Jasele Oita's Blog A weblog about everything

January 30, 2009

Impression-die Forging

Filed under: Industrial — admin @ 12:08 pm

Forging, the term used for shaping metal into objects, is an old metalworking process that is still widely used today. It produces a much stronger metal than cast or machined metal parts, and offers a high strength-to-weight ratio. There are many types of forging processes, including impression-die forging. Also known as closed-die forging, impression-die aluminum forging, and other alloys can create an endless variety of shapes that can weigh from a few ounces to more than 25 tons. This type of process offers numerous benefits that cannot be created through other methods.

Impression-die forging can produce more complex shapes and closer tolerances than open-die processes. This is because two or more dies containing imprints of the part shape are united during the plastic deformation and metal flow is limited due to the die outlines. Impression-die forging offers great flexibility. Parts can range from symmetrical designs to intricate designs that also include holes and pockets. In addition, impression-die parts can bend or curve in one or many areas. Most metals and alloys can be forged by standard impression-die processes. However, strain-rate and temperature-sensitive materials, such as nickel alloy forgings, may demand high-tech forging processes or special equipment.

Why Interview Training?

Filed under: Education — admin @ 11:23 am

While something like executive media training for handling reporters might seem an odd or even extraneous course for a business professional, the reality is that it is one of the most important skills that anyone who finds themselves in a spokesperson position can learn.  Public image can make or break a company, and anyone serving as the public face of a business needs to be able to project exactly the right image and persona.  Even natural charisma can only go so far when one isn’t aware of what the reporters are looking for.

So what does interview training entail?  The main objective is for a spokesperson to be able to deliver the company’s message in a manner that allows for quotes to be pulled as sound bites.  The other essential factor is to be able to handle each interview according to the style of the reporter, even if they are downright hostile.

Airsoft Global AG Custom M9

Filed under: Retail & Ecommerce — admin @ 10:36 am

We know there’s nothing worse than getting a new airsoft sniper rifle and having nowhere to use it. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, check out Airsoft Playground in South El Monte. This indoor airsoft field is a dedicated airsoft space, not a converted paintball arena. According to the site, “The facility has two fields with different designs. One is slightly larger and designed with a semi-outdoor feel: hay, pallets, drums, barrels, and outdoor obstacles. While the second field is slightly smaller and designed with CQB in mind: walls, turns, and hallways. Both fields are changed every few months to allow for a different experience for all players on different occasions.” The company estimates that it sees more than 100 people on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so even if you can’t round up a few buddies, you’re not out of luck.

You can rent guns and equipment from Airsoft Playground, or you can swing by Speedy Toys in Los Angeles near the Van Nuys airport for the newest airsoft automatic and semi-automatic guns and accessories. Not in the Los Angeles area? Speedy Toys offers shipping within the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, owners of airsoft sniper rifles and handguns can check out this list and this list for directories of airsoft fields by state.

January 27, 2009

Top 5 Halloween Costumes for Men

Filed under: Retail & Ecommerce — admin @ 12:01 pm

It’s never too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes! Our Top 5 list counts down the most original, humorous, and just plain cool adult Halloween costumes for men.

5. Jesus. There’s almost no better way to stand out than dressing up as God’s only son. Not only are you three people at once, you’re also endowed with water-to-wine changing powers, the ability to walk on water, and a posse of bearded men who call themselves your disciples. Plus, the whole “coming back from the dead” thing.

4. Scarecrow. She’s been saying, “If only you had a brain” for years. Show her just how smart (or how much of a smart aleck) you can be by dressing up as Dorothy’s BFF from The Wizard of Oz. Couples often enjoy pairing this one with the Dorothy costumes for women.

3. Dr. Evil. Nothing says malice quite like world domination. (Evil laughter in background). You can partner up with an Austin Powers or just hold the party ransom on your own. Pinky finger not included.

2. The Burger King. Don’t just wake up with the king this Halloween; be the king himself. The king’s got a more than 50-year history and serious street cred. Have it your way.

1. Stewie Griffin. Age-defying intellect coupled with infantine limitations? Brilliant! Whether he’s confiding in Brian, trying to kill Lois, planning his global takeover, or just antagonizing Meg and Chris, Stewie Griffin is a true original. It’s not so much that he wants to kill everyone; he just doesn’t want them to be alive anymore…

Benefits of Individual Dental Plans

Filed under: Insurance — admin @ 11:48 am

Maintaining your oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. A simple toothache can turn into a major problem if left untreated. According to the American Dental Association, there is a very important reason to consider purchasing an individual dental insurance plan: The sooner a dental issue is treated, the less expensive that treatment will be. While most medical needs and treatments are unpredictable, thus requiring insurance to cover the high costs, dental needs and treatments are not. Most often, dental needs are preventable or treatable if detected on time. This means, regular check-ups and routine treatments are necessary in order to maintain proper oral health—and save you time and money in the long run. However, even the cost of regular dental care can be pricey. That is why many people are turning to individual dental plans in an effort to save money.

The first thing to note when searching for a dental plan is that they are not considered insurance plans. Most companies refer to dental plans as “referral plans” or “buyers’ clubs.” This is because you pay a monthly fee to a third party in order to gain access to a list of dentists who have agreed to provide lower fees on various services. An individual dental plan provides lower fees on both preventive and restorative treatments, such as regular check-ups, cleaning, filing, crowns, and root canals. Depending on the plan, you may also receive lower fees on oral surgery, dentures, and much more.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Filed under: Food — admin @ 11:21 am

As one of the more well-known varieties of edible mushrooms, the shiitake has become an important addition to the cuisine of several types of Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.  They have a unique aroma and a mild flavor–this along with their meaty texture makes them a distinctive addition to stocks, soups, and stir fry.  They are a common addition to miso soup in Japan and are often served in Thailand having been fried or steamed.

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, meaning that they were originally found in other areas of the world having been dried for preservation.  However, there are now farms growing shiitake around the globe, meaning that it is far easier to find them available fresh in your native country.  Surprisingly, the dried variety remains quite popular even in areas where this mushroom is readily available.  Many people feel that the sun-drying process actually does a lot to improve the flavor of the shiitake.

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

Filed under: Health — admin @ 11:01 am

Many companies provide a variety of medical emergency systems. What factors make one alert system or program preferable to another?  As with all products, clients should consider reliability, features, and price when purchasing a system.

Medical alert systems typically have two components—the base unit and the panic button, usually in the form of a medical bracelet or necklace. A reliable system should provide back-up for unforeseen power outages. In addition, the equipment should provide for a reasonable range of distance between the subscriber and the base unit. The typical distance range of an alarm system is 300 feet, but at least one company called Alert Rescue offers devices that can be used at distances of up to 600 feet.

Finally, the price is an important consideration. Generally, clients can lower the monthly cost in two ways–by purchasing the base unit rather than renting it, or by subscribing to a plan for multiple months. In this case, the cost can range from $0 to $16 a month. For clients who feel it is more economical to avoid upfront and long-term costs, alert systems can be purchased for as little as $28.95 a month (including free shipping of the alarm and base unit) through companies like Rescue Alert. Medical alert bracelets are widely available on the market today, so customers can choose from a number of systems and price ranges to find the one that best meets their needs.

January 21, 2009

Should You Open a Practice Account?

Filed under: Finance — admin @ 12:45 pm

Some seasoned forex traders say that practice accounts allow newbie traders to develop bad habits like overleveraging and making rash decisions and are generally inaccurate learning tools. Then there are others who swear by practice accounts, saying that a trial period is essential to long-term trading success. We tend to side with the latter argument. We demo traded for three-and-a-half months using an FxPro practice account. The experience was invaluable because it allowed us to experiment with different indicators without risking real money. By doing research and testing out the MT4 trading platform, we were able to become profitable much more quickly than other traders we know who dove blindly into real-time trading accounts.

The Burj Dubai

Filed under: Construction — admin @ 11:56 am

Human innovation has led to a wide variety of different building and structure designs, from the simplest prefabricated metal building to the most complex architectural wonder.   Falling into the latter category is an impressive new supertall skyscraper that is currently being constructed in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.  Known as the Burj Dubai, this building, despite not even being complete yet, is already the tallest manmade structure anywhere in the world.  It is expected that the Burj Dubai will be ready for occupation as of September of this year.

The construction of this concrete and steel building began back in 2004.  As of the end of 2008, the Burj Dubai was 2,559 ft (or 780 m) tall.  When finished, it will have over 3.5 million square feet of usable space on 160 habitable floors.  It is believed that the planned height of the structure has undergone several changes over time, and that it was originally going to be as short as 1,837 ft or as tall as 2,650 ft.

January 16, 2009

Tips on recycling

Filed under: Business Services — admin @ 11:37 am

Considering California’s stunning natural beauty, it is no surprise that California residents place a priority on recycling.  Whether Yorba Linda or Huntington Beach, recycling is a valuable service to manage and maintain the natural resources of each local and region. Companies such as Waste Management Orange County make it easy and affordable for residents and commercial businesses to recycle and manage waste in ways that are helpful to the environment and affordable. In addition, they offer tips to help residents make the most of their recycling efforts. Suggestions include the following:

  • Make recycling convenient by taking advantage of curbside recycling (where residents can put all recyclables into one bin), curbside green waste collection, and household hazardous waste collection.
  • If the workplace doesn’t offer recycling, considering starting one to keep recycling convenient at work as well as at home.
  • Donate clothing, toys, books, magazines, appliances, and furnishings to charities that can redistribute them.
  • Buy items in bulk—this cuts down on excess packaging.
  • Avoid using disposable items—for example, clean with a washable rag, shave with a rechargeable razor and eat on dishware rather than paper plates.

Many solid waste companies that work with large businesses and commercial and residential projects offer a number of recycling programs — these opportunities should be explored. Remember, residents are not limited to services provided by the city—they can always contact private companies for waste management and recycling needs.  Waste Management Orange County, for example, provides Orange recycling services, as well as waste management, green waste, and recycling to many locations all over Orange County.

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