having a good office chair in addition to having less back strain. A good, supportive office chair prevents fatigue and discomfort that can come from siting in the same chair for hours on end.

Studies have shown that comfortable employees are more productive and contribute to a more positive work environment than uncomfortable employees. Finally, having the correct, comfortable office chair reduces the number of breaks the employee will need to take due to being uncomfortable.

Trying on a Chair

Office managers should attempt to have their employees try on the chair they plan to purchase before buying it to insure that it fits the employee well. It is important to know how the chair should feel in order to make a wise purchase. Many office supply companies will bring a variety of chairs to the office so employees can sit in them and decide which one fits them best. Chair owners should look for these things when purchasing new chairs:

• The backrest should be adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. It should also support the curve in the lower back.
• Feet should rest flat on the floor comfortably. If not, adjust the chair height or add a footrest.
• Arm rests should be close the body and allow the shoulder to relax.
• Arm height should be adjustable and match the height of the desk. This will prevent strain to the shoulders.
• In a sitting position looking forward, the center of the computer screen is what should be seen.
• The back of the chair should come to the middle of the shoulder blades in order to provide adequate support, above the shoulders is even better.
• The seat of the chair should be long enough to put two or three finger lengths between it and the knee.
• If possible, the cushion should be memory foam. Other cushions wear out quickly and make the chair uncomfortable.

Finding the right chair that is comfortable and keeps strain and injury from occurring is important to having happy, healthy, productive employees who aren’t out sick with back injuries.

Make sure the chairs in the office are doing their part to increase productivity by having employees try on various chair types before purchasing them.

Choosing the Right Type of Door Knob and Lock Set

Introduction
Selecting the correct door knob and lockset for your home is a decision you’ll have to make when replacing, installing new or upgrading your door hardware. You’ll be choosing the type of doorknob style you want and the appropriate lockset mechanism for your needs. The type of lockset you select will be based on the security function you want the door hardware to perform.

The Doorknob
Although you may expect the doorknob to be a round or square knob, it may not be a knob at all. It may be a “lever handle” or it may be a “handleset” which is a combination thumb latch / handle used on exterior entry doors. Lever handles are easier to grab than doorknobs and are an approved operating device meeting handicap ADA Barrier Free / Accessible Design requirements. Doorknobs are not approved for this use because they require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. Although ADA compliance is required in commercial construction and not necessarily required in your home, these Accessible Design standards are still useful if a wheelchair bound person lives in or visits your home.

In any case, lever handles make it easier to open a door, especially for folks with arthritis. Personally I like the looks of lever handle door hardware and have lever handles in my home just for the style and convenience of use. I love them.

Also worth noting are the different ways the doorknob attach to the lockset. On older style door hardware the doorknob is attached using an exposed set-screw that fastens the knob to a square threaded spindle. When turned, the square spindle rotated and operated the latch mechanism. The downside to this style of attachment (besides the unsightly set-screw) is that the set-screw style doorknob often becomes loose and may end up spinning in your hand.

The currently popular method of attaching a doorknob to the lockset mechanism uses no screw at all, but rather a concealed device called a detent. This type of ”no-screw” doorknob is easily removed using a special technique.

The Lockset
There are an infinite variety of finishes and designs of locksets but they all come down to four basic types:
Passage Lockset (no lock)
This type is used for general passage room access doors, closets, hallways. Neither knob is lockable and both turn freely.


Privacy Lockset (keyless lock mechanism)
This type of lockset is used for access to rooms that need privacy such as some bedrooms and bathrooms. The privacy side is lockable by a turn button that turns a lock mechanism. There is a small hole in the knob on the other side of the lockset that allows use of a small emergency key to open the door if necessary.


Keyed Entrance Lockset (keyed locking mechanism)
This type of lockset is lockable on both sides and can be used with interior or exterior applications. It may be locked or unlocked by using a key on the outside or from the inside by using the turn button.


Dummy (non-functional)
This last type is essentially just a handle and does not turn or activate any type of locking or latching mechanism.

So decide on the type of door knob style that best meets your design needs and then select your lockset type based on the security function you want the door hardware to perform. After that its just a matter of selecting the finish of your new door hardware and your are all set!

Tips on Designing Business Cards

Business cards are one of the simplest, most popular ways businesses market themselves, their products and services to potential clients, vendors and suppliers. Whether you're attending a networking event, hosting a seminar or meeting a potential vendor or client for the first time, a well-designed business card is a necessity. Before designing your card, consider your industry, target client and the personality of your business.


Templates


Use a business card template to ensure that the design and layout of your business cards meets the standards set by most print shops. Programs such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw offer users templates they can use to design their own cards at home. Printing companies such as UPrinting and Overnight Prints also provide business card templates on their sites for a variety of software programs. These templates provide guidelines for color bleeds, keeping images and text from getting cut off and adjusting font and logo sizes.

Select the Size and Layout


The typical business card measures 3.5 by 2 inches with text written (traditionally) horizontally, or vertically. While most business cards are rectangular, square and oval cards are becoming more common. Consider your industry, your target client and the personality of your business before you finalize the size, shape and format of your card. Individuals in creative fields like writing or design may have more freedom in designing their cards.

Logo


A corporate logo is an essential branding element essential to business card design. Whether your logo is an image with words or just logo type, add it to your business card in a prominent location. Ideally, it should be the only image on your business card, so that it doesn't take the attention away from the visual mark for your brand.

Print Size


Business cards are small and because of that it's important to include the most important information about your business, rather than trying to squeeze every last detail into such a tight space. Too many words will require you to shrink the size of your words, which makes it difficult for potential clients to correctly note contact information. Keep the company name or logo between 12 and 15 in point size, while contact details should be kept between 7 and 8 in point size.

Contact Information


Include contact information such as phone and fax numbers, email address and Web address on business cards. Social network contact information for sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook can also be included, if your company actively uses the sites to distribute information and promote products and services. A business card without contact information is useless because it doesn't provide colleagues, prospective customers and vendors a way to contact you with questions or to set up an appointment.

Color


Keep readability in mind when selecting colors to use on your business cards. Avoid colors that are too dark, bright or light, as they can make it difficult to see your company's contact information. Select colors that complement your company's logo.

Proofread


Before sending your business card design off to the printer, proofread the card for grammatical errors, ensure that all images and text are within the designated print area and that you have included your logo and contact information.

China, Russia sign oil supply deal

Russia will supply an additional 10 million tonnes of crude oil to China each year over the next decade under a latest agreement signed between Russia and China, visiting Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday in Beijing.

Medvedev said Russia's biggest oil producer Rosneft will fulfill the deal, which worth a total of 85 billion U.S. dollars.

"It is a big sum of money to any country, even to China. It testifies to the fact that we have reached a higher and a brand new level of cooperation," he said during an online forum with Internet users, according to Xinhua.

The two governments also agreed to jointly construct an oil refinery in Tianjin, which will be able to refine 16 million tonnes of crude oil each year, Medvedev said.

"It is a high-tech project, which will employ the most advanced oil refinery technologies," he said.

The Tianjin refinery is jointly set up by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the country's largest oil and gas producer and supplier, and Rosneft. CNPC holds a 49 percent stake while Rosneft holds the remaining 51 percent.

Chinese official statistics showed China imported 24.33 million tonnes of crude oil from Russia in 2012.

In June, CNPC and Rosneft signed a long-term agreement in St Petersburg for oil deliveries, involving supplies of 365 million tonnes of oil to China in the next 25 years, with an estimated value of 270 billion U.S. dollars.

Energy cooperation is an important part of Russian-Sino cooperation, he said. "Russia has a lot of energy resources, while China is a huge market."

Medvedev said Russia and China will also cooperate over natural gas supply. The two countries had agreed on a price-setting formula for Russian gas which is to be exported to China, and both sides were negotiating the price itself, he said.

"Although this issue is relatively tough, we will reach consensus soon. (Russia) will supply natural gas to China via a pipeline as soon as possible," he said.

On the nuclear front, the Russian prime minister said Russian-Sino cooperation over nuclear energy had a bright future and Russia was willing to continue such cooperation with China.

Tianwan nuclear power plant in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, which now has four reactors, was a good example of bilateral cooperation over nuclear energy, he said.