Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Dr. Martens Gives Tape Backups the Boot for Disk-Based Data


Iomega, San Diego, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC) and a global leader in data protection, has announced that Dr. Martens a shoe purveyor to the young and restless as well as many of the rest of us, has deployed Iomega StorCenter, desktop NAS servers to take data protection and disaster recovery to the next level while slashing the time and effort required to safeguard a fast-growing virtualized VMwareA[R] environment.


According to Shaun Guanco, system administrator for Dr. Martens Airwair LLC, restoring files from tapes could take hours. In some cases, the company was forced to revert to a previous week's backup, which did not contain the most up-to-date data. As a result, Dr. Martens sought a fast, simple and flexible HDD-based replacement to its legacy tape solution. "We wanted to accelerate overall backups and restores but it had to be straightforward because I'm a 'one-man show' with a small team and no time for a big learning curve," he explains. "The new platform also had to be flexible enough to work well in our heavily virtualized environment."The Dr. Martens IT team in the Portland, Oregon offices immediately took advantage of the advanced features of the StorCenter ix4-200d, including multiple RAID configurations and iSCSI block-level access, ensured elevated reliability and flexibility. Thanks to the device's simple set-up, Guanco had the StorCenter ix4-200d up and running in "four clicks."EMC Corporation is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service. Fundamental to this transformation is cloud computing.Iomega is a worldwide leader of innovative storage solutions for small businesses, distributed enterprises, home offices, and consumers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of EMC, the world's premier information infrastructure technology provider, Iomega has shipped more than 14 million terabytes of storage since its inception in 1980. Today, Iomega's portfolio includes industry-leading network attached storage solutions that utilize world class EMC storage and security technologies as well as Iomega's Personal Cloud technology; one of the industry's broadest selections of portable and desktop hard drives; multimedia drives that make it easy to view video and Internet content in the living room; and the one-of-a-kind Iomega SuperHero, Backup & Charger for iPhone.For more information about Iomega network storage products, please go to http://www.iomega.com/nas.> *About EMC*Dr. Martens also plans to leverage the Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d's robust, reliable performance and iSCSI connectivity to expand its reach within the organization. Additionally, the fact that the StorCenter ix4-200d is the first NAS server in its class to be VMware certified gives the company an easy and highly cost-effective replacement for its aging IBM SAN. "The Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d is exactly what I was looking for," concludes Guanco. "This highly functional NAS platform has exceeded my expectations in terms of supporting disk-based backup, recovery and disaster recovery. I'm looking forward to additional uses in the future."Available in double-, quad- and six-bay desktop versions, as well as rackmount array models, Iomega StorCenter network storage products provide simple solutions to protect, manage and share critical information for small- to medium-sized businesses, remote offices, and distributed workgroup environments.*Iomega StorCenter Network Storage Products**About Iomega*For more information, visit http://www.iomega.com or call 858/314-7148.Dr. Martens has taken advantage of its Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d units to perform faster, flawless backups. Company files can now be restored in about two minutes, Guanco reports, a big improvement over the four or more hours previously required and a reason for celebration among the IT team members and other subsidiary employees. "Backups and recoveries are a dream now," adds Guanco. "I'm able to keep 30 days of data on disk, which means we can respond more efficiently to an employee's restore requests."For more information, visit http://www.emc.com.*Iomega StorCenter Network Storage Devices: Ideal for SMB and Remote Offices*The UK-based shoe company, a pop culture favorite well known around the globe for its cushioned air sole and fashion-forward designs, relies on Iomega network storage solutions to ensure optimum data availability for 150 employees at its Portland, Oregon-based subsidiary, Dr. Martens Airwair LLC. A five-person IT team chose the Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d NAS, a compact four-bay desktop server, after encountering persistent performance problems with tape-based backup and recovery, which was cumbersome, time consuming and unreliable. There was also growing concern on the IT team about the company's ability to access its VMware environment fast enough in a disaster recovery situation.*Faster Backups & Restores, Improved Disaster Recovery*Among Dr. Martens' top selection criteria for a new data backup and recovery installation was the need for straightforward operation that could be handled by anyone on Guanco's IT team. Guanco also wanted a desktop solution that could be easily removed from the office and taken to an offsite location in the event of a local or regional disaster. To fortify the company's disaster recovery plan, replication functionality was required so vital files and databases could be copied easily.With assistance from reseller PC Connection, Dr. Martens chose Iomega StorCenter ix4d NAS Servers with 12TBs* of capacity each and a complement of standard and advanced data storage and protection features. Ideally suited for small businesses and remote offices, the Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d offered Dr. Martens robust and affordable network storage with fast data throughput and simple operation for file sharing and backup. The portable desktop system came with a data replication function that made it easy to copy files to and from the device to another NAS device, network share or USB-attached storage system.Another plus is the fortified data protection provided by Iomega's Personal Cloud technology, which enables straightforward device-to-device data replication, allowing Dr. Martens to effortlessly copy backup files from one Iomega StorCenter ix4-200d to another located offsite for heightened data protection.Built with EMC's world-class enterprise storage, security and cloud technologies, the Iomega StorCenter product family incorporates not only fundamental but advanced features, many not previously affordable for smaller enterprises. Iomega StorCenter products range in storage capacity from 1TB to 24TB, and support PC, MacA[R] and LinuxA[R] environments.

For more information, visit http://www.iomega.com or call 858/314-7148.




Closet Organizers - Ending Your Storage Nightmare


A closet organizer system can bring order to a messy closet, providing dedicated storage spaces and compartments for all kinds of clothing and shoes, helping you to sort out your clutter and stay organized! Closet organizers are the perfect solution for those of us suffering with untidy closets that sometimes seem like they're bursting at the seams. With a well-designed combination of hanging space, shelving and shoe storage, a closet organizer can help you make better use of the limited space available in your bedroom closet, so you should always be able to find that favorite outfit, without having to rummage around in a pile of crumpled clothes!


If the mess in your closet is getting you down and you're tired of being unable to find what you want to wear, then how about you get organized? Closet organizers are easy to install, and once in place your new organized storage system can transform a chaotic closet into an oasis of neatness! A closet organizer really can make a difference and help stop the clutter piling up in the future. What are you waiting for - start getting organized today!

If the mess in your closet is getting you down and you're tired of being unable to find what you want to wear, then how about you get organized? Closet organizers are easy to install, and once in place your new organized storage system can transform a chaotic closet into an oasis of neatness! A closet organizer really can make a difference and help stop the clutter piling up in the future. What are you waiting for - start getting organized today!




Friday, August 19, 2011

Safety First: Toluene First Aid, Correct Operating And Correct Storage Procedures


Toluene is a common compound widely used in many industries as a solvent in paints, lacquers, glues and explosives. Household items such as nail polish, inks, glues, and stain removers all contain toluene. Toluene is also present in cigarette smoke and car exhaust but it occurs as a natural component of crude oil and can be extracted from a native Colombian balsam tree.


Use only non-igniting ventilation systems, standard explosion-proof equipment, and safe electrical systems. Proper labeling of containers, chemicals and other items must also be practiced so that workers can easily identify the chemicals. Since toluene presents a confined space hazard, regular air monitoring should be in place to determine if there is proper ventilation.What should you do when an accident happens in the workplace?Safety always comes first and employees must be empowered with the right knowledge and proper training to be able to deal with hazardous chemicals such as toluene with as few risks as possible.Even with strict safety policies in place, there is always that small possibility for the inevitable, an accident. It is very important that workers know what to do when an accident occurs. It must be an inherent concept of the company�s standard safety operating procedures that workers are given first aid seminar on toluene along with other hazardous chemicals.One of the first things you should do when handling toluene is to be properly fitted out with your personal protective equipment including protective goggles and gloves. A whole face mask is even recommended to avoid possible splashes.Never use or handle toluene along with incompatible materials unless absolutely necessary and when you do, make sure you carry out all the precautionary measures. Again, it cannot be helped but overemphasize the need for the workers to be properly trained at handling hazardous chemicals.It is highly flammable, reacts easily with strong oxidizers and acids (nitric and sulfuric) and can cause damage to some forms of rubber, plastics, and coatings. When inhaled, ingested or come into contact with significant levels of toluene, the patient can experience dizziness, nausea, headache, stomach spasms when swallowed and itching and redness when it comes in contact with the skin.Toluene safety largely depends on how you store it. In ordinary circumstances, it is a fairly stable compound. However, when there are improper storage conditions there is a high risk for accidents. To decrease fire hazard, think about using an inert gas in the container or storage vessel for toluene.When inhaled, patient must be moved to the open for fresh air or if there is a need for artificial respiration then by all means do so and call the doctor first thing. Do not induce vomiting when toluene is ingested and instead give the patient lots of water to drink. If the victim is throwing up, keep the head below hips to avoid aspiration into the lungs. For skin and eye contact, immediately flush affected area with plenty of water for 15 minutes. For all these instances, get medical attention right away.What should you do to ensure proper toluene storage conditions?As toluene is highly flammable although normally it is a stable compound, you should avoid the following conditions when handling toluene: sparks, electrostatic discharge, heat, open flames, and other ignition sources. It is also a confined space hazard, meaning that a leak in a closed area is very dangerous and there should be proper ventilation of your working space.Toluene reacts readily with air and can be broken down to its component substances and compounds easily. However, when accidental spills of toluene occur on the ground, there is a huge possibility that it will leach into the soil and into the groundwater.

Safety always comes first and employees must be empowered with the right knowledge and proper training to be able to deal with hazardous chemicals such as toluene with as few risks as possible.




Author: Jo Alelsto


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Home Organization Tips for Successful Spring Cleaning


Spring is just around the corner, and this is the best time to begin the process of cleaning and organizing your home. The time to embark on the annual adventure of spring-cleaning is here, and this time, come up with a method that makes it easier to keep you home clean. Creating a system of organization and cleaning that lasts through the year is a frequent goal of spring-cleaning. However, cutting through the clutter can be tedious and time-consuming task and getting started can be the most difficult part. If the job is completed correctly, the results are well worth the effort and the process is very rewarding. You should clean one room at a time but it is important to devise a strategy for before beginning.


If clutter in the pantry or cabinets is excessive, try investing in some storage devices. Fold out spice racks can contain all of your spices while taking up little space. Hanging holders for plastic wrap, aluminum foil and wax paper come in many varieties. They are also a very handy way to take care of those items. You may also need to spend money on organizational products in order to achieve the desired results.You may also want to consider cleaning out your refrigerator. This is an important step in the cleaning process because you remove the potential for molds and bacteria to grow in this refrigerator. Do not be afraid to throw something out or give it away. If you have not used a pot or pan for a few years, give it to somebody who can put it to good use. There is no reason for it to take up space in your kitchen if you do not plan to use it.Organizing your living room is different from the rest of the house because you need to have a flexible set-up that can easily adapt to a variety of circumstances. Since the living room is used for such a wide variety of purposes, organizational systems often fall apart. Magazines are always all over the place, newspapers can cover the entire coffee table, and DVDs are scattered all throughout. This is a common occurrence no matter what your organizational system is. The reason for this is simple; this room is a comfortable area that is used often. A DVD case can easily end up anywhere in this room and the same goes for books, magazines and other commonly used items. However, with a good organizational system, all of this can be avoided. Leave extra space available in the living room for storage purposes. You can have a drawer or two devoted to holding your miscellaneous items.Often, the best way to put something together well is to take it apart. If you really want to create a new organizational system that works, you can begin by removing everything from the first room. Go room by room, tackling one at a time. Empty cupboards, clear out bureaus, clean out your desk and remove clutter from the closets. Each room presents its own difficulties, and you may need a slightly different strategy for each room. The kitchen can be one of the most difficult rooms to organize and clean properly.Once these three rooms are settled, the rest of the house should not be as challenging. The office is similar to the living room. The dining room should be should be easy as well. With a good plan, spring-cleaning can be a rewarding, worthwhile venture. Go into your project for this year with confidence and optimism, and in the end, things are likely to come together.When beginning to clean your kitchen, it is good to start by clearing out your cupboards. A precise inventory is crucial to getting a good system in place. Separate your items based on how they are used, the frequency of use, and their size. Put things back into place based on these factors. Take into account how your kitchen is used before compiling an organizational plan.

Once these three rooms are settled, the rest of the house should not be as challenging. The office is similar to the living room. The dining room should be should be easy as well. With a good plan, spring-cleaning can be a rewarding, worthwhile venture. Go into your project for this year with confidence and optimism, and in the end, things are likely to come together.




Author: Nick Kakolowski


History of Shoes


The earliest footwear was essentially sandal like. It was meant to insulate human feet against the hard, spiky and jaggy surface, snow bound areas like Alaska and blistering hot areas in Middle East.


The former First Lady Imelda Marcos of Philippines had around 3,400 pairs of shoes when she fled to Hawaii following the People's Power Revolution in 1986.Different kinds of shoesThe earliest sports shoes called Pedila were worn by the sports loving Greeks in Homer�s time in 1000-700 BC. Sports shoes have to be specially designed using different materials to provide comfort and prevent injury. They are designed keeping in view the guidelines fixed by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.Beginning twelfth century, European peasants started wearing sabot, a shoe made of single piece of wood following the example of the Dutch. In England, the sabot was improved upon by clog which had an upper made of fabric while the sole remained wooden.Some shoes are made by combining both the methods. A shoe like this may be a slip-lasted in the front and board-lasted in the back. They provide very good heel control and remain quite flexible as well. They are good for a wide variety of foot types.Starting 14th century, BC shoes were made by hand using tools used in Egypt such as curved awl, scraper and the chisel-type knife. Later on tools like pincers, hammer, lapstones and a variety of rubbing sticks were also used.The first industrial unit to mechanise the shoe production was set up in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1760. Jan Matzeliger, a native of Dutch Guiana who immigrated to United States in 1870 helped revolutionize the shoe industry by developing a shoe lasting machine that could attach a sole to the shoe in just one minute. Unfortunately he died a poor man in Lynn, Massachusetts.Here are two interesting pieces on shoes:The French aristocracy introduced pointed shoes, which were designed by Count of Anjou who in fact wanted to hide his own deformed feet. Aristocratic French women started wearing high-heeled shoes in sixteenth century, which led to the introduction of the phrase well-heeled meaning rich women.Aerobic shoes need to be lightweight to allow for aerobic conditioning, shock absorption in the sole beneath the ball of the foot to prevent the foot fatigue and stress.Walking shoesAerobic ShoesSports shoes have, since 1960s, been generally made in all-purpose sneaker design though there is an overwhelming choice in sneaker type sports shoes.A board-lasted shoe has �upper� leather or canvas that is sewn to a cardboard like material. It provides more support and control to players with flat feet.The largest shoe size of 37 was worn by Robert Wadlow, who was the world's tallest man at 8' 11".Running shoesSlip-lasted shoes are made by stitching the upper part like a moccasin and gluing it with the sole. This method makes for lightweight and flexible shoes with no torsion rigidity.Sports shoesThe oldest surviving pair of shoes is a pair of sandals from California that date to 9,000 years. They are simple sandals made of plant fibres. In the Middle Ages, people wrapped a single piece of hide around the feet and tied it with a leather thong.Running shoes are designed to provide more cushioning impact, shock absorption and heel control to the runners and joggers They are designed to prevent shin splints, tendonitis, heel pain, stress fractures and other overuse syndromes.

Aerobic shoes need to be lightweight to allow for aerobic conditioning, shock absorption in the sole beneath the ball of the foot to prevent the foot fatigue and stress.




Author: Jeff Johnson


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Taming Of The Tools


Oh tools of mine you cut divine,


The 59-year-old Utah company provides parts and remanufactures tractor and trailer brake shoes. Its new Idaho locations -- Twin Falls, Paul and Pocatello -- boosts the number of locations to 11 in Utah, Idaho, North Carolina and New Mexico.And don't forget to have a great ride!Ideally you should take a lesson from your farrier or trainer before attempting to put studs in yourself. Make sure you and your horse practice at home, until you can put them in and take them out easily, before using them at a competition.HINT: Self-tapping studs are a new option where the stud has a special thread that will clean the threads on your horse's shoes as you insert it. Because they are new, these studs are more expensive than traditional studs, but as long as you don't lose them, they could be a great timesaving investment.� A selection of studs. Remember that depending on the footing, you might not use the same studs on the inside and outside of your horse's shoes, or you could use different studs on the front than the back shoes (there is more on this subject at our website http://www.studsandstuff.com ).Your Stud "Toolkit"� NEVER put yourself in a position where a horse with studs in can step on you. It is very easy to break a toe this way, even in riding boots.

I would love to see your creative storage solutions post a picture to our layout gallery showing your favorite, functional piece.




Author: Tina Parker


Page Brake buys land in S.L. and at 3 sites in Idaho cities


Automotive and truck parts and remanufacturing company Page Brake has purchased 6.5 acres in Salt Lake City for a new warehouse and three new locations in Idaho.


Then (unless you are using self-tapping studs) you will need to tap the stud hole with a Safety Tap or Tee Tap. Unless you have a very quiet, experienced horse and are experienced with studs, we recommend using a Safety Tap. Basically, you will place the end of the Tap into the stud hole and screw it into the hole. Another benefit of a Safety Tap is that you can't screw the Tap in too far and potentially bruise your horse's hoof, which is possible with a Tee Tap.

The 59-year-old Utah company provides parts and remanufactures tractor and trailer brake shoes. Its new Idaho locations -- Twin Falls, Paul and Pocatello -- boosts the number of locations to 11 in Utah, Idaho, North Carolina and New Mexico.