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Max Talk Monday: Tactical Problem Solving & Decision Making (+ Hasty Attack)

October 15th, 2018

This is the ninth installment of ‘Max Talk Monday’ which shares select episodes from a series of instructional videos. Max Velocity Tactical (MVT) has established a reputation on the leading edge of tactical live fire and force on force training. MVT is dedicated to developing and training tactical excellence at the individual and team level.

It is based on Max Talk 017 which discusses the necessity to train beyond the flat range in order to attain an effective warrior mindset / skillset. ‘Two way ranges’ (i.e. combat) present unique challenges in terms of tactical problem solving and decision making that must be trained and prepared for. Utilizing hasty attack live fire training footage for training purposes.

Max is a tactical trainer and author, a lifelong professional soldier with extensive military experience. He served with British Special Operations Forces, both enlisted and as a commissioned officer; a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Max served on numerous operational deployments, and also served as a recruit instructor. Max spent five years serving as a paramilitary contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan; the latter two years working for the British Government in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Website: Max Velocity Tactical

YouTube: Max Velocity Tactical

Posted in Guest Post, Training | 2 Comments »

BE Meyers & Co Releases IZLID Ultra in 1064 nm and 1550 nm SWIR Variants

October 15th, 2018

October 15, 2018 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. has released two Class 4 IZLID® Ultra Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) laser Pointers and Illuminators in 1064 nm and 1550 nm. Featuring the highest power of B.E. Meyers & Co.’s SWIR IZLID® family, the IZLID® Ultra 1064 nm/1550 nm is a powerful beam with up to 1 Watt of out-of-band Pointing and Illumination capabilities, facilitating effective Air to Ground Integration marking and communication. While compatible with a variety of SWIR systems currently in use with Special Operations Forces (including E-COSI), the IZLID® Ultra SWIR variants are undetectable by most common Near Infrared (NIR) night vision devices.

The IZLID® Ultra NIR

The IZLID® Ultra SWIR variants can be used as handheld devices or rail-mounted on a weapon platform. These lasers retain the same rugged, dependable features of the IZLID® Ultra (NIR) that has become the standard JTAC tool for night Close Air Support, and Close Combat Attack scenarios. The beam size and intensity of the IZLID® Ultra family makes it easily distinguishable from other laser pointers on the battlefield.

SWIR IZLID® Ultra variant

B.E. Meyers & Co. will be showcasing all of its products at the Air National Guard Weapons and Tactics show (ANG WEPTAC) on October 16-17, 2018, at the Darley Defense Suite in the DoubleTree Hotel in Tuscon, AZ.

The IZLID® Ultra SWIR variants are compatible with E-COSI and other out-of-band SWIR viewers.

For more information about B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. and their products visit www.bemeyers.com.

Tags: BE Meyers & Co
Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Fibrotex To Manufacture US Army Camouflage Nets In Kentucky

October 15th, 2018

Fibrotex USA was selected earlier this year to manufacture the next generation of Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System for the US Army. Fibrotex USA is the US subsidiary of the Israeli multispectral concealment specialists Fibrotex. They have chosen Outdoor Venture Corporation of Stearns, Kentucky as their manufacturing partner. This move will bring about 350 jobs to one of the poorest counties in Kentucky. McCreary County was once home to an OVC facility which manufactures tents but the plant was closed years ago. Fibrotex USA will help revitalize it and also construct an additional building on the site. ULCANS manufacturing is set to begin in the summer of 2019.

Posted in Camo, Contracts | 1 Comment »

Female Officers Attend 2nd Annual ‘Back the Women in Blue’ Presented by GLOCK

October 14th, 2018

AUSTIN — A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG & AG) hosted eleven law enforcement officers for the 2nd Annual ‘Back the Women in Blue’ Presented by GLOCK. The event took place Sept 25-28, 2018, in north Texas at the Texas Handgun Academy in Dallas and Mission 160 Range in Whitewright. Participants included female officers, deputies, constables, and troopers representing large municipalities, rural counties, and state agencies from five different states.

“It was extremely gratifying to see a tremendous amount of support for the badge that I’m very proud to put on every day to protect and serve my community,” said Officer Meghan Vold of the Park Forest (IL) Police Department. “Every day, in every city and town across the country, police officers are performing vital services that help make their communities safer. Being afforded stellar training like this aids us in carrying out our mission with honor and integrity.”

Training included behavioral analysis, body language cues and pre-attack indicators, communication skills, team building, situational decision-making skills, and advanced firearms skills. Range time culminated with Simunitions scenarios to allow officers put their training into practice. With significant support from GLOCK, ammunition provided by Federal Premium, targets provided by Action Target, and scenario cars provided by Beard’s Towing, AG & AG was able to provide the the training materials, range fees, hotel, and all meals for the officers.

Lead instructor Heather Eckert is the owner of E4Defense, which sponsored training for the event. Heather holds multiple certifications, including Master Firearms Instructor in Shotgun, Patrol Rifle, and Handgun; RBT/Force on Force; and Specialty Training Certifications. She is an active member of ILEETA, IALEFI, and IAWP, and is a Texas DPS PSB Level III Instructor. Detective Josh White is an Army Veteran, Texas Peace Officer, TCOLE Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Force on Force Instructor, and DT Instructor. He is Double Brown belt in Shuri Ryu Karate and Blue belt in Tae Kwon Do.

“The friendship bonds and camaraderie I made this week will stay with me forever,” said Sergeant Kimberly Gill of the Sunset Valley (TX) Police Department. “The incredible generosity of the event sponsors and the gracious efforts by A Girl & A Gun was awe inspiring.”

AG & AG is scheduling additional training events for female officers, as well as a training course designed specifically for wives of LEOs, whose lives face uncertain dangers due to the nature of their spouses’ careers. For more information, visit AGirlandAGun.org/back-the-blue.

Posted in For the Ladies, LE, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Female Officers Attend 2nd Annual ‘Back the Women in Blue’ Presented by GLOCK

SCUBAPRO SUNDAY -Regulators

October 14th, 2018

A regulator system is required to reduce the pressure of the compressed air contained in the cylinder to ambient pressure to supply breathable air when needed. It is also possible to connect pressure gauges (analog or digital), IP inflators to provide buoyancy compensators, dry suits and other devices to this system. The regulator system is composed of a pressure reduction device and one or more breathing devices. In this article, the pressure-reducing device and the breathing device will be indicated, respectively, by the terms “first stage” and “second stage.”

First Stage

Regulators can use either a piston assembly or a diaphragm assembly. The piston or diaphragm controls and reduces the air pressure from high pressure to moderate pressure in the first stage. Either design may be equally good and equally sensitive to the diver’s inhalation needs except under conditions where high flow is required: there the piston regulator delivers much more air than the diaphragm regulator. The first stage uses a standard piston, balanced piston or diaphragm mechanism. Air is compressed and stored in the tank under high pressure. To reduce this pressure, the first stage is a valve or piston that lowers the pressure to about 140psi to let air into the hose. The valve opens to allow some air into the hose and then closes again. A regulator compensates the pressure as it decreases in the tank when the air is used and as the diver changes depth which causes change the ambient water pressure.

Standard Piston

Standard piston first stages are the simplest mechanism with minimum moving parts to control the pressure drop from a tank to feed the second stage. Which translates to high reliability and durability, combined with minimal maintenance requirements.

Balanced Piston

First stages with air balanced pistons deliver significantly more air to the second stage than any other first stage, while their performance is unaffected by the changing tank pressure. A balanced system allows the use of lighter and more sensitive components, resulting in ultra fast breathing response, instant delivery of air on demand and extra high airflow.

Balanced diaphragm

The inner mechanism in a diaphragm first stage is isolated from the surrounding water. This feature makes it especially suitable for diving in cold-water conditions or murky water. In this system, the air flows through a seat & pin assembly, controlled by a loaded diaphragm. The seat receives equal inter-stage pressure from both sides, making it react independently of tank pressure. Balanced diaphragm systems deliver a slightly lower flow than piston regulators, due to the smaller diameter air passageways. However, these differences in performance are only detectable at great depth. Cold-water divers typically prefer diaphragm regulators because they are less likely to free flow in cold water than are piston regulators.

First Stage Body

This metal cylinder contains the mechanisms that reduce the high-pressure air in the scuba tank to an intermediate pressure. High-pressure air flows in one side of the first stage body undergo pressure reduction and then flows out through the low-pressure hoses.

Yoke

The regulator first stage body is held against the scuba tank’s valve through one of two methods: a Yoke or a DIN fitting. This diagram illustrates a yoke fitting, also called an international fitting. The “yoke” is the metal oval that fits over the tank valve to hold the regulator in place. Two types of coupling fittings are used to attach a regulator’s 1st stage to the tank: DIN and Yoke.

Yoke couplings are more commonly found worldwide and are generally always used by the ever-popular aluminum 80 tanks.

DIN fittings are safer than yoke fittings and are the only fittings that can couple with high-pressure tanks. The advantage of DIN fittings is that they screw into the tank valve and trap the high-pressure o-ring so it cannot protrude, this can occasionally happen on a Yoke.

Yoke Screw

The regulator’s yoke is equipped with a yoke screw–a metal screw that runs through the regulator yoke and tightens the regulator first stage body onto the tank. To tighten the yoke screw, the diver turns the black, plastic handle attached to the screw.

Dust Cap

Keeps water from entering the regulator first stage body when not connected to the tank. The dust cap is a rubber cap that can be placed over the regulator first stage opening and tightened down using the regulator yoke screw. This seals closed the opening on the first stage.

Port/ Port Plug

Regulator first stage bodies have multiple openings, or ports, that regulator hoses and transmitters can bed screwed into. Most, regulators have more ports than the standard number of hoses, which allows divers to position their hoses in a variety of configurations. These openings are called ports, and the plugs that close the regulator ports when they are not in use are called port plugs.

Second stage

The second stage of a regulator is basically the part that goes in your mouth and delivers air upon demand. It contains a mechanism that reduces the intermediate pressure in the hose coming from the first stage to the surrounding water pressure making it comfortable and easy to breathe. The second stage also contains a piston or diaphragm construction which starts and stops the airflow. The mouthpiece, an exhaust valve, and an emergency purge valve/button are all parts of the second stage. The exhaust valve lets the air escape into the water when you exhale. It is a one-way valve and does not allow water in. When the purge button is pushed, it forces air to flow continuously into the second stage chamber forcing any water out of the mouthpiece through the exhaust valve.

This unit is supplied, with the intermediate pressure coming out of the first stage through the low-pressure hose. It reduces pressure further to balance air with the ambient pressure. The second stage may be balanced or unbalanced and equipped with a Venturi effect control (V.I.V.A.) and/or with an inhalation resistance control.

Second Stages

There are two main types of the Second stage, Air Balanced, and Downstream

AIR-BALANCED VALVE

Air-balanced valve technology provides the optimum breathing comfort preferred by demanding divers. The air-balanced valve technology of SCUBAPRO’s second stages fine-tunes the pressure of the air delivered by the first stage to decrease inhalation resistance to the lowest possible level. The result is an ultra-high airflow that remains exceptionally stable under all breathing conditions.

CLASSIC DOWNSTREAM VALVE

The classic downstream valve is the best solution for resorts and rental facilities worldwide, as well as many recreational divers. These second stages are particularly noted for their legendary safety and reliability. A specific inhalation effort is always required to overcome the spring tension and opens the valve that lets the air flow in.

Parts of the Regulator

1. Purge Button
The purge button is located on the face of the regulator second stage. The purpose of the purge button is to flood the second stage with air, forcing water out of the second stage. Divers use the purge button when the second stage has been allowed to fill with water–for example, when a diver removes the regulator from his mouth during the regulator recovery skill.

2. Ease of Breathing Adjustment
Most regulators has a lever or knob that allows divers to adjust breathing resistance. This feature helps to prevent regulator free flow (a state when air flows rapidly out of the regulator second stage without the diver breathing from it), which typically occurs when the breathing resistance has been lowered too much. A free flow can quickly empty a tank.

Many second stage adjustments have a setting labeled “pre-dive” to help prevent free flow at the surface, and one labeled “dive” for easy breathing once underwater. As a diver descends, he can adjust the ease of breathing to compensate for the increased difficulty of breathing as he descends.

3. Exhaust Valve
The second stage exhaust valve is the plastic unit that channels exhaled air bubbles away from a diver’s face. The exhaust valve is usually located below the regulator’s mouthpiece to channel air down and to the sides. Helping to keep a diver’s field of vision clear of bubbles.

4. Mouthpiece
The Mouthpiece is the part of the regulator that a diver bites down on. High-quality mouthpieces are made of silicon or soft rubber and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit divers’ mouths. Mouthpieces are removable and replaceable. A diver should check to make sure that his mouthpiece is secured to the regulator second stage with a SCUBAPRO Quick release mouthpiece clamp. Try not to use zip-ties. They are not designed for long-term water exposure. The SP Quick clips are designed for long-lasting UV and saltwater exposure.

Octopus

The Octopus /alternate second stage, does the same thing as a primary second stage. The Octopus second stage is not intended to be used, except in the case of an out-of-air emergency. A diver with an alternate second stage can allow a diver that is having an out-of-air emergence to breathe from their tank without putting themselves at risk.

1. Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the part of the regulator second stage that a diver bites down on. Alternate second stage mouthpieces should be a standard size to fit any diver’s mouth–not a custom mouthpiece. The idea is that any diver should be able to use the mouthpiece in an emergency.

2. Low-Pressure Hose
Low-pressure hoses (LP hoses) transport air from a regulator first stage to its second stages. An alternate second stage’s LP hose is usually longer than the LP hose attached to the primary second stage. This extra length makes it easy for an out-of-air to use an alternate second stage connected to a tank he is not wearing. The LP Hose attached to an alternative second stage is frequently a bright color, such as yellow, to make it easy to see.

3. Purge Button
The purge button on the alternate second stage, has the same function as a purge button on the primary second stage–to remove water that has entered the second stage. Alternate second stage purge buttons are usually brightly colored–this one is neon yellow. The bright color makes it easy for an out-of-air diver to locate the alternative second stage in an emergency.

4. Ease of Breathing Adjustment
Just like the ease of breathing adjustment on a primary second stage, the ease of breathing adjustment on an alternate second stage can be used to increase or decrease breathing resistance during a dive. If ease of breathing adjustment is present, a diver should adjust it so that the breathing resistance of the alternate second stage is increased. The diver should also turn any pre-dive/ dive adjustment to “pre-dive.” The regulator will still work if needed, but this adjustment will ensure that the alternate will not free-flow during the dive.

5. Diver adjustable inhalation resistance control

Second stages equipped with this system have an over-sized external control knob acting directly on the spring tension, allowing the diver to adjust the inhalation resistance to adapt it to the needs of the dive conditions. Adjusting the control knob (clockwise rotation) causes an increase in inhalation resistance. Adjusting with a counterclockwise rotation reduces the spring tension for lower inhalation effort. All depends on the diving conditions, such as in strong currents, when the diver spends some time with his head down and when the second stage is used as an alternate air source (octopus).

SCUBAPRO AIR2

The Air 2 is a second stage regulator and a balanced inflator for your BCD in a single, compact housing. SCUBAPRO introduces the inflator concept to diving almost 30 years ago with the introduction of the AIR2 ( Alternate Inflation Reg). The Air 2’s air-balanced power inflator valve gives a steady stream of air, regardless of the pressure in your tank. The Air 2 has a fixed Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) Flow Vane for safe and uncomplicated use now has a dive/pre-dive switch. This switch allows the regulator mechanism to be set more like that of a standard second stage regulator. It is CE-certified for waters 50°F (10°C) or warmer.

Post dive

Close the cylinder valve and drain the system by pushing on the purge button of each second stage. Once the system has been depressurized disconnect the first stage regulator from the valve. All inlets must be closed with the provided protective caps to avoid the entry of debris, dirt or moisture. If the cylinder valve is equipped with a reserve system, the rod should be put in the “open” position (fully lowered) to indicate that the cylinder needs to be filled.

Care And Maintenance

Regulators are precision devices that are essential to the diver’s safety. After every dive and especially if in chlorinated water (pools), rinse the regulator with fresh water, preventing water from entering the system by following these steps:

1. Ensure that the high-pressure inlet of the first stage regulator is closed with the special protective cap.

2. Should water accidentally enter the low-pressure hose, connect the regulator to the cylinder, open the valve and press the second stage purge button down until all water has been expelled.

3. Dry your regulator entirely in a dry ventilated place, away from heat and direct sunlight. So not in your garage.

4. Store in a cool, dry place.

This is from our older site but it is still good.

ww2.scubapro.com/en-GB/HKG/technology-index

Posted in Guest Post, Maritime | 4 Comments »

Team SIG’s Lena Miculek Takes “High Lady” Title at 2018 NRA World Shoot

October 14th, 2018

Newington, N.H. (October 11, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. congratulates Team SIG member, Lena Miculek for her recent win at the 2018 NRA World Shooting Championship held September 20th – September 22nd at the Peacemaker National Training Center in Glengary, West Virginia. The NRA World Shooting Championship assembles professional and amateur shooters for a twelve-stage match testing various styles of shooting disciplines using firearms, ammunition, and equipment provided by the NRA.

“Every year I look forward to the NRA World Shooting Championship because it really tests your skills as a shooter. At this match I do not have access to the firearms and ammunition that I normally use so I relied on all of my practice and training throughout the competition,” began Miculek. “This year I felt that I really hit my rhythm early on and as a result I outperformed my expectations to receive the High Lady title for a second year in a row.”

To claim the “High Lady” title Miculek received the highest overall score in the ladies division throughout the twelve-stage match. Overall, Miculek placed 14th amongst 330 competitors.

“Lena has really become a dominating force in in the ladies division of professional shooting, and this recent achievement at the NRA World Shoot is truly impressive” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “At this match Lena was tested in various disciplines using equipment she hasn’t trained on, and may have never used. Her marksmanship skills were really put to the test throughout the entire match and she was still able to compete at the very highest level. We could not be more proud of Lena’s continued success.”

This title is the second “High Lady” title for Miculek in September. Miculek recently earned the “High Lady” title at the 2018 Walter Arms USPSA Area 4 Championship in Pistol Caliber Carbine with the SIG SAUER MPX Carbine, ROMEO1 Optic, and SIG SAUER Match Elite Competition Ammunition.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, and training. For over 100 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy – a world class, state-of-the-art, 140-acre training facility. SIG SAUER is headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, and has more than 1,700 employees across eight locations, and is the largest member of a worldwide business group that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, Press Release | Comments Off on Team SIG’s Lena Miculek Takes “High Lady” Title at 2018 NRA World Shoot

From Army Veteran to Transportation Leader, Pittsburgh Man Wins Taxicab Operator of the Year Award

October 14th, 2018

Star Transportation and VETaxi Founder to Be Honored at National Convention in Las Vegas

(ROCKVILLE, Md.)—After returning home from Vietnam, Army veteran Robert DeLucia Sr. learned the cab business in Pittsburgh from the ground up, starting as a driver.

But one thing was different about DeLucia. Starting on his first day of driving, he found out what his clients preferred to drink, such as coffee or tea, and would have it ready for them when he picked them up—and he always dressed in a shirt and tie, of course.

“I’m a veteran. I’ve always dressed well, maintained my vehicles well,” DeLucia said. “That’s how I grew my business, with those service standards. And I maintain them.”

Now, his dedication to excellence will be recognized on the national stage, when DeLucia is named the Taxicab Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), the oldest and largest trade association of its kind in the world.

Starting with one vehicle, a limousine, in 1982, DeLucia’s company flourished over the years by offering consistent service, embracing innovation and, most importantly, continuing to diversify. He incorporated as Star Limousine, and later founded Cranberry Taxi in 1989 and Classy Cab in 2005. DeLucia also offers paratransit, ambulatory and nonambulatory services to veterans, in American-made vehicles driven by veterans, a service called VETaxi.

“Bob embodies that notion of making a good first impression,” said Alfred LaGasse, CEO of the TLPA. “Always impeccably dressed and focused on what he needs to accomplish, he brings that sense of style and focus to his companies every day.”

DeLucia will accept his award in front of hundreds of industry peers at the TLPA’s 100th Annual Convention & Trade Show on Oct. 28 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

www.tlpa.org

Posted in Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on From Army Veteran to Transportation Leader, Pittsburgh Man Wins Taxicab Operator of the Year Award

New Coveralls to Make Life More Comfortable for Fuel Handlers

October 13th, 2018

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Fuel handler coveralls are worn by some 17,000 petroleum supply specialists in the Army who fuel trucks, aircraft and boats, and who operate pipelines and storage tanks around the globe.

Soldiers from the 92F petroleum supply specialist military occupational specialty at Fort Hood, Texas, are test wearing four variants of new coveralls during limited user evaluation. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

It’s a dirty and often thankless job, but without them, nothing would move, said Captain WaiWah Ellison, assistant product manager with Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, or PM SCIE, part of Program Executive Office Soldier, known as PEO Soldier. The coveralls are primarily designed to protect Soldiers from spills, which can be hazardous when they make contact with skin.

Last year, the Army was presented with a problem and an opportunity, according to Debbie Williams, a systems acquisition expert with SCIE. The manufacturer of fabric that previously made their coveralls discontinued production, so the Army needed to find a new supplier.

Williams explained that while searching for a new vendor, the Combined Arms Support Command decided to consult with Soldiers to see how they liked the current coveralls and mine their ideas on ways to improve them, noting that CASCOM provides fire support and operational assistance to combat elements.

It was apparent from previous Soldier feedback that an update to the design could assist with making the garment a better fit. And for a long time, this material was the only one known to meet the stringent requirement of being able to resist fuel penetration for at least 12 hours. This was an opportunity to solicit industry and understand what new technologies exist in the fabric industry as well as updates in design.

Soldiers overwhelmingly said fit and comfort would be paramount in the requirements for selection of a new fabric and design.

Williams said that the Soldiers who provided their opinions of the current design were instructors at Fort Lee, Virginia, who teach the 92F petroleum supply specialist military occupational specialty. In an effort to possibly make this a joint service uniform, they also conducted a limited user evaluation of the current design with the Marine Corps fuelers at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and received feedback on improvements on the comfort and style.

Multiple companies answered the request for proposals, she said, noting that it takes two vendors to produce the coveralls: a manufacturer who produces the fabric, and another who cuts and sews them.

Two of the designs being evaluated are two-piece and the other two are single-piece coveralls.

Laboratory testing of the four designs took place over the spring and summer at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in Massachusetts, Williams said. Those tests included flame resistance and tear evaluation.

A four-week, limited user evaluation of the materials and design began on Sept. 17, 2018. Fort Carson, Colorado, was selected for the fabric testing while design tests are located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Hood, Texas.

A selection will be made following user testing and Army Test and Evaluation Command certification. A supply request package will then be turned in to Defense Logistics Agency’s Troop Support Office, and once that is completed, production for long-term sustainment can start. Williams said it’s too early to give a production start date.

By David Vergun, Army News Service

Posted in Clothing, FR, Guest Post | 8 Comments »