THE "REAL" GRAFLEX FLASHGUN FOR LIGHTSABERS
Alright folks, here we go.
Many sellers advertise Graflex flashes as lightsabers--you've seen them! In all of the Star Wars films, there was only ONE (1) model of Graflex flash used to make lightsabers--it is the Graflex Synchronizer.
This lovely flashgun was used to make Luke Skywalker's ANH and ESB lightsaber. One of the ESB Luke stunt sabers was modified and used to make Darth Vader's ROTJ saber. This was the ONLY model Graflex used to make any saber in the films.
Why am I writing this guide? Because I'm sick of sellers advertising every model of Graflex, and other brands as lightsabers!
The most common that you'll see, is the Graflex Graflite model. Now, in defense of these sellers--this model was used to make Luke's lightsaber for the dreaded Star Wars Holiday Special. It is also seen in Luke's hand on the face of the Star Wars pinball machine. The Graflex Graflite was also used as an instrument on the left side dashboard top of X-wing fighters.
The other thing that really makes me mad about unscrupulous sellers advertising these as lightsabers, is that they also jack the price up to the range of the actual model...or higher. Please don't be fooled by these. Some sellers just think any Graflex was used, and don't know any better--most do know, and are preying on the unsuspecting buyer.
Here are some photos for you to compare models and know exactly which one was used to make the film lightsabers:
Monday, June 25, 2012
before buying and paying your iteams
If you are buying an item from international seller, its really a risk. before you buy an item you should check is it really ship to your country. things like cellphones and other expensive items before you buy, its really nice to send a message to a seller about shipping and price. many people pay their items after they saw "this seller ships world wide". but most of the sellers have some excluded countries. may be your country also mention there.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
by the end of january we had not heard any responce so we contacted UPS
the item was damaged by the UPS delivery driver.we contacted UPS and reported the damage.we gave them all the information ,and they stated they would teke care of it.by the end of january we had not heard any responce so we contacted UPS.they stated that they had paid the claim to NORTHERN HOME COLLECTIONS, so we did.they stated that they had no record of the refund, then the next day said that they found it in their records,but they had never contacted us.so now it was to long to file a dispute.we asked for our $18.95 back.instead they sent another gnome.we explained we no lomger wanted it .it was to be a xmas gift for a friend, and now we were in the month of febuary.we did not except the delivery from the POST OFFICE.it was stamped RETURN TO SENDER,so we never touched the package.we have contacted them many times by email,because they will not answer their phone. well here it is april and now they claim they never received the refund. UPS has told us they were issued the refund on 1/20/2012. we sent them this info.they stated that they would refund our money once the package was returned.they stated that they would need a tracking number from us.we explained that it was stamped RETURN TO SENDER so any tracking info would be the same as when they shipped it, seeing that we did not have anything with the return shipping.as of their last email, now they state{WE NEVER RECEIVED THE REFUND,AND NEVER RECEIVED THE PACKAGE THAT WAS STAMPED {RETURN TO SENDER}.THIS COMPANY HAS LIED ABOUT THIS STORY SO MANY TIMES THEY CANNOT KEEP THEIR STORY STRAIGHT..if you have a damegeditem or lost {REPORT IT TO EBAY ASAP AND FILE A DISPUTE}do not wait for any shipping company or seller tell you that {they will take care of it }..NORTHERN HOME COLLECTIONS, IS A DISHONNEST COMPANY. they are the middle man for a bigger company, that does not care about fair trade laws.ebay has contacted NORTHERN HOME COLLECTIONS about this and they continue to to lie about it.i should have waited to leave feedback,but when the item was delivered,damaged and UPS stated they would correct the problem, i left a possitive feed back..WHAT A MISTAKE..SO NOW NORTHERN HOME COLLECTIONS HAS BEEN PAID $18.95 by me and $18.95 from UPS making a total of $37.95 that they have received by cheatting a customer.our friend went to their site and saw many garden items that they were instrested in but will not buy from NORTHERN HOME COLLECTIONS. WE WILL NEVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN AND I WISH I COULD CHANGE MY FEEDBACK FROM POSS TO A NEG. ebay said it is wrong but thier hand are tied in this matter, because we waited to long to try to file a dispute
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Best Quality and Value Buy in Ultra Light Spinning Reel
Recommendation for the Best Quality and Value Buy in Ultra Light Spinning Reels
What are the criteria?
This guide has been written to help readers make an informed decision in purchasing a modern, truly ultra light reel (by this we mean a reel that weighs less than 8 oz. and preferably much less) that is the best value that can be purchased in the $75- $ 150 range, given that the reel has all of the following criteria for a fitting reel purchase. The criteria targeted are my own, based on decades of using many, many makes and models of reels. To keep it simple I will make only one reel suggestion at the end that best fits all of the criteria, in my opinion. Obviously many different reels may satisfy many different tastes, but I am making only a single reel selection as it is personally the best reel I have found for these criteria, but this guide will direct you in the right general direction. If you don't want to chance it, just buy the reel suggested and it will not disappoint you in any significant way.
First, the price range for the reel while arbitrary, is right in the price range most people are willing to pay for a reel that will have the performance and durability to last a long time, given the correct care and a minimum of replacement parts over the long haul. You can pay much, much more, but in my estimation will be getting very little advantage over the reel recommended, and it would make more sense to purchase more than one of the recommended reel rather than a single much more costly top of the line reel, as you would then have identical backup reels that you could eventually cannibalize for parts if needed. Parts 10-30 years down the road may be difficult to get for any reel and its comforting to know that you have a couple of reels to rely on for parts in order to keep at least one reel going after breaking or damaging a critical part way down the road. We all have decent reels that are useless due to a single crucial part that we cannot find, correct? Well I have a big box full of them in my garage.
Second, the reel has to have great ergonomics so that it feels right the first time you pick it up and twirl the handle. Different people will like different ergonomics but I feel I have to highlight this aspect because so many reels have such terrible designs that I could not imagine anglers liking their designs after using the reels for any significant length of time. This seems especially true for ultra light reels for some reason. A great example is a current model offered by Bass Pro Shops. I don't remember the exact model but this tiny reel had an incredibly long handle that would have been better fitted to a bass sized reel. Furthermore the handle jutted out at an extreme angle from the reel body, making it seem like the handle knob was 8 inches away from the reel body. It felt so incredibly awkward that I am amazed it got into production! This is typical of many reels, so I have recommended a reel that feels like an ultra light reel should feel like, and this was not actually easy to find. I am a big Daiwa fan as I feel their middle of the line reels offer the best quality and durability of all major manufacturers, but many of their ultra light models feel awkward or are too heavy or if light enough have too slow a retrieve rate to be useful. Daiwa seems to have ignored the true ultra light class models in much of their line up. There just seems to be very few ultra light reels from any of the major manufactuers incredibly, that have fast enough retrieve rates while also being light enough in weight and also having good ergonomics in the mid price range slot..
First, the price range for the reel while arbitrary, is right in the price range most people are willing to pay for a reel that will have the performance and durability to last a long time, given the correct care and a minimum of replacement parts over the long haul. You can pay much, much more, but in my estimation will be getting very little advantage over the reel recommended, and it would make more sense to purchase more than one of the recommended reel rather than a single much more costly top of the line reel, as you would then have identical backup reels that you could eventually cannibalize for parts if needed. Parts 10-30 years down the road may be difficult to get for any reel and its comforting to know that you have a couple of reels to rely on for parts in order to keep at least one reel going after breaking or damaging a critical part way down the road. We all have decent reels that are useless due to a single crucial part that we cannot find, correct? Well I have a big box full of them in my garage.
Second, the reel has to have great ergonomics so that it feels right the first time you pick it up and twirl the handle. Different people will like different ergonomics but I feel I have to highlight this aspect because so many reels have such terrible designs that I could not imagine anglers liking their designs after using the reels for any significant length of time. This seems especially true for ultra light reels for some reason. A great example is a current model offered by Bass Pro Shops. I don't remember the exact model but this tiny reel had an incredibly long handle that would have been better fitted to a bass sized reel. Furthermore the handle jutted out at an extreme angle from the reel body, making it seem like the handle knob was 8 inches away from the reel body. It felt so incredibly awkward that I am amazed it got into production! This is typical of many reels, so I have recommended a reel that feels like an ultra light reel should feel like, and this was not actually easy to find. I am a big Daiwa fan as I feel their middle of the line reels offer the best quality and durability of all major manufacturers, but many of their ultra light models feel awkward or are too heavy or if light enough have too slow a retrieve rate to be useful. Daiwa seems to have ignored the true ultra light class models in much of their line up. There just seems to be very few ultra light reels from any of the major manufactuers incredibly, that have fast enough retrieve rates while also being light enough in weight and also having good ergonomics in the mid price range slot..
What are the criteria?
1. Price: $75-150
Any less and you will generally get much less quality or the retrieve rate will be too slow, or something else will be deficient or lacking. It is better to stay in this price range. You can pay much more than this price range and the real world performance and durability issues will not increase in huge measure.
2. Weight: An ultra light reel should weigh less than 8.0 ozs. Any more and it stops feeling like an ultra light reel.
3. Retrieve rate: Not all reels are indicated with retrieve rates (a function of spool diameter and gear ratio), but since most ultra lights will be close in spool diameter you can use gear ratio as a general guide. You will want no less than 28 inches of retrieve per turn of the handle. Any less and it becomes tiring to cast a spinner upstream in fast water and keep up with the current all day long. This will translate into a gear ratio in the 5.6:1 to 6.2:1 range. If less than this, the retrieve rate will generally be below 28 inches; too slow in my experience for anything other than bait fishing.
4. Unbreakable bail spring: The reel recommended has one and most high quality reels have them, but a significant number of reels will not have them. I would not buy any modern spinning reel with out this feature as a broken bail spring can automatically ruin your fishing day, especially if you are casting artificials. The unbreakable lifetime springs work by compression, not by coiled tension, and are virtually impossible to break.
5. Infinite anti-reverse: A feature some people just cannot live without and it also has the benefit of being silent on the retrieve.
6. Smooth and correctly calibrated drag: Most quality reels have excellent drag systems these days, much better than from years ago. This is especially important in ultra lights as it is paramount that the drag system not overpower 2, 4 and 6 lb. test lines. There is always sufficient drag power in any ultra light and so the correct calibration level along with the drag smoothness are far more important in ultra lights than for heavier model reels.
7. Gear train smoothness: Besides making the reel feel like a fine instrument, a very smooth retrieve makes strike detection easier with ultra light tackle. Gear strength is usually never an issue with ultra lights but drive train wear can make the reel feel sloppier as the years go by. Smooth gears and ball bearings along with tight tolerances will all contribute to make the reel feel smooth years down the road. The price range indicated should insure high enough build quality from the major manufacturers.
8. Durability: The best body and rotating head material is actually aluminum for durability. Magnesium, while incredibly light, corrodes much too easily if exposed to salt water and eventually we all use ultra lights in saltwater. Composite bodies will not be as durable especially decades down the road since the plastic becomes brittle, and since graphite bodies are a matrix of graphite fibers and a plastic binder, even graphite may be suspect far into the future. Having said that, the reel recommended has a composite body (the larger models in the line have aluminum bodies), but composite bodies are less of a concern with ultra light sized reels. As far as the other reel components are concerned, the model recommended and other reels from other major manufacturers in this price range, will generally have decent enough components to make for a durable and lasting reel. However, durability and quality really goes down generally, below the $75 price point. Some reels like the Daiwa Sweepfire line, have good performing characteristics considering the price (~$25) but these reels will not stay tight over the long haul. If you are a serious angler you will not be happy in the long run with these cheaper reels, and you'll end up buying several reels of this quality over the years, negating their price advantage in the long haul.
9. Ergonomics: Primarily the handle length should not be excessive. Ultra lights by definition use lines testing no more than 6 lbs test, so great leverage on the retrieve is unnecessary. Therefore a wide diameter winding motion is very, very awkward in an ultra light reel..........a narrow, tight winding motion is much easier to live with in an ultra light. Further, the handle should not angle too sharply away from the reel body causing the handle knob to be a big distance from the body. This is a very common design mistake and tends to make the reel rock back and forth excessively with every turn of the handle. Tight, well designed ergonomics makes for a far more pleasant reel to live with. An overly long reel stem (the arm between reel foot and the reel body) also makes for a awkward reel, but is less often encountered in ultra lights than in the larger reel sizes.
So what is the reel recommendation?
Any less and you will generally get much less quality or the retrieve rate will be too slow, or something else will be deficient or lacking. It is better to stay in this price range. You can pay much more than this price range and the real world performance and durability issues will not increase in huge measure.
2. Weight: An ultra light reel should weigh less than 8.0 ozs. Any more and it stops feeling like an ultra light reel.
3. Retrieve rate: Not all reels are indicated with retrieve rates (a function of spool diameter and gear ratio), but since most ultra lights will be close in spool diameter you can use gear ratio as a general guide. You will want no less than 28 inches of retrieve per turn of the handle. Any less and it becomes tiring to cast a spinner upstream in fast water and keep up with the current all day long. This will translate into a gear ratio in the 5.6:1 to 6.2:1 range. If less than this, the retrieve rate will generally be below 28 inches; too slow in my experience for anything other than bait fishing.
4. Unbreakable bail spring: The reel recommended has one and most high quality reels have them, but a significant number of reels will not have them. I would not buy any modern spinning reel with out this feature as a broken bail spring can automatically ruin your fishing day, especially if you are casting artificials. The unbreakable lifetime springs work by compression, not by coiled tension, and are virtually impossible to break.
5. Infinite anti-reverse: A feature some people just cannot live without and it also has the benefit of being silent on the retrieve.
6. Smooth and correctly calibrated drag: Most quality reels have excellent drag systems these days, much better than from years ago. This is especially important in ultra lights as it is paramount that the drag system not overpower 2, 4 and 6 lb. test lines. There is always sufficient drag power in any ultra light and so the correct calibration level along with the drag smoothness are far more important in ultra lights than for heavier model reels.
7. Gear train smoothness: Besides making the reel feel like a fine instrument, a very smooth retrieve makes strike detection easier with ultra light tackle. Gear strength is usually never an issue with ultra lights but drive train wear can make the reel feel sloppier as the years go by. Smooth gears and ball bearings along with tight tolerances will all contribute to make the reel feel smooth years down the road. The price range indicated should insure high enough build quality from the major manufacturers.
8. Durability: The best body and rotating head material is actually aluminum for durability. Magnesium, while incredibly light, corrodes much too easily if exposed to salt water and eventually we all use ultra lights in saltwater. Composite bodies will not be as durable especially decades down the road since the plastic becomes brittle, and since graphite bodies are a matrix of graphite fibers and a plastic binder, even graphite may be suspect far into the future. Having said that, the reel recommended has a composite body (the larger models in the line have aluminum bodies), but composite bodies are less of a concern with ultra light sized reels. As far as the other reel components are concerned, the model recommended and other reels from other major manufacturers in this price range, will generally have decent enough components to make for a durable and lasting reel. However, durability and quality really goes down generally, below the $75 price point. Some reels like the Daiwa Sweepfire line, have good performing characteristics considering the price (~$25) but these reels will not stay tight over the long haul. If you are a serious angler you will not be happy in the long run with these cheaper reels, and you'll end up buying several reels of this quality over the years, negating their price advantage in the long haul.
9. Ergonomics: Primarily the handle length should not be excessive. Ultra lights by definition use lines testing no more than 6 lbs test, so great leverage on the retrieve is unnecessary. Therefore a wide diameter winding motion is very, very awkward in an ultra light reel..........a narrow, tight winding motion is much easier to live with in an ultra light. Further, the handle should not angle too sharply away from the reel body causing the handle knob to be a big distance from the body. This is a very common design mistake and tends to make the reel rock back and forth excessively with every turn of the handle. Tight, well designed ergonomics makes for a far more pleasant reel to live with. An overly long reel stem (the arm between reel foot and the reel body) also makes for a awkward reel, but is less often encountered in ultra lights than in the larger reel sizes.
So what is the reel recommendation?
After handling dozens and dozens of ultra light reels, I ended up buying a couple of Shimano Saros 1000F ultralight reels. They came with a spare spool of high quality (not a substandard graphite version that is commonly included), but I hear the newer reels do not come with the spare spool anymore.........a big disappointment if this is true. The price for this reel will range from $110-140 and it is a very good price for a very good reel. It has it all....great ergonomics, lightness (~7 ozs.), 28 inches of retrieve per turn, a tight handle winding motion, smoothness, infinite anti reverse, compression bail spring, great drag, high quality quality build and the spare spool! It even looks good. The handle also screws onto the drive gear, creating a solid handle to gear connection and eliminating an area where extra drive train slop is usually introduced. The one area that I feel this reel may be lacking in, is the durability department. The body and rotor are both composite and while the gear tolerances are great, the rotating head is a bit sloppy in fit. The Saros doesn't feel like it will endure wear quite as well as a Daiwa Capricorn or Tierra, but in its defense neither the Capricorn or Tierra model lines have anything resembling a true, fast retrieve ultra light reel. If the Saros holds up reasonably well over the years I will be very happy with them, but in truth I have not used them enough to fully evaluate their durability. However Shimano's reputation and the initial observable build quality are both very good and should serve the reel well enough for the long haul.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
How to buy a Teacup Yorkie
When we think of the world “teacup” we think of extremely small and under average size. At least most of us think of that when it comes to dogs. They can be extremely cute and cuddle. Especially the Teacup Yorkie. They are so fluffy and little but do provide lots of love. There are some things to consider before getting one of these precious pups.
First and foremost puppies do grow up. Even though this particular dog stays small it will not be a puppy forever. While it is still a puppy it will require a lot of work and patients. They are living and breathing things. They are not toys to show off and although this is an ideal size to be a “purse” dog, it does require love and exercise. This dog is will more than likely be 2-4lb range. This is way below the average weight of this breed which is up to 7lbs or more. Since they are considered in the “toy” group, it is important to understand that they are very fragile and can break bones very easily. They can easily hurt themselves by jumping off a bed or couch or could easily be stepped on.
When looking to buy these “Teacup” yorkies be careful if the breeder states their specialty is “teacups” because in a lot of cases they end up being premature puppies and tend to be small because of that. This can cause the dog to have constant respiratory issues and shorten the dog’s life.
Make sure you are getting the pup from someone reputable and someone you trust. Word of mouth goes along way so listen to those around you. Make sure you get a pup that you will have and love for a lifetime
First and foremost puppies do grow up. Even though this particular dog stays small it will not be a puppy forever. While it is still a puppy it will require a lot of work and patients. They are living and breathing things. They are not toys to show off and although this is an ideal size to be a “purse” dog, it does require love and exercise. This dog is will more than likely be 2-4lb range. This is way below the average weight of this breed which is up to 7lbs or more. Since they are considered in the “toy” group, it is important to understand that they are very fragile and can break bones very easily. They can easily hurt themselves by jumping off a bed or couch or could easily be stepped on.
When looking to buy these “Teacup” yorkies be careful if the breeder states their specialty is “teacups” because in a lot of cases they end up being premature puppies and tend to be small because of that. This can cause the dog to have constant respiratory issues and shorten the dog’s life.
Make sure you are getting the pup from someone reputable and someone you trust. Word of mouth goes along way so listen to those around you. Make sure you get a pup that you will have and love for a lifetime
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Case & Stand for New iPad 3
Well made, strong, good tactile feeling, fits well and looks good. I used Smart Cover before, when I owed iPad 2 .
Although that one was nice, it made it hard to get a good grip on the New iPad. But I always worried that it was going
to slip out of my hands and crash on the floor at any moment. That is not at all the case with this one. It is easy to
grasp and it is not likely to slip out of your hand. Even if it did, it is very protective and strong. In fact, my
daughter dropped my New iPad from the second floor and the case protected it perfectly.
that. Unless I have a shirt with a pocket, I have no place to carry the stylus on this case.
2) I miss the magnetic activation of the original iPad cover. I wish they had incorporated that into this model.
Other than these two things, I strongly recommend it.
Pros: With magnetic activation, mostly everything, strong, looks good;
Cons: No place to carry stylus.
Although that one was nice, it made it hard to get a good grip on the New iPad. But I always worried that it was going
to slip out of my hands and crash on the floor at any moment. That is not at all the case with this one. It is easy to
grasp and it is not likely to slip out of your hand. Even if it did, it is very protective and strong. In fact, my
daughter dropped my New iPad from the second floor and the case protected it perfectly.
But if has a couple of things that it could improve:
1) It has no place to carry the stylus. I use the New iPad at meetings to take notes and the stylus is critical forthat. Unless I have a shirt with a pocket, I have no place to carry the stylus on this case.
2) I miss the magnetic activation of the original iPad cover. I wish they had incorporated that into this model.
Other than these two things, I strongly recommend it.
Pros: With magnetic activation, mostly everything, strong, looks good;
Cons: No place to carry stylus.
Top Quality Product that wont break the bank!! Highly recommended!
I bought this monopod for my husband as a gift for his birthday. It was purely for using on his Sigma 120/400 lens which is exceptionally heavy which causes issues when trying to take pictures. Using a conventional tripod on the camera doesn't work as the weight of the lens pulls the whole camera forward. Also the additional weight of a tripod coupled with the camera and lens weight is difficult to handle. This Manfrotto Monopod is just the ticket!
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