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Since February of this year, there's been a huge spike in remote working in all industries. Many companies started to expense home workspace purchases to help employees create a productive and efficient remote working workspace. We've seen a huge spike in interest in laptop stands, monitor stands, and other workspace organization tools that help to improve your posture and productivity.

So why do you really even need a laptop stand? Here are the top 5 best reasons to use a laptop stand.

The most basic reason to own a laptop stand is to improve your workspace ergonomics which in turn helps with posture and relieving back pain, neck pain, and save you from further stress issues later on.

The laptop stand will raise your screen to eye level, preventing strain on your neck and back. When you're sitting at your desk for 8+ hours every day, a downward perspective at your laptop can seriously injure your neck in the long run. Instead of stacking books and boxes to raise your laptop stand, purchase something that will create a natural viewing angle.

Whether you're a marketer, developer, designer, or even working in finance and accounting, you're typically typing on your keyboard.

Whether you're a marketer, developer, designer, or even working in finance and accounting, you're typically typing on your keyboard a lot throughout the day. Laptop stands with the right angles allows for less stress on your wrists as you're typing throughout the day.

If you prefer to use a separate keyboard with your set up, laptop stands make it possible for you to adjust your workspace to your liking.

I'm sure we've all experienced that dreaded sound of your laptop fan going into overdrive and your machine burning your leg. For those who work with heavy softwares or does any sort of rendering work, it's a terrifying moment when your computer freezes up and you don't remember whether auto-save was turned on.

Keeping your laptop ventilated properly can not only prevent these scenarios from happening, but it can also improve rendering speeds and maintain the computer's longevity. Not only do laptop stands elevate your laptop from a solid surface like your table, many of them actually have strategically placed ventilation to help encourage airflow.

A messy workspace filled with wires and cables is a surefire way to increase anxiety and stress for the typical worker. Not to mention loose wires have been the key culprit of many horrible computer accidents.

A messy workspace filled with wires and cables is a surefire way to increase anxiety and stress for the typical worker. Not to mention loose wires have been the key culprit of many horrible computer accidents. A good laptop stand will include a proper cable management system such as a feeding hole in the back and space under to store any unused items.

Just route your cables underneath and through the back of the stand to maintain a clean and organized sightline and workspace.

I have replaced my desktop workstation with a 17" laptop, and it is ergonomically terrible, the solution was to use an external keyboard and mouse, but still it would stay way below eye level, some people then suggested a vertical laptop stand so i got the cheapo one below.

I have searched like crazy on the web for some info or reviews to make sure that it will not cause any kind of damage to the laptop like straining the hinges or any other component by standing in that position, and i could not find anything.

Does anyone here have any kind of experience with this kind of support?Can it cause any damage to the laptop?

The laptop will stay on the support 24/7 and with the lid opened pretty much 8-12 hours a day.

I can't see any reason why this would damage the screen or lid. The lid is designed to stay open in any position. Mounted as you show it most of the weight of the lid is carried vertically on the hinges.

You should be careful not to block the fan vents if you have them. That will lead to overheating.

Hard drives can generally be mounted in any orientation. This site discusses hard drive mounting. The consensus is the orientation doesn't matter.

So I can't see this causing any problems.

If you find yourself constantly using your laptop as your desktop computer (i.e. full time workstation) then you really should consider at the least an external monitor and keyboard / mouse. At best you would get a dedicated desktop computer.

I don't believe that that stand would cause any sort of strain on the computer. In fact keeping it elevated will probably help keep it cooler, increasing the longevity.

We're a diverse group here at Android Central, but we all have one thing in common that's a big part of our lives: we work from home, putting in long days in front of a computer screen. We're always trying new things to be more productive and make work easier, but one very simple thing can have a huge impact on both your productivity and your health — putting your monitors up off of your desk.

Monitor arms have a lot of benefits to anyone who works at a desk as well as people who spend a lot of time doing anything at a computer. Things like gaming or just surfing the web are all better when you're more organized and not craning your neck to see what's on your screen. With Black Friday being the best time to buy a computer monitor, it's also the best time to get a mounting arm to put it in the right place!

The biggest benefit of using a monitor arm is the ability to change the height, depth, and angle of your display. This allows you to put your screen in the right place to prevent you from straining your neck and your eyes whenever you're at your desk for an extended period of time. A monitor arm will put your screen or screens directly in the center of your field of vision so you're not constantly looking up or down. This helps a lot in preventing strain-related pain in your neck and back and keeps your eyes where they need to be.

Because things are where they should be, your posture is improved, too. When your display is too high or too low you might slouch in your chair or sit too far forward. A good computer chair is designed to support your back and promote good posture, but sitting in it incorrectly does neither, and actually can cause more issues in your shoulders or lower back.

If you use a standing desk, this is even more important. You need the desk surface in the right spot for typing and using a mouse, but usually, that's too low for your monitor and you end up looking down all day long. When you put your displays up on a good monitor arm, you can get them at the right height.

Another big bonus is the extra desktop real estate. Most monitors come with a sizable stand designed to keep them from tipping forward or back. That means a lot of the back of your desk is taken up by them and everything else you need or want is pushed forwards.

With a monitor arm that mounts to your desktop or to the wall, you can reclaim that space. Maybe you want to keep it free and go for the minimal and clutter-free look. Or maybe you need a place for pencils or your phone, or even something like a PlayStation 5. Either way, once you get your monitor's feet off the desk the room is there for you to do whatever you like.

A monitor arm is a great accessory you can add to your computer desk from additional workspace to increase ergonomics, there are lots of positives associated with them.

And when it comes to ergonomics, it can make a significant difference whether it is your computer work desk or gaming station.

They can be very beneficial for a productive work environment, maximize your workspace, and keep you away from physical issues.

A computer monitor arm is a piece of hardware that helps you adjust your computer monitor. It can be attached to the desk and to the back of your computer.

A monitor arm helps you adjust the viewing angle, height, and depth of the computer monitor so that you can work comfortably without having to adjust too many different things on your desk.

It is very useful to hold the monitor in place so that it doesn’t move around too much and you can sit in a more ergonomic position when you’re working.

So, when the monitor is set up correctly, you will do less work and have less fatigue working at the desk.

This is how it makes sure that you can prevent future expenses from neck, spine, back, and shoulder pain or soreness.

Moreover, there are several types of monitor arms out there for different setup needs, but it helps you be more comfortable when working in any work environment.

For any typical computer monitor, you can find these 10 types of monitor arms in the market:

• Wall Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm mounts onto a wall and efficiently maximizes the space in a limited workspace.

• Gas or Spring Arm – These types of monitor arms are easily adjustable but more expensive and can’t hold heavier monitors.

• Mechanical Spring – These types of monitor arms last longer, operate more easily than spring arms, and are also less expensive.

• Clamp Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm fastens to the edge of a desk via C-clamp.

• Grommet Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm attached to the edge of the desk through a hole and screwed underneath.

• Post Mount – This monitor arm is attached to a desk from a single column via a grommet mounting system and allows you to set the monitor at your preferred height.

• Stacked Mount – This monitor mount type is similar to the post mount but the monitors are organized one on top of the other.

• Rail Mount – This monitor arm is used especially when multiple computer monitors need to be organized in single or multiple rail options.

• Laptop Arm – This type of arm is designed to support a laptop.

• Mixed-use Arm – This type of computer monitor arm uses dual arms with one arm holding the monitor and the other arm holding a laptop.

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As most boat owners will know, there are times when rowing becomes a necessity. Should an outboard motor break down or the use of a motor is prohibited, in extremely shallow waterways for example, then rowing becomes the preferred method of maneuvering a boat around. Most Jon boats are not manufactured with oar locks. So, when it comes to a Jon boat can it be rowed?

You can row a Jon boat. Some Jon boats may need to be modified by adding oarlocks before rowing can be achieved. Certain conditions will affect your ability to row a Jon boat effectively. Rowing styles, such as ‘canoe style’ with a single paddle or double-paddle, and oar rowing have different levels of practicality.

Is it possible to row a Jon boat?

A Jon boat is a flat-bottom boat sometimes made from hardwood, plywood or fiberglass but more commonly made from aluminum.

It is designed perfectly for shallow, calm waters, as the practically flat hull enables the boat to ride on the surface of the water exceptionally smoothly when it is powered by a motor. Its shallow draft also means it can easily traverse extremely shallow waterways where many other boats could not access.

Although rowing a Jon boat may be beneficial to those who want to enjoy a quiet family day on the river or lake it is most beneficial for fishermen and especially for duck hunters. As long as you use the correct oars and oarlocks.

A Jon boat is the preferred vessel for fishermen and duck hunters because it can easily access shallow waters thus making it perfect for use in shallow rivers and lakes. A Jon boat can also easily gain access to shallow river banks. Obviously in such circumstances using a motor is impractical as the noise could alert the prey to the presence of hunters.

However, this is not the only time when using an engine is inadvisable.

Because a Jon boat is designed to access shallow waterways this means you may find yourself in a situation where using an outboard motor is not just impractical but is actually impossible due to the extremely shallow water and very close proximity of the river bed and rocky obstacles that may lie there.

Therefore a Jon boat allows fishermen and hunters to access very shallow water and to access areas with stealth.

So obviously the best solution in these circumstances would be to use some form of manual propulsion, such as rowing. But is a Jon boat capable of being rowed?

The simple answer is “yes”. Though it may not be as easy a task to undertake as it would be with other boat types.

When a Jon boat is powered by a gas motor the boat performs very well under calm conditions but under oar-power the same boat may not be as straight forward to maneuver as you might imagine.

Modern boats are most often constructed of fiberglass, but aluminum is the best material to choose for a workboat. Aluminum is more durable than fiberglass, which is prone to breaking or cracking from impact. Aluminum is more resistant to punctures also. Though sharp objects hit with enough force can puncture an aluminum hull, it is less likely to cause major damage. Plus, aluminum boats do not deteriorate and weaken from sun exposure like fiberglass boats, which can help extend the operational life of the boat. Aluminum boats offers all these advantages while still maintaining a comparable weight to fiberglass boats and therefore provide similar speed, fuel burn and seakeeping.

Aluminum Boats: Debunking the Myths

Myth: An aluminum boat will corrode from electrolysis overtime.

Fact: A certain amount of galvanic corrosion is unavoidable, but a properly galvanically protected aluminum boat will not suffer more than surface corrosion during its lifetime. Silver Ships conducts galvanic testing during all builder’s sea-trials. We only deliver a boat once it has been determined to be in the galvanic protected range.

Additionally, marine grade aluminum is more resistant to galvanic corrosion than other aluminum alloys. Silver Ships uses only 5086 alloy Marine Grade Aluminum plate for our vessels, as it is the highest quality marine grade alloy. For further protection, we often include galvanic monitors that continually check if a boat is still in the protected range once in operation. Silver Ships has installed several of these for past customers.

Myth: Aluminum boats are loud.

Fact: A properly built aluminum hull with a true keel and welded frames is no louder than a fiberglass boat. This common misconception comes from low-end aluminum skiffs built from thin aluminum sheets that are riveted together, or a welded aluminum boat lacking enough welding to secure the hull and side shell to the hull structure.

Myth: Aluminum has a higher carbon footprint than fiberglass.

Fact: A well-built aluminum boat will last a lifetime if properly maintained. Aluminum boats require less overall maintenance than their fiberglass (or wood) counterparts. This makes aluminum more sustainable than fiberglass over the lifetime of the vessel. Plus, aluminum boats can be easily and cost effectively recycled at the end of their useful life to become other aluminum products.

Myth: Fiberglass boats look better and have a unique hull shape that benefits the ride.

Fact: Fiberglass boats can be molded into any shape. However, using modern 3D CAD software and robotic routers, modern aluminum boats can be built into more unique hull shapes than in the past. Additionally, aluminum boats can be designed and affordably built as a custom “one off” vessel unique to the customer’s needs. Every fiberglass boat requires an expensive mold that makes it unaffordable to build just one boat.

Tin Boats: As Light As A Feather

Aluminum boats (aka tin boats) offer a wide range of uses from fishing to entertainment, sports, and recreation, to day trips for both experienced and novice boaters. They have excellent riding characteristics, and because aluminum boats are often light, they are often speedy even with a lower-powered engine. Tin boats typically range between eight and twenty-four feet.

What Activities Are Aluminum Boats Used For?

As far as family day boats on calm or inshore waters are concerned – aluminum boats are a great choice and ideal if you’re a beginner just getting into boating. This is because they are very easy to run and operate with great maneuverability and handling. Consider choosing a smaller model if you intend to use the boat as a learning platform.

Recreation is vital for our self-fulfillment and happiness. Anybody who spends time on the water gets that little bit more disconnected from the ‘on-the-go-24/7’ culture that we have created. On a small to mid-sized aluminum boat passengers are close to the water, and often feel more connected to the natural habitat around them. Plus, many aluminum boats with adequate power can even be used for casual tubing, skiing and wakeboarding or water skiing. Every moment you’re on a tube or wakeboard is a moment less spent on your phone. Of course, if you’re serious about wakeboarding and water skiing you’ll want to look into a dedicated wake boat, but for families looking for all-around versatility and ease-of-use, aluminum boats can often prove more than enough.

Tin boats are a favorite among freshwater and saltwater anglers who find it easy to target shallow-water bass or crappie, salmon, trout, panfish, and catfish in lakes and rivers on these boats (due to their shallow draft and lightweight construction). There is ample storage aboard to customize your boat for a day of fishing, and expert anglers can buy a boat ready-made with rod racks, livewells, and castings decks.

As aluminum fishing boats are lightweight and easy-to-handle they are a popular choice for boat owners that frequently cruise and fish in shallow inland waters. However, they do come in a variety of hull shapes, sizes and designs. Flat bottom utility boats made of aluminum are ideal for hunting, hauling lumber up streams and rivers and other tasks. These types of aluminum boats actually sit on top of the water, due to their flat shape underneath, as opposed to cruising through it like other aluminum boat hull shapes. These boats are often used for bass fishing, catfishing and similar types of species and habitats by specialized anglers. They are easy to maneuver and help to get you through tighter spots. If you do bump the boat on a stump, log or rock, you can rest assured that any dents are easy to repair, unlike fiberglass.

1. A Greater Selection of Boat Sizes

Choose from 20' 8" long, high-performance, deep-V boats to 10' flat-bottom jon boats. Alumacraft boats are available in a huge selection of sizes, shapes and styles for an endless variety of uses and budgets. You name it, we’ve got it.

2. The Alumacraft Ride

Pros call it "the Alumacraft Ride," and these guys have driven virtually every boat on the market. They tell us the Alumacraft Ride is drier, quieter, smoother and more responsive. Experience the exceptional ride of an Alumacraft—it doesn’t get any better.

3. Superior 2XB Aquadynamic Deep V Hull

The aqua-dynamic surface of our gull-wing-shaped design results in quicker planning, better handling and superior boat control in even the harshest of weather conditions. Full-length double plating means twice the strength and protection all the way to the transom (bow only on select models), dramatically reduce sound and vibration, and there’s minimal flexing that can adversely affect handling.

4. Industry-Leading Mod V and Flat Bottom Jon Hull

The all-welded and riveted jons can take a pounding. The heavy-gauge aluminum and stronger and wider ribs, make the entire boat tougher and more rigid. Ribs are positioned on narrow 12” centers. This results in more ribs making the hull stronger the entire length of the boat.

5. One-Piece Hull Construction

One-piece construction delivers superior strength over the competition’s two-piece hulls. The seamless hull allows for proper keel placement assuring the prop turns in pure non-aerated water.

6. Heavier Gauge Aluminum

All Alumacraft boats, whether it’s the all-welded jons or one of the riveted tournament models, are made with heavy-gauge, top-quality, 5052 marine-grade aluminum. That’s why you see Alumacraft boats that have been on the water for years and years. They last longer.

7. All-Aluminum Transom

All-aluminum transoms are lighter and 130% stronger than wood transoms. The stronger transom minimizes racking and vibration, providing a more durable mounting surface for today’s larger, more powerful outboards.

8. Larger Aircraft-Grade Rivets

Inherent strength is greater with larger rivets. Larger rivets mean stronger rivets. Stronger rivets mean fewer rivets are needed. Fewer rivets mean fewer holes need to be drilled, significantly reducing the chance of ever popping a rivet.

9. Highest Quality Paint Job

Automotive-quality Base Coat/Clear Coat paint is stronger and more resistant to fading from ultraviolet light. Even damage like dock rash or scratches can be easily repaired without having to repaint the whole side of the boat.

10. An Overall Better Fit and Finish

Look real close. You’ll see a tighter fit, smooth, even welds, larger rivets, and precision construction throughout. These are boats you’ll be proud to call your own. Better Built, Better Ride, Better Value.

Since its development in the early 90’s the application of PPR pipe has become commonplace, due to its durability, cost effectiveness and long service life. As a manufacturer you may be curious as to why some companies choose to produce PPR over PVC and PE pipe. In this article we will cover the basics of PPR pipe, its features, advantages, and its most common applications.

What Is PPR Pipe?

PPR pipe is a straight and rigid cylindrical pipe, made from Polypropylene Random Copolymer plastic, produced through a continuous extrusion process. They are commonly offered in green or white color, and in outer diameter sizes ranging from 20mm to 110mm making the pipe walls far thicker than PVC. PPR pipe is accompanied by a series of connection fittings, parts, and accessories available for every pipe diameter.

PPR Pipe Characteristics

Low Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of PPR is very low, meaning temperature cannot easily be conducted from the outside environment to the liquid in the pipe, and vice versa. This factor reduces heat loss or gain during the transferring of hot or cold fluids respectively, resulting in energy efficient systems and lower insulation costs for PPR piping.

Long Service Life & Durability

PPR piping systems can remain functional for over 50 years, at a wide range of fluid and environmental operating temperatures. Moreover, PPR pipe exhibits excellent durability in both hot and cold water systems. Firstly, it can endure the temperature and pressure strain of hot water systems.

At the same time PPR pipe is able to structurally withstand impacts even in cold weather installations without any risk of cracking or breaking, unlike other common types of plastic piping.

Efficient Inner Surface

The inner surface of PPR pipe is very smooth and boasts a very low friction coefficient, compared to traditional types of piping. This results in a reduction of pressure losses during fluid transport and distribution, further contributing to the energy efficiency of PPR piping systems. Moreover, unlike metal pipes PPR does not flake or scale, making them safer to use.

Chemical & Mechanical Endurance

Compared to traditional plastic piping systems, PPR offers very high resistance against abrasion by hard particles. This is especially important in cases of well water or industrial applications, where the transferred liquids may contain abrasive particles.

Moreover, unlike traditional metal piping, PPR is inert to most electrolytes and chemicals, over a wide range of temperatures. This electrolytic and chemical inertness makes PPR piping safe to use in cases of high water salinity (eg. in pool applications that use sea water) or even highly corrosive chemicals (eg. in industrial applications).

Ecological & Economic Efficiency

Due to the low weight of PPR pipe, their transport, handling, and installation doesn’t require high amounts of energy consumption or manual labor. At the same time they are very easy to cut, join, and work with, making them even more economically sustainable.

Moreover, joining PPR pipe and fittings is performed solely through heat and doesn’t require any additional chemicals or materials. All of these factors contribute to PPRs low environmental impact and usage cost.

The durability, economical, and ecological advantages of PPR has resulted in it being used for an increasing number of diverse applications in recent years.

Most common PPR pipe applications include:

Hot and cold potable water piping in residential, industrial, and public installations. Industrial piping for transferring water, sanitary liquids, liquid food products, compressed air, and aggressive chemicals eg. highly acidic or alkaline solutions. Building central radiator heating water, usually in a circular loop piping arrangement.

DRTS: Your Partner In PPR Pipe Manufacturing

DRTS offers quality turnkey production lines for PPR pipe in various sizes and capacities, that cover the entire range of PPR pipe diameters. Request a price quote or request a consultation with a DRTS expert, to discover PPR manufacturing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

DRTS: Your Partner In PPR Pipe Manufacturing

DRTS offers quality turnkey production lines for PPR pipe in various sizes and capacities, that cover the entire range of PPR pipe diameters. Request a price quote or request a consultation with a DRTS expert, to discover PPR manufacturing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

In recent years, with the continuous progress of social economy, the construction industry, municipal engineering, water conservancy engineering, etc. continue to develop. PPR pipes and PVC pipes have also been widely used in these industries. So since these pipes can be used, what is the difference between PVC pipe and PPR pipe?

The full name is Polyvinylchlorid drainage pipe, which is a kind of vinyl polymer material. PVC pipe is a kind of pipe product with strong toughness, good heat resistance and good ductility. It consists of an upper layer, a middle layer and a lower layer. The upper layer of the PVC pipe is a layer of paint film, which plays the role of waterproof and anti-aging; the middle layer is the polyvinyl chloride layer, which is the main base layer; and the lower layer is the back coating adhesive Agent. There are many types of PVC pipe specifications, because its uses can be divided into two types: drainage pipes and line pipes, so there are many categories of products. The commonly used home decoration is 32-50mm, 75-110mm.

The full name is polypropylene random copolymer which is great for water supply pipes (PPR) has good toughness, high strength, excellent processing performance, good creep resistance at higher temperatures, and has the unique advantages of high transparency of random copolymer polypropylene. The interface of the PPR pipe adopts hot-melt technology, and the pipes are completely fused together, so once the installation and pressure test pass, there will be no longer aging and water leakage like aluminium-plastic pipes.

1. Different raw materials

PPR pipe is mainly made of copolymer polypropylene, so PPR pipe is also called type three polypropylene pipe, and PVC is made of polyvinyl chloride material.

2. Different wall thickness

The wall thickness of PPR pipes is divided into four parts, six parts, etc., the wall thickness of the four parts is 2.3mm, and the thickness of the 6 parts is 3.5mm. PVC pipes are calculated with a diameter of 6mm and a wall thickness of 2.0mm, a nominal diameter of 8-10mm and a wall thickness of 2.5mm. In the same pipe diameter, the wall of the PPR pipe should be thicker

3. Different prices

Due to the different wall thickness of the pipe, the price will vary. In addition, prices vary from place to place. Under normal circumstances, the price of PVC is lower than that of PPR, and low price is also an advantage of PVC materials.

4. Different application fields

PVC pipes are used in many industries such as building materials, packaging, and medicine. Among them, the building materials industry accounts for the largest proportion, at 60%, followed by the packaging industry, and there are several other small-scale applications.

PPR has a wide range of applications: ①The cold and hot water system of the building, including the central heating system; ②The heating system in the building, including floor, wall panels and radiant heating system; ③The transportation of city gas; ④ Urban and rural water supply and drainage system; ⑤The pure water supply system for direct drinking is also extremely safe and sanitary; ⑥ Central (centralized) air conditioning system; ⑦Industrial piping systems for transporting or discharging chemical media; ⑧Pipe system such as gas path used for cylinder transmission; ⑨ Agriculture such as irrigation or spraying of pesticides; ⑩Power and optical cable sheath.

5. The color is different

The toughness of PPR pipe is better than that of PVC, and the color of good quality is bright, others are light creamy yellow, and the color of poor quality is chaotic. The PVC pipe is milky white, the material is harder than PPR, the cross section has no light, but the outer surface is shiny.

6. Different performance

The installation of PPR pipe is very convenient, because PPR has good welding performance, whether it is thermal welding or electric welding machine, it is very convenient. PVC is relatively heavy and its corrosion resistance is better than PPR, but it cannot withstand high temperatures. It is often used for cold water transportation and cannot be hot-connected during installation. It can only be bonded with PVC glue. The cold water transportation service life can reach 70 years.

Cleaning the interior of your car may not bring back that heady new car smell, but it will certainly improve the air quality. Washing the windows, getting rid of trash and clutter, and cleaning the carpet and seats will make you breathe easier and could even improve your driving skills.

Professional detailing can be quite costly, but with just a few tools and cleaning supplies that you probably have on hand, you can clean your car interior just like the pros.

How often to clean your car depends on driving conditions, how the vehicle is used, the number of passengers, and how frequently you drive.

Safety is always a priority when it comes to car maintenance. Clean interior windows at least monthly or when grime impedes your ability to see oncoming vehicles. Remove trash and debris from the driver's floorboard and dashboard when it interferes with the vehicle's controls. A thorough cleaning of the car's interior twice a year should suffice. Keep the interior in its best shape to help the car last longer and retain its value when you sell or trade it in.

Gather Trash and Debris

Gather all the trash from the floorboards, cup holders, door pockets, and seat pockets and recycle or dispose of it. Remove car seats, toys, and other items from the car.

Remove and Clean the Floor Mats

Floor mats are often some of the dirtiest items in a car interior. Remove all of them from the car for easier cleaning. Give each mat a good shake or vacuuming before you begin cleaning. Then place them on a tarp or other type of drop cloth rather than on the dirty ground.

For carpeted mats, use a carpet or upholstery cleaner and follow the instructions.

For rubber, vinyl, or silicone mats, use a hose to wash away excess soil. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and clean the mats. Rinse well and let them air-dry before placing them back in the car and continue cleaning the other areas of the interior.

Clean the Interior Windows and Mirror

Use a microfiber cloth and an ammonia-free commercial window cleaner (ammonia can damage interior plastics) in a spray bottle to remove the haze from interior windows. Make your own window cleaner by mixing a one-to-one solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Lower the windows slightly and start at the top of the window and work down so you will catch any drips.

Clean the Center Console

The center console usually includes cup holders that can get messy. If the cup holder is removable, allow it to soak in some warm water and a bit of dishwashing liquid. Scrub it clean with a sponge. Finish by wiping it down with a soft cloth and rinsing well with fresh water. Dry and reassemble the console.

To clean the gearstick and other controls, use a clean microfiber cloth that is only slightly damp. To reach tight corners, use an old toothbrush, damp cotton swab, or wrap a damp paper towel around the tip of a dull knife or flat-head screwdriver. This is just simple processes.

The decision to conduct checking regarding these rule violations was taken in a meeting convened by transport commissioner last week, following the directive from the high court.

The directive from transport commissioner asked the MVD officers to take steps to implement the directives issued by the high court.

Find a location to place the TV in your car

Before you start installing your TV, it’s important to choose a location for the car. You have two options: either install the TV in the center console or behind the driver and passenger seat headrest. The first option is more difficult because of how far away from everyone else it will be; however, this means that no one can watch your TV but you. The second option is in the middle of two people, which can be nice for long trips or when watching a movie together with friends.

Another consideration to make before installing your TV is how much space you have available behind the headrests and seat backs. If there isn’t enough room, you may need to purchase a long extension cord.

Measure the width of your car

One thing to keep in mind when installing a TV into your car is how wide it will be. You need to purchase a stand for your TV that’s as wide as or wider than the width of your vehicle, so make sure you measure before buying anything!

Purchase an LED TV for energy efficiency

It’s important to choose a TV that is energy-efficient and long-lasting. LED TVs are the best choice because they use less energy than other types of TVs, so this will save you money on your electric bill!

LED TVs also last much longer than traditional models; how many hours depends on how often it gets used but generally stands at around 50,000 hours. This is a huge difference compared to how many hours typical TVs last which ranges from 200-1000 hours on average!

Remove the rear seat from your vehicle

Now that you’ve purchased everything for your TV installation, it’s time to take the rear seat out of your vehicle. This will make it easier and safer when installing because there won’t be anything or anyone in the way!

Mount the TV on top of the stand

The next step is to mount the TV on top of the stand. You will need a drill and screwdriver for this, so make sure you have those ready! Drill holes in your car where the screws are located and use these as guides for how high or low you want them. Next, put washers through each hole and then thread one of the screws. Put a nut on top of each screw and tighten until it’s secure!

Connect all necessary cables

Press the power button on your TV and plug it into a wall outlet to turn it on. Next, attach all necessary cables before reattaching your rear seats if you removed them earlier.

Let’s talk about loudspeaker grilles- you know, those things that cover the front of your speakers and make them look boring. Many people, for whatever reason, seem to prefer their loudspeaker appearance with the grilles on. But grilles aren’t just about the aesthetics of the speaker, they also protect it from harm and abuse- like say, a rambunctious child or pet who may otherwise damage the delicate cone of the woofer or dome of the tweeter. Most home audio loudspeaker grilles are removable though, so their use is optional for most domestic applications. Given how fussy audio enthusiasts can be, the use of grilles has been a point of strong personal preference for as long as there have been home audio loudspeakers.

Here at Audioholics, we have received many inquiries in the past pertaining to the impact of speaker grilles on the sound quality. More specifically, something along the lines of:

“Will my speakers sound better or worse with the grilles on?”

Since there are so many different speaker designs out there, the answer to that question could never be an absolute yes or no, at least without knowing the characteristics of that particular speaker. However, in our experience, grilles usually do not improve loudspeaker performance. In this article, we will explain how and why grilles tend to have an adverse effect on the speaker's performance, and we will also talk about how much they can actually spoil the sound quality.

Air ducts and air vents serve an important function in your home. They make up an intricate part of its main ventilation, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Without this system, your home would be unable to receive sufficient air at the temperature you would like.

Air Ducts

The purpose of an air duct network is to guide the air that enters through the air vents to the main heating or cooling component of your central air unit. In addition, the air ducts also help guide air that has been heated or cooled back out of the air vents throughout the home. This system ensures that every part of your home receives the right amount of temperature-controlled air.

Air Vents

Air vents are the metal plates found over the holes throughout the home that are responsible for letting the air in the home enter and exit the air ducts. There are two different types of air vents that do this: supply and return vents.

Types of Air Vents

• Supply vents suck in air that goes through the air ducts that finally ends up at the main heating or cooling unit.

• Return vents circulate the air back into your home. After the unit changes the temperature of the air to reflect the temperature on your thermostat, the air is brought back through the air ducts and out of the return air vents, which allow the temperature-controlled air back into the home.

This is all a simultaneous process, which means that the air in your home is constantly circulating air through this system. Because the air duct and vent system are always working when the thermostat kicks in, it is important to often have them maintained and cleaned properly at least every 3 to 5 years. Not doing so can result in a build-up of dust and other pollutants that can affect the air quality of your home.

Testing power sources, such as uninterruptable power sources (UPS) and diesel generators, ensure that these devices will provide the required amount of power when needed. A load bank tests these power sources by developing an electrical load. Various load configurations permit testing under different conditions.

A load bank is a self-contained device that has the load elements, controls and cooling systems it needs to operate built-in. Power is delivered to a load bank, which then consumes the electrical power by applying it to a power source and either converting or dissipating the source's power output. Load banks use the energy produced to protect, support or test a power source while a "real" load or actual building load uses energy output productively.

What Is the Purpose of a Load Bank?

Load banks ensure the quality and reliability of your emergency power sources. They verify the accuracy of the generators' output capacities by creating a variety of different loads that replicate real-world use.

If you own, sell or operate generators, especially for backup power, you need to test them regularly. Without testing, you cannot be assured the generator will provide the required power when the lights go out. Many facilities require load tests of all backup power sources. Prime power generators benefit from load bank use, particularly in lightly loaded situations.

What Does a Load Bank Do?

A load bank develops an electrical load. Load banks are absolutely essential for emergency sources of power, as they verify the power source's rated output capabilities before the power source is called into actual use. A load bank should mimic the real load a power source would see during an actual use scenario. The devices usually have different levels of load, which allows critical systems to be tested under a variety of conditions.

Who Uses Load Banks?

You need this type of testing bank if you have generators or uninterruptable power sources in your business. Best practices for testing emergency power sources is regular load bank tests.

If you have diesel generators on-site, you may use a load bank to augment lightly loaded situations and keep your generator running properly. Wet stacking occurs when unburned fuel remains inside the system. The unburned diesel condenses and combines with soot in the exhaust system, leading to wet deposits on exhaust components. Left unchecked, wet stacking reduces engine efficiency until it requires a complete overhaul to restore its former power.

The best way to prevent this from occurring is to test the generator with a load bank, which enables you to complete two maintenance tasks with one action. Monthly testing is a requirement from the National Fire Prevention Association, in its Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. You must test the generator at full load to maintain the minimum exhaust temperature recommended by the manufacturer. An alternative test allows you to use 30% more than the rating on the generator's nameplate for at least half an hour.

A novel use for these banks is for renewable energy sources. The Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) has incorporated a load bank into the power system on the island of Moloka'i. The island could not add more photovoltaic cells because it posed the threat of producing too much electricity and dropping the power produced by the island's diesel generators too low. The addition of a resistive load bank allows the island to add more solar cells because the load bank moderates the amount of power the island gets by absorbing any extra electricity produced.

Load banks come in many different forms based on the load they apply to the power sources they test. Resistive and reactive load banks are two primary forms. Each of these has its benefits for specific situations. Understand the differences between resistive and reactive load banks to find the best options for running tests on your power sources.

Resistive vs. Reactive Load Banks

Depending on your generators and how you use them, you may need resistive, reactive or both types of load banks. These devices put different kinds of loads on the generators. Resistive models are the most common, while reactive include inductive and capacitive power loads.

1. Resistive Load Bank Uses

Resistive load banks draw power from a generator in the same way lights or appliances would. These testing devices work well with generators used for general power purposes that involve transforming electricity into heat or light. Light bulbs, lamps and space heaters are examples of tools that convert electrical energy into heat.

These types of load banks draw a specified real power load, in kW, on the generator to ensure the operation of the power supply's cooling system, exhaust and engine operation. They do not test the generator for full apparent power in kVA, which is what a reactive load bank tests.

2. Reactive Load Bank Uses

Reactive load banks can simulate inductive loads, often used commercially in construction or in backup power supplies. Inductive loads create a lagging power factor, whereas capacitive loads generate a leading power factor. Of these two types, inductive appears more commonly in objects that turn power into motor operation through magnetism.

For facilities that rely on emergency generators to run equipment for business-critical operations or life support, such as data centers and hospitals, reactive load bank testing is the most effective.

Resistor load banks convert all of the applied electrical energy into heat. Larger kW load banks typically have an integrated blower for cooling. Some load bank designs, such as Duct Mounted, do not have their own cooling system but rather rely on cooling airflow from other sources such as an engine radiator.

Self-contained resistive load banks are commonly found up to 3,000 kW. For full kW load testing, make sure to choose a load bank with a capacity equal to or greater than the power source at the rated output voltage.

How Do Reactive Load Banks Work?

Reactive load banks test the full apparent load in kVA of the power source. Though not as commonly used as resistive load banks, reactive models are part of the testing requirements set out by NFPA 110 for nonunity power factor equipment field or factory acceptance testing.

Unlike resistive loads that generate a power factor of 1.0 and a load of 100%, reactive has a 0.8 power factor with a 75% load. This difference in power factors and loads leads to voltage drops from the generator of 25% more than from the resistive loads. In this way, reactive load banks test for systems that have a sensitivity to voltage dips.

Advantages of Resistive Load Testing

Resistive load testing is very common as it is the most cost-effective way to test a power source. For generators, this method checks the ability of the generator to respond at a full load. With the generator producing full power, you can assess the capability of the mechanism's fuel and cooling systems to operate under the effort.

Resistive load banks also prevent diesel generators from losing efficiency through wet stacking, which happens when unburned fuel clogs up the exhaust system. By putting a higher load on the generator than it typically experiences, a load bank encourages the engine to burn more fuel, reducing the chances of wet stacking.

If the condition has already set in, using a resistive load test at full power can reduce the effects by burning excessive moisture in the engine.

Another benefit of using resistive load banks is they allow the generator to exercise its exhaust system to reach high enough temperatures to properly treat the fumes flowing through it and operate at its peak.

Additionally, resistive load banks can be used to supplement the actual load on a generator to optimize its performance. Often you will find generators operating at 50% loads or lower, which can lead to wet stacking. Resistive load banks with Auto Load Leveling Controls can automatically add and subtract kW to help maintain a minimum load.

Reactive load testing offers some additional benefits that resistive testing cannot and can warrant the extra expense for certain applications.

Advantages of Reactive Load Testing

Reactive load testing more closely replicates the type of load a generator will experience during typical use in kVA and kVAR. It helps evaluates not only transient loads, but also load sharing and alternator capacity.

When doing testing with a reactive load on systems in parallel, you can look for hot spots using an infrared examination of the electrical system. You can also use the load conditions to assess the electrical connections, cables, bus work and other components.

Depending on your equipment, you may need both reactive and resistive load testing. If this is the case, we have models that can fulfill both needs. Should you need a unit with the capabilities of both resistive and reactive testing in a single model, we have a solution for you. These load banks have high capacities up to 1,875 kVA and load up to 1,500 kW. Resistive-reactive models do the job of two load banks in one powerful unit.

An inductive load bank is normally used in conjunction with a resistive unit to provide a lagging power factor load test. This provides the capability to test the generator set fully at 100% nameplate kVA rating. Inductive load banks add inductance to the load and therefore reduce the PF to less than unity (typically 0.8pf on diesel gen-set). Inductive load banks are rated in kilovolt-amperes reactive (kVAr).

A load bank is a device that generates a prescribed amount of electricity draw to test the reliability of electrical switching, generator output, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems and cooling in a data center.

Rack-mount server-simulating load banks discharge heat while consuming power to accurately mimic the load of a server processing a workload. Data centers test cooling and power supply operation with load banks rather than software simulations for more real-world accuracy, such as air-flow blockage in the rack caused by the server-sized load bank, or dust in the air from improper filtration. Avtron, ComRent and Mosebach are server simulator load bank manufacturers.

A load bank test simulates real operation by applying the load in situ, with real temperatures and relative humidity, but it is not an exact reproduction. The load bank only draws power (current and voltage) to test the infrastructure, and then dissipates it safely as heat.

Load banks are either portable or fixed. Fixed load banks suit outdoor use, while portable load banks can move around the data center and between sites to test specific power setups.

Load banks cannot mimic the random peaks and lulls of real data center equipment power usage, but they can approximate the equipment's requirements in a controlled setting with high levels of accuracy.

Load testing should be included on UPS maintenance schedules. Capacitive load banks, or capacitor banks, commonly test UPS and other electronic loads by creating a leading power factor. Some power supply vendors, such as Emerson Network Power and Power Systems Specialists, offer load bank testing as a service.

Inductive load banks, by contrast, create a lagging power factor. The third common load bank type is resistive, with a lagging power factor. Resistive load banks, used frequently for industrial purposes, provide equivalent loading on the generator, and are usually portable.

Look for headbands in darker colors and more sophisticated prints ( likes leopard or snakeskin).

Interesting textures can be quite sophisticated too.

Thinner, finer plastic headbands tend to look chic as they are more subtle.

Vintage headbands with a twist knot are trending and can be a playful fashion statement.

A casual headband ( typically a brighter color) usually says “preppy.” Make sure your outfit is also casual to work with this look.

Anything with a traditional bow is very tricky and in most cases are not age-appropriate

Scarves tied as headbands are an excellent way to keep your hair back and will give you a boho-chic vibe

Avoid any kind of headband that looks like something you’d see a 7-year-old wearing

I'm glad you brought this up since headbands have been so popular lately. They can certainly be a good thing to wear when transitioning from one style to another. A headband is great for accentuating bangs. It can flaunt a pixie cut, or show off longer locks quite nicely too. A headband can even become part of your signature style.

The problem with wearing a headband after 40 is you can come across looking too girly and juvenile. Up until now, there hasn’t been a wide variety of headband styles, and the majority of headbands out there were sweet and childlike. Now that's changed.

I think headbands can be fine at any age, but as a mature woman, I'd steer clear of headbands with flowers, floppy bows, and sparkly little girl styles. Think classy, less cutesy when choosing a headband. This fine resin headband is more elegant.

What 2021 hair trends should you know about? Despite the rollercoaster of a year that 2020 was, there's no denying that it was certainly memorable. And while a lot of those memories might have been made at home, that doesn't mean there weren't any good times. Still, 2021 is on track to be much better than the previous year, and that means there are new and exciting trends to look forward to.

Sure, you might have lived in the same pair of sweatpants for a while, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with your hair and makeup. Try a new smokey eye for that Zoom meeting, or just go for it and trim your hair for a wild and crazy Friday night!

Despite the fact that no one knows exactly what 2021 will hold, there will certainly be some hair trends you should know about in the coming year. After all, if you are stuck at home more, why not learn new styles and looks to rock once you finally get to leave the house?

If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that high-maintenance hairstyles and colors are so not worth it. Sure, you could style your hair every day, but what's the point? If you aren't naturally gifted at twisting your hair into fancy and complicated styles, then why force yourself to?

That's one reason many people will be leaning towards a more natural, easy to maintain hair color for 2021, says colorist Richy Kandasamy. "For a lot of clients, this has been a positive reset and they want to embrace their natural hair color or stay as close to their natural color as possible," they told Harper's Bazaar.

In the same vein, natural styles and trends will be all the rage as well, as noted by Oribe Principal Educator of Content and Training Kien Hoang. "I'm predicting that spring 2021 will go towards a '90s feel with more lived-in looks," they shared. So, if you don't like trying to pull off the latest hair trends, 2021 might just be your year because natural and lived-in looks will be huge.

Scrunchies are back in a big way and I'm loving it. Not only because it takes me back to my childhood (dating myself here), but because scrunchies are really good for your hair! So let's talk scrunchies today. Some of the benefits and then I'll show you some of my favorite new scrunchies I've been wearing lately.

1. Scrunchies Are Good for Your Hair.

They won't cause breakage.

The layer of fabric around the elastic band means that your hair won’t get tangled and knotted with a scrunchie. I have used good hair ties and no matter what they always pull my hair out. The same goes for my daughter. Trying to take a hair tie out of a 2 year old’s hair is not easy and the hair ties always have hair stuck to it when I remove them. A scrunchie won't do that.

The fabric should be soft and it will glide over the strands and not pull and tug.

They won't leave kinks.

My hair ties always leave kinks in my hair. Especially because I sleep with them on. I wake up every day with a kink and a strange wave in my hair. Scrunchies won't do that.

They are so soft and gentle on your hair strands and they shouldn't leave deep kinks in your hair that are difficult to get out the next day.

2. Scrunchies are Fashionable and Stylish.

Scrunchies are a true accessory. With all the fun patterns and fabrics, you can change up your look so easily by switching them out. I love all the different patterns and textures that are available now.

They make a statement and depending on the pattern you choose can really dress up an outfit! Just like handbags and shoes they can really add to a look.

3. Scrunchies Are So Much Prettier Than A Hair Tie.

A hair tie just isn't very noticeable and blends in with your hair. Scrunchies makes a statement… AND wearing them on your wrist is like wearing a bracelet because they are so pretty!!

I don't know about you, but I am the worst about leaving a black hair band on my wrist. I'm shocked I made it down the aisle without it on my wrist!! The scrunchie will look pretty on your wrist and it won’t leave an indentation!

If you’re thinking a few weeks ahead about what you’ll wear to the numerous holiday parties that you have pending invitations to, don’t forget to include a festive hair accessory to complete the look. Most other months in the year don’t call for sparkly berets and bedazzled headbands, but November through December is your opportunity to pull out all the stops with preppy glam holiday looks. Even if preppy is not your style, there is a holiday hair accessory to match every aesthetic — opt for a sleek bucket hat instead or even a subtle hair pin that’s nearly undetectable, but still adds a bit of shine to your look.

Below, see 10 holiday hair accessories that guarantee you’ll be the hottie at every holiday party — or just around the family dinner table.

We all love our hair, don't we? It's what gives us character. You might be the type of person who spends hours upon hours each week taking good care of your precious tresses with all the right conditioners and serums, so why spoil all your hard work with the wrong accessories? Indeed, there are many things we should banish from our hair routine. Some may even surprise you.

Taking care of your hair is not a simple task, of course, and using accessories will make things just a little bit easier. However, habits such as using a rough towel to rub at your hair and scalp as soon as you get out of the shower is a bad way to start with proper haircare. Reduce the damage done! Discover 10 accessories you need to banish from your life if you want to have beautiful hair!

Straw hats, in particular, should be avoided, as your hair can get caught in between the gaps in the material and you may suffer from hair loss due to this. In general, hats can make your scalp accumulate grease faster as it prevents sufficient airflow and breathability.

Clothing with embellishments such as sequins will create friction when your hair is let down and loose. This can promote the appearance of split-ends. Be careful of ornamentation such as pearls, glitter, and coarse fabrics. Your hair may cling to these.

Pay close attention to the quality of the hairpins you use. To make sure they don't end up damaging your hair, ensure that they have a plastic end cap and that they are protected by a film so they don't end up tugging and clamping on your strands. If this is the case, you should throw them away and find better ones.

Bristles made of plastic can irritate your scalp and cause unwanted static. Swap them out with ones that have bristles made of natural materials such as wild boar hair.

I believe I was destined to become a Podiatrist from a young age, because one of my favourite days of the summer holidays would be when Mum would take my brother, sister and I school shoe shopping! Having gone to a primary school where we wore black leather school shoes four days a week, it was important that we were 100% satisfied with the comfort and fit before purchasing.

Personally, I think there are many advantages to a uniform policy that requires wearing school shoes. I like the idea of all students looking the same, and not feeling embarrassed that they don't have the latest sports shoe. A simple black or brown school shoe puts all children on an equal playing field and prepares primary school aged children for the likely high school regulations and then even into working life.

School shoes can be regularly maintained for extra life, such as using a polish to reduce scuffs, replacing frayed laces, having a Cobbler repair soles and even replacing the sock liner. Allowing your child to participate in regular polishing and caring for school shoes fosters a sense of responsibility for their own property and promotes sustainability.

School shoes are often made with a variety of fasteners such as laces, Velcro or buckles. This creates options for children of varying ages and abilities to independently apply their own footwear. Children can progress through fastener options as their fine motor skills improve over time.

Appropriate school shoes can also help protect children's feet from the elements, a covered in leather shoe is protective against the cold and rain, a solid grip on wet ground and a quality leather allows breathability on a hot day. A thick sturdy sole protects our kids' feet should they step on something sharp and covered in style reduces the risk of foreign objects such as gravel or tanbark ending up inside the shoe.

The benefits of quality school shoes are endless, but in my opinion the dominating factor is how comfort can improve mood, concentration and ability to learn in the classroom.

Researching which school shoes to buy can leave parents feeling like they're failing at comprehension. Why are some so expensive? Are the cheaper ones OK? Buckles, Velcro or laces? And why-in-the-name-of-all-that's-holy do my kids wear them out so quickly?

It's an annual dilemma for parents of school-aged children (and sometimes a biannual dilemma if they have a growth spurt) – and it can be a costly decision to get wrong.

The bones in young children's feet don't fuse together until puberty. This means their feet can lack muscle strength and be prone to hypermobility, which is why they need firm, supportive shoes to help protect them while they're growing.

"A good school shoe provides a stable home for immature bones," says Charlotte Bodell, a podiatrist and spokesperson for the Australian Podiatry Association.

"Without that support, children are in danger of developing flat feet, sore knees, shin splints and even back pain. A good shoe that fits properly is important."

Bodell adds that good footwear alone isn't enough. "It's also important for children to carry out regular daily exercise to keep their feet and lower limbs strong and healthy," she says.

Size check

Kids' feet grow quickly and can change shape as well as size. Experts recommend doing a size check at these intervals:

• One to three months up to the age of three years.

• Every four months up to the age of five.

• Every six months until your child stops growing completely.

How to measure your child's feet at home

Whether you're minimising shopping trips because of COVID-19, or you can't get to a shoe store, there are ways to measure your child's feet at home so you know which size to choose.

Clarks sells an at-home foot gauge, which you can use to measure the length and width of your child's feet, and to calculate the right shoe size.

Williams offers an online measure and fit service called Strutfit. This guides you through the process of taking pictures of your child's feet to be uploaded and analysed. It will then recommend a size.

DIY foot measurements

Alternatively, you can follow this general step-by-step guide to measuring your child's foot, then use those measurements to find the right size shoe for whichever brand you're interested in. (Most stores will have a size guide on their website.)

Until recent times, footwear made for children generally mimicked the idiosyncratic styles of the adults of their time and place (taking into account the special characteristics of the feet of infants and young children). It was not until the twentieth century that footwear highly divergent from the dominant adult prototype evolved specifically for children. However, in premodern times there were some circumstances concerning children's footwear that are of historical interest.

Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, sandals and slipper-like shoes predominated for both children and adults. Boys were "sandaled" around the age of seven when they first left their homes for school, a rite of passage similar to a boy's receiving his first pair of breeches in later eras. Young girls making their first departure from home, which took place with the girl's marriage shortly after reaching biological adulthood, also went to the shoemaker's for their first pair of sandals. A survey of Tanagra terra-cotta figures from the first half of the third century B.C.E. suggests that young children, perhaps specifically girls, wore slippers before their official departure from family life. There is much debate surrounding the question when and if children in ancient times were shod.

Nineteenth Century

Baby Booties

In the nineteenth century as the making of shoes became more systematic, particularly in New England, evidence emerges of the development of particular styles of shoes for children. The Reverend Richard Manning Chipman noted, for example, that "cack" was a specific term developed in Massachusetts around the year 1820 for a baby's soft leather-soled heelless shoe. On the other hand, the Oxford English Dictionary discloses that the word "bootee" or "bootie" did not occur in popular English usage as a description of infant's shoes until its appearance in a Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog in 1929.

Throughout the nineteenth century, periodicals encouraged women to try their hands at creating shoes for their young children. Patterns appeared in Godey's Ladies' Book (1830-1898), and Peterson's Magazine (begun 1842). In the anonymously written The Workwoman's Guide (1838), the author gives patterns and sewing directions for baby's first and second pair of shoes, as well as a pair made of ticking material (A Lady, pp. 173, 174). One hundred and fifty years after Monsieur Rousseau encouraged the possibility of childlike-children, footwear began to be developed specifically for them, albeit in the form of variations on already existing adult shoes. In 1890, George Warren Brown opened the Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis, Missouri, but it was not until the 1904 World's Fair that his variation on the Oxford tie for boys came into its own. In that year a young executive from Brown's company met artist Richard F. Outcault and the "Buster Brown" shoe was born. Of equal importance is Buster's sister "Mary Jane" who gave her name to the ubiquitous girl's low-strapped shoes.

White sneakers are definitely a must-have in every girl's wardrobe because it's extremely versatile and can match with almost any kind of outfit.

Plus, sneakers are just so comfortable and if high heels are not your kind of thing, it won't hurt to perhaps have more than one pair of white shoes in your collection!

While white sneakers are a dime a dozen, here are some classic ones that every girl must own.

When little boys get into their first superhero costume, magic occurs. They know they have super powers. They think they can fly, bend steel and outrun the wind. A few years later, when it dawns on boys that maybe their Batman capes don’t give them these powers, they seek out something else. Sneakers.

A boy's love affair with his “kicks” is intense. If you’ve ever seen a boy lace up his new sneakers (that word moms usually use) and run around the shoe store, you know what I mean. In the right pair, boys believe they will jump higher and run faster. You can see it in the gleam in their eyes—they are invincible.

But there's nothing new about shoes being a big deal for boys. From Vans to PF Flyers to Chuck Taylors (“Chucks”), shoes matter. The love of kicks is deep. And for this generation of boys, it's basketball shoes.

The first Air Jordans came onto the market in 1985, right after Michael Jordan first laced up those black-and-red shoes to match the colors of the Chicago Bulls. David Stern, the NBA commissioner at the time, fined Jordan five thousand dollars each time he stepped out on the court because his shoes didn’t have enough white on them. There was nothing David Stern could have done to make Michael Jordan or his shoes look cooler. Jordan was breaking the rules and he looked good doing it.

But why else are shoes such a big deal for boys?

Shoes are the fashion choice that all boys can participate in without being teased. When you go with your son to a store like Foot Locker and the salesperson in that black-and-white striped shirt comes over to your son, what does he ask? Does he ask what size shoe your son wears? No. The smart ones say, “Hey, man, what are your colors?” What other article of clothing could that happen with? Where else could that question be asked without drawing embarrassment from your kid?

The last time I went with my sons, I had a hard time holding back my laughter as I listened to their intense discussion with the salesman. I watched them wander in front of the wall of shoes, saw their intense gaze and subsequent handling of the shoes while they each stared off visualizing their future greatness on the basketball court. The entire thing was completely ridiculous—a fact that I kept to myself.

What isn’t ridiculous and what parents need to be very aware of, is that shoes are a huge indicator among boys about status and money. The shoes boys most covet are heavily marketed to them and extremely expensive. (Nike Kobes are about $170 and LeBrons can go up to $250.) If parents are willing to pay for them, that says a lot about how they’re buying into the marketing campaigns that are targeting our boys and, by extension, our wallets.

Also keep in mind that boys often have judgments about who has the right to wear these shoes. As in, if you wear them but you can’t hold your own athletically, boys are going to make fun of you to your face or ridicule you behind your back.

I am writing about this to suggest that when your son is begging for new shoes and spends hours looking at his various options online, don’t make fun of him or belittle his apparent superficiality. Instead, see this an opportunity to talk about financial responsibility and perception of his image. Tell him how much you are willing to spend. If he still insists that he has to get expensive shoes, tell him he has to use his savings or work to pay for the rest. Then ask him how he thinks his life will be better if he has the shoes he covets and really listen to his answers, because he is giving you a window into his world.