Amazing Solar Energy Facts

Humans have recognized and utilized the power of the sun for a long long time, but it is only in the last thirty years or so that solar energy has come to the forefront of the energy revolution. Now recognized as a totally viable source of energy across the globe, solar panels are big business. Whether powering huge industrial buildings or a humble two-up two-down residential property, solar panels take power directly from the sun to eliminate the need for the sourcing of energy from non-renewable sources. We all know that solar energy is a great solution to our energy needs going forward, but there are plenty of things most of us don’t know about this wonderful source of energy.

Solar Panel Price Drop

Although solar panels are becoming more popular, they still only make up a fraction of the generated energy in the world, with most energy still being sourced from fossil fuels. Thankfully, the price of having solar panels fitted has dropped dramatically over the last few years, so we can expect the trend to change dramatically in the future. In many European countries, including Britain, energy created from the use of solar panels can be sold back to the national grid. This, of course, means that owners of panels can earn an income from their panels, while generating free energy for themselves.

Solar Power

Solar panels have huge power. If the Sahara Desert were completely covered in solar panels, this dry, hot, and particularly sunny part of the world would generate enough energy to power everything in the whole world for 30 years! Just a kilowatt of solar energy also allows you to effectively avoid creating 300lbs of carbon through the use of normal energy sources. Carbon is the element which is said to cause the greenhouse effect. Energy experts have also surmised that if everyone the world over changed to using solar power, enough power would be created to fuel the world 5,000 times.

Creative Energy

Leonardo da Vinci is credited as being the first person to harness the power of the sun to effectively create solar panels. He successfully boiled water by reflecting rays of sunshine against concave mirrors. More recently, photovoltaic technology was first developed in America, but surprisingly, their limited use of the energy source accounts for just 6% of the world’s solar energy use. Surprisingly, Germany, with a fairly poor sunshine record, is known for being the largest producer of solar energy in the world.

Solar Effective

Solar power is the most effective form of energy in terms of actual yield, creating more than both fossil fuel and nuclear power. This is, of course, a massively important fact, and one that should persuade us all that it’s an extremely good and responsible idea to investigate the possibility of using solar power if it’s at all possible for us to do so. The cost of having solar panels is still high, but most people find that they make their money back in the long run. When you consider that solar power is the best thing for the environment and the best thing for your pocket, it should only be a matter of time before everyone is changing.

Law Firm Search Engine Marketing

Law Firm Search Engine Marketing is a process of marketing and design of your online business website to increase the number of visitor for your site. This is a long-term course of action that is why a large number of organizations appoint Law Firm Marketing for this task. These Attorney Search Engine Marketing companies keep their attention on their basic skills.

In a highly competitive legal profession, the need of Law Firm Marketing realized that the Internet is the best source for online business in search of clues. Lawyers mostly have to use innovative approach to the visibility of the Internet, whose methods have moved beyond traditional Attorney Search Engine Marketing.

Lawyers are aware that Internet branding campaign takes time. Customers not only look for “quick fixes” turnkey “, because their association is a long term relationship. However, the results are satisfactory both personally and professionally.
A Law Firm Marketing know the value of persistence as they worked long years to be where they are, know that the quality results come with hard work. Law firms were able to generate sustainable results for their profession. The comprehensive program designed for them identified the factors necessary for the search process for consumers who need legal assistance. A specific building visibility adjustment program for the practice of each firm is created by a Law Firm Marketing. The result has been sustained visibility to the Internet and business improved.
Law Firm Marketing has evolved from the traditional to the construction of visibility that is incorporated into the websites and the internet from the client and the aspects of perspective, and then the process is enhanced by the ongoing management, research, analysis and consultations. Through long awareness and visibility on the Internet, client-lawyer relationships are nurtured and the specific concerns of both parties are treated immediately.

There are a number of websites that are ranked higher, but the time to view the web page has a strong desire to shoot, some of these sites are recognized as “more optimized”. So you must be careful to get this course. You can get a good score on search engines, but no one will understand that how can you get it without any problems. Your site and your contact are very important as they have a different product, but a high ranking site. If your site is just generating a lot of traffic, but a small number of potential customers, this is possibly what is happening with you. We can not assume that written material is the king of the Internet and too necessary. The Law Firm Marketing designs of these techniques for search engine marketing Prosecutor and ensure that people choose their search engine marketing Prosecutor. They should strive for you to succeed in this competitive world of lawyers.

Laboratory Sinks – Why Stainless Steel Is The Sink Of Choice

Laboratory Sinks – The De Facto Material For a Modern Laboratory

Stainless steel: those two alliterated words can mean many things to many different people. If you’re a chef, stainless steel elicits images of gleaming kitchen knives that can bifurcate a shin of beef in one fell swoop. For the handyman, stainless steel comprises the nuts and bolts that hold the construction industry together. Within the milieu of the science teacher or lab assistant however, stainless steel can only mean one thing: a gleaming laboratory, kitted out with polished stainless steel worktops, cupboards, sinks, splashbacks, drainers and insets for as far as the eye can see.

That stainless steel should be the de facto sink material in modern laboratories across the country should come as no surprise. Imagine a glistening, state-of-the-art lab and the first image that comes into your head will likely be whiter-than-white lab-coated technicians bustling about, fiddling with test tubes and squeezing pipettes against a clinical, steel backdrop, with nary a blemish or spillage in sight. When creaking old school laboratories are finally given a long-overdue refit, they don’t replace those wooden worktops and alloy taps with like for like – no, this time around, it’s stainless steel worktops throughout.

While food technology labs can get away with cheaper, 304-grade steel sinks, for most labs, 316-grade steel is desired. 316 is made with a more corrosion-resistant alloy, suited to resisting the sort of hazardous spillages that are inevitable when experiments go awry and corrosive chemicals are spattered across the lab like confetti. If you have trouble distinguishing your stainless steel grades, incidentally, just think of them as area codes, the sort that are often flaunted in gangsta rap: the crew from the 304 look up to the 316 posse because the latter are tougher and handle a lot more chemicals.

Why are Stainless Steel Laboratory Sinks So Good?

Resistant to chemicals, durable and easy to clean, it’s easy to see why stainless steel sinks belong in the lab – not least in the sink and splashback area, where much of the hazardous action unfolds. When it comes to the serious matter of lab sinks, it’s surprising to learn that some companies are still specifying units made of lesser, arguably inferior materials. What is this heresy? The names of the offending materials in question are epoxy resin, polypropylene and ceramic; hardly the sort of names to inspire confidence. Put it this way, you wouldn’t name a rock band Epoxy Resin, would you? Stainless Steel, however, is an obvious contender, eliciting images of hedonism, decadence and molybdenum. Epoxy Resin sounds like the sort of wimpy school kid that Stainless Steel would bully for its lunch money. To give epoxy resin its due (demoted to lower case now that the rock analogy has been flogged to death), it does have one thing in its favour when it comes to creating lab sinks: it can be extensively customised, making it ideal for fitting into bespoke laboratories. Is this evidence of epoxy resin fighting back, and finally triumphing over stainless steel? Sadly, no – once again, epoxy resin takes a pummelling from its stronger, sleeker big brother. Steel, in spite of its unyielding reputation, is surprisingly easy to work with. So easy, in fact, that it trumps epoxy resin, polypropylene and ceramic lab sinks in the customisability stakes. You want the sink in your marine lab to undulate like the waves of the sea? You got it. You want the splashback attached to your sink to run the length of the worktop so you can let the petri dishes stack up? No problem. Ask steel – or rather ask its manufacturer – nicely and you can have your lab sink any way you want it.

One of the most obvious reasons why steel – most notably its 316 incarnation – is so popular in the lab is due to its imperviousness to hazardous chemicals. If you like to get creative in the lab (and by ‘creative’ read ‘messy’), steel can handle it. When you’ve done your worst, just give it a wipe down and that steel splashback should come up smelling of roses, or whatever scent your preferred detergent is laced with. Epoxy resin also performs admirably in the chemical-resistance stakes, it must be said. However, this polymer also costs significantly more than stainless steel – an expense that may be hard to justify in an era of ever-tightening budgets. With steel sinks typically costing less than epoxy or stone, it’s easy to see why metal is the medium of choice within educational laboratories.

That steel happens to look good naked, spread out across the lab worktop, is pleasing, but hardly of prime concern in this setting. When it comes to fitting laboratory sinks, form and function are paramount – aesthetics are ejected into the fume cupboard.

Laboratory Sinks in Domestic Homes???

Stainless steel sinks are also becoming a common sight in domestic kitchens, albeit not on the grounds of the metal’s imperviousness to chemicals. The worst that most kitchen sinks have to deal with is the occasional spot of drain cleaner poured down them, or flat coke at a push. In reality, the average kitchen sink is unlikely to be having aggressive chemicals poured down it on a regular basis. If it is, that’ll be cos it’s being used as for questionable purposes. That being the case, the fragility of your mixing sink should be the least of your problems – it’s the cops you should be watching out for – the sink will just have to fend for itself.

With stainless steel bearing the brunt of your exuberance, your stainless steel laboratory sink can be easily wiped down. Give it a once-over with a cloth and your sinks and worktops will be as good as new, ready to face another hard day of potion-making in your state-of-the-art lab.

Tips for landing a job in retail

Retail is one of the most popular industries to break into. Flexible working hours, staff discounts and career development opportunities all proving highly attractive to jobseekers.

While competition for retail jobs can be fierce, success in the retail recruitment process is well within your reach if you prepare in the right way. The first thing to bear in mind is that strong, determined personalities are often more valuable to retailers than pages of academic qualifications, so try to draw attention to your interpersonal skills and demonstrate how you stand out from the crowd of applicants. .

Jobs in the retail sector involve almost constant interaction with members of the public, so it is important to highlight your excellent communication skills and how much you enjoy dealing with people. Employers are more likely to give a sales job to a bubbly and confident person than a shy and retiring introvert, so always try to let your outgoing personality shine through.

The most successful retail workers are usually the ones who have a passion for their job, as this passion rubs off on customers and encourages them to make purchases. If you are applying for a retail job, you need to show that you have an interest in what the company sells; for example, if you apply to work in a clothes shop, try to demonstrate your interest in fashion, or the pleasure you get from helping people find clothes that make them look and feel good.

First impressions are extremely important in the retail sector, so if you are lucky enough to be invited for an interview, always ensure that you are well presented. While it is not always necessary to wear a suit and tie or a smart dress, you should nonetheless make sure that you are as well groomed as possible. Over-dressing will rarely count against you at a job interview, and making an extra effort at this stage will give you a much better chance of landing your dream job in retail.

About Author: Philip Weston is a freelance author and has vast knowledge in retail recruitment. For more information on retail recruitment agencies, he suggests you to visit http://www.randstadstaffing.co.uk

Html5 – Not Designed For Business Applications

HTML5 – Not Designed for Business Applications

HTML5 is the next version of HTML to come along since version 4.0 in 1997.

HTML is an acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language and HTML elements are the basic building-blocks of web pages. The Internet would not exist as we know it today without HTML.

But HTML is not a programming language at all. This concept is confusing to some people. Web pages rely on a scripting language such as JavaScript in order to respond to user input. Think of it as HTML being a car and JavaScript being the engine.

JavaScript was introduced in 1995 by Netscape and coincidentally, that’s when the web started to really “take off”. This is an important fact to consider before we dig deeper into HTML5.

The open source nature of HTML and JavaScript has contributed to the growth of the Internet as a whole. Source code and design ideas are often borrowed from around the web and even from competitor’s web sites. This is facilitated by the fact that HTML and JavaScript are impossible to hide or protect.

HTML5 is no different!

There has been a lot of talk about HTML5 over the past couple of years and developers think that HTML5 is “cool” and “fun” to work with. But the logic ends there.

As usual with most new technologies, there has been confusion and misinformation over when HTML5 should be used and for what purpose. We aim to enlighten you about what HTML5 can and can’t do in this article.

New Features Same Old Concept

HTML5 includes new features such as the “Canvas” element, along with audio, video and Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) content, some of which replace the “object” tags of HTML4. There have also been some modifications and standardization of tags such as (a, cite, menu) but the basic concept of HTML remains the same in HTML5.

Who’s Promoting HTML5?

HTML5 was originally proposed by Opera Software (makers of the Opera web browser) and designed by the World Wide Web Consortium, also known as W3C.

An important point is that the W3C has been criticized as being dominated by larger organizations and thus writing standards that represent their interests.

The large organizations (Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Google and Facebook) have promoted HTML5 as the most up to date technology for web development. In fact the late Steve Jobs termed HTML5 as the win-win solution for consuming any kind of web content on all types of web platforms. But it is important to note that Apple, Microsoft, Google and Facebook each have an incentive for promoting HTML5; each own and operate very profitable “app” stores such as the Windows Marketplace, Google App Store, iTunes App Store, Facebook Canvas Apps, etc. Protection of intellectual property and trade secrets is of little or no concern to those companies and in fact it is almost a conflict of interest.

Fact #1: HTML5 is based on JavaScript, which is impossible to protect. Yes, that’s a fact!

As we discussed a moment ago, JavaScript is the core “language” of HTML5, whose source code is impossible to protect. The most evident reason is that anyone can view HTML5 and JavaScript source by just a simple click. JavaScript was never intended to be anything more than an engine for client-server communication and re-useable web content, including menus, buttons, tabs and the like.

Developers may argue that they can mangle JavaScript source code by obfuscation and pseudo-encryption (such as “minification”, where the code is compressed and “minified”). But this is a dangerously false sense of security. Any skilled developer can reverse engineer a “minified” or “obfuscated” JavaScript application. By design, JavaScript cannot be encrypted and it cannot be hidden. JavaScript files must be downloaded in order to run in a web browser.

To make matters worse, JavaScript also cannot be locked down to a specific web domain.

The code is accessible to be hacked by any competitor. No matter how many steps are taken to hide the JavaScript, the web browser eventually downloads the JavaScript file to run it within the client’s web browser.

For comparison, hacking a Flash or Silverlight application just by viewing the source is not very easy but anyone with a little knowledge of HTML5 can do it in minutes.

The hacks of famous HTML5 games like AngryBirds, Texas Holdem and many others are excellent examples of the insecure techniques employed by HTML5 developers. All security measures are useless once the code has been obtained and reverse engineered. No matter what any HTML5 or JavaScript developer may claim, these facts are true and irrefutable!

Fact #2: The concept of HTML5 Canvas is nothing new.

As we discussed already, HTML5 is based on the same concepts of HTML4. The most useful and talked about feature of HTML5 is the new “Canvas” object. Canvas makes it easy for JavaScript developers to “paint” within a web browser, simplifying the design of applications that utilize graphics. But you may be surprised to know that this functionality has been available in a simulated manner with very little attention since the release of HTML4.

Fact #3: There is a widespread misconception about HTML5

HTML5 has been labeled as a “cross platform programming language” which is a serious misconception. It is true that HTML5 is capable of running on all types of platforms such as Windows, Linux, Android and other mobile operating systems but let’s not forget that HTML5 is nothing more than web page markup, which is controlled by JavaScript. Classifying HTML5 and JavaScript as a true programming language would be incorrect. It is a browser integrated language that cannot utilize all the features of the underlying operating system.

When Should You Use HTML5?

The answer is quite simple. Use HTML5 when you do not care about your source code, intellectual property, or trade secrets. If you do not care that a competitor may steal your source code after it has been uploaded to your web site then use HTML5. As you can see, HTML5 is perfect for buttons, menus and website specific content, for which it was designed.

The Bottom Line – Better Options Available

The bottom line is that HTML5 and JavaScript are great for a lot of things, but you can’t effectively protect anything that you develop with them. This clearly doesn’t add up if you are using these technologies for developing business applications, which they were not designed for.

If you are developing a web application then consider using Flash or Silverlight, both of which run in all popular web browsers for desktop operating system, including Windows, Mac and Linux.

If you are developing a mobile application, there are far better options for iPhone, iPad and Android development that afford better protection of trade secrets, better security, performance and usability for the end user and also allow you to take advantage of the native features of the underlying operating systems. For iOS (iPad and iPhone), use the Object C programming language. For Android, use the Java programming language.

For Windows development, consider C++, C#, Delphi or other proven languages.

Although slightly more difficult to develop with, Objective C, C++, C#, Java and other low level languages are always the best option no matter if you are developing desktop, web, or mobile applications.

Permission to Redistribute

Copyright (c) 2012 by Modulus Financial Engineering, Inc. http://www.modulusfe.com All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to redistribute the article providing this copyright notice remains in place.

About the Author

Richard Gardner is Founder/CEO of Modulus Financial Engineering, Inc. In addition to his leadership role of the firms team members, Richard is an influential member of the financial technology industry at large, a globally-respected professional trader and software engineer, a guest speaker at industry conferences and among the inventors on over 70 technology patents.

The External Energy Balancing (Wei Qi Zhi Liao) Wei Qi Gong as taught by Professor Duan, Zhiliang. Complete Instructions.

year old energy balancing technique previously reserved to the Imperial Families of ancient China revealed, described in detail. Personal transmission of technique given to author by one of China’s “Living Treasures” Ninety-Something Professor Duan Zhiliang. It has never been taught anywhere else in the US by Professor. This technique “energy balancing” can be used to assist in the reilef of stress, in pain management, or simply to induce a deeply relaxed state for a partner.

In October of 2001, Professor Duan Zhiliang visited Starfarm for 2 days, as part of a US tour to promote Chinese Healing and Martial Arts. Professor Duan is a 90 something, nearing 100 year old Qi Gong Master, who carries his experience from inside the Forbidden City Walls into the information age of the 21st century. He is one of Chinas Living Treasures.

Duan began training at age six in the martial and healing arts as the son of a long line of men who served the emperors of the Ming & Qing Dynasties as body guards and doctors. Duan himself claims to have served Pu Yi, the last emperor (which if true, would have been after the rise of the republican period). He continues his medical practice in Beijing, operating 2 clinics, where he and his wife Tian, also a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor daily treat patients with a combination of Herbal remedies, Acupuncture, Tui Na, and Qi Gong. From personal experience with him, I can say that Professor Duan is also a very able adversary in the martial arts, and practices daily with the joy and exuberance of a child at play.

Professor Duan was asked to observe a Usui Reiki healing session, and shown the basic hand position chart in order to help him understand the question that began the whole process: How is Rei Ki like or unlike Wei Qi Zhi Liao (external qi healing)?

His response to the proposition was thoughtful and thorough, but his bias was clear. After his observation of the Reiki application, Duan remarked that the technique was too generalized, that each and every patient required a different application, based on their unique body, and condition. He told us that some patients would require several days of herbal medicine prior to a treatment with energy because they were too weak. Duan said that the …application of energy for healing should follow a balancing of energy, and that …most of the unbalanced energy would be found in the head of the patient Professor then began a demonstration of a special (his word) technique for drawing excess energy down from the head, and balancing the whole body. It is simple and profound. I call it Wei Qi Gong.

Your partner should be made comfortable lying on the back. Brace their knees and neck with pillow or rolled towel to support these areas as needed. If lying on the back creates discomfort, your partner can lie on one side and then the other as you work the lines of touch. You may find it easier to have your partner lie into a soft chair, one side, then the other.

Influences Of Natural Disasters On Agriculture

Nowadays, naturally disasters occur frequently all around the world, inevitably affection various aspects of social life. These natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, volcanoes, tornadoes have devastation effects, especially exerting strong influence on agriculture. They challenge agricultural production to a great extent because agricultural production is highly dependent on weather, climate and water availability. It can be adversely affected by natural events and natural disasters.
Agricultural impacts from natural disasters generally include: contamination of water, loss of harvest or livestock, increased susceptibility to diseases, and destruction of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure. Such impacts can have long lasting effects on agricultural production including crops, forest growth and arable lands, which require time to grow and thrive. The following are some specific examples of natural disasters and their influences on agriculture.
Floods are among the greatest natural disasters known to mankind. Impacts of floods on agriculture cannot be ignored. Floods cause loss of soil nutrients, soil erosion, permanent damage to perennial crops and livestock, greater susceptibility to diseases and insects etc. hot weather and extreme heat can worsen ozone levels and air quality. Excessive heat and prolonged drought conditions can affect agriculture by creating work safety issues for farm field workers, severely damaging crops and reducing availability of water and food supply for livestock. Wildfires can spread quickly and devastate thousands of acres of agricultural land. This devastation may lead to large losses in crops, forests, livestock and agricultural infrastructure. Earthquake is another common disaster which strikes the earthquake without much warning and causes dramatic changes to the landscape of an area. It also has devastating impacts on agricultural production and environment, including loss of harvest or livestock and destruction of irrigation systems and other farming properties. Also some other forms of natural disasters also may have great negative influences on agriculture. In fact, the frequency and seriousness of natural disasters have become the shared research issue for scientists all over the world and some experts suggest that the scientists should combine their efforts together to fight against the shared enemy.
From the above, it can be easily seen that as the agriculture depends much on nature, thus the harvest is greatly determined by the nature. In addition to investing in the agriculture facility construction, some other methods should also be adopted such as to develop crops with stronger life, to increase the reliability of the weather forecast etc.

Ktm 990 Smt Road Test Review

The majority of sportsbikes have to be focused and uncompromising to perform at their best. Cramped riding positions and stiff suspension are just two issues that can reduce their everyday practicality. But KTM’s 990SMT (T for Travel and not Touring) has all the best bits of a sportsbike, without many of the drawbacks. It’s not a perfect machine, but it’s a hell of a lot more real world and easier to live with than any 600 or 1000cc sportsbike.

The KTM is one of my all-time favourite motorcycles. I just love the way it can inspire and stimulate, and now with its small screen and pannier option I can also enjoy even more comfort and convenience.

I ended up doing over 500 miles on the big V-twin during my short test period, and perhaps one particular day on it highlighted its virtues best of all. The ride in question involved a 125-mile run along my preferred test route through the Shires of Oxford and Gloucester, a journey encompassing virtually every type of road. Bumpy and twisting B roads, challenging speedy and swooping major roads, mind-numbingly boring dual-carriageways, and congested town traffic were all encountered during the journey. But the KTM made light work of them all, had me grinning for the best part of the trip, and let me finish off the day with a treat thanks to its handiness. It’s very much my sort of bike, and one that I would be very happy to own.
Not being a morning person, the start of most of my days ideally needs not to be rushed or too stressful. If it’s a biking day I definitely appreciate an easier-going mount to despatch the first hour or so. The SMT fits that bill very nicely.

Bar getting onto the slightly lofty and supportive, yet not too firm seat, the KTM is an extremely accessible and manageable machine. Its ready-to-ride wet weight is probably in the region of 215 kilos, but the combination of the wide bars which offer plenty of leverage, and the riding position which allows more of the same, gives the impression of it being a lot less. Any move, in any direction, is light and simple work on this bike.

Riding the 990 out of the village where I live did expose one little flaw straightaway mind you, with the abruptness of power delivery from a closed throttle perhaps being an unwelcome feature for some. I myself have noticed this often enough on various test bikes for it not to be an issue as such. And even when it became more of a regular occurrence later in the day when riding (otherwise very easily) in slow moving traffic, it never really concerned me. That’s simply because there’s too much else to love the KTM for.

The chassis is one of those numerous plus points, and perhaps the most impressive feature of the bike overall. Quite simple in construction with its steel-tubed trellis frame and the relatively conventional components attached to it, the 990’s exquisite handling underlines a total that’s more than the sum of its parts. Though it has to be said some of those parts do work extremely well.

The WP suspension is the best example of this. One, if not the key reason why you can fully ‘activate’ the KTM, is because of the superb action of the forks and shock. Softly sprung and with longer travel than most road bikes, the fine control provided by the damping means lots of feel, feedback and control. It anyone ever wants to learn about the benefits of high quality suspension then they only need to ride this bike to find out. The compliance means rougher roads like the one I used in the early part of the journey are smoothed out considerably, and offer no challenge at all to the SMT – even when you’re riding quickly.

Much more of the bike can be used effectively because the tyres remain mated to the road so well. And on routes that usually have had me being repeatedly kicked out of the seat and the wheels pattering over the road on certain machines (firmly sprung sportsbikes mainly), the KTM just gets on with the job completely unflustered. The Continental ContiSport Attack tyres aren’t normally the best when it comes to outright grip, but the WP equipment’s quality of wheel control effectively gives them more adhesion. With the way the softness leads to pitching under braking and acceleration, both ends of the bike are weighted more to increase the grip when it counts too.

The Brembo monobloc radial calipers give the KTM some very serious braking power, and just like the deft touch with which you learn to use the throttle at slower speeds, you soon realise it’s wise to apply just a light squeeze on the lever to avoid any surprises. It doesn’t take long to discover how to get the best from the brakes though, and it’s apparent that the supple fork action only adds to their remarkable effect.

It’s the same story at the rear end of the bike, and just how much the superb rear shock helps you to use more of the strong drive of the impressive 999cc V-twin engine. Twisting the throttle at a standstill, as you do when warming the motor for example, instantly gives a clue to its health and efficiency. It responds so quickly to any wrist movement, suggesting a very free-breathing power unit. But though that also translates to a fit and keen throttle response out on the road, which helps tractability and often makes the light and precise gearbox redundant, there’s always a reassuringly linear and usable feel to things. The engine may well be powerful and able to generate some pulse-quickening pace very promptly, but just like the manners of the chassis it’s easy to moderate. As a very potent, but rarely intimidating motor, its character sums up the whole bike really. The KTM may well have lots of performance to offer, but it’s very predictable and undemanding to access.

Longer runs are easily possible on the 990SMT too. The screen is large enough to hide behind and endure sustained periods at higher pace, and the afore-mentioned seat and riding position add to the capability. It will get thirsty enough to need to stop sooner than the comfort allows if you use more of the engine power, but stops every 140 miles or so can be extended by 40 or 50 more if you’re a bit more prudent with throttle use.

The rack, grabrails, decent steering lock and excellent mirrors show designers have also considered the whole bike and the duties it needs to perform. Those features helped me to enjoy a safe and spirited day on the 990SMT. And with the added convenience of the panniers (available for an extra ?300, along with other numerous accessories) allowing me to nip into Waitrose to cart off some goodies to savour at home at the end of it, reflecting on the KTM over dinner was just as enjoyable as riding it.

It’s a bike that purists will enjoy. Its strong performance and deep character see to that. But because of the neat finishing touches it’s also an all-rounder that can also appeal to those who need a bit extra to complete their motorcycling experiences. The SMT is not cheap at a fraction under ?10,000, but it does offer much in the way of stimulus. And bearing in mind the quality of its components, added to the superb way they work, ten grand doesn’t actually seem bad value at all.

SPECIFICATIONS
KTM 990SMT

ENGINE
Type: 999cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, dohc, 75? V-twin
Maximum power: 115bhp @ 9,000rpm
Maximum torque: 72lb/ft @ 7,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain

CHASSIS/COMPONENTS
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension: Front: 48mm inverted telescopic forks, fully adjustable
Rear: cantilever monoshock, fully adjustable
Brakes: Front: twin 305mm discs with four-piston radial calipers
Rear: single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Wheels/Tyres: Front: 120/70-17
Rear: 180/55-17

DIMESNISONS/CAPACITY
Seat height: 855mm
Wheelbase: 1505mm
Dry weight: 196kg (without fuel)
Fuel capacity: 19 litres
Price: ?9,995
Contact: Contact: 01280 709500, www.ktm.co.uk

Performance: 4 – lots of it that’s easy to access
Handling: 5 – superbly intuitive and communicative
Practicality: 4 – very easy to live with
Value for money: 4 – you get more than you pay for
OVERALL: 5 – gives a very rewarding and appealing motorcycling experience

Best Dump Trucks For Sale For Commercial Use

Dump trucks are used by several industries, but mainly by construction industry. These vehicles are used for carrying, transfers and drop offs of materials. Dump trucks are considered as unique and best carriers for disposal of waste materials. If you are a business owner and looking for dump trucks, then before you ahead to start shopping, you need to understand the business requirement and affordability. If you are tight on budget then used dump truck should come as a resort.

Several business owners are looking forward to purchase these used types of dump trucks, as they save a great deal. The increasing demand has let to complete new market for used dump trucks. Therefore, shopping could get daunting for some. In case you completely clueless how to go about shopping to find best dump trucks for sale, then this short guide should prove helpful.

Do not simply jump start with shopping for dump trucks for sale. Instead, determine the need for vehicle at business, as these dump trucks in various types and sizes to meet different requirements. For instance, if you are a small business type owner, then it would practical enough to purchase a standard type of dump truck.

Next would be being familiarized with the available type of trucks in the auto market and the required type of truck for business. Searching over the web for information should be a great idea. One can find detailed information and price on various types of dump trucks. This will further aid in finding best dump trucks for sale

By now, you should have figured out the type, size and budget of the truck suitable for your business. Then it is probably the time to start the dealer hunt. There are hundreds of dealers out there offering with a huge collection of dump trucks. Browsing through their inventories should help finding specific truck that meets the business requirement.

When you start hunting for the dealer, you are going to come across hundreds of them. However, at the end you will be left with only a few offering with the type of dump trucks you are looking for. Most of the reliable dealers have posted virtual photographs of the trucks along with truck model specification and price. However, do not get fooled by Photo-shop manipulations. Now will be the time to compare the offered deal at these short listed dealers. You need to compare the price and the quality of truck they are offering. On comparison, you should be able to decide on a dealer to purchase best dump trucks for sale.

Now that you have finalized the dealer where you want to purchase the dump truck from, it is important to visit the dealer personally. Furthermore, assessing the truck or taking along an expert to make a thorough check of the truck to be bought should ideal. Check for any signs of damages of body and motor, as well as wear and tear. Test drive too should be great idea.

Finally, when you are done with assessment and decided to purchase, let that dealer know. The dealer will further provide you with more information. In case the dealer does not seem cooperative or not willing for any negotiation, then maybe it is time to start looking for yet another dealer to locate best dump truck for sale.

Follow this guide and locate best dump trucks for sale to meet the businesses requirement the best way.

Workwear Clothing For Different Professions

We are what we wear. Therefore, a lot of professions require for their employees to wear clothes that make them distinctly recognizable. Workwear clothing has therefore got a great demand from various organizations and companies. These attires are generally in the appearance of sleeved or sleeveless jackets worn over one’s regular clothes. The primary feature of these Hi Viz jackets is that they are made in a great variety of colors such as the fluorescent colors like lime, orange, blue, yellow, and red so that the wearer can sport them comfortably in both bright and dark areas. Most Hi Vis jackets have perpendicular and parallel reflective stripes in the front and hind which reflect the falling light from them thereby letting the wearer be more perceptible, especially in the nocturnal environment. The goal of making these kinds of Workwear clothing is to ensure the safety of that wearer by reducing the probability of mishaps.

At times when a disaster strikes and the disaster management team reaches the scene, this Workwear clothing helps the victims to locate them easily in the mob. However, many bikers, bicycle riders as well as pedestrians also use such jackets for their personal safety. It is more essential for people in hazardous professions like the police, firefighters, paramedics, runway personnel and construction site workers to wear a Hi Vis jacket. Such jackets help them to be clearly visible in the night when the cars’ lights reflect upon them.

These types of protective Workwear clothing adheres to specific safety standards. It is generally made with polyester and PVC to make it water-resistant. The jackets that are specifically designed for the firefighters are made up of fire proof material. At the time of buying the jacket, one should consider the system used in the fastening of the jacket. Velcro fastening is much better a choice than the zips and buttons. A Velcro fastening system works faster in emergency situations like when the jacket gets caught up in a vehicle that is in motion and has to be pulled off urgently.

There are different varieties of Hi Vis clothing available online. The logos of the companies and government services can be designed on the jacket in fluorescent colors, which make it mandatory for their employees to use Hi Vis clothing. This helps both the one who wears them as also the people who are in need of his services.

These jackets are manufactured and designed in particular colors for people of different professions like blue for police personnel, green for paramedics and red for fire fighters. The Workwear clothing can be bought in regular stores or can be ordered online. It is advisable to conduct a research into the different types of varieties available before zeroing upon an appropriate one. There are different requirements of different companies, for instance, it may want to order for a specific type of Hi Viz Jacket in bulk for homogeneity among its staff which also cuts down the cost of the jackets.