Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
About tungsten
Tungsten (pronounced /ˈtʌŋstən/), also known as wolfram (/ˈwʊlfrəm/), is a chemical element with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74.
A steel-gray metal, tungsten is found in several ores, including wolframite and scheelite. It is remarkable for its robust physical properties, especially the fact that it has the highest melting point of all the non-alloyed metals and the second highest of all the elements after carbon.Tungsten is often brittle[citation needed] and hard to work in its raw state; however, if pure, it can be cut with a hacksaw.The pure form is used mainly in electrical applications, but its many compounds and alloys are used in many applications, most notably in light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes (as both the filament and target), and superalloys. Tungsten is also the only metal from the third transition series that is known to occur in biomolecules.
Physical
In its raw form, tungsten is a steel-gray metal that is often brittle and hard to work. But, if pure, it can be worked easily. It is worked by forging, drawing, extruding, or sintering. Of all metals in pure form, tungsten has the highest melting point (3,422 °C, 6,192 °F), lowest vapor pressure and (at temperatures above 1,650 °C) the highest tensile strength.Tungsten has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any pure metal. Alloying small quantities of tungsten with steel greatly increases its toughness.
Tungsten wedding ring
If you're a groom after a wedding ring that will permanently maintain its shine and look just like it did on the day your wife first slipped it on your ring finger, tungsten makes for a great - and economical - choice. That said, despite their low price point and cool look, tungsten wedding rings have some drawbacks.
FYI - your bride's diamond engagement ring won't be tungsten
Tungsten is not traditionally used as a material for use in an engagement ring. Nothing prevents the groom, however, from wearing a non-matching tungsten wedding band.
What is Tungsten?
Tungsten comes from the Swedish language meaning heavy metal. And yup - tungsten is heavy. Unlike white or yellow gold, tungsten is never going to scratch nor tarnish. Companies use tungsten in metal working, mining and oil exploration. Nuff said. Tungsten is about ten times harder than 18k gold. Because tungsten rings are so tough, it makes it difficult for jewelers to use it.
Pure tungsten is not typically used in wedding rings, but rather tungsten carbide. This is because elemental tungsten rings have been known to crack when dropped and are far less durable than tungsten carbide. Unfortunately, even tungsten carbide rings are not indestructible. tungsten ring broken
Tungsten can't be resized if you gain 30 pounds during married life and can't be engraved with an emotionally-charged saying. What you see in the store is what you'll get.
Tungsten rings often come with an inlay - that is to say - a strip of yellow gold in the middle of the ring. Look for them at your local jewelry store or online.
Perhaps the best part about tungsten wedding rings, aside from the perma-shine and their potential for highly unique wedding band styles, is the price. Tungsten wedding rings can be had for less than $200, and even less than $100.
And while you're bride isn't going to want to have a tungsten wedding ring to match yours nor are you going to even be able to find a decent looking tungsten and diamond engagement ring, of the alternative metals to platinum and gold, tungsten is right up there.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Somebody is threatening me!
Yes, on the phone. First option: go to the police. Second option: go to the police. What would you do? I know the person and we ...were friends. Not anymore.
Advice: don't trust anyone! Only your parents, sister/brother, wife/husband. That's what friends can do. Know things about you and use them against you. Maybe that's the reason they are called friends and not relatives.
I am not talking about my real friends here. Just for the ones that are pretending to be friends.
So, take care of you!
I'll be back soon with new posts.
Advice: don't trust anyone! Only your parents, sister/brother, wife/husband. That's what friends can do. Know things about you and use them against you. Maybe that's the reason they are called friends and not relatives.
I am not talking about my real friends here. Just for the ones that are pretending to be friends.
So, take care of you!
I'll be back soon with new posts.
Friday, May 1, 2009
We have a new home!
So, we changed our home so these days I was busy to pack up, clean up the new home and unpack our things. But it's great! It's good to be home!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Men's gold wedding rings
Yellow gold is the classic wedding ring - in fact, your dad probably wears one. Here's all you need to know about whether to go with yellow gold or white gold.
Yellow Gold Wedding Rings
Classic yellow gold remains popular for its vintage shine and timeless appeal. Elemental gold is indeed yellow in color (think Fort Knox gold bricks). However, elemental gold, also known as 24 karat gold, is too soft to be worn on a daily basis and will get nicked and scratched too easily. Accordingly, when used for wedding rings, gold is "mixed" with something else, called an alloy. Alloys help a yellow gold wedding ring retain the same rich hue with wear and strengthen the ring.
Yellow Gold and Karats
Here's where the concept of karats comes in an alloy reduces the purity of the wedding engagement ring. No problem. Popular 18 karat yellow gold alloys include copper, silver and zinc in different proportions, each of which cuts the price without appreciably changing the appearance. You may be offered 14k yellow gold, and while this will be stronger than 18k gold, this really means that your "gold" wedding ring has only about 58% elemental gold in it. Shocking, we know.
Prices for Yellow Gold Wedding Rings
A recent survey of prices indicates that yellow gold is less expensive than white gold wedding rings or platinum wedding rings. This is a reflection of both what goes into the creation of the ring (less expensive alloys) but also that yellow gold wedding rings are less popular than white gold or platinum wedding rings. That may change. But for now, expect to pay $300 for a 4 mm wide yellow gold wedding band at a leading online retailer and only slightly more around $500 for a 6 mm 18k yellow gold wedding band.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thank you gifts for the guys
While you've been busy helping your fiancée pick out invitations, reception music and seating charts, your groomsmen have been getting fitted for tuxedos, writing speeches and planning a bachelor party. To show your groomsmen how much you appreciate their help (and friendship), it's customary to give each of them a gift. Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of gift suggestions that's guaranteed to help you find the perfect gift for any groomsman.
How much to spend
While the answer on how much to spend depends largely on your budget, generally a minimum of $30 per groomsman is appropriate, with potentially something extra for the best man. That said, $30 is a minimum, and you're likely to spend a bit more. It's better to err on the side of caution and spend a bit more. These are your best buddies, after all, and you probably haven't bought them a "serious" gift, ever. Now's your chance to say thanks.
Ready to wear
A popular idea for some grooms is to buy a clothing accessory that matches the tuxedo that will be worn on the wedding day. All of the following options are great not only because they can be used more than once, but also because it ensures your buddies will look almost as good as you do on the big day.
Cuff links : Whether your buddy is a Dapper Dan or not, every guy needs a pair of cuff links for those special occasions.
Dress Shirt: If you are renting tuxedos, there is no reason to wear the hyper-starched and 20% cotton shirt that is provided in the package. Additionally, you could simply present a well-made dress shirt as the gift itself. Ask the guys for their (predicted) measurements and get them a nice dress shirt. It need not necessarily be a tuxedo shirt (so long as vests are worn). For long lasting quality, have bespoke shirts made through Michael Andrews Bespoke. Many shirt makers have easy-to-follow guides that describe how to take the necessary measurements. "The measuring process is easier than most people think," reports Michael Mantegna, CEO of Michael Andrews Bespoke, "and nothing compares to the look and feel of a well-crafted custom shirt."
Wristwatch : There's nothing more functional than a time piece that gets them to the church on time. You are likely to spend at least $100 to $150 on such a watch, but it will be useful for them. Avoid having it engraved - just a nice watch will do. If your groomsmen already have wristwatches or have more expensive tastes, read on.
Executive Pen: While you don't need to shell out for a Montblanc, you can purchase well crafted pens from New York purveyor, Joon Pens, without breaking the bank. Look for Pelikan or Lamy. These need not be fountain pens (which are nice, but often impractical) but can be rollerball pens. Anyone will tell you a fancy pen is better than those 10 cent ballpoints the office provides.
Engraved Money Clip: Nobody likes losing money, nor carrying around a man-purse. This is a perfect alternative to more expensive items.
Handy tools
Giving a gift that gets used often is always better than giving one that inevitably ends up sitting in a drawer. Even if your buddies aren't smokers, there are plenty of great gifts that will get used daily:
Pocketknife: A perfect companion for any pocket. It's amazing how often these little guys come in handy. It is a perfect addition to glove compartments everywhere.
Desk caddy : A great way to organize house keys, change, credit cards and more.
Toolbox : Help him get organized where it counts with a toolbox. Throw in a hammer and Phillips screwdriver if you're feeling generous.
Food and drink
Let's face it, every guy loves eating - and more than a few of us are social drinkers. Get the party started with some of these ideas:
Beer of the Month subscription : Exotic beers from all corners of the globe sent right to your door - what could be better?
Engraved cork/bottle opener : Whether their preference is fine wine or working-class beer, they've got to get at that alcohol somehow.
BBQ kit : Get invited to more barbeques by giving your buddies another excuse to fire up the grill.
Steaks : Nothing says "thank you" like a big slab of beef. Get it delivered to their door through a service like Omaha Steaks.
Steak brander: Have a custom brander made with your buddy's initials so everyone knows which chef to thank.
Sports and outdoors
Sports and men go hand in hand. No matter what sport your crew is into, there are plenty of cool gifts to give.
Golf gear : Portable coolers, custom-inked golf balls, those stylish golf knickers - the possibilities are endless
Tickets to a game : Make a day at the game on you.
Excursions : Feeling adventurous? Sign everyone up for skydiving, bungee jumping or other adrenaline-filled activity. Or, for something more tame, a camping or canoeing trip can be a great way to reconnect.
Outside the (gift)Box
Thinking outside of the box is a surefire way of showing your buddies how much they mean to you. With a little thought, you can really wow them.
Shares of stock : Companies like OneShare.com sell stock for companies such as Nike, Apple and Starbucks that come with a custom plaque.
Shaving kit : Waking up to a nice razor set is a great way to get the 9 to 5 started right.
MP3 player : Get them through the drudgery of the work day with the gift of music. Many (such as the iPod shuffle) can be found for under $100.
Giving a gift tailored to their hobbies or interests is a great way to ensure success. And if your groomsmen all have different personalities, don't feel like you have to give everyone the same gift. As long as you stay in the same price range, no one should feel ripped off or jealous. Put some thought into it, make it personal, and you should have a happy group of groomsmen come wedding day.
How much to spend
While the answer on how much to spend depends largely on your budget, generally a minimum of $30 per groomsman is appropriate, with potentially something extra for the best man. That said, $30 is a minimum, and you're likely to spend a bit more. It's better to err on the side of caution and spend a bit more. These are your best buddies, after all, and you probably haven't bought them a "serious" gift, ever. Now's your chance to say thanks.
Ready to wear
A popular idea for some grooms is to buy a clothing accessory that matches the tuxedo that will be worn on the wedding day. All of the following options are great not only because they can be used more than once, but also because it ensures your buddies will look almost as good as you do on the big day.
Cuff links : Whether your buddy is a Dapper Dan or not, every guy needs a pair of cuff links for those special occasions.
Dress Shirt: If you are renting tuxedos, there is no reason to wear the hyper-starched and 20% cotton shirt that is provided in the package. Additionally, you could simply present a well-made dress shirt as the gift itself. Ask the guys for their (predicted) measurements and get them a nice dress shirt. It need not necessarily be a tuxedo shirt (so long as vests are worn). For long lasting quality, have bespoke shirts made through Michael Andrews Bespoke. Many shirt makers have easy-to-follow guides that describe how to take the necessary measurements. "The measuring process is easier than most people think," reports Michael Mantegna, CEO of Michael Andrews Bespoke, "and nothing compares to the look and feel of a well-crafted custom shirt."
Wristwatch : There's nothing more functional than a time piece that gets them to the church on time. You are likely to spend at least $100 to $150 on such a watch, but it will be useful for them. Avoid having it engraved - just a nice watch will do. If your groomsmen already have wristwatches or have more expensive tastes, read on.
Executive Pen: While you don't need to shell out for a Montblanc, you can purchase well crafted pens from New York purveyor, Joon Pens, without breaking the bank. Look for Pelikan or Lamy. These need not be fountain pens (which are nice, but often impractical) but can be rollerball pens. Anyone will tell you a fancy pen is better than those 10 cent ballpoints the office provides.
Engraved Money Clip: Nobody likes losing money, nor carrying around a man-purse. This is a perfect alternative to more expensive items.
Handy tools
Giving a gift that gets used often is always better than giving one that inevitably ends up sitting in a drawer. Even if your buddies aren't smokers, there are plenty of great gifts that will get used daily:
Pocketknife: A perfect companion for any pocket. It's amazing how often these little guys come in handy. It is a perfect addition to glove compartments everywhere.
Desk caddy : A great way to organize house keys, change, credit cards and more.
Toolbox : Help him get organized where it counts with a toolbox. Throw in a hammer and Phillips screwdriver if you're feeling generous.
Food and drink
Let's face it, every guy loves eating - and more than a few of us are social drinkers. Get the party started with some of these ideas:
Beer of the Month subscription : Exotic beers from all corners of the globe sent right to your door - what could be better?
Engraved cork/bottle opener : Whether their preference is fine wine or working-class beer, they've got to get at that alcohol somehow.
BBQ kit : Get invited to more barbeques by giving your buddies another excuse to fire up the grill.
Steaks : Nothing says "thank you" like a big slab of beef. Get it delivered to their door through a service like Omaha Steaks.
Steak brander: Have a custom brander made with your buddy's initials so everyone knows which chef to thank.
Sports and outdoors
Sports and men go hand in hand. No matter what sport your crew is into, there are plenty of cool gifts to give.
Golf gear : Portable coolers, custom-inked golf balls, those stylish golf knickers - the possibilities are endless
Tickets to a game : Make a day at the game on you.
Excursions : Feeling adventurous? Sign everyone up for skydiving, bungee jumping or other adrenaline-filled activity. Or, for something more tame, a camping or canoeing trip can be a great way to reconnect.
Outside the (gift)Box
Thinking outside of the box is a surefire way of showing your buddies how much they mean to you. With a little thought, you can really wow them.
Shares of stock : Companies like OneShare.com sell stock for companies such as Nike, Apple and Starbucks that come with a custom plaque.
Shaving kit : Waking up to a nice razor set is a great way to get the 9 to 5 started right.
MP3 player : Get them through the drudgery of the work day with the gift of music. Many (such as the iPod shuffle) can be found for under $100.
Giving a gift tailored to their hobbies or interests is a great way to ensure success. And if your groomsmen all have different personalities, don't feel like you have to give everyone the same gift. As long as you stay in the same price range, no one should feel ripped off or jealous. Put some thought into it, make it personal, and you should have a happy group of groomsmen come wedding day.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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