This is one one my favourite pasta dishes. It is very quick to prepare and it can be on the table in less than half an hour.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound of fettuccine
* 10 oz can whole baby clams with juice
* 6 Roma tomatoes - pealed and diced
* pinch red chili flakes or to taste
* 3 cloves of minced garlic
* 4 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil
* salt and black pepper to taste
* ½ cup chopped fresh basil
* ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add one tablespoon of salt and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
2. While water is coming to a boil and pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil and saute the garlic.
4. Add a pinch of hot red pepper flakes.
5. When the garlic has softened, drain the liquid from the clams into the skillet.
6. Increase the heat to evaporate most of the liquid. Stir frequently for about 4 minutes until the liquid starts to froth.
7. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes on high heat to reduce and intensify sauce. Add the clams and cook for another 2 minutes.
8. When the pasta is very al dente (about 2 minutes less than the package instructions), reserve one cup of the pasta water and drain.
9. Add the drained pasta to the skillet containing the clams and continue to cook, stirring frequently.
10. Add enough of the reserved pasta water to the pasta to obtain the desired consistency and continue tossing until the pasta is cooked.
4. Transfer the pasta to a serving platter and toss with the chopped basil and parsley.
Serves 4
The Five Minutes Management Course
I obtained these jokes via E-mail from my brother Peter.
Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob , the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel..' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob , after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch'
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE
Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob , the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel..' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob , after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch'
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSE
Hyperlinks
A hyperlink is an icon, graphic, or word in a file that, when clicked with the mouse, opens another file for viewing or takes the user to another location in the file. Web Pages often include hyperlinks (often called simply Links) to other pages at the same or another Web Site.
GPS System
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS is a precise satellite-based navigation and location system. It was developed for U.S. military use to enable all elements of the military (planes, ships, submarines, tanks and ground forces) to know their position precisely and instantaneously, anytime and anywhere on the earth's surface. With a GPS receiver you can quickly and accurately determine the latitude, longitude and altitude of a point on or above Earth's surface. A single GPS receiver can find its own position in seconds from GPS satellite signals.
The GPS system consists of more than 24 communication satellites constantly orbiting the earth at an average altitude of 20,000 kilometers. They are scattered on 6 equally spaced orbital planes. They transmit signals globally around the clock. As a result, at least three satellites are always visible at anytime from anyplace on the surface of the earth. Each satellite emits a coded signal, which contains essential GPS Navigation/GPS Location information - like its position and the exact timing of the signal emission to earth. Therefore, only a simple receiver is needed to measure the elapsed time between emission and reception of the signal. The satellite to station distance is simply calculated from this travel time.
Three different measurements made on three different satellites give the three distances needed to determine the three coordinates of the location of the receiver; latitude, longitude, and altitude. This type of measurement is known as "pseudo-range" measurements in GPS jargon. Every satellite emits two types of pseudo-ranges: A precise code (P code) which enables a position precision of around 10 meters and a coarse code (C/A code) which allows a precision of around 100 meters. The precise code is encrypted and restricted to the U.S. military receivers. Civilian applications are based on the pseudo-ranges measurements is this of the C/A code. However, even using the C/A, incredibly precise location positions are possible for every day use.
GPS Navigation Systems
There are three main types of GPS devices available for consumer and commercial use:
• GPS Navigation
• GPS Tracking
• GPS Location.
1. GPS Navigation is used to help you see where YOU are right now, and to help you get from Point A to Point B. There are numerous devices made for GPS Navigation, from hand-held units, to those that are installed in cars and commercial vehicles. These are basically mapping systems that offer integrated cartographic databases (also known as base maps), allowing users to locate a point on a map and define it as a waypoint. Some GPS systems intended for automobile navigation can generate a suggested driving route between two waypoints, based on the cartographic database. As one drives along the route, the system indicates the driver's current location and gives advance notice of upcoming turns. The best of these systems can take into account traffic restrictions such as one-way streets and intersections where left or right turns are prohibited when computing the suggested driving route.
2. GPS Tracking is used to precisely record a log of all vehicle (or personal) activity and travel over an extended period of time. GPS Tracking is useful in eliminating time-consuming and poor quality vehicle use logs; as well as, increase productivity, and accountability, by maximizing business use of your vehicles, while decreasing or eliminating personal use. They are also great to keep track of where the kids have been. The best units provide second by second tracking for the highest accuracy of position AND speed traveled, while having built-in motion sensors so data is only collected during actual travel allowing for much longer recording.
3. GPS Location is used to provide Real-Time positioning of a vehicle or the GPS device, so you know where it is right now. These usually provide minimal tracking capability or none at all, and are not a replacement for GPS Tracking. GPS Location is mostly used for fleet vehicles, emergency location positioning, or as an aid in recovery of a vehicle or asset. GPS Location involves "Pinging" the device via satellite or by cell phone, and having it "phone" home with its current position via satellite cellular technology. This means that there is a recurring cost for GPS Location that does not usually apply to GPS Tracking.
GPS is a precise satellite-based navigation and location system. It was developed for U.S. military use to enable all elements of the military (planes, ships, submarines, tanks and ground forces) to know their position precisely and instantaneously, anytime and anywhere on the earth's surface. With a GPS receiver you can quickly and accurately determine the latitude, longitude and altitude of a point on or above Earth's surface. A single GPS receiver can find its own position in seconds from GPS satellite signals.
The GPS system consists of more than 24 communication satellites constantly orbiting the earth at an average altitude of 20,000 kilometers. They are scattered on 6 equally spaced orbital planes. They transmit signals globally around the clock. As a result, at least three satellites are always visible at anytime from anyplace on the surface of the earth. Each satellite emits a coded signal, which contains essential GPS Navigation/GPS Location information - like its position and the exact timing of the signal emission to earth. Therefore, only a simple receiver is needed to measure the elapsed time between emission and reception of the signal. The satellite to station distance is simply calculated from this travel time.
Three different measurements made on three different satellites give the three distances needed to determine the three coordinates of the location of the receiver; latitude, longitude, and altitude. This type of measurement is known as "pseudo-range" measurements in GPS jargon. Every satellite emits two types of pseudo-ranges: A precise code (P code) which enables a position precision of around 10 meters and a coarse code (C/A code) which allows a precision of around 100 meters. The precise code is encrypted and restricted to the U.S. military receivers. Civilian applications are based on the pseudo-ranges measurements is this of the C/A code. However, even using the C/A, incredibly precise location positions are possible for every day use.
GPS Navigation Systems
There are three main types of GPS devices available for consumer and commercial use:
• GPS Navigation
• GPS Tracking
• GPS Location.
1. GPS Navigation is used to help you see where YOU are right now, and to help you get from Point A to Point B. There are numerous devices made for GPS Navigation, from hand-held units, to those that are installed in cars and commercial vehicles. These are basically mapping systems that offer integrated cartographic databases (also known as base maps), allowing users to locate a point on a map and define it as a waypoint. Some GPS systems intended for automobile navigation can generate a suggested driving route between two waypoints, based on the cartographic database. As one drives along the route, the system indicates the driver's current location and gives advance notice of upcoming turns. The best of these systems can take into account traffic restrictions such as one-way streets and intersections where left or right turns are prohibited when computing the suggested driving route.
2. GPS Tracking is used to precisely record a log of all vehicle (or personal) activity and travel over an extended period of time. GPS Tracking is useful in eliminating time-consuming and poor quality vehicle use logs; as well as, increase productivity, and accountability, by maximizing business use of your vehicles, while decreasing or eliminating personal use. They are also great to keep track of where the kids have been. The best units provide second by second tracking for the highest accuracy of position AND speed traveled, while having built-in motion sensors so data is only collected during actual travel allowing for much longer recording.
3. GPS Location is used to provide Real-Time positioning of a vehicle or the GPS device, so you know where it is right now. These usually provide minimal tracking capability or none at all, and are not a replacement for GPS Tracking. GPS Location is mostly used for fleet vehicles, emergency location positioning, or as an aid in recovery of a vehicle or asset. GPS Location involves "Pinging" the device via satellite or by cell phone, and having it "phone" home with its current position via satellite cellular technology. This means that there is a recurring cost for GPS Location that does not usually apply to GPS Tracking.
What is a Referbished Product?
Definition of a Refurbished Product
A refurbished product is one that is returned by a customer, for whatever reason, and then restored to original working condition after undergoing an intensive inspection process by qualified technicians. The refurbished product is then offered at a substantially discounted price.
In computer technology and electronics in general, refurbished refers to equipment that has been restored to like-new working condition and/or appearance or computer devices that have been sent back to the factory to fix a flaw. The term typically refers to the hardware products that have been either replaced with similar components or updated with newer technology than the device originally came with. These are typically referred to as "Refurbs".
Companies that lease computers will often refurbish the computers after they are turned in and resell the refurbished units. These are typically identified as, "Off Lease" (not "Refurbs"), and are offered at prices lower than those of new computers and/or regular refurbished units.
Buying Refurbished Products
We are always looking for great bargains, no matter what the product category. It is very hard to resist those Special Clearance sales. However, another way to save money throughout the year is to buy refurbished products. Refurbished products in many cases can be a better product purchase than a "new" unit, since it goes through much more extensive testing, and the issues were known and resolved.
What Qualifies As Refurbished?
When we think of a refurbished item, we think of something that has been opened up, torn apart, and rebuilt, like a rebuilt auto part, for instance. But, in the electronics world, it is not as obvious as to what the term "refurbished" actually means for the consumer.
An electronic or computer product can be classified as refurbished if it meets ANY of the following criteria:
1. A Customer Return
Major retailers have a 30-day return policy for their products and some consumers, for whatever reason, return products within that time period. If there is nothing wrong with the product, a retailer will just reduce the price and resell it as an open box special - still having the new product warranty. However, if the product is defective, the product is returned to the manufacturer were it is inspected and corrected, and then specially repackaged for sale as a refurbished item.
2. Shipping Damage
Product packages can be damaged in shipping, whether due to mishandling, the elements, or other factors. In most cases the product in the box is in perfect condition. However, the retailer has the option to return the damaged boxes to the manufacturer. The manufacturer, then, inspects the products and repackages them for sale. But since they were returned, they cannot be sold as new products, so they are relabeled as refurbished units.
3. Cosmetic Scratch or Dent
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a product may have a scratch, dent, or other form of cosmetic damage that does not affect the performance of the unit, but it does detract from the "newness" of the product. If the cosmetic defect occurred at the manufacturer, there are two options: sell the unit with its cosmetic damage visible or fix the damage by placing the internal components into a new cabinet or casing. Either way, the product qualifies as refurbished. Plus it has the added bonus that the internal mechanisms that were unaffected by the cosmetic damaged are still checked once again.
4. Demonstration Units
At the retail store level, most retailers sell their old demos off the floor, some manufacturers will take them back, inspect and/or repair them, and send them back out as refurbished units for sale (though this is less common). This may also apply to demo units used by the manufacturer at trade shows, returned by product reviewers, and internal office use. All of these are considered refurbished units.
5. Production Defect
In any assembly line production process, a specific component can show up as defective because a faulty processing chip, power supply, disc loading mechanism, or other factor. Most of the time, this is caught before the product leaves the factory, however, defects can show up after the product hits store shelves. As a result of customer returns, inoperative demos, and excessive product breakdowns within the warranty period of a specific element in the product, a manufacturer may "recall" unsold products from a specific batch or production run that either exhibits the same defect, or is expected to show this issue. When this occurs, the manufacturer can repair or upgrade all the defective and non-defective recalled units, and send them back out to retailers as refurbished units for sale.
6. Opened Box
Some times, a customer asks to see what is inside, and then decides not to buy. Realistically, there is no issue here other than the box was opened and was sent back to the manufacturer for repacking (or repacked by the retailer), the product can be considered refurbished (though not always - it depends on the degree of unpacking that occurred). This is because it required "factory" repacking, even though no refurbishing has occurred.
7. Overstock
If a retailer has an overstock of a particular item they simply reduce the price and put the item on sale or clearance. However, sometimes, when a manufacturer introduces a new model, it will "collect" the remaining stock of the older models still on store shelves and redistributes them to specific retailers for quick sale. In this case, the item can be sold either as "a special purchase" or can be labeled as refurbished.
What This Means For The Consumer
Basically, when an electronic product is shipped back to the manufacturer, for whatever reason, it is inspected, restored to original specification (if needed), tested and/or repackaged for resale, the item can no longer be sold as "new", but can only be sold as "refurbished".
It is not always clear what the exact origin or condition of a refurbished product is. It is impossible for the consumer to know what the reason is for the "refurbished" designation for a specific product. Only the factory or refurbishing center has knowledge of this issue or reason for the designation.
Therefore, taking all of the above possibilities into consideration, here are several questions you need to ask when shopping for a refurbished product.
1. Is the refurbished unit being sold by a retailer that is also authorized to sell new products? This means that you can have confidence in that reseller.
2. Does the refurbished unit have a warranty? It is always important to read the warranty carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Does the retailer offer a return or exchange policy for the refurbished unit? Legitimate resellers stand behind their products, be they new or refurbished.
4. Does the retailer offer an extended service plan for the item? This doesn't mean you have to buy an extended warranty -- but whether or not they offer one indicates their degree of support for the product.
If the answer to all of these questions is positive, purchasing a refurbished product can be a very smart move. Although some refurbished products may be repaired or serviced units, it is very possible that the product merely had a minor defect during its initial production run (such as a series of defective chips, etc...) or subject to an earlier recall. However, the manufacturer can go back, repair the defect(s) and offer the units to retailers as "refurbs".
Summary
Buying a refurbished item is a great way to get a great buy on an outstanding product at a bargain price. There is no reason the label "refurbished" should cause you to hesitate. Remember, the unit has been given more attention than a traditional "new" product. And the rule of thumb for electronics is: if they run, they will likely run forever!
The most important consideration is simply that the retailer backs up the product with some sort of return policy and warranty to the extent that you feel comfortable making the purchase.
A refurbished product is one that is returned by a customer, for whatever reason, and then restored to original working condition after undergoing an intensive inspection process by qualified technicians. The refurbished product is then offered at a substantially discounted price.
In computer technology and electronics in general, refurbished refers to equipment that has been restored to like-new working condition and/or appearance or computer devices that have been sent back to the factory to fix a flaw. The term typically refers to the hardware products that have been either replaced with similar components or updated with newer technology than the device originally came with. These are typically referred to as "Refurbs".
Companies that lease computers will often refurbish the computers after they are turned in and resell the refurbished units. These are typically identified as, "Off Lease" (not "Refurbs"), and are offered at prices lower than those of new computers and/or regular refurbished units.
Buying Refurbished Products
We are always looking for great bargains, no matter what the product category. It is very hard to resist those Special Clearance sales. However, another way to save money throughout the year is to buy refurbished products. Refurbished products in many cases can be a better product purchase than a "new" unit, since it goes through much more extensive testing, and the issues were known and resolved.
What Qualifies As Refurbished?
When we think of a refurbished item, we think of something that has been opened up, torn apart, and rebuilt, like a rebuilt auto part, for instance. But, in the electronics world, it is not as obvious as to what the term "refurbished" actually means for the consumer.
An electronic or computer product can be classified as refurbished if it meets ANY of the following criteria:
1. A Customer Return
Major retailers have a 30-day return policy for their products and some consumers, for whatever reason, return products within that time period. If there is nothing wrong with the product, a retailer will just reduce the price and resell it as an open box special - still having the new product warranty. However, if the product is defective, the product is returned to the manufacturer were it is inspected and corrected, and then specially repackaged for sale as a refurbished item.
2. Shipping Damage
Product packages can be damaged in shipping, whether due to mishandling, the elements, or other factors. In most cases the product in the box is in perfect condition. However, the retailer has the option to return the damaged boxes to the manufacturer. The manufacturer, then, inspects the products and repackages them for sale. But since they were returned, they cannot be sold as new products, so they are relabeled as refurbished units.
3. Cosmetic Scratch or Dent
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a product may have a scratch, dent, or other form of cosmetic damage that does not affect the performance of the unit, but it does detract from the "newness" of the product. If the cosmetic defect occurred at the manufacturer, there are two options: sell the unit with its cosmetic damage visible or fix the damage by placing the internal components into a new cabinet or casing. Either way, the product qualifies as refurbished. Plus it has the added bonus that the internal mechanisms that were unaffected by the cosmetic damaged are still checked once again.
4. Demonstration Units
At the retail store level, most retailers sell their old demos off the floor, some manufacturers will take them back, inspect and/or repair them, and send them back out as refurbished units for sale (though this is less common). This may also apply to demo units used by the manufacturer at trade shows, returned by product reviewers, and internal office use. All of these are considered refurbished units.
5. Production Defect
In any assembly line production process, a specific component can show up as defective because a faulty processing chip, power supply, disc loading mechanism, or other factor. Most of the time, this is caught before the product leaves the factory, however, defects can show up after the product hits store shelves. As a result of customer returns, inoperative demos, and excessive product breakdowns within the warranty period of a specific element in the product, a manufacturer may "recall" unsold products from a specific batch or production run that either exhibits the same defect, or is expected to show this issue. When this occurs, the manufacturer can repair or upgrade all the defective and non-defective recalled units, and send them back out to retailers as refurbished units for sale.
6. Opened Box
Some times, a customer asks to see what is inside, and then decides not to buy. Realistically, there is no issue here other than the box was opened and was sent back to the manufacturer for repacking (or repacked by the retailer), the product can be considered refurbished (though not always - it depends on the degree of unpacking that occurred). This is because it required "factory" repacking, even though no refurbishing has occurred.
7. Overstock
If a retailer has an overstock of a particular item they simply reduce the price and put the item on sale or clearance. However, sometimes, when a manufacturer introduces a new model, it will "collect" the remaining stock of the older models still on store shelves and redistributes them to specific retailers for quick sale. In this case, the item can be sold either as "a special purchase" or can be labeled as refurbished.
What This Means For The Consumer
Basically, when an electronic product is shipped back to the manufacturer, for whatever reason, it is inspected, restored to original specification (if needed), tested and/or repackaged for resale, the item can no longer be sold as "new", but can only be sold as "refurbished".
It is not always clear what the exact origin or condition of a refurbished product is. It is impossible for the consumer to know what the reason is for the "refurbished" designation for a specific product. Only the factory or refurbishing center has knowledge of this issue or reason for the designation.
Therefore, taking all of the above possibilities into consideration, here are several questions you need to ask when shopping for a refurbished product.
1. Is the refurbished unit being sold by a retailer that is also authorized to sell new products? This means that you can have confidence in that reseller.
2. Does the refurbished unit have a warranty? It is always important to read the warranty carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Does the retailer offer a return or exchange policy for the refurbished unit? Legitimate resellers stand behind their products, be they new or refurbished.
4. Does the retailer offer an extended service plan for the item? This doesn't mean you have to buy an extended warranty -- but whether or not they offer one indicates their degree of support for the product.
If the answer to all of these questions is positive, purchasing a refurbished product can be a very smart move. Although some refurbished products may be repaired or serviced units, it is very possible that the product merely had a minor defect during its initial production run (such as a series of defective chips, etc...) or subject to an earlier recall. However, the manufacturer can go back, repair the defect(s) and offer the units to retailers as "refurbs".
Summary
Buying a refurbished item is a great way to get a great buy on an outstanding product at a bargain price. There is no reason the label "refurbished" should cause you to hesitate. Remember, the unit has been given more attention than a traditional "new" product. And the rule of thumb for electronics is: if they run, they will likely run forever!
The most important consideration is simply that the retailer backs up the product with some sort of return policy and warranty to the extent that you feel comfortable making the purchase.
Grilled Rib-Eye
GRILLED RIB-EYE WITH ANCHOVIES, MUSTARD AND GARLIC
3 prime rib-eyes steaks, cut 2 1/2 inches thick
10 ounces canned anchovies, drained and patted dry
6 tablespoons whole grain mustard
4 tablespoons fresh crushed garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
Puree the anchovy, mustard, and garlic in food processor or blender, to form a paste then blend in the olive oil in a stream. Grind some pepper onto the steaks. Rub the steak thoroughly with the marinade and let the steaks marinate in the refrigerator for 2 days. Grill the steaks to desired temperature.
3 prime rib-eyes steaks, cut 2 1/2 inches thick
10 ounces canned anchovies, drained and patted dry
6 tablespoons whole grain mustard
4 tablespoons fresh crushed garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground pepper
Puree the anchovy, mustard, and garlic in food processor or blender, to form a paste then blend in the olive oil in a stream. Grind some pepper onto the steaks. Rub the steak thoroughly with the marinade and let the steaks marinate in the refrigerator for 2 days. Grill the steaks to desired temperature.
Red Pepper Jelly
Red Pepper Jelly |
1 1/4 lbs. Red bell peppers
2 tsp. Chili powder
Pinch cayenne pepper
Grate rind and juice of 6 lemons
2 cups of cider vinegar
2 tsp. Salt
10 cups of white sugar
6 oz. liquid Pectin
Seed peppers and chop coarsely in food processor 1/3 at a time liquefy peppers with chili powder and cayenne pepper. Combine peppers with vinegar, lemon juice, rind & salt. Boil rapidly 10 minutes. Stir in sugar & boil 5 min more. Add pectin & boil 1 minute, skim if necessary. Pack in hot sterilized jars and seal.
Grilled Eggplant Moussaka
What makes the difference in this traditional Greek recipe is the grilled, not fried, vegetables, including eggplant, potatoes and zucchini. It's a lighter version of the famous Greek dish consumed in great quantities every summer.
Igredients:
3 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4
inch rounds
3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
3 large zucchini, cut lengthwise
into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
1 pinch ground nutmeg salt to taste
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.
2. Brush eggplant, potatoes, and zucchini lightly with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill vegetables until just tender and golden brown. Layer potatoes into the bottom of a 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Next layer in the eggplant, followed by the zucchini; set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook until the flour smells slightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Whisk in milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a bare simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Place the egg yolk into a bowl, and quickly whisk in 1/4 cup of the thickened milk, a tablespoon at a time. Quickly stir the egg yolk mixture into the thickened milk until smooth, then set aside.
5. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is crumbly and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the oregano, parsley, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Turn heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. To assemble, spread the meat mixture over the vegetables, and sprinkle with the feta cheese. Pour the white sauce overtop, and smooth with a spatula.
7. Bake moussaka in preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Igredients:
3 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4
Mussaka |
3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
3 large zucchini, cut lengthwise
into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons butter
7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
1 pinch ground nutmeg salt to taste
1 egg yolk, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.
2. Brush eggplant, potatoes, and zucchini lightly with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill vegetables until just tender and golden brown. Layer potatoes into the bottom of a 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Next layer in the eggplant, followed by the zucchini; set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook until the flour smells slightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Whisk in milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a bare simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Place the egg yolk into a bowl, and quickly whisk in 1/4 cup of the thickened milk, a tablespoon at a time. Quickly stir the egg yolk mixture into the thickened milk until smooth, then set aside.
5. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is crumbly and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the oregano, parsley, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Turn heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. To assemble, spread the meat mixture over the vegetables, and sprinkle with the feta cheese. Pour the white sauce overtop, and smooth with a spatula.
7. Bake moussaka in preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
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- Camlachie, Ontario, Canada
- I created this blog to share my experience and knowledge with you. I have been collecting information for a long time, my collection has become so large that I decided to share it with you. I hope that you find this site informative enough to visit it again.