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If you are fond of ships and love to collect their photos, to your delight, there are enthusiasts like you who have been taking pictures of various ships since years now. If that’s exciting news, you can search for ship photos online and find websites by such ship aficionados.

Some of these ship enthusiasts have been taking photo of ships since 1960s. Their huge collection boasts of more than 10000 pictures of Scandinavian and Ex-Scandinavian vessels. Apart from it, the selection also boasts of close-up photos of Dutch coasters belonging to the 1960s and 1970s.

For an avid collector of photos of old vessels of Swedish origin, such a collection is bound to be delightful. Imagine what all you can do with such a treasure of photo of very old ships, now very rare to find; especially, estimating the exclusivity of these pictures, which have been captured by the photographer during his marine career on the large vessels. You can decorate your bed room with few of these posters and go to sleep with the stunning visuals.

You can also decorate your living room with one of the most fashionable vessel pictures and tell tales of the ship to your guests when you find them secretly gazing at the framed print.

Article from Shiphotos - Ship Photo

Shiphotos - Quality Ship photos Onlie ship photos

I was amazed to know that the world’s first Hi Fi microphone (mike) was made using a telephone voice transmitter. Hi Fi Microphones since have changed many faces over the years and reaching now, when are they are almost invisible when tucked behind a person’s ear or collar.

Hi Fi Microphones are used in hearing aids, production of motion picture and audio recording, karaoke & live performance systems etc. Made first in 1976, Hi Fi mikes have also entered the field of spying, knock sensor technology etc.

Electrostatic Hi-Fi Microphone: were the first of its kind of Hi Fi Mikes. Generated by a low-sound oscillator, the vibrations produce changes in the distance between the plates. These Hi Fi mikes quickly found their way into studio recordings and karaoke systems. The audio signal was good quality and the cost of the Hi Fi mike system was relatively low.

Electret Hi Fi Microphone: were invented in the early 1960s where the charge was received constantly through an electret material rather than an external source as in the case of Hi Fi Electrostatic Mikes. This made the production quicker, easier and cheaper. Almost every electronic gadget being used in the 21st century including sophisticated Hi Fi headset mikes are based on this technology.

Dynamic Hi Fi Microphones: made an entry a decade later thanks to the revolutionary electro-magnetic Hi Fi technology. The advantage they over the Hi Fi Electret mikes was moisture-resistant performance which made it more long lasting & durable.

These Hi Fi mikes quickly became popular for all recordings, stage performances, opera recordings etc.

Hi Fi Speaker Microphones: were more like speakers based on reverse Hi Fi microphone technology. Though initial Hi Fi speaker models made were of poor quality however improved versions made it work. In fact, used for live acts, speeches, lectures, people used a bunch of Hi Fi speakers to make the recording/hearing even clearer than before.

This was achieved by placing a woofer right in front of a drum (acting as Hi Fi microphone). Hi Fi speakers then became a huge hit as they made more crisp and clear sound recordings possible.

Hi Fi Shotgun Microphones are my favorites which were most popular during 1960s & 1970s pop & disco culture movement and the finest example of Hi Fi Microphone technology.

Article from Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi Sydney

Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi systems and Audio equipments Sydney Hi Fi Systems

Every major professional sporting event usually hands out two trophies. One trophy is given to the winning team and the second trophy is given to an individual player. Most team based professional sports like Hockey, Cricket and Football etc hand out trophies with the same concept.

The individual who is rewarded the trophy in pro sports is usually for “Player of the event” or “player of the series.” The most incredible example of such a trophy is the Conn Smythe Trophy handed out every year to the NHL Player of the Year.

The Stanley Cup playoffs’ rewards this trophy each at the end of the series. Since its inception in 1964-1965 games, this trophy has been given 44 times to 38 players. The trophy is rewarded based on the votes casted by the members of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association.

Though it is rewarded each year the trophy is not duplicated. The same trophy is handed over to the new recipient and mostly is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.

The trophy is named after Conn Smythe who is the former owner, general manager and coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The design of the trophy is rather unglamorous and is shaped in the form of a step like pyramid decorated with maple leaves on each step. The trophy design is inspired by the Maple Leaf Gardens where the NHL was played from 1931 to 1999.

The heavy trophy has a wooden base crowned with maple leaves made of sterling silver. Each step of the trophy has a similar flat disc shaped as maple leaf with the name of the winner and year embossed on it.

Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche has won the trophy thrice followed by Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr and Bernie Parent who have won this trophy twice each.

The interesting trivia is that many players have been rewarded this trophy despite the fact that their team didn’t win or reach the finals of the NHL. They are: Roger Crozier (1966), Glenn Hall (1968), Reg Leach (1976), Ron Hextall (1987) and Jean-Sebastien Giguere (2003).

Article from Trophy Sydney — Blog –http://www.imperialengraving.net.au/blog/the-incredible-conn-smythe-trophy/2010/05/

Imperial Trophy - Trophy Supplier and engraver Trophy

I know this sounds funny however there have been instances when I was bored of how my old Hi Fi speakers looked. Though they worked absolutely great, however I still wanted my Hi Fi speakers to look as good as new. While I have already mentioned how to clean old Hi Fi speakers, it is also important to pay attention to the rest of the setup. In fact you can give your Hi Fi speakers a whole new look.

The first thing you have to understand is giving your Hi Fi speakers a makeover will always make them look the same even if you don’t make any changes.

The biggest thing to be done here is cleaning the frame of the Hi Fi speakers. So first you remove the speakers from the frame. Use sandpaper to get rid of the uneven surface or chipped area of the Hi Fi speakers.

Now mask it with masking tape. The sides, front and back have to be masked so as to ensure that the spray will only hit the top. Make sure you apply the tape very properly to the Hi Fi frame. The neater you apply, the better the paint will come out for the edges.

Depending on the surface and material of the Hi Fi speakers, you will have to spray 2-4 coats so the surface can absorb completely while leaving an even color impression. Oh yes! Make sure the spraying is done either on the terrace, cobbled backyard or your garage (if spacious enough). Don’t carry the exercise of painting your Hi Fi Speakers in closed rooms.

Word of Advice:

Before you get into the ordeal of spraying the paint, take a similar surface of any discarded equipment and spray it with the paint. It will help you know how to paint, set your hand and give you a fair idea of how much spraying would be required and how long will it take your Hi Fi speakers to dry up.

Of course, it is impossible to get that “shine” on your Hi Fi speakers after you have finished this task. Though with wooden Hi Fi speaker frames, it is possible as you can use a coat of “varnish.”

Article from Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi Sydney

Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi systems and Audio equipments Sydney Hi Fi Systems

Recent scientific research reveals that uncovered mattresses make perfect host for various allergens and irritants. Dust mites, dead skin like dandruff, mold and bed bugs are common examples for such concerns. This is where Mattress Protectors give benefit. Also known as mattress pad or underpad, it is basically removable bedding that is laid on top of your mattress for providing protection.

Summers are relentless and sweat is a common concern with all, sweat stains not go through the bed cover however they form stains on the mattress which can help infest germs to multiply. Not convinced, notice during summers that after a few weeks of use, a yellow patch of stain will develop on your mattress and pillow. Neglect makes the stain grow into brown color as well.

Infants, while sleeping often secret saliva or urinate. Such concerns will obviously help germs and allergies grow. A mattress with such stains will obviously be unfit for use. Many people actually put the mattress out to dry under the sun, however that only dries the upper crust of the mattress.

As we cannot wash our mattresses, mattress protectors are excellent to use as they are easily washable. Though the upper area of a bed mattress can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, however stains can’t be washed & removed from the mattress. So obviously, mattress protectors help in such cases.

A simple mattress protector would be like a quilt which is fitted as per the size of your mattress/bed. However such a mattress protector is of no benefit as after regular use, it easily crunches and turns unleveled. The basic purpose of buying a mattress protector is defeated.

Waterproof mattress protectors are the best choice. They have a layer of rubberized flannel pads which have a sponge like character. Any sweat, liquid or secretion is immediately absorbed leaving the least or no stain on your bed mattress.

As a user, you have to ensure that the mattress protector is washed regularly. Don’t differentiate between winter and summer seasons. It’s equally important to wash the mattress protector during winters as thanks to moisture, allergens can spread easily.

Letting it dry a few extra hours under the sun is always a good idea as that’s the best and natural way of killing germs.

Mattress protectors are compulsory to use if you have infants or very old people in your house. Old people are often prone to allergy and many suffer from arthritis or breathing related concerns. Dust mites combining with the thin “invisible” fabric lint dust create allergy and breathing problems for everyone. People waking up in the middle of the night coughing, is a clear sign of that.

Many companies now sell mattress protector which comes with an enclosed case in which you can spray anti-allergens. This helps tremendously as it levels the spray fumes all over the mattress ensuring such germs are killed before they spread through the mattress.

Furthermore, companies now have zippered cases all over the mattress. The traditional sowing technique of sealing a mattress is unsafe. With weathering, the sowing snaps open and dust particles, allergens find an easy way inside the mattress. Zippered cases ensure no openings ensure this doesn’t happen and the mattress remains bug free.

Article from http://www.bedsonsale.com.au/blog/

Beds and Mattress in Sydney mattress

Don’t we all just love old things? Especially those with a slight sense of emotional attachment, particularly when bought from saved college allowance or first salary. One such thing I have is my old Hi Fi speakers. Though I confess that these old Hi Fi speakers where lying in my attic for a long time, untouched, however wanting to revive and reuse them made me realize they are in serious need of repair.

Searching through old manuals, I gathered information to easily clean Hi Fi speakers. So here goes:

The Foam: This is one of the portions of the Hi Fi speakers which get dirty easily and even weather out when not in use. Don’t think it is easy to remove the foam of the Hi Fi speakers. One has to be very careful while removing it because the base of the foam is very firmly glued to the outer rim of the Hi Fi speakers and can damage that area. The new foam will not glue properly.

Try scrapping it with a blunt knife and don’t bother if certain portions are firmly glued to the Hi Fi speaker.

Apply glue on the outer rim surface first and then do the same to the inner edge of the foam. Then apply glue to the outer edge of the foam and stick it down on the Hi Fi speaker cone rim. Hold it for some time and don’t just let go.

The Cardboard: Hi Fi speakers obviously are inserted into a circular cut out on the cardboard or wood. Ensure you remove the Hi Fi speakers and clean the inner area with a dry cloth. Often many people seem to the clean Hi Fi speakers with a wet cloth. Never do so as it can damage some part which then will need replacement and thus a further expense to your pocket.

When removing the screws which hold the Hi Fi speakers, the screw-holes often get loose. In that case the board would obviously need replacement. If not, then before placing back the Hi Fi speakers, make sure the screw holes are all lined up properly.

If you find this complicated, then you can always buy a “Speaker Repair Kit at many electronic stores. The easy to follow instructions can actually help you turn your old Hi Fi speakers to as good as new.

Article from Classic Hi Fi - Sydney Hi Fi

Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi systems and Audio equipments Sydney Hi Fi Systems, speakers

Though wooden carports always have an upper hand due to better aesthetic sense, I feel metal carports to be a better choice as they are more durable and sturdy.

If you live in an area with extreme climate conditions like strong winds or heavy rainfall prefer to choose metal carports. In fact, metal carports with closed enclosure walls on either side (door side of the vehicle) are a good option.

So before you begin the work with the professionals, always first enquire about the depth required for the pillars to go in the ground. Metal carports will never fall if the depth taken is appropriate. The roof of the carport needs to be chosen carefully as heavy metal could put a lot of pressure on the pillars.

The installation of carport pillars require usage of sledgehammer or electric jackhammer which drives them into the ground until the flared end meets the base rail. Be very sure about the length, height and width of the metal carport. Once the pieces have been caste the metal is a waste in case the measurements are taken incorrectly.

Considering the procedure & precision needed to construct a metal carport, always use professional contractors rather than laboring yourself.

Metal carports usually score over wooden carports if you shelter your car along with some heavy equipment. Also, if you have more than one vehicle, metal carports are a more viable option.

Furthermore, for commercial purposes metal carports are better and sensible alternative like for small industrial setups, ranches, schools & libraries.

When developing an idea for your metal carport, always enquire about certain extra elements that will help improve the aesthetic look. I would always suggest to you “Metal Trims.” Metal trims make the carport edges neater and if painted in a contrasting color gives it a better face value. The builders need to ensure the right size of the trim else a bigger size can always result in debris getting collected on the carport roof.

Metal is always exposed to corrosion due to weather conditions like moisture, snow and rains. Thus paint is a very important aspect of metal carport. Ensure to check 3 factors:

• Standard galvanized coating
• Film integrity warranty for walls and roofs
• Warranty against fade and chalk for walls and roofs

A professional carport builder will always ensure the above.

Article from Carports Sydney - Modern Carports

Carports Sydney Carports

Having lived close to 60 glorious years of great fan following, Vinyl Records seem to have found their way back in the 21st century with Hi Fi vintage systems coming back to demand. No jazz or soul or blues album would be sold well without a Hi Fi Vinyl Record made for it with the singer’s smiling photograph printed well on its cover.

They might have lost the war of clarity & format to the digital systems starting in the late 1980s however the restored Hi Fi Vinyl records have found a new generation of admirers and collectors.

Hi Fi Vinyl’s come in various sizes 7, 10 and 12 inches. I always thought that the Hi Fi Vinyl records were those huge Frisbee like black circular discs which only are 12 inches in size. Well, I was wrong.

What is even more interesting is that the commercial music seen is still very keen to use Hi Fi Vinyl records for their business. DJs always prefer to use Hi Fi Vinyl records playing live at discotheques or concerts. New artists of alternate, new age and instrumental music come up with their albums recording it all on Hi Fi Vinyl records.

I was rather fascinated with this new “School of DJs” which has opened up close to my neighborhood where young aspirants are taught the art of playing, mixing and composing tracks/music using Hi Fi Vinyl records. A lot of these talented guys are carrying such Hi Fi Vinyl records by the dozen.

Most Hi Fi Vinyl Records had both sides of the record being used to carry grooves. While also most Hi Fi Vinyl discs came in the iconic carbon black which increased the strength of the disc.

With initial vinyl records giving problem in quality of sound, a revolution came when LPs were the dominant size and Hi Fi sound became the standard of good quality.

So in case you have some legacy of music records left by your grand parents left behind in the form of Hi Fi Vinyl discs, think twice before chucking them. There is a whole new market out there online who want their hands on it at any price. Most popular online auction sites welcome Hi Fi Vinyl record sellers for pop, classic, jazz and instrumental music.

Article from Hi Fi Sydney - Classic Hi Fi

Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi systems and Audio equipments Sydney Hi Fi Systems, Home Entertainment

It used to be a delight to see those old speakers attached to disco stereo systems in my uncle’s room which later were revamped into Hi Fi speakers. So here I was, all grown up and ready to purchase my own personal Hi Fi vintage speakers. However it wasn’t that easy.

One of the biggest drawbacks of buying old speakers is that they aren’t easily available. Even if one does come across, the quality reduces due to zero maintenance or improper use or even damage. Repairing a Hi Fi speaker isn’t easy particularly for an amateur like me who goes more the look and simple clear loud sound.

Going endlessly through flea market stores and checking out Hi Fi speakers isn’t something I would fancy doing till I reach my final buy. On racking my brains by searching online, I further noticed that most old speakers aren’t magnetically shielded. So how does one actually differentiate between mere old speakers and Hi Fi speakers while standing in a shop?

Recently I found out that Tangent had some pretty cool speakers designed in the 60s and 70s which were of the RS series. Hi Fi systems of such series came in wooden panels with no elaborate styling done over them. The most interesting of the Hi Fi speakers designed by Tangent was the RS8 model. It had a pyramid like design and the head of the speaker was flat.

Designing such Hi Fi speakers had broken down Tangent’s financial setup as too much was spent on the research. However these Hi Fi systems were of excellent sound craftsmanship and quality.

These British designs have been turned into Hi Fi speakers with KEF tweeters and make a perfect fit into bookshelves, personal library spaces and maybe a small bedroom.

The Hi Fi speakers of this series was a little low on Bass control however were well balanced. Off late Hi Fi has even revamped these tangent speaker series with mono tube amplifiers. The only concern being that the RS6 and RS8 models demand a lot of Hi Fi amplifiers so in other words further investment. However the final result of a revamped Hi Fi speaker is worth it as the bass is given an amazing boost.

Article from Hi Fi Sydney - Classic Hi Fi

Classic Hi Fi - Hi Fi systems and Audio equipments Sydney Hi Fi Systems, Home Entertainment

We often learn things only when we personally experience something. One such experience was when I wanted to get a Carport made and conveniently mistook that the “word’ garage is a synonym and means the same. On seeking some professional help did I realize that Carport and Garage are two rather different structures.

The difference is fairly simple. Carports are compact, rather minimal structures which can be easily dismantled or removed. Garages are solid structure made out of brick, mortar. They can’t be dismantled and need to be demolished. I honestly confess I didn’t know this.

Second point of education was to check with authorities for rules to make a carport. One can’t just build a carport per their choice & fashion. While most garages are attached to the structure of a home, carports usually are rather detached. Calculate the space you have, how close the “likely space” to the road is and check with the authorities. With land turning more expensive along with building material, carport is a smarter choice.

Further more carports allow you more choices of building material which you can match with your house or garden. I took a round of my neighboring areas looking at the carports to get a better idea of what I would like. My choice is wood as my carport was placed right next to the garden area. A friend chose a steel structure for the carport matching his macho Land Cruiser pairing it with solid dark grey cemented flooring.

The best part is the flooring area. I chose thick gravel for my carport which is rather easy to maintain considering it doesn’t need washing and mopping. Spray water and it looks just fine. I like the rustic look it gives to the entire structure. Ensure you think of the flooring before buying the structure material for the carport.

I think it’s a smart idea to have a carport because of their minimal and compact design structure. Particularly if you’re making a new house, choose to make a carport as its quick to install and easy to maintain.

Article from Carports Sydney - Modern Carport

Carports Sydney Carports