Author: Naldo Camarones -
Source: articleage.com
Flat roofs are a great way to keep a building safe from water. Knowing exactly what to do with a flat roof will ensure you have a working roof system that will last a long time.
Though, carhartt coats, they may look good, and are very, carhartt coats, common, flat roofs do require routine maintenance and detailed repair in order, carhartt coats, to effectively prevent water infiltration. If this is done correctly, youย'll be happy with your flat roof for a very long time.
Flat roofs arenย't as glamorous and/or popular as its newer counterparts, such as slate, tile, or copper roofs. However, they are just as important and require even more attention. In order to avoid throwing away money on short-term repairs, you should know exactly how flat roof systems are designed, the various types of flat roofs that are available, and the importance of routine inspection and maintenance.
A flat roof system works by providing a waterproof membrane over a building. It consists of one or more layers of hydrophobic materials that is placed over a structural deck with a vapor barrier that is typically placed between the deck and the roof membrane.
Flashing, or thin strips of material such as copper, intersect with the membrane and, carhartt coats, the other building components to prevent water infiltration. The water is then directed to drains, downspouts, and gutters by the roofย's slight pitch.
There are four most common types of flat roof systems. Listed in order of increasing durability and cost, they are: roll asphalt, single-ply membrane, multiple-ply or built-up, and flat-seamed metal. They can range anywhere from as low as $2 per square foot for roll asphalt or single-ply roofing that is applied over and existing roof, to $20 per square foot or more for new metal roofs.
Used since the 1890s, asphalt roll roofing generally consists of one layer of asphalt-saturated organic or fiberglass base felts that are applied over roof felt, carhartt coats, with nails and cold asphalt cement and usually covered with a granular mineral surface. The seams are typically, carhartt coats, covered over with a roofing compound. It can last about 10 years.
Single-ply membrane roofing is the newest type of roofing material. It is often used to replace multiple-ply roofs. 10 to 12 year warranties, carhartt coats, are typical, but proper installation, carhartt coats, is crucial and maintenance is still required.
Multiple-ply or built-up roofing, also known as BUR, is made of overlapping rolls of saturated or coated felts or mats that are interspersed with layers of bitumen and surfaced with a granular roofing sheet, ballast, or tile pavers that are used to protect the underlying materials from the weather. BURs are designed to last 10 to 30 years, which depends on the materials used.
Ballast, or aggregate, of crushed stone or water-worn gravel, carhartt coats, is embedded in a coating of asphalt or coal tar. Since the ballast or tile pavers cover the membrane, it makes inspecting and maintaining the seams of the roof difficult.
Lastly, flat-seamed roofs have been used since the 19 th century. Made from small pieces of sheet metal soldered flush at the joints, it can last many decades, carhartt coats, depending on the quality of the material, maintenance, and exposure to the elements.
Galvanized metal does require regular painting in order to avoid corrosion and split seams need to be resoldered. Other metal surfaces, such as copper, can become pitted and pinholed from acid raid and usually requires replacing. Today copper, lead-coated copper, and terne-coated stainless steel are favored as long-lasting flat roofs.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
What is Silymarin? Discover It's Beneficial Health Properties
Author: Valerie Rosenbaum
Source: isnare.com
Silymarin is a flavonoid found in the ripe seeds of the common milk thistle plant. In many areas, the plant is considered an invasive weed, but it is, carhartt coats, also a natural medicine. You have probably seen it growing on roadsides and in untended fields. It is a thorny plant with a lovely purple flower that attracts numerous butterflies during the spring and summer months, when it is in bloom.
It was used by traditional healers to treat cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis, as well as gallbladder disease. It is currently a favorite adjunctive therapy for hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Silibinin, another flavonoid found in milk thistle, is used to counter ingestion of poisonous mushrooms.
All flavonoids have antioxidant activity. Increased flavonoid intake is believed to help prevent heart disease and cancer, both due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. There may even be other methods of action not yet understood. One of the things that scientists are attempting to do is to explain “why”, carhartt coats, flavonoids and other antioxidants work as they do. Researchers have found that silymarin inhibits a variety of different processes that lead to carcinogenesis.
There are a number of different health supplements on the market that contain milk, carhartt coats, thistle extracts. But, the single-ingredient supplements are not likely to be beneficial. The compound is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Manufacturers can take steps to address this issue. They can add an enteric coating or include lecithin. Many manufacturers do neither.
The quality of herbal remedies varies greatly, which probably explains why many do not work as they are supposed to. But, when it comes to your long-term health, there, carhartt coats, is no way to know, carhartt coats, whether or not it’s working, until it’s too late. The best way to insure that you are getting the actual benefits is to choose a reliable supplement manufacturer.
One thing to look for is the silymarin content. This varies from extract to extract. The highest concentrations provide 85mg of silymarin per 100mg of extract. Another thing to look for is lecithin. It should be included in a 1:1 ratio. If there is 100mg of milk, carhartt coats, thistle in the product, there should be 100mg of lecithin.
The best manufacturers also include an enteric coating. These coatings protect some of the more delicate nutrients from stomach acid, as well as protecting the stomach from upset. These coating dissolve in the upper intestine where the nutrients can pass directly through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
Silymarin is a good choice for anyone that must take anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis. It is believed to lessen the damage that these drugs do to the liver. It also has natural anti-inflammatory activity, which, carhartt coats, may reduce a person’s need for pain medication.
There is evidence that the extract protects against kidney damage. It may be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in type II diabetes. When you, carhartt coats, look at everything, carhartt coats, that it can do, it may seem unusual, but there are dozens of other plants that have similar activity. Silymarin is a good ingredient for a multi-nutritional supplement, but it is not the only ingredient that we need.
Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching anti aging vitamin supplements and natural skincare products. As a result of that effort she has found what she believes to be the best anti aging supplement available on the market today. Learn about what she discovered at her website www.NaturalBalanceSupplements.com
Source: isnare.com
Silymarin is a flavonoid found in the ripe seeds of the common milk thistle plant. In many areas, the plant is considered an invasive weed, but it is, carhartt coats, also a natural medicine. You have probably seen it growing on roadsides and in untended fields. It is a thorny plant with a lovely purple flower that attracts numerous butterflies during the spring and summer months, when it is in bloom.
It was used by traditional healers to treat cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis, as well as gallbladder disease. It is currently a favorite adjunctive therapy for hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Silibinin, another flavonoid found in milk thistle, is used to counter ingestion of poisonous mushrooms.
All flavonoids have antioxidant activity. Increased flavonoid intake is believed to help prevent heart disease and cancer, both due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. There may even be other methods of action not yet understood. One of the things that scientists are attempting to do is to explain “why”, carhartt coats, flavonoids and other antioxidants work as they do. Researchers have found that silymarin inhibits a variety of different processes that lead to carcinogenesis.
There are a number of different health supplements on the market that contain milk, carhartt coats, thistle extracts. But, the single-ingredient supplements are not likely to be beneficial. The compound is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Manufacturers can take steps to address this issue. They can add an enteric coating or include lecithin. Many manufacturers do neither.
The quality of herbal remedies varies greatly, which probably explains why many do not work as they are supposed to. But, when it comes to your long-term health, there, carhartt coats, is no way to know, carhartt coats, whether or not it’s working, until it’s too late. The best way to insure that you are getting the actual benefits is to choose a reliable supplement manufacturer.
One thing to look for is the silymarin content. This varies from extract to extract. The highest concentrations provide 85mg of silymarin per 100mg of extract. Another thing to look for is lecithin. It should be included in a 1:1 ratio. If there is 100mg of milk, carhartt coats, thistle in the product, there should be 100mg of lecithin.
The best manufacturers also include an enteric coating. These coatings protect some of the more delicate nutrients from stomach acid, as well as protecting the stomach from upset. These coating dissolve in the upper intestine where the nutrients can pass directly through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
Silymarin is a good choice for anyone that must take anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis. It is believed to lessen the damage that these drugs do to the liver. It also has natural anti-inflammatory activity, which, carhartt coats, may reduce a person’s need for pain medication.
There is evidence that the extract protects against kidney damage. It may be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in type II diabetes. When you, carhartt coats, look at everything, carhartt coats, that it can do, it may seem unusual, but there are dozens of other plants that have similar activity. Silymarin is a good ingredient for a multi-nutritional supplement, but it is not the only ingredient that we need.
Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching anti aging vitamin supplements and natural skincare products. As a result of that effort she has found what she believes to be the best anti aging supplement available on the market today. Learn about what she discovered at her website www.NaturalBalanceSupplements.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A Facility Manager's Guide to Preparing Painting Surfaces
Author: Steve A. Parker
Source: thatsmyniche.com
Proper painting surface, carhartt coats, preparation is one of, carhartt coats, the most critical factors to getting high quality, carhartt coats, results. It doesn't matter whether the job is complete repainting of a 1,000,000 square foot warehouse complex or a simple touch up job in the gymnasium of a small elementary school. Proper surface prep sets the stage for success. Here are some tips for perfect surface prep that you can take care of, and a guide to the prep work that you should leave to your painting, carhartt coats, contractor.
Dry Painting Surface: You or Your Contractor
First and foremost, your painting surface should be dry. So long as safety permits, you can make life a lot easier for your painting contractor by drying the painting environment beforehand. Dehumidifiers, carhartt coats, and fans can be employed to speed air circulation. Mop up standing water if necessary to improve the safety of the project site.
Clean Painting Surface: You or Your Painting Contractor
Painting surfaces have to be thoroughly cleaned to ensure good paint adhesion. Your contractor will often include an estimate for prep work in a project bid. You may be able to perform some of the work and thus reduce the estimate; however, some tasks must be performed by a professional, carhartt coats, . Get rid of old flaky paint, sand down blisters and other imperfections.
IMPORTANT: You should consult with your painting contractor and determine if lead-based paints or other hazardous materials are present before cleaning the painting surface. If a hazardous material issue exists, the painting surface will need to be cleaned by a certified professional for safety reasons.
Sand or Blast Painting Surface: Your Painting Contractor
The actual sanding of the painting surface should be left to your painting contractor. Depending on the types of coating products that will be applied to the surface, the contractor may have specific manufacturer's recommendations for sanding. Plus most painting contractors hold to a high standard for surface prep because it is such a huge component of a quality job.
Prime Painting Surface: Your, carhartt coats, Painting Contractor
After the drying cleaning and sanding, the painting surface is ready to be primed. A primer coat acts as the foundation for the coating. All subsequent layers of paint depend on the adhesion between the primer and the bare surface. Most painting contractors will insist on applying the primer coat to ensure that it is properly done and capable of producing a good finished product.
For more information and advice on preparing a surface for painting and coating, please contact a professional painting company.
Steve Parker, Sr. Estimator. RaiderPainting.com is the preferred painting contractor for building owners and facility managers of commercial and industrial properties nationwide. Call 877-724.3371 for a free Estimate and read our daily Blog.
Source: thatsmyniche.com
Proper painting surface, carhartt coats, preparation is one of, carhartt coats, the most critical factors to getting high quality, carhartt coats, results. It doesn't matter whether the job is complete repainting of a 1,000,000 square foot warehouse complex or a simple touch up job in the gymnasium of a small elementary school. Proper surface prep sets the stage for success. Here are some tips for perfect surface prep that you can take care of, and a guide to the prep work that you should leave to your painting, carhartt coats, contractor.
Dry Painting Surface: You or Your Contractor
First and foremost, your painting surface should be dry. So long as safety permits, you can make life a lot easier for your painting contractor by drying the painting environment beforehand. Dehumidifiers, carhartt coats, and fans can be employed to speed air circulation. Mop up standing water if necessary to improve the safety of the project site.
Clean Painting Surface: You or Your Painting Contractor
Painting surfaces have to be thoroughly cleaned to ensure good paint adhesion. Your contractor will often include an estimate for prep work in a project bid. You may be able to perform some of the work and thus reduce the estimate; however, some tasks must be performed by a professional, carhartt coats, . Get rid of old flaky paint, sand down blisters and other imperfections.
IMPORTANT: You should consult with your painting contractor and determine if lead-based paints or other hazardous materials are present before cleaning the painting surface. If a hazardous material issue exists, the painting surface will need to be cleaned by a certified professional for safety reasons.
Sand or Blast Painting Surface: Your Painting Contractor
The actual sanding of the painting surface should be left to your painting contractor. Depending on the types of coating products that will be applied to the surface, the contractor may have specific manufacturer's recommendations for sanding. Plus most painting contractors hold to a high standard for surface prep because it is such a huge component of a quality job.
Prime Painting Surface: Your, carhartt coats, Painting Contractor
After the drying cleaning and sanding, the painting surface is ready to be primed. A primer coat acts as the foundation for the coating. All subsequent layers of paint depend on the adhesion between the primer and the bare surface. Most painting contractors will insist on applying the primer coat to ensure that it is properly done and capable of producing a good finished product.
For more information and advice on preparing a surface for painting and coating, please contact a professional painting company.
Steve Parker, Sr. Estimator. RaiderPainting.com is the preferred painting contractor for building owners and facility managers of commercial and industrial properties nationwide. Call 877-724.3371 for a free Estimate and read our daily Blog.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Coat of Arms
Author: Trevor Dumbleton
Source: articleage.com
One of the most enduring and beautiful pieces of family history
is the coat of arms. These stunning pieces of artwork recall the
days of chivalry and heraldry while they hearken back to ties to
the Old Country. For families who possess a coat of arms,, carhartt coats, it can
take a place of pride in the home. Designed to be displayed for
one and for all, these shield-shaped testaments to family
history are often adorned with beasts of the field and fanciful
creatures about their perimeter. They are truly the crowning
touch to any family name.
The coat of arms was originally used in the days of knights,
kings, and wars fought on horseback. Each knight would display a
particular design, image,, carhartt coats, or pattern on his shield to identify
himself amidst the anonymity of, carhartt coats, armor. Intended to inspire
troops, strike fear in the hearts, carhartt coats, of foes, and further the name
of the bearer, the coat of arms could tell the world which
knight performed which feat of arms amidst the din of battle.
Then, upon their return to the halls of their lord, they could
hang their shield by the door to inform all within which knights
assembled at any given time.
However, as old forms of warfare gave way to the musket, rifle,
and, carhartt coats, cannon, the coat of arms was not as necessary. Warfare
became a method of regiments, not men. Thus, the coat of arms
had become obsolete in many ways. However, knighthood was still
an honor conferred by the various crowns of Europe, just as it
is in Britain today. Thus, the coat of arms became simply a way
of showing that a family was possessed of honored members.
Even that changed, however, as the coat of arms simply became a
status symbol. Those with money could simply purchase a coat of
arms for display in their homes. No longer tied to any military
or governmental forms, it was simply a display of money. For
instance, we know that Shakespeare was rich because he purchased
a coat of arms for his family. Though this may be something of a
bastardization of its original, carhartt coats, intent, it meant that the coat of
arms could be available to everyone.
Now, there are numerous places from which one can find or
purchase their own coat of arms. Through web sites, stores, gift
shops, and stores dedicated to genealogy, one can either find
the heraldic emblem for one's particular name, or simply choose
from amongst a list of many. For those who are particularly
adventurous and artistic, you can even design your own!
No matter how you come across your particular coat of arms,
these intricate and beautiful designs can provide you with an
heirloom for your own family. Display it proudly on your front
door, place it above your mantelpiece, or just tuck it into a
sheaf, carhartt coats, of papers with the knowledge that you know it is yours.
Whatever, carhartt coats, you do with it, it can be an enjoyable little piece of
your history and your ever-living tie to the Old World from
whence your ancestors came.
Source: articleage.com
One of the most enduring and beautiful pieces of family history
is the coat of arms. These stunning pieces of artwork recall the
days of chivalry and heraldry while they hearken back to ties to
the Old Country. For families who possess a coat of arms,, carhartt coats, it can
take a place of pride in the home. Designed to be displayed for
one and for all, these shield-shaped testaments to family
history are often adorned with beasts of the field and fanciful
creatures about their perimeter. They are truly the crowning
touch to any family name.
The coat of arms was originally used in the days of knights,
kings, and wars fought on horseback. Each knight would display a
particular design, image,, carhartt coats, or pattern on his shield to identify
himself amidst the anonymity of, carhartt coats, armor. Intended to inspire
troops, strike fear in the hearts, carhartt coats, of foes, and further the name
of the bearer, the coat of arms could tell the world which
knight performed which feat of arms amidst the din of battle.
Then, upon their return to the halls of their lord, they could
hang their shield by the door to inform all within which knights
assembled at any given time.
However, as old forms of warfare gave way to the musket, rifle,
and, carhartt coats, cannon, the coat of arms was not as necessary. Warfare
became a method of regiments, not men. Thus, the coat of arms
had become obsolete in many ways. However, knighthood was still
an honor conferred by the various crowns of Europe, just as it
is in Britain today. Thus, the coat of arms became simply a way
of showing that a family was possessed of honored members.
Even that changed, however, as the coat of arms simply became a
status symbol. Those with money could simply purchase a coat of
arms for display in their homes. No longer tied to any military
or governmental forms, it was simply a display of money. For
instance, we know that Shakespeare was rich because he purchased
a coat of arms for his family. Though this may be something of a
bastardization of its original, carhartt coats, intent, it meant that the coat of
arms could be available to everyone.
Now, there are numerous places from which one can find or
purchase their own coat of arms. Through web sites, stores, gift
shops, and stores dedicated to genealogy, one can either find
the heraldic emblem for one's particular name, or simply choose
from amongst a list of many. For those who are particularly
adventurous and artistic, you can even design your own!
No matter how you come across your particular coat of arms,
these intricate and beautiful designs can provide you with an
heirloom for your own family. Display it proudly on your front
door, place it above your mantelpiece, or just tuck it into a
sheaf, carhartt coats, of papers with the knowledge that you know it is yours.
Whatever, carhartt coats, you do with it, it can be an enjoyable little piece of
your history and your ever-living tie to the Old World from
whence your ancestors came.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Your Eye Secrets Report
Author: Dr. Dhavid Cooper
Source: articleage.com
Eyewear consumers most often are concerned about:
1. Is there a trick behind the 50% off sale?
2. Are 'add-ons' like UV and scratch protection really worth it?
3. Is 'Buy one, Get one FREE' possible?
4. How do I know I'm getting the right frame for my prescription?
5. Why is there such a difference in price between optical stores?
6. Is there a difference in eyeglass lenses?
7. How do I know if I'm paying too much for my frame?
==============================
In this brief report we'll try and answer a few of these questions.
IS THERE A TRICK BEHIND THE 50% OFF SALE?
Let's use a common sense approach when evaluating this offer. It's not very likely a business would offer a product for less than their purchase price of the product. So when optical companies run 50% off sales one of two things is happening. They want to get rid of outdated merchandise or the product mark up is inflated to begin, carhartt coats, with. How else could, carhartt coats, they afford to discount the product 50% and still make any profit?
Most 50% OFF sales, carhartt coats, advertise discontinued frames. While this can save you money, be careful of being enticed to buy a product that is outdated. Replacing a broken temple piece or a broken discontinued frame can be difficult if not impossible.
Fifty percent off sales are also frequently on frames that have been marked up by 3 to 31/2 times their cost, and then reduced by 50 percent. So you end up paying almost regular retail on a frame that is advertised at 50% off.
Often on 50% off sales you will notice an offer that discounts the frame only if you purchase the 'premium' lenses.
THIS IS THE CATCH!! You WILL overpay for, carhartt coats, these lenses. They are often priced higher than regular lenses. So you think you're getting a good deal because the frame is half-priced. Shop around for lens prices in your area. You'll be better prepared when investigating the 50% off sale.
Be sure to read the fine print in the advertisements.
Stores, carhartt coats, that run 50% OFF sales 365 days a year are simply marking up product to reduce it. This is very misleading. You, carhartt coats, might even notice that some optical stores have 50% OFF as a permanent business practice.
There are less expensive and easier ways to save money and get real quality frames and lenses at a very affordable price.
==============================
WHY DO OPTICALS ALWAYS TRY TO SELL, carhartt coats, YOU ADD-ONS?
This is an area of great profit for most optical companies, and is 'easy money'.
Many opticals give generous commissions and sales incentives to sales staff based solely on the number of tints,,, carhartt coats, carhartt coats, scratch coatings, ultra-violet protection, edge polishing and service agreements sold.
For little cost to them, the optical business can substantially increase the price of an eyeglass sale using 'add-ons.'
Add-ons can amount to over 30% of the cost of a pair of glasses, often giving the company excessive and outrageous profits.
Buy only the protective coatings that you need. Specialty lenses, like hi-index lenses and polycarbonate material automatically come with scratch protection and ultraviolet coatings from the manufacturer.
So you DON'T NEED TO PAY AN ADD-ON FEE to have these coatings added! They are already on the lenses!
Again, do not overpay. If your prescription requires hi-index or polycarbonate, carhartt coats, lenses, the lenses have ultraviolet and scratch protection coatings already impregnated in the lens.
Oftentimes, if pressed to make the sale, some optical companies will provide scratch protection, UV coating and edge polishing for half the price! Negotiate and insist on a discount.
==============================
THE TRUTH BEHIND 'BUY ONE GET ONE FREE'?
In this promotion, while the second pair is advertised as, carhartt coats, FREE, the 'free frame' is not an identical one to the first frame of the purchase. The 'free frame' is usually one selected from a special collection in the store. These cheap frames cost the optical store about $2 to $4 each.
You are overcharged 'full' price for the first pair and told you get a second pair free, carhartt coats, .
The lenses used to fill the prescription in the free pair are often cheap, uncoated lenses. Is the optical giving away a free pair?
Not really!
The store makes money from this promotion by encouraging the consumer to purchase an 'add-on' package of coatings. These coatings are scratch protection, ultraviolet coating and a tint. A total for all three options may cost you from $29 to $59.
So the optical will make anywhere from $23 to $53 on your FREE pair!
In reality, you are overpaying for your first pair and getting a poor quality frame for the second pair.
==============================
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID CHEAP FRAMES?
The optical industry considers a 'cheap' frame to be one that costs the optical store, carhartt coats, anywhere from $1 to $7. Yes, believe it or not, there are imported eyeglass frames that cost as little as $1 which some optical stores sell for $39 to $99!
In many optical stores these frames are often found:
- in the 'Spare Pair' section
- with 'Buy One Get One FREE' promotions
- combined with a Contact Lens promotion
- with certain Vision Insurance Plans
- often advertised, '$79 Complete Pair of Glasses'.
The frames are usually made in the Far East of low grade material. They will often tarnish easily. Cheap frames won't stay in adjustment, the arm coatings will often chip, the screws will loosen and the frame will break easily.
Be very careful about spending your, carhartt coats, money on these frames.
Name brand or designer frames do not, carhartt coats, fall into this category. You can almost be assured that any well known designer name frame is made of superior quality material, will hold alignment longer and won't tarnish easily.
==============================
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE FRAME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION
There are usually two components to any eyewear prescription.
You are, carhartt coats, either nearsighted, which means you can see at near but not at a distance, or farsighted, which means the opposite.
About 70% of eyeglass wearers also have some form of astigmatism. This simply means that the front part of the eye, the cornea, has 2 different curvatures (like a football). So lenses are designed with two different curves to compensate, carhartt coats, for the shape of the eye to correct the astigmatism.
Here's an example of an eyeglass, carhartt coats, prescription:
OD -3.00/-1.50 X 180
OS 2.50/-1.00 X 165
This is what it means.
OD is a latin abbreviation for the right eye.
OS is a latin abbreviation for the left eye.
The first number (-3.00 in the example) is called the sphere. This tells the optician what power to make the lens to correct the nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness ( ). In our example the right eye (OD) is nearsighted and the left eye (OS) is farsighted.
The numbers after the (/) refer to the amount of astigmatism. The (X) is an abbreviation for the word 'axis' and the numbers 180 and 165 indicate the placement in degrees of the astigmatic lens.
THE NUMBERS THAT CONCERN YOU WHEN DECIDING THE BEST SIZE FRAME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION ARE THE SPHERE NUMBERS (-3.00 and 2.50 in our example).
If your prescription is less than, carhartt coats, -2.50 or 2.50 almost any size and shape frame will be suitable for your prescription, carhartt coats, . You do not require hi-index or thin and light prescription lenses. Any frame with regular plastic lenses will have an acceptable edge thickness and should look cosmetically pleasing to you.
For prescriptions of -2.50 to -4.00 you should choose a frame with an eye size of 54 or less. The size is written on the inside arm of the frame. If you have to have a frame with a larger size because of style or, carhartt coats, face shape, then make sure you get hi-index, carhartt coats, or the thin and light lens. Otherwise, your lenses will have thick edges.
Do not choose a rimless frame if your prescription is over -2.50 unless you use a high index lens, or edge thickness of the lens will be a problem.
For prescriptions of -4.00 to -6.00 it is advisable to order your lenses in a hi-index material and to keep the frame size as small as possible. This will ensure that your glasses look the thinnest.
If you are unsure about which lenses are best suited for your prescription, or if you have a very difficult or high prescription call 1-800-248-9427 and ask for Lens Information and Assistance.
Trained personnel will, carhartt coats, help you understand your prescription and which lenses you should use. The service is FREE.
==============================
UNDERSTANDING SINGLE VISION LENS MATERIALS
There are many single vision lens materials, but the most commonly used polymer is a plastic material known as CR-39. Because of its light weight, it is very, carhartt coats, comfortable and can be tinted almost any color and density.
However, certain manufacturers of CR-39 lenses produce a low quality and inferior product. Often, the lenses will be warped, causing 'soft spots' of, carhartt coats, poor vision throughout the lenses.
Manufacturers that create exceptionally high optical quality lenses, all of which can be ordered with a very effective scratch protection coating, are SEIKO, SILOR and SOLA.
Thin-plastic (hi-index) and light lenses are also available. The refractive index of this material is higher than regular plastic lenses. This means that a thinner lens can do the same job that a thicker lens would normally do. These lenses are about 35% thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses.
Be aware, however, there are different grades and qualities of these lenses. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens.
The best quality hi-index lenses have a refractive index of 1.60 or 1.66. Some opticals still use lenses with a 1.54 refractive index, but charge the price of a 1.60 lens, because John Q. Public doesn't know the difference. If your prescription requires hi-index, carhartt coats, lenses, insist on 1.60 or 1.66 refractive hi-index lenses for best quality and thinnest lenses.
We, carhartt coats, recommend the following hi-index lenses:
- Silor Thin & Lite 1.60 refractive index
- Pentax THC 1.60 refractive index
- Pentax 1.66 Ultrathin with anti-reflective
- Seiko Super 16 MX
- Seiko Super 16 diacoat
- Optima Aspheric 1.66
- Optima Aspheric 1.60
- Optima Hyper 1.60
- Any Sola product
Another material, called Polycarbonate, is often marketed as a thin and light lens. It is softer than CR-39, may scratch and can't be tinted as dark as plastic lenses. It definitely is lighter and thinner than regular plastic. Many opticals promote this material over hi-index because it costs less, yet they often charge, carhartt coats, the same price as hi-index lenses.
Polycarbonate is extremely resistant to shattering, so it is recommended for children or persons needing safety eye protection. However, the newerhi-index lenses sometimes, carhartt coats, have superior optics compared to polycarbonate which occassionally has some peripheral distortion. If you are being sold a, carhartt coats, thinner and lighter lens, ask if it is polycarbonate or hi-index plastic.
REMINDER: POLYCARBONATE AND HI-INDEX PLASTIC LENSES AUTOMATICALLY COME WITH SCRATCH PROTECTION AND ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION. IF YOU PURCHASE EITHER ONE OF THESE TWO MATERIALS DO NOT BE SOLD THESE COATINGS AS 'ADD-ONS.'
==============================
If you need further assistance or have any questions please contact
Customer Service at 1-800-248-9427.
View over 10,000 frames online: http://www.framesdirect.com
Source: articleage.com
Eyewear consumers most often are concerned about:
1. Is there a trick behind the 50% off sale?
2. Are 'add-ons' like UV and scratch protection really worth it?
3. Is 'Buy one, Get one FREE' possible?
4. How do I know I'm getting the right frame for my prescription?
5. Why is there such a difference in price between optical stores?
6. Is there a difference in eyeglass lenses?
7. How do I know if I'm paying too much for my frame?
==============================
In this brief report we'll try and answer a few of these questions.
IS THERE A TRICK BEHIND THE 50% OFF SALE?
Let's use a common sense approach when evaluating this offer. It's not very likely a business would offer a product for less than their purchase price of the product. So when optical companies run 50% off sales one of two things is happening. They want to get rid of outdated merchandise or the product mark up is inflated to begin, carhartt coats, with. How else could, carhartt coats, they afford to discount the product 50% and still make any profit?
Most 50% OFF sales, carhartt coats, advertise discontinued frames. While this can save you money, be careful of being enticed to buy a product that is outdated. Replacing a broken temple piece or a broken discontinued frame can be difficult if not impossible.
Fifty percent off sales are also frequently on frames that have been marked up by 3 to 31/2 times their cost, and then reduced by 50 percent. So you end up paying almost regular retail on a frame that is advertised at 50% off.
Often on 50% off sales you will notice an offer that discounts the frame only if you purchase the 'premium' lenses.
THIS IS THE CATCH!! You WILL overpay for, carhartt coats, these lenses. They are often priced higher than regular lenses. So you think you're getting a good deal because the frame is half-priced. Shop around for lens prices in your area. You'll be better prepared when investigating the 50% off sale.
Be sure to read the fine print in the advertisements.
Stores, carhartt coats, that run 50% OFF sales 365 days a year are simply marking up product to reduce it. This is very misleading. You, carhartt coats, might even notice that some optical stores have 50% OFF as a permanent business practice.
There are less expensive and easier ways to save money and get real quality frames and lenses at a very affordable price.
==============================
WHY DO OPTICALS ALWAYS TRY TO SELL, carhartt coats, YOU ADD-ONS?
This is an area of great profit for most optical companies, and is 'easy money'.
Many opticals give generous commissions and sales incentives to sales staff based solely on the number of tints,,, carhartt coats, carhartt coats, scratch coatings, ultra-violet protection, edge polishing and service agreements sold.
For little cost to them, the optical business can substantially increase the price of an eyeglass sale using 'add-ons.'
Add-ons can amount to over 30% of the cost of a pair of glasses, often giving the company excessive and outrageous profits.
Buy only the protective coatings that you need. Specialty lenses, like hi-index lenses and polycarbonate material automatically come with scratch protection and ultraviolet coatings from the manufacturer.
So you DON'T NEED TO PAY AN ADD-ON FEE to have these coatings added! They are already on the lenses!
Again, do not overpay. If your prescription requires hi-index or polycarbonate, carhartt coats, lenses, the lenses have ultraviolet and scratch protection coatings already impregnated in the lens.
Oftentimes, if pressed to make the sale, some optical companies will provide scratch protection, UV coating and edge polishing for half the price! Negotiate and insist on a discount.
==============================
THE TRUTH BEHIND 'BUY ONE GET ONE FREE'?
In this promotion, while the second pair is advertised as, carhartt coats, FREE, the 'free frame' is not an identical one to the first frame of the purchase. The 'free frame' is usually one selected from a special collection in the store. These cheap frames cost the optical store about $2 to $4 each.
You are overcharged 'full' price for the first pair and told you get a second pair free, carhartt coats, .
The lenses used to fill the prescription in the free pair are often cheap, uncoated lenses. Is the optical giving away a free pair?
Not really!
The store makes money from this promotion by encouraging the consumer to purchase an 'add-on' package of coatings. These coatings are scratch protection, ultraviolet coating and a tint. A total for all three options may cost you from $29 to $59.
So the optical will make anywhere from $23 to $53 on your FREE pair!
In reality, you are overpaying for your first pair and getting a poor quality frame for the second pair.
==============================
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID CHEAP FRAMES?
The optical industry considers a 'cheap' frame to be one that costs the optical store, carhartt coats, anywhere from $1 to $7. Yes, believe it or not, there are imported eyeglass frames that cost as little as $1 which some optical stores sell for $39 to $99!
In many optical stores these frames are often found:
- in the 'Spare Pair' section
- with 'Buy One Get One FREE' promotions
- combined with a Contact Lens promotion
- with certain Vision Insurance Plans
- often advertised, '$79 Complete Pair of Glasses'.
The frames are usually made in the Far East of low grade material. They will often tarnish easily. Cheap frames won't stay in adjustment, the arm coatings will often chip, the screws will loosen and the frame will break easily.
Be very careful about spending your, carhartt coats, money on these frames.
Name brand or designer frames do not, carhartt coats, fall into this category. You can almost be assured that any well known designer name frame is made of superior quality material, will hold alignment longer and won't tarnish easily.
==============================
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE FRAME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION
There are usually two components to any eyewear prescription.
You are, carhartt coats, either nearsighted, which means you can see at near but not at a distance, or farsighted, which means the opposite.
About 70% of eyeglass wearers also have some form of astigmatism. This simply means that the front part of the eye, the cornea, has 2 different curvatures (like a football). So lenses are designed with two different curves to compensate, carhartt coats, for the shape of the eye to correct the astigmatism.
Here's an example of an eyeglass, carhartt coats, prescription:
OD -3.00/-1.50 X 180
OS 2.50/-1.00 X 165
This is what it means.
OD is a latin abbreviation for the right eye.
OS is a latin abbreviation for the left eye.
The first number (-3.00 in the example) is called the sphere. This tells the optician what power to make the lens to correct the nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness ( ). In our example the right eye (OD) is nearsighted and the left eye (OS) is farsighted.
The numbers after the (/) refer to the amount of astigmatism. The (X) is an abbreviation for the word 'axis' and the numbers 180 and 165 indicate the placement in degrees of the astigmatic lens.
THE NUMBERS THAT CONCERN YOU WHEN DECIDING THE BEST SIZE FRAME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION ARE THE SPHERE NUMBERS (-3.00 and 2.50 in our example).
If your prescription is less than, carhartt coats, -2.50 or 2.50 almost any size and shape frame will be suitable for your prescription, carhartt coats, . You do not require hi-index or thin and light prescription lenses. Any frame with regular plastic lenses will have an acceptable edge thickness and should look cosmetically pleasing to you.
For prescriptions of -2.50 to -4.00 you should choose a frame with an eye size of 54 or less. The size is written on the inside arm of the frame. If you have to have a frame with a larger size because of style or, carhartt coats, face shape, then make sure you get hi-index, carhartt coats, or the thin and light lens. Otherwise, your lenses will have thick edges.
Do not choose a rimless frame if your prescription is over -2.50 unless you use a high index lens, or edge thickness of the lens will be a problem.
For prescriptions of -4.00 to -6.00 it is advisable to order your lenses in a hi-index material and to keep the frame size as small as possible. This will ensure that your glasses look the thinnest.
If you are unsure about which lenses are best suited for your prescription, or if you have a very difficult or high prescription call 1-800-248-9427 and ask for Lens Information and Assistance.
Trained personnel will, carhartt coats, help you understand your prescription and which lenses you should use. The service is FREE.
==============================
UNDERSTANDING SINGLE VISION LENS MATERIALS
There are many single vision lens materials, but the most commonly used polymer is a plastic material known as CR-39. Because of its light weight, it is very, carhartt coats, comfortable and can be tinted almost any color and density.
However, certain manufacturers of CR-39 lenses produce a low quality and inferior product. Often, the lenses will be warped, causing 'soft spots' of, carhartt coats, poor vision throughout the lenses.
Manufacturers that create exceptionally high optical quality lenses, all of which can be ordered with a very effective scratch protection coating, are SEIKO, SILOR and SOLA.
Thin-plastic (hi-index) and light lenses are also available. The refractive index of this material is higher than regular plastic lenses. This means that a thinner lens can do the same job that a thicker lens would normally do. These lenses are about 35% thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses.
Be aware, however, there are different grades and qualities of these lenses. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens.
The best quality hi-index lenses have a refractive index of 1.60 or 1.66. Some opticals still use lenses with a 1.54 refractive index, but charge the price of a 1.60 lens, because John Q. Public doesn't know the difference. If your prescription requires hi-index, carhartt coats, lenses, insist on 1.60 or 1.66 refractive hi-index lenses for best quality and thinnest lenses.
We, carhartt coats, recommend the following hi-index lenses:
- Silor Thin & Lite 1.60 refractive index
- Pentax THC 1.60 refractive index
- Pentax 1.66 Ultrathin with anti-reflective
- Seiko Super 16 MX
- Seiko Super 16 diacoat
- Optima Aspheric 1.66
- Optima Aspheric 1.60
- Optima Hyper 1.60
- Any Sola product
Another material, called Polycarbonate, is often marketed as a thin and light lens. It is softer than CR-39, may scratch and can't be tinted as dark as plastic lenses. It definitely is lighter and thinner than regular plastic. Many opticals promote this material over hi-index because it costs less, yet they often charge, carhartt coats, the same price as hi-index lenses.
Polycarbonate is extremely resistant to shattering, so it is recommended for children or persons needing safety eye protection. However, the newerhi-index lenses sometimes, carhartt coats, have superior optics compared to polycarbonate which occassionally has some peripheral distortion. If you are being sold a, carhartt coats, thinner and lighter lens, ask if it is polycarbonate or hi-index plastic.
REMINDER: POLYCARBONATE AND HI-INDEX PLASTIC LENSES AUTOMATICALLY COME WITH SCRATCH PROTECTION AND ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION. IF YOU PURCHASE EITHER ONE OF THESE TWO MATERIALS DO NOT BE SOLD THESE COATINGS AS 'ADD-ONS.'
==============================
If you need further assistance or have any questions please contact
Customer Service at 1-800-248-9427.
View over 10,000 frames online: http://www.framesdirect.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Applying Epoxy Coating to Garage Floors
Author: MJ Marks
Source: articlesbase.com
I have been looking at, carhartt coats, a lot of different garage floors lately, and am really impressed with the Roll on Rock epoxy floor coatings. This floor system can give your dull concrete garage floor a new life, a floor with a great granite look finish. It comes in four different systems, most take about two days to fully apply, except System 4, which should only be professionally installed. But if you want a system to apply yourself, then you should go with System 2. System 2 is 95% solid epoxy base, so it works better,, carhartt coats, carhartt coats, than a water based base coat, it is easy to apply and does not need a primer, the odor is very mild and it is not flammable. Some important requirements that Versatile Building Products had in mind when they developed this system include: The epoxy does not bubble The epoxy adheres permanently to the concrete. It has a long chipping window for applying the flakes, so it gives you enough time to apply the epoxy and the flakes correctly before panic sets, carhartt coats, in. It uses about half the flakes for a great granite finish than most other systems, which saves money. Offers maximum protection regardless, carhartt coats, of the climate. Is hot tire resistant and not affected by most household chemicals. Has a high gloss top coat. Can be used inside or out, and will not yellow. Fast & easy to install! So,, carhartt coats, when it comes to an epoxy system, what does fast and easy mean? Normally, carhartt coats, full application takes two days since you have to allow for drying time between the base and top coats, though sometimes it can be done in one day if the weather, carhartt coats, is good and you use an accelerant on the base coat to speed up drying time. Lets take a look at the basics of applying Roll on Rock to garage floors. First, you have to clean the concrete using a degreaser to remove any surface contaminants, and then allow the surface to dry for about 30 to 60 minutes. Next, mix the two epoxy components for 2 minutes with a paint paddle. Evenly roll the primer onto garage floors with a lint free roller. Allow the epoxy to set for at least 20 minutes, but not longer than 60 minutes before broadcasting, carhartt coats, the chips. Using spiked shoes, walk onto the epoxy and taking small handfuls of flakes, cast it onto the surface so that it looks even, kind of like casting grass seeds. Let your garage floor, carhartt coats, , carhartt coats, dry overnight, then gather up any loose flakes using a squeegee, broom or blower. Then go over the entire surface with a flexible blade (squeegee) to make sure that the surface is smooth. The final coat is a fast drying Polyurea and is what makes garage floors resistant to hot tires. To apply the top coat, again mix the two components together for 2 minutes. Pour onto the floor and spread evenly using a roller, first roll one way till happy with the application, and then, within 10 minutes, finish by back rolling 90? across the first application. This makes sure the top coat has been applied at a uniform thickness. It is best to split the garage into four areas and work one area at a time. You have about 45 minutes to apply the top coat, so you shouldn't mix more than can be applied in that time period. Garage floors will dry to the touch in 2-5 hours, you can walk on it the next day, but should wait about 3 days before pulling your car into the garage. Roll on Rock is known for providing the toughest and shiniest floor available. Plus, you can get the granite flakes in a variety of colors, from tans to blacks to greens, blues and reds and many other combinations. There is no doubt about it, epoxy coated garage floors really stand out in any neighborhood.
Source: articlesbase.com
I have been looking at, carhartt coats, a lot of different garage floors lately, and am really impressed with the Roll on Rock epoxy floor coatings. This floor system can give your dull concrete garage floor a new life, a floor with a great granite look finish. It comes in four different systems, most take about two days to fully apply, except System 4, which should only be professionally installed. But if you want a system to apply yourself, then you should go with System 2. System 2 is 95% solid epoxy base, so it works better,, carhartt coats, carhartt coats, than a water based base coat, it is easy to apply and does not need a primer, the odor is very mild and it is not flammable. Some important requirements that Versatile Building Products had in mind when they developed this system include: The epoxy does not bubble The epoxy adheres permanently to the concrete. It has a long chipping window for applying the flakes, so it gives you enough time to apply the epoxy and the flakes correctly before panic sets, carhartt coats, in. It uses about half the flakes for a great granite finish than most other systems, which saves money. Offers maximum protection regardless, carhartt coats, of the climate. Is hot tire resistant and not affected by most household chemicals. Has a high gloss top coat. Can be used inside or out, and will not yellow. Fast & easy to install! So,, carhartt coats, when it comes to an epoxy system, what does fast and easy mean? Normally, carhartt coats, full application takes two days since you have to allow for drying time between the base and top coats, though sometimes it can be done in one day if the weather, carhartt coats, is good and you use an accelerant on the base coat to speed up drying time. Lets take a look at the basics of applying Roll on Rock to garage floors. First, you have to clean the concrete using a degreaser to remove any surface contaminants, and then allow the surface to dry for about 30 to 60 minutes. Next, mix the two epoxy components for 2 minutes with a paint paddle. Evenly roll the primer onto garage floors with a lint free roller. Allow the epoxy to set for at least 20 minutes, but not longer than 60 minutes before broadcasting, carhartt coats, the chips. Using spiked shoes, walk onto the epoxy and taking small handfuls of flakes, cast it onto the surface so that it looks even, kind of like casting grass seeds. Let your garage floor, carhartt coats, , carhartt coats, dry overnight, then gather up any loose flakes using a squeegee, broom or blower. Then go over the entire surface with a flexible blade (squeegee) to make sure that the surface is smooth. The final coat is a fast drying Polyurea and is what makes garage floors resistant to hot tires. To apply the top coat, again mix the two components together for 2 minutes. Pour onto the floor and spread evenly using a roller, first roll one way till happy with the application, and then, within 10 minutes, finish by back rolling 90? across the first application. This makes sure the top coat has been applied at a uniform thickness. It is best to split the garage into four areas and work one area at a time. You have about 45 minutes to apply the top coat, so you shouldn't mix more than can be applied in that time period. Garage floors will dry to the touch in 2-5 hours, you can walk on it the next day, but should wait about 3 days before pulling your car into the garage. Roll on Rock is known for providing the toughest and shiniest floor available. Plus, you can get the granite flakes in a variety of colors, from tans to blacks to greens, blues and reds and many other combinations. There is no doubt about it, epoxy coated garage floors really stand out in any neighborhood.
MJ is a freelance writer for ClickShops Inc., where you can find a large variety of garage floors for your home at www.garagecabinetsonline.com.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Bum's Jacket
Author: Slyvester Dudetown
Source: articlecity.com
I saw the dirty old, carhartt coats, jacket lying on the floor of the train and I knew, carhartt coats, I had to act fast. Time was a factor, and decisive action needed to be taken.
The Eastbound LRT was stopped, carhartt coats, at a station. I was standing in the area near the door when I saw a bum's jacket drop to the floor unbeknownst to him, then he made his way towards the exit.
Now I don't use the word bum here to be derogatory in any sense. I simply mean to say that he was a homeless man. I could tell by his limping gait, slumpy posture, tattered clothes, and the faint odour that trailed behind him. He was short, middle-aged, and had a scruffy beard.
The man clearly needed his jacket for the long Canadian winter months that lie ahead. Being a good samaritan,, carhartt coats, I retrieved it from the floor and called out: "Sir, you dropped your jacket". Note the use of "sir". It's a polite, carhartt coats, way of addressing a man older than yourself, bum or otherwise.
The man did not hear me, and made his way out the exit. I followed him to the door, his dirty old sport jacket in hand,, carhartt coats, with the intention of returning to him one of his only possessions.
I was confronted at the door by a large group of people trying to board the LRT, and standing in the doorway put me in their way. I was faced with a dilemma: should I get off at this stop and bring my coat to this man, possibly missing the train and being forced to wait for the next one? If I didn't make this kind gesture, the man would not be reunited with his precious jacket, and I would be consumed with guilt.
I think that, carhartt coats, if it were an attractive girl who dropped her coat I wouldn't hesitate to exit the train and return it to her in a somewhat heroic fashion. Maybe, after some awkward small talk I could work up the courage to ask her for her phone number. A few dates later we would then joke that fate led her to drop it, for had she not, we never would have met.
The reality of the situation was different. I was, carhartt coats, determined to return the jacket to its owner without disembarking from the LRT. From the doorway of the train I could see him stagger, carhartt coats, away, coatless, but I couldn't get his attention. It was then that it occurred, carhartt coats, to me: I could throw the jacket at him.
But maybe, I thought, there is some unwritten social code that says you shouldn't throw a person's jacket on the ground. The bum may not be aware that I picked the coat up off the floor of the train in the first place, and hadn't found it on, say, a seat instead.
Had it come to this? Was there no other alternative? I was playing out the potential scenarios, carhartt coats, in my mind. The man could become enraged by my actions and come towards me screaming, perhaps drunk, schizophrenic even, and flailing his, carhartt coats, arms about like some kind of damaged blender. "Just because I'm a dirty bum ya think ya can just throw my coat on the ground, huh, college boy? I'm a human being too! You can go to hell and die!!"
Curious onlookers would begin forming a semicircle around us, watching this angry man explode at me with rage. They would have no sympathy for me, especially those of whom saw me throw his coat on the ground. I would become the object of the collective scorn of my fellow passengers. While reasonable to myself, my actions would be difficult to explain in so short a time. They would think I'm some insensitive, classist jerk, who gets kicks from treating a desperate man like an animal. My heart would turn bitter and I would vow never to help a stranger again.
The commuters trying to board the train were clearly unaware of the severity of my situation. They had jobs to get to and I stood in their way.
My mind was made up. I crumpled his coat into a something of a ball shape to maximize its throwability. Then, carhartt coats, I launched it towards the man's feet, not directly, carhartt coats, at them, but close behind. "Here's your coat!" I yelled. The die was cast. My fate hung in the air, out of my hands, not unlike the grungy jacket. There is no going back now. What's done is done.
Hearing the "flomf" that a coat makes when it hits the ground, the bum turned around and picked it up, his eyes growing wide and thankful.
"Thank you!" he called out to me, a toothless, carhartt coats, grin on his withered face. I did the right thing.
I couldn't help but feel a little smug for the rest of the train ride. An elderly Asian woman who saw me pick up his coat and throw it gave me a smile of deep approval, seeming to share my belief that any man -- bum or otherwise -- deserves to have his dropped jacket returned to him in the manner most efficient, up to and including catapulting it in their general direction.
I felt proud to have explored the line of socioeconomic boundaries in interhuman protocol, and to have thrown a jacket across it.
Source: articlecity.com
I saw the dirty old, carhartt coats, jacket lying on the floor of the train and I knew, carhartt coats, I had to act fast. Time was a factor, and decisive action needed to be taken.
The Eastbound LRT was stopped, carhartt coats, at a station. I was standing in the area near the door when I saw a bum's jacket drop to the floor unbeknownst to him, then he made his way towards the exit.
Now I don't use the word bum here to be derogatory in any sense. I simply mean to say that he was a homeless man. I could tell by his limping gait, slumpy posture, tattered clothes, and the faint odour that trailed behind him. He was short, middle-aged, and had a scruffy beard.
The man clearly needed his jacket for the long Canadian winter months that lie ahead. Being a good samaritan,, carhartt coats, I retrieved it from the floor and called out: "Sir, you dropped your jacket". Note the use of "sir". It's a polite, carhartt coats, way of addressing a man older than yourself, bum or otherwise.
The man did not hear me, and made his way out the exit. I followed him to the door, his dirty old sport jacket in hand,, carhartt coats, with the intention of returning to him one of his only possessions.
I was confronted at the door by a large group of people trying to board the LRT, and standing in the doorway put me in their way. I was faced with a dilemma: should I get off at this stop and bring my coat to this man, possibly missing the train and being forced to wait for the next one? If I didn't make this kind gesture, the man would not be reunited with his precious jacket, and I would be consumed with guilt.
I think that, carhartt coats, if it were an attractive girl who dropped her coat I wouldn't hesitate to exit the train and return it to her in a somewhat heroic fashion. Maybe, after some awkward small talk I could work up the courage to ask her for her phone number. A few dates later we would then joke that fate led her to drop it, for had she not, we never would have met.
The reality of the situation was different. I was, carhartt coats, determined to return the jacket to its owner without disembarking from the LRT. From the doorway of the train I could see him stagger, carhartt coats, away, coatless, but I couldn't get his attention. It was then that it occurred, carhartt coats, to me: I could throw the jacket at him.
But maybe, I thought, there is some unwritten social code that says you shouldn't throw a person's jacket on the ground. The bum may not be aware that I picked the coat up off the floor of the train in the first place, and hadn't found it on, say, a seat instead.
Had it come to this? Was there no other alternative? I was playing out the potential scenarios, carhartt coats, in my mind. The man could become enraged by my actions and come towards me screaming, perhaps drunk, schizophrenic even, and flailing his, carhartt coats, arms about like some kind of damaged blender. "Just because I'm a dirty bum ya think ya can just throw my coat on the ground, huh, college boy? I'm a human being too! You can go to hell and die!!"
Curious onlookers would begin forming a semicircle around us, watching this angry man explode at me with rage. They would have no sympathy for me, especially those of whom saw me throw his coat on the ground. I would become the object of the collective scorn of my fellow passengers. While reasonable to myself, my actions would be difficult to explain in so short a time. They would think I'm some insensitive, classist jerk, who gets kicks from treating a desperate man like an animal. My heart would turn bitter and I would vow never to help a stranger again.
The commuters trying to board the train were clearly unaware of the severity of my situation. They had jobs to get to and I stood in their way.
My mind was made up. I crumpled his coat into a something of a ball shape to maximize its throwability. Then, carhartt coats, I launched it towards the man's feet, not directly, carhartt coats, at them, but close behind. "Here's your coat!" I yelled. The die was cast. My fate hung in the air, out of my hands, not unlike the grungy jacket. There is no going back now. What's done is done.
Hearing the "flomf" that a coat makes when it hits the ground, the bum turned around and picked it up, his eyes growing wide and thankful.
"Thank you!" he called out to me, a toothless, carhartt coats, grin on his withered face. I did the right thing.
I couldn't help but feel a little smug for the rest of the train ride. An elderly Asian woman who saw me pick up his coat and throw it gave me a smile of deep approval, seeming to share my belief that any man -- bum or otherwise -- deserves to have his dropped jacket returned to him in the manner most efficient, up to and including catapulting it in their general direction.
I felt proud to have explored the line of socioeconomic boundaries in interhuman protocol, and to have thrown a jacket across it.
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