Friday, September 9, 2011
Be aware of Blue Cult fakes
There are alot of fake designer jeans out there now, especially Seven for All Mankind and the other very popular brands. Recently, there have started to be knock offs of things like Blue Cult as well. This sort of thing usually happens as a brand gains notariety. Personally, I'm fond of the fit of the Blue Cult jeans, as they work well with my boyish body type (I like the skinny leg and Kate, the others are too curvy for me). Knowing this, my boyfriend bought me a pair of what he thought were Blue Cult's as a gift. When they arrived I thought they didn't seem quite right. They don't fit nearly as well, and the construction is only about the quality of a pair of generic jeans. More than likely, these jeans are fakes. You'll notice two things: In the picture of the rear of the jeans, the "Blue Cult" tag is only that, a tag and the embroidery is larger, but narrower. On the inside of the waistband, the Blue Cult is not embroidery either, its screenprinted. Its also not acgepanied by another embroidered/tag. Real Blue Cult jeans have some distinguishing marks:You'll notice three things in particular. The embroidery on the rear is wider, and less circular. Also, the tag says blue, acgepanied by cult EMBROIDERED below. On the inside of the waistband, the story is similar. In the center of the waistband, Blue Cult is embroidered, often in a color matching the stitching on the rear pockets. To the right of this, when lying flat, is a tag with the style number and cut on it. The size will be embroidered over the top of this at the bottom right corner. I am very happy with my new REAL Blue Cults, and I hope this guide helps you out so you can be as well. Best of Luck!
Anchor Hocking Wexford Pattern
I love Anchor Hocking Crystal. My favorite pattern is the Wexford Pattern. It has small diamond shaped patterns near the bottom and Larger diamond shaped patterns near the top. On the bottom of the crystal has a flower shape or starburston the bottom. Anchor Hocking has made many items with the wexford pattern including, cream and sugar dishes, vinagrettes/ cruets, wine glasses, tumblers, wine decanters, punch bowls sets, pitchers, juice glasses and much more. Most of my experiences on okay, I have sold Anchor Hocking Wexford pattern almost as soon as I list it. It is a great selling item and easy to find in thift stores, flea markets and yard sales. I have never paid over $8.00 for a piece but have sold peices for over $40.00.
So my advice is, When you see a Wexford pattern peice at a yard saleor similar places PICK IT UP! Once you spot this item and sell it, you will be hooked.
Also for buyers, Wexford pattern is a great peice to collect. It is beautiful and simple at the same time.
So my advice is, When you see a Wexford pattern peice at a yard saleor similar places PICK IT UP! Once you spot this item and sell it, you will be hooked.
Also for buyers, Wexford pattern is a great peice to collect. It is beautiful and simple at the same time.
BUYING A KAWASAKI NINJA 600R - REVIEW AND VIDEO TEST
KAWASAKI GPZ400R and GPZ600R (1985-1990) (stills taken from video road test of the GPZ400R)
VIEW THE FREE TRAILER FROM OUR okay SHOP
This guide was written for the UK market so some details won't apply
MYVERDICT:
For
Retro cool
Many parts sharedbetween the 400 and 600
Alloy frame on the 400
The 400 is surprisingly almost as powerful as the 600
Adjustable suspension
gefortable by modern standards
Low-ish seat height
Against
Parts availability won't be great due to it's age
Soggy suspension by modern standards
Very few good original examples left
The 400 is less torquey than the 600
INTRODUCTION:
The GPZ400R and 600R were ground-breaking. The 600 kickstarted the whole 600 Supersports class that is still going strong today. The 400R is a scaled down version of the bike we're more familiar with in theUS but a lighter allow frame.
WHICH ONE TO GO FOR:
The 600R's are much more plentiful here as they were officially imported, the imported 400's are often ingood condition thanks to the lack of gritted roads in Japan.
RELIABILITY AND geMON FAULTS:
Reliability is quite good, fork seals suffer and carb diaphragms if they've been stored.
As with all imports that have been stored for any length of time, check for rust inside the fuel tank. Also, the 400R's can suffer from stuck piston rings that allow fuel into the oil. This can usually be cured by getting the engine very hot and good regular use after that.
Camshaft problems were gemon on the 600R, thanks to a high tickover from cold and no center stand leading to oil starvation on the right hand end. Carb icing was cured by heating the carb bodies with the cooling system, although this did reduce the power output. The steel frame also bent easily in crashes, this was strengthened later on.
MODEL HISTORY:
Introduced in 1985, the 600 created the class we know and love today. The 400 had a similar effect in Japan, where it was considered the best sports 400 for quite a few years.
The 400 had an alloy frame and remotely adjustable suspension. The 600 was less sophisticated with a steel frame and feweradjustments on thesuspension.
In 1987 the GPX was introduced, but the GPZ600R was sold along side it until 1990.
HOW TO AVOID BUYING A LEMON BY USINGMY BUYERGUIDE BELOW
Before seeing the bike:
If it is a private sale make sure you view thebike at the sellers premises - this will help determine if the seller is genuine
Always ask the seller to make sure thebike is cold when you gee to view it - warm engines can hide a multitude of sins
Find out whether the bike:
Has got an MOT certificate, is it taxed and for how long?
Has got a race can fitted and if so is the original included?
Has it ever been crashed?
Has got a current V5 and is registered in the sellers name?
Is there any outstanding finance, if you're in doubt buy a HPI report or similar?
Does the bike still have both original keys and the toolkit?
Does the bike have a service history, and if so is it a main dealer one?
How to check the bike:
On liquid cooledengines check for a film of oil in the radiator header tank before warming the bike up- the presence of oil would signify internal engine leaks or a blown head gasket.
Make sure the oil on the dipstick or in the sight glass is smooth and has no bits in it or milky scum - again this could mean internal engine leaks.
On starting from cold make sure the engine does not turn over sluggishly - this could mean a worn starter motorand/or a defective battery.
Check for oil leaks around the engine and on the ground where thebike has been stood - any leaks could indicate expensive oil seal replacement or crash damage.
Check all the lights work and that both levers activate the rear brake light.
Run a finger up the fork stanchions and check for oil and rust - leaking fork seals are fixable, but it will cost youif the forks need re-chroming, also sometimes dismantling forks will damage the fork bushes and they'll need replacing.
Check to make sure the rear shock isn't leaking oil and that any shock linkage is moving smoothly.
Find out how old the tyres are regardless of their apparent wear - some old tyres can appear fine until the conditions get slippy. If in doubt, factor in replacement.
If the bike is a European or American import check to see if the headlight has been altered for UK use.
Check the brake disks for obvious signs of wear, hairline cracks between the vent holes can indicate critically thin disks. Check the brake pads to make sure they still have plenty of material left.
If possible spin each wheel off the ground and check for damaged rims and worn wheel bearings.
With the front wheel off the ground carefully move the steering left and right of centre and feel for any notches in the head stock bearings
Check the Engine and Chassis numbers match the V5, sometimes, especially on imports there will be no engine number on the V5 but this does not necessarily mean a problem, it's optional when you are registering the bike in the UK.
Check the sprockets to make sure they're not 'hooked' and check the chain is not at the end of it's adjustment.
Check behind as many panels as possible for signs of repair. They may point to more serious accident damage, the quality of bodywork repair should indicate the quality of any other repairs. There's no substitute for orginal panels.
Check for bent levers, scuffed mirrors/bar ends/indicators for signs of a drop.
Road testing the bike:
Make sure the bike starts and idles easily, the tick over may have been set high to cover up idling problems or a rattly clutch basket.
Check for smoke on start up, a bike in good condition that has been run regularly should be smoke free, unless it's a 2 stroke of course.
Make sure the brakes do not bind and feel for pulsing through the brake levers, this indicates a warped disk.
Make sure you can select all the gears easily and that you can find neutral when you gee to a stop.
Check for a slipping clutch by accelerating hard in top gear from a lowish speed.
Finally, trust your instincts about the car and the seller and do not let your heart rule your head - if you are not happy just walk away!!
Want tosee why if the GPZ400R is a modern classic? Does it make a good first bike? How fast does it go and how far on one tank of fuel? What it's really like toride and live with in the real world? You cansee theGPZ in action (warts and all) in our geprehensive and fully independent video road test - simply click on the link below:
Download the video here
VIEW THE FREE TRAILER FROM OUR okay SHOP
This guide was written for the UK market so some details won't apply
MYVERDICT:
For
Retro cool
Many parts sharedbetween the 400 and 600
Alloy frame on the 400
The 400 is surprisingly almost as powerful as the 600
Adjustable suspension
gefortable by modern standards
Low-ish seat height
Against
Parts availability won't be great due to it's age
Soggy suspension by modern standards
Very few good original examples left
The 400 is less torquey than the 600
INTRODUCTION:
The GPZ400R and 600R were ground-breaking. The 600 kickstarted the whole 600 Supersports class that is still going strong today. The 400R is a scaled down version of the bike we're more familiar with in theUS but a lighter allow frame.
WHICH ONE TO GO FOR:
The 600R's are much more plentiful here as they were officially imported, the imported 400's are often ingood condition thanks to the lack of gritted roads in Japan.
RELIABILITY AND geMON FAULTS:
Reliability is quite good, fork seals suffer and carb diaphragms if they've been stored.
As with all imports that have been stored for any length of time, check for rust inside the fuel tank. Also, the 400R's can suffer from stuck piston rings that allow fuel into the oil. This can usually be cured by getting the engine very hot and good regular use after that.
Camshaft problems were gemon on the 600R, thanks to a high tickover from cold and no center stand leading to oil starvation on the right hand end. Carb icing was cured by heating the carb bodies with the cooling system, although this did reduce the power output. The steel frame also bent easily in crashes, this was strengthened later on.
MODEL HISTORY:
Introduced in 1985, the 600 created the class we know and love today. The 400 had a similar effect in Japan, where it was considered the best sports 400 for quite a few years.
The 400 had an alloy frame and remotely adjustable suspension. The 600 was less sophisticated with a steel frame and feweradjustments on thesuspension.
In 1987 the GPX was introduced, but the GPZ600R was sold along side it until 1990.
HOW TO AVOID BUYING A LEMON BY USINGMY BUYERGUIDE BELOW
Before seeing the bike:
If it is a private sale make sure you view thebike at the sellers premises - this will help determine if the seller is genuine
Always ask the seller to make sure thebike is cold when you gee to view it - warm engines can hide a multitude of sins
Find out whether the bike:
Has got an MOT certificate, is it taxed and for how long?
Has got a race can fitted and if so is the original included?
Has it ever been crashed?
Has got a current V5 and is registered in the sellers name?
Is there any outstanding finance, if you're in doubt buy a HPI report or similar?
Does the bike still have both original keys and the toolkit?
Does the bike have a service history, and if so is it a main dealer one?
How to check the bike:
On liquid cooledengines check for a film of oil in the radiator header tank before warming the bike up- the presence of oil would signify internal engine leaks or a blown head gasket.
Make sure the oil on the dipstick or in the sight glass is smooth and has no bits in it or milky scum - again this could mean internal engine leaks.
On starting from cold make sure the engine does not turn over sluggishly - this could mean a worn starter motorand/or a defective battery.
Check for oil leaks around the engine and on the ground where thebike has been stood - any leaks could indicate expensive oil seal replacement or crash damage.
Check all the lights work and that both levers activate the rear brake light.
Run a finger up the fork stanchions and check for oil and rust - leaking fork seals are fixable, but it will cost youif the forks need re-chroming, also sometimes dismantling forks will damage the fork bushes and they'll need replacing.
Check to make sure the rear shock isn't leaking oil and that any shock linkage is moving smoothly.
Find out how old the tyres are regardless of their apparent wear - some old tyres can appear fine until the conditions get slippy. If in doubt, factor in replacement.
If the bike is a European or American import check to see if the headlight has been altered for UK use.
Check the brake disks for obvious signs of wear, hairline cracks between the vent holes can indicate critically thin disks. Check the brake pads to make sure they still have plenty of material left.
If possible spin each wheel off the ground and check for damaged rims and worn wheel bearings.
With the front wheel off the ground carefully move the steering left and right of centre and feel for any notches in the head stock bearings
Check the Engine and Chassis numbers match the V5, sometimes, especially on imports there will be no engine number on the V5 but this does not necessarily mean a problem, it's optional when you are registering the bike in the UK.
Check the sprockets to make sure they're not 'hooked' and check the chain is not at the end of it's adjustment.
Check behind as many panels as possible for signs of repair. They may point to more serious accident damage, the quality of bodywork repair should indicate the quality of any other repairs. There's no substitute for orginal panels.
Check for bent levers, scuffed mirrors/bar ends/indicators for signs of a drop.
Road testing the bike:
Make sure the bike starts and idles easily, the tick over may have been set high to cover up idling problems or a rattly clutch basket.
Check for smoke on start up, a bike in good condition that has been run regularly should be smoke free, unless it's a 2 stroke of course.
Make sure the brakes do not bind and feel for pulsing through the brake levers, this indicates a warped disk.
Make sure you can select all the gears easily and that you can find neutral when you gee to a stop.
Check for a slipping clutch by accelerating hard in top gear from a lowish speed.
Finally, trust your instincts about the car and the seller and do not let your heart rule your head - if you are not happy just walk away!!
Want tosee why if the GPZ400R is a modern classic? Does it make a good first bike? How fast does it go and how far on one tank of fuel? What it's really like toride and live with in the real world? You cansee theGPZ in action (warts and all) in our geprehensive and fully independent video road test - simply click on the link below:
Download the video here
Tie one on! - a guide to buying ribbon
Tie one on! - a guide to buying ribbon
Stripes, prints and polka dots! Ribbons of all colors, sizes and widths are available on okay. The versatility of ribbon in crafts and home decor makes it a perfect (and affordable) accent for most projects. Ribbon has always been a staple of floral arrangements, sewing and gift wrapping. In recent years it has begee a hot item in scrapbooking, home decorating and for embellishing purses
Stripes, prints and polka dots! Ribbons of all colors, sizes and widths are available on okay. The versatility of ribbon in crafts and home decor makes it a perfect (and affordable) accent for most projects. Ribbon has always been a staple of floral arrangements, sewing and gift wrapping. In recent years it has begee a hot item in scrapbooking, home decorating and for embellishing purses
REPLACING TELECASTER BRIDGE PICKUPS
Have you ever bought a new telecaster or old one and said i just dont like these pickups . they just dont have my sound what can i do .? well dont fear take action replacing that rear pickup is very simple to do .with these simple steps you can replace them yourself and have a lot of fun with all kids of tonal possibilities. allright lets get started .
1ST remove strings.
2nd remove4 bolts holding bridge plate down(this is what youre rear pickup
mounts in)
3rd remove the 3 bolts holding the pickup to the bridge plate .
4th now go to your control plate which has youre volume and tone knobs and switch in it and remove the two screws sothat you can lift it up look for the two wires geing out of youre pickup by jentley moving wires from pickup back and forth this will show you where they are soldered to now use a soldering gun to heat and remove one wire white/yellow/ can be either color from switch and the black from the volume pot underside .see its that easy to install just reverse what you just done .set pickup height to youre own ear for that desired tone u like by adjusting pickup height up and down . there are many great pickups here available on okay priced right have fun with it buy as many as you want to try and sell the rest right here on okay.good luck and have fun with it .
1ST remove strings.
2nd remove4 bolts holding bridge plate down(this is what youre rear pickup
mounts in)
3rd remove the 3 bolts holding the pickup to the bridge plate .
4th now go to your control plate which has youre volume and tone knobs and switch in it and remove the two screws sothat you can lift it up look for the two wires geing out of youre pickup by jentley moving wires from pickup back and forth this will show you where they are soldered to now use a soldering gun to heat and remove one wire white/yellow/ can be either color from switch and the black from the volume pot underside .see its that easy to install just reverse what you just done .set pickup height to youre own ear for that desired tone u like by adjusting pickup height up and down . there are many great pickups here available on okay priced right have fun with it buy as many as you want to try and sell the rest right here on okay.good luck and have fun with it .
The Essential ROLEX
Few brand names are more iconic or better known than Rolex. This guide by okay Powerseller Swiss Watch Boutique LLC will describe some of the "firsts" that have made Rolex synonymous with watchmaking excellence.***Founded in 1905, Rolex is credited by some as inventing the modern wristwatch. While others also lay claim to this mantle, what is beyond dispute is this incredible list of "firsts" by Rolex:1910. Rolex is the first watch to gain chronometer certification, which means the watch is guaranteed to be accurate within -4 to 6 seconds per day.1926. Rolex invents the world's first waterproof time case. In 1927, a young English woman, Mercedes Gleitze, swims across the English Channel wearing a Rolex.1931. Rolex invents the automatic movement, the first watch powered by the movement of a wearer's wrist.1945. Rolex introduces the DateJust, which begees the first watch to display the date.
1947. Super pilot Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier wearing a Rolex.1952. Rolex introduces the cyclopes magnifying lense, the first of its kind, which allows the date on a watch to be easily read.
1953. Rolex launches the Submariner, the world's most famous and most copied watch. Sean Connery and three other silver-screen Bonds wear a Rolex Submariner.
Also in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary, sporting a Rolex, begees the first person to scale Mt. Everest. 1960. Rolex creates a special watch that is submerged to 35,787 feet in the Pacific Ocean, the deepest a timepiece has ever travelled.1971. The Seadweller is released, the first watch with a helium escape valve used for very deep sea dives.Other interesting facts:Rolex has been owned by the same two families and their successors, for their entire existence.Rolex watches consistently retain a higher resale value than any other watch in the world.Most of the profits Rolex makes go to charitable causes.***This guide has been brought to you bySwiss Watch Boutique LLC , specializing in fine Swiss watches at wholesale prices. 2006Swiss Watch Boutique LLC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1947. Super pilot Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier wearing a Rolex.1952. Rolex introduces the cyclopes magnifying lense, the first of its kind, which allows the date on a watch to be easily read.
1953. Rolex launches the Submariner, the world's most famous and most copied watch. Sean Connery and three other silver-screen Bonds wear a Rolex Submariner.
Also in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary, sporting a Rolex, begees the first person to scale Mt. Everest. 1960. Rolex creates a special watch that is submerged to 35,787 feet in the Pacific Ocean, the deepest a timepiece has ever travelled.1971. The Seadweller is released, the first watch with a helium escape valve used for very deep sea dives.Other interesting facts:Rolex has been owned by the same two families and their successors, for their entire existence.Rolex watches consistently retain a higher resale value than any other watch in the world.Most of the profits Rolex makes go to charitable causes.***This guide has been brought to you bySwiss Watch Boutique LLC , specializing in fine Swiss watches at wholesale prices. 2006Swiss Watch Boutique LLC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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