If you have an old scar from acne, you may want to look into acne scar treatment. There are several types of treatments available, including IPL, Subcision, Facial fillers, and Vitamin C. You can choose the one that works best for you. Consult with your doctor before making a decision.If you’re interested in Acne scar treatment there are several different types of procedures available. These include injections, microneedling, and Cryotherapy. But which one is right for you? Read on to learn more. You can also try pyruvic acid injections. But before you go for any type of surgery, be sure to consider your budget and your general health.

Injectable pyruvic acid Remove Acne Scar

The efficacy of injectable pyruvic acid for acne scar removal is not yet established. The lack of quality evidence could be related to different baseline variables, underpowered studies, or other factors. In addition, no study has tested its long-term effects. However, it could be helpful for treating atrophic acne scars.

Pyruvic acid has mild exfoliation properties, which can minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Injectable pyruvic acid is a cosmetic treatment that targets the underlying causes of acne scarring. While acne scarring can be treated through other treatments, it is essential that the treatment be customized to the patient’s needs. A doctor should decide on the best approach for the patient.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a form of treatment that involves freezing scarred skin. This procedure is done using a special instrument called a cryoprobe, which is attached to a canister of liquid nitrogen. This tool helps to freeze the scars and triggers a natural anti-inflammatory response in the body. It also releases endorphins, which reduce pain and spasms. Cryotherapy is also effective at eliminating keloids, a benign growth that develops on the skin over time.

Cryotherapy is effective in the treatment of scars. It can be effective for smaller, more manageable scars. The procedure freezes off the scar tissue, which results in the formation of a scab. However, it is not a good option for those with dark skin as it can cause pigmentation problems. In some cases, a doctor may decide to use another treatment, such as topical creams, which are infused with collagen and elastin to improve the appearance of scarring.

Intralesional cryotherapy is non-toxic, safe and well-tolerated. Moreover, it appears to produce good results in a high proportion of patients. However, clinical trials must be performed on a large scale to provide more reliable evidence. A good clinical trial should also include a long follow-up period to determine whether the treatment is effective in reducing scars.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles to break up the epidermis. This damage promotes new collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve skin texture. The procedure is safe and effective for most patients. Patients usually receive a numbing cream before undergoing the procedure.

The procedure is noninvasive and does not require any downtime. However, some patients may experience some redness and irritation. For this reason, patients are encouraged to wear sunscreen after the procedure. The results will appear within a few weeks, but touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain results.

Often, microneedling is combined with a collagen-boosting serum. This serum will have ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, stem cells, and peptides to smooth out the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Additionally, a microneedling serum with retinol will provide extra exfoliation power.

Injectable fillers

Injectable fillers for acne scar removal treatment are an excellent alternative to surgery, particularly for moderate to severe scarring. They are used in combination with other methods, such as microneedling and incision, to achieve the best results. Unfortunately, the use of these fillers comes with a number of risks. While most side effects are temporary, severe ones can occur in rare cases. Moreover, people with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications should not use these fillers. Read more on BellaViso.

The fillers used in acne scar removal treatments are hyaluronic acid-based and may last from three months to several years. Because they are injected superficially, they have little chance of occluding major blood vessels. Afterward, the patients can return to their daily lives. Although they will experience some bruising and swelling, the treatment can have minimal downtime. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and rubbing the injection site.

Depending on the type of treatment, acne scar removal treatments using injectable fillers can enhance the contour of skin and reduce depressions. However, this is a temporary solution and may require monthly visits. Some fillers, such as poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), do not instantly plump the skin, but instead stimulate the production of collagen over several months.

The post Cost of Acne Scar Laser Removal Treatment in Dubai first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Located in the heart of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the Walmart Neighborhood Market is an impressive store that carries a wide variety of food and household products. With a large pharmacy, American Express card holders are able to make purchases with ease. In addition to food, the store also sells a wide range of products that are used to make home improvements. The store has been a staple in the area for many years, and it is a must-visit place for those living in the neighborhood.

History

Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, Walmart has become the world’s largest retailer. It has over 11,400 stores in 27 nations. It is also the largest food retailer in the United States. In 2005, Walmart controlled over 20 percent of the retail grocery business.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market is an innovative grocery store format that is smaller than a traditional Wal-Mart store. These stores feature a wide assortment of groceries, household items, and health and beauty products. These stores are often located in urban areas.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets also offer fresh meats, deli foods, and a wide variety of produce. These stores feature a full service pharmacy that is open 24 hours a day. You can find health and beauty products, bakery items, frozen foods, beer and liquor, and a variety of other items.

Food products

Unlike big box supermarkets, Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller and offer a wide variety of food products. This store features a full deli and pharmacy, along with a large assortment of fresh produce, dairy, and baked goods. These stores have a convenient location in many areas, and make it easier for customers to buy items in one location.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets also offer an extensive selection of health and beauty products. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the store offers healthy and gluten free foods. It also features a deli counter with a wide selection of meats and cheeses. In some states, the store also sells wine.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are a great option for local shoppers, and offer a variety of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy items, baked goods, and health and beauty products.

Pharmacy

Whether you’re looking for prescription drugs or over the counter medications, Walmart has a pharmacy to suit your needs. From eye care to pet medication, you’ll find a wealth of healthcare options at your local Walmart. Walmart also provides several useful services, such as check cashing, lawn and garden, and gasoline.

Probably the most important function of the Walmart pharmacy is its prescription drug dispensing service. This allows consumers to have their medications delivered to their front door. There are three main formats of Walmart’s retail stores: Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Walmart PetRx. The Walmart store closest to you is usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some of the smaller stores are open only from 11 pm to 11 am, Monday through Saturday.

American Express cardholders

Those with American Express cards can now earn rewards on their purchases at Walmart Neighborhood Markets. These stores are smaller than traditional supermarkets, but they offer a more convenient shopping experience for local customers. The stores are open Monday through Sunday from 6 am to 11 pm. Some locations will even have extended hours on the weekends.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets aren’t just for food purchases; they may have non-food items as well. For example, the American Express cardholder can earn rewards for purchasing a premium exercise bike at SoulCycle. They can also earn rewards for purchases at Murphy USA and Murphy Express fuel stations. The Murphy Express stations are owned by Walmart.

The American Express card also offers a high cash-back rate at gas stations in the U.S. The Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card offers 3% cash back on all gas and fuel purchases, as well as 6% rewards at supermarkets.

Levittown store

Located on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, NY, the Walmart Neighborhood Market is a full service discount store that features general merchandise and prepared food items. In addition to the usual suspects, the store also has a self serve deli and meat and dairy sections. The store is also equipped with a 100 server data center and some interactive displays. Read more on TodayTimeNews.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market in Levittown is about one-third the size of a Walmart Supercenter. It is located on the main thoroughfare in the town, near the CVS and Walgreens, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Target. The store also has the distinction of being the first of its kind in New York state.

The aforementioned store is not the only one in the area, however. There are two Walmart stores nearby in East Meadow. Also located close by are Rite Aid drug stores and Target.

The post Walmart Neighborhood Market first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Every time I hear that there is another toy recall, I think to myself – you have got to be kidding! How do these dangerous toys even get to the shelves and within reach of our curious children in the first place? Did the manufacturers realize that they were potentially harmful? Are there quality control measures to ensure this does not happen? I personally know a sweet lady who is a mother of three little girls. When I was visiting with her one day, I noticed pictures of a little boy on the walls and asked who it was. She told me it was her son who had died at age three when a funko pop got stuck in his throat. His father had tried desperately to remove the lodged toy, but his attempts were fruitless, and the child succumbed. I was horrified and can only imagine how much they both suffered from this sad experience.

It is difficult to watch our children every minute, but we can make every attempt to remove any toys that could do harm from those that they play with every day. Your children also may receive toys as presents from well-meaning family members and friends for birthdays and holidays. How can you be sure that the toys you have in your home are safe for your children?

It is good to be aware of the CPSC US Consumer Product Safety Commission Homepage, which is where you can look to see if a particular toy has been recalled. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed so you will be able to see the latest recalls. If you know of any incident related to a toy injuring a child, you can also report it on this great site to help others.

Most recently the CPSC announced the recall of toy dark gun play sets that were sold at the Family Dollar Stores. Two children, aged 9 and 10 (both boys) put the soft darts into their mouths and accidentally inhaled them into their throats. Because of the suction cups, they were unable to get the darts removed and the children died of asphyxiation. Children of all ages can be harmed if they are not careful with toys.

Another suggestion is to pay attention to age recommendations on toys. They are put on the packages for a reason. You may think your child is old enough to play with a toy that is made for an older child, but toys with small or removable parts can cause injuries or asphyxiation. Some older children also still like to put things in their nose, ears and mouths, so you are the best judge to know what is appropriate for them.

If a toy is broken, it is best to throw it away immediately. Be aware of what is in your toy box. If tiny or broken pieces of toys are present, clean them out.

If your child receives a toy as a present or you have purchased one that they wanted, you should try hard to break it (do not do it in front of the child, however). If you can yank on the stuffed animals eyes and they are loose, they could come off and get lodged in the child’s throat. Try to think of ways in which your child may use it and test to see if the toy will fall apart. You can also test all toy gifts since they were not given with the intention to harm the child. It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you buy secondhand or garage sale toys, test them to see that they are safe for your child. It is ultimately up to the parents to check out the toys their children play with to ensure their safety.

Teaching your children the proper way to play with their toys will also educate them so they can play safely. It is not just enough to tell them not to point a toy dart gun at another child. It is also important to think of other ways that the toy may be harmful to them.

It is not only cheap toys that have been recalled, but recently there have been several well-known toy companies that have recalled toys. Just as an example, Step 2 recalled Buggy Toys because the pin that holds the handle on loosens and it detaches posing a danger to a child. These toys have been sold for over ten years and were made in the United States.

Another well-known toy maker, Gund, have recently recalled their Paperboard Baby Books because the styrofoam in the binding can detach and choke a child. These books were made in China and have been available since January 2009.

The post Choosing Funko Pop Toys For Your Children first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Knives are undoubtedly one of the oldest tools used by mankind. Using sharpened stones and bones goes back to days of cavemen. These days, however, we have many more choices and one of the best choices is Benchmade Knives.

The Benchmade knife Company was started by Les de Asis and Roberta in 1988 in California. 2 years later, they moved to Oregon, which is where it is situated now. From there, the company grew to become one of the best knife manufacturers, mainly because of their enhanced product line. They are also pioneers in using laser technology for engraving the knives.

A big reason behind the quality of Benchmade knives is the quality of steel used. Benchmade uses CPM, D2, S30V and 154CM grade steel for their knives. For the uninitiated, these are some of the highest quality steels available on the market today. In short, these types of metals give the knives optimum durability and cutting ability. The knives are classified into gold, blue, black and red. The handles come in several different colors such as red, yellow, blue, silver, pink and black and stag. The handles are built in such a way so that it will give maximum griping and comfort level for the user. It is for all these reasons and more, many of the law enforcement and military personnel around the world use the Benchmade knife.

As far as handles go, stag knives are one of the most popular models for hunters and fisherman from Bench made. Stag refers to the antlers of a deer. The tradition of using the bone or ivory of hunted animals for knife ornamentation goes back a long way. It is steeped in folklore and tradition that goes back many centuries. Benchmark keeps up this tradition by making the highest quality hunting and fishing knives by using stag horn for its handles. This material is capable of giving a look to the knife which no other material can replicate. As with all other knives made by Benchmade, the stag knives are of the highest quality and corrosion proof.

the uninitiated, these are some of the highest quality steels available on the market today. In short, these types of metals give the knives optimum durability and cutting ability. The knives are classified into gold, blue, black and red. The handles come in several different colors such as red, yellow, blue, silver, pink and black and stag. The handles are built in such a way so that it will give maximum griping and comfort level for the user. It is for all these reasons and more

Stag refers to the antlers of a deer. The tradition of using the bone or ivory of hunted animals for knife ornamentation goes back a long way. It is steeped in folklore and tradition that goes back many centuries. Benchmark keeps up this tradition by making the highest quality hunting and fishing knives by using stag horn for its handles. This material is capable of giving a look to the knife which no other material can replicate.

The post The Characteristics of a Quality Benchmade Knife first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Fall is here and winter is shortly on the way. Stores are full of fall decorations and holiday decor giving us the urge to try something new in our homes for the upcoming winter. If you are like many of us always decorating with neutral colors because it is safe and serene, maybe it is time to try an exciting look like anime collectable. This decor is very popular in the bedroom or accenting family rooms or living rooms.

This theme is one that brings a comforting and warm feeling to the bedroom for the cooler weather. It is also stylish and attractive. There is a lot to choose from and items from the animal collection can be mixed in with many types of decor that you may already use. You can buy just a few pillows and an animal print throw for the bedroom to mix with neutrals to see how it feels and looks.

Most of the patterns will blend with traditional, rustic, contemporary, ethnic or just about any style you may already have in the house. Some people may prefer to use exotic prints like zebra, tiger or leopard. There are also available for purchase some patterns with lions or giraffes. The materials and quality vary as do the extent of the color, so it really becomes a personal choice. You can usually find what you like in a range of prices.

If it is time for a total make over of the bedroom, you can purchase comforters, bed skirts, pillow shams, throw pillows and even small or large area rugs to mix and match for the perfect combination. The bathroom also can be accented with the same theme by using towels, shower curtains, soap dish, wastebaskets and toothbrush holders to match or mix with other items. Animal prints provide a style of their own and give a whimsical look to enjoy.

This theme is one that brings a comforting and warm feeling to the bedroom for the cooler weather. It is also stylish and attractive. There is a lot to choose from and items from the animal collection can be mixed in with many types of decor that you may already use. You can buy just a few pillows and an animal print throw for the bedroom to mix with neutrals to see how it feels and looks.

Most of the patterns will blend with traditional, rustic, contemporary, ethnic or just about any style you may already have in the house. Some people may prefer to use exotic prints like zebra, tiger or leopard. There are also available for purchase some patterns with lions or giraffes. The materials and quality vary as do the extent of the color, so it really becomes a personal choice. You can usually find what you like in a range of prices.

Then again, if in there’s no Build-A-Bear in your area or the money in your pocket, what you can do is gather up some of the animal collector’s favorite animals, and since they collect stuffed PureBlades, they may want something else for a change like a glass cat or turtle, or a metal bear. These are less expensive and can usually be found anywhere during the holidays.

Stuffed Animal collectors love the hobby because they get to have lots of toys, which are why animal collectors are usually younger. However, as we all get older we all have memories from each toy or stuffed animal, right? So to make or get a gift that will be very memorable add a bit of personality to it, and keep the person in mind for which your getting the gift for.

The gifts will vary if you are getting Grandma a gift or your niece, obviously Grandma will want something a bit more elegant, meanwhile you niece won’t care, but she will want something that means a lot to her, and she’ll want to know that her Aunt or Uncle cared.

The post The Right Time for Anime Collectable first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

The Ultimate Survival Knife Shootout

The debate on which are the best survival knives are both ongoing and extremely heated. When searching for the best survival knives there are just so many choices out there that it’s mind-boggling. I have searched long and hard, read hundreds of reviews and tested survival knives over and over and have come up with my elite list of the best 5 survival knives on the planet. Why five? The truth is just as each knife is different, each person is different and what survival knife is the best for you may not be the best for someone else. By the end of this review you should have an idea on which Kizer knives suit you best.

The 3 Most Important Things To Look For In A Survival Knife

Before we look at the top 5 it’s important to see why I selected what I did. Survival Knives are not your standard chefs knife and must be made to withstand whatever you can throw at them without even the inkling of breaking or failing, lets face it, survival knives are made for handling a potential life and death situation. Here are the top 3 things all survival knives MUST have.

1. Fixed Blade – With recent technological improvements, folding knives have come a long way, but in the end they will NEVER be as strong or durable as a tried and true fixed blade knives. Fixed blade survival knives have a full tang that extends all the way down to the butt of the handle, and every one of my top 5 pics is a full tang, full fixed blade survival knife.
2. Top Notch Steel – This could very well be the most important thing to look for in a survival knife and is certainly one of the most debated topics when it comes to survival knives. While there are literally hundreds of types of steel out there, my top 5 pics are either stainless steel, carbon steel or a mix of the two which is my personal preference.
3. Thick Blade and/or Heat Treatment – Lets face it, survival knives aren’t made to slice tomatoes for your next catering party, these knives are meant to hack, slash, chop, skin and save your life! We need a knife that will not fail you when failure means death. This is why we look for at least a 1/8″ blade thickness combined with a reputable company that will give the knife a proper heat treatment for maximum strength.

The Top 5 Survival Knives In the World For 2012

Whoa, pretty big claim there right? Well, first let me give you a little disclaimer. I know some of you will read this and say, “No way, X/Y/Z makes a $500 knife that is way better!” The truth is you might be right, but I don’t know about you but I don’t like spending $500 on a knife. This list is the top 5 survival knives FOR THE MONEY! Each of these knives will give you the ultimate bang for your buck, and each of them will typically blow away any $500 survival knife. I should also preface this by saying that these survival knives are in no particular order and I have not been paid by any of the manufactures listed here to favor any of these survival knives, this is just a list from my personal use and experience with these survival knives. Enough talk, lets get to it!

1. KA-BAR 7″ Fighting/Utility Knife- You can’t search anywhere for quality survival knives without coming across KA-BAR. These knives are tried and true and have so much history and field experience that many won’t even consider going with another brand. KA-BAR uses a 1095 Cro-Van Steel which is a stainless/carbon mix that is extremely tough and very durable, and yet just soft enough to hold a razor sharp edge. There are many types of KA-BAR survival knives but the one I like most is the 7″ blade with the Kraton G Handle, they do make a leather handle but I found Kraton G to be much better for grip and MUCH more weather-proof. Also, make sure to buy it with Kydex sheath, Kydex beats the crap out of leather hands down, don’t worry about the few extra dollars, just get it! This knife can literally do it all and has been used by the USMC for years as their standard issue knife, and for good reason, this knife is simply amazing.
3. Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife- Ethan Becker broke the mold when he created this bad boy, with a blade thickness of 1/4″ this thing could withstand a nuclear attack! With a true full tang design where the handle is literally 2 pieces of Givory stuck around raw steel this honestly has to be the most rugged knife out of all my top 5. The Becker BK2 is tough as nails, I have seen videos of people putting hundreds and hundreds of pounds of weight on the knife without it so much as flinching, combine that with a beautiful drop point design and one of the best designed sheaths in the business and you have yourself a knife that will out cut and out handle most $400 survival knives at a fraction of the price! My only issue with these survival knives are that the blade might be a tad short for batoning wood, that said when I tested this knife I actually found it the easiest to baton with due to its super thick blade. Its bigger brother the Becker BK7 has a 7″ blade opposed to the BK2′s 5″ blade but it is a bit thinner and comes with a nylon sheath instead of kydex, very disappointing. This is why I choose the BK2 over the BK7, but honestly you can’t go wrong with either.

The post The Best Kizer Knives In The World first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Everyone needs a pocket knife! But, there are hundreds if not thousands of pocket knives and folding knives available. The first step is to determine if you would like a traditional pocket knife or a tactical-style folder. How can you determine which is best for you? Well, you have come to the right place! There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right spyderco or folding knife that will give you a starting point.

1. Do you prefer tactical folders or traditional pocket knives?

If you are not sure, follow this checklist to determine which type you might like better.

2. What size knife would you like?

If you prefer a large knife, traditional options include the full-size trapper and stockman. Most tactical knives are larger, so a multitude of options are available. If you would prefer a smaller knife, there is a wide range of traditional patterns available and most tactical manufacturers do make smaller variations, such as the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian.

3. What steel type would you prefer?

To a lot of knife owners, steel type really does not matter. If a traditional carbon steel or a stainless steel like 440C or AUS8 is acceptable, any good quality knife will have decent steel that will serve well. If a fancier steel is preferred like D2, or the newer stainless steels, these are far more available in the tactical folder market. Traditional knives in a supersteel tend to be much more expensive, but they are available.

4. Do you want a lock to hold the blade open during use?

If so, then you will likely prefer a tactical knife. Almost every tactical knife uses some form of lock to prevent the blade from accidentally closing while you are using it. This feature is available on a few traditional knives, but is rare.

5. Do you prefer natural wood or bone handles or do you like modern synthetic handles?

If you prefer natural warm materials, you will be interested in the handle materials available on traditional knives. If you like synthetic handle materials, you will probably prefer those found on tactical knives.

6. Do you want an assisted opening or a thumb stud or hole to aid in quick opening?

If so, you will probably want a tactical knife. A very few traditionally-styled knives have some form of stud or hole, but they are very rare.

7. Would you like more than one blade?

If multiple blades are desired, traditional pocket knives are likely your preferred knife. If you only want one blade, consider tactical folders, since most are only available with one blade.

8. Do you want to carry the knife in your pocket or do you want to carry it clipped to your pocket edge?

If you want to carry your knife in your pocket, you will probably carry a traditional pocket knife. Most tactical models have pocket clips pre-installed.

By finding out your preferences in these areas, you can start to determine which knife would be best for your uses. If you decide on a traditional pocket knife, companies like Case Knives, Boker Knives, and Buck Knives line of traditional knives. If a tactical knife is more your style, consider Benchmade Knives, Spyderco Knives, or Kershaw Knives.

The post How To Choose a Spyderco or Folding Knife first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

The act of collecting certain things that are deemed interesting is a practice that many people please themselves with. There are those who make it a hobby and keep items in astounding display for viewers to see. There are also individuals who spend a lot just to be able to add another piece of costly antique to the wide array of purely luxurious collection. Collectibles do not have to be all lavish though. Some collectors dwell on inexpensive stuff like bottles, Horror Collectible, and just about anything that they find fascinating. The point is to stock up on any group of similar items which are appealing to the collector.

One of the most famous things people love collecting is antiques. These happen to be among the highest-priced materials. Many sellers find the reason to sell these at sky-high prices because of their rareness. Exquisite jars, century-old coins, and treasure maps belong to this category. Indeed, these articles are not easy to find and require careful handling. Transporting them from one place to another would necessitate special precaution because of their fragility. Wealthy collectors often end up paying for courier, transportation, and delivery expenses to ensure safety and promptness of arrival.

Paintings are another type of collectibles that are well-appreciated not only by the collector himself but also avid fans of art. When displayed stylishly around a mansion-like home, these will definitely serve as exquisite adornments along the walls of the spacious loft. During parties and celebrations, guests will absolutely be entertained by the extraordinary exhibit of beautifully painted images. But painting collectors do not really dwell on the amusement that other people might gain from these works of art. What they find fulfilling is the thought that a specific canvas longed for is finally acquired and added up on the numerous frames visible on each corner.

Other individuals base their collection on something they possess passion for. For instance, a person might conceive a romance book to part of the compilation because of the longing to feed the soul with inspiring love stories. Genres may vary depending on the areas of interest. Adventure, horror, comedy, and romantic suspense books account to be the best-selling publications in bookstores everywhere. When a reader intends to keep these materials as part of a collection, they see to it that proper covering and preservation are done to maintain newness. Later on, they will only be surprised at the countless shelves containing volumes of materials previously read.

When displayed stylishly around a mansion-like home, these will definitely serve as exquisite adornments along the walls of the spacious loft. During parties and celebrations, guests will absolutely be entertained by the extraordinary exhibit of beautifully painted images. But painting collectors do not really dwell on the amusement that other people might gain from these works of art.

There are also individuals who spend a lot just to be able to add another piece of costly antique to the wide array of purely luxurious collection. Collectibles do not have to be all lavish though. Some collectors dwell on inexpensive stuff like bottles, magazines, and just about anything that they find fascinating.

The post Most Famous Horror Collectible first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

You should already know what goes into a sword blade and that you should avoid stainless steel and floppy spring steel. If not, please speak with your instructor about it, or visit with us and we can give you a thorough introduction to metallurgy. The rest of your decision making process will deal primarily with the quality of the fittings, and their proper assembly. Here is a simple checklist you can use when selecting a samurai swords.

1. What kind of steel is it? For cheap swords that will never see contact or hard movements, stainless steel or floppy Asian spring steel is somewhat acceptable.
2. What kind of temper has it had? A high quality sword should be differentially tempered.
3. Is it too floppy, or too rigid? Too floppy and it is useless and even dangerous. Too rigid could make the blade prone to breaking.
4. Where is the balance point of the sword? Ask for a rag (Never touch a blade. It is rude and skin oils may stain and cause tarnishing or accelerate rusting of the metal), place your hand under the rag, the sword over the rag and try to find where the balance point is. Then you decide if that is where you like it. Tai Chi straight sword balance should be within 4″ in either direction of the guard.
5. Hold the sword pointing upwards and, with the rag over your hand, moderately smack the side of the blade and feel for the harmonic vibrations. If it vibrates annoyingly in your hand, put it down and move on to another sword.
6. Make sure you have plenty of room, and safely swing the sword (small movements are sufficient) and “feel” if it moves well for you (purely subjective). Do this with, and without the tassels. Tassels can give you a “fake” feeling for the true overall balance of the sword. It is best to “feel” the sword without the tassels. Or, hold them up in the opposite hand.
7. Hold the sword up and look down the entire length of the blade. Check that the blade is smooth and straight. You should NOT see waves or bumps. Some unscrupulous sales people will try to tell you this is the preferred proof that it is a quality hand-made sword. Not true. A poor quality machine made sword will have the same ripples. However, this does not necessarily mean the sword is junk. It just means it is not of the best manufacture.
8. While holding the sword up, check for straightness. You do not want a bent blade.
9. While holding the sword up check the alignment of the blade, the guard, the handle, and the pommel. They should all follow a straight line at every angle.
10. Flip the sword over and check for all of the above while looking at the other edge of the blade.
11. Check for a tight and well assembled blade collar (not all swords have one), guard, handle, and pommel. There should not be any large or unsightly cracks, gaps or spaces. Handle wraps should be tight and nothing should wiggle nor move.
12. If the owner of the sword allows you, and you are confident in your grip (if not, ask someone to help you), shake the blade violently (or a small harsh whipping motion) and feel for movement of the fittings, and for clicking sounds within the fittings. Little movements and clicking indicate poor assembly and future problems such as wrappings and handles falling apart or even breaking while in use.
13. Again, if the owner allows you and you are confident, hold the sword sideways (with a flat side of the blade facing you) and shake it violently (or a small harsh whipping motion). Feel and listen for problems. I actually did this with a sword with a price tag of about $1,400.00 and I heard two wood cracking sounds in the handle. I apologized and humbly asked the seller to please not make me buy the sword.
14. Lastly, check to see how the blade fits into the scabbard. It should be snug, but not so tight you cannot pull the blade out. However, this is not terrible, since most scabbards will wear, and humidity will affect the wood, and proper shimming will easily fix the fit. Mainly, make sure it is the correct scabbard for that sword, and that it is not cracked or crooked.

The post Selecting a High Quality Samurai Swords first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley

Comic books are a big part of popular culture as it combines art and writing. A comic book, also known as a comic strip or comic, is defined as a booklet of words and pictures that are integrated into a printed format. It is both a unique art form and a literary standard that originated in the United States in the late 1800s. The most basic definition is that a comic is a series of words and pictures presented in a sequence and forms a narrative. In comic books, the horror collectible uses everyday language placed in dialogue boxes and with a series of pictures portrays a thought quickly and directly.

Unlike novels or short stories, the comic books’ pictures control the reader’s interpretation of the words and they are forced to see the writer’s point of view. Comic books allow the reader to examine the minds of the characters through dialogue balloons thus inviting the reader into the make believe world of the writer. These visual sequences of art are mass-produced inexpensively.

Being an immensely influential part of popular culture, comic books are very good collectible items. Collecting comic books is a fun hobby and, if done right, can be very lucrative. The majority of comic book titles center on superhero characters but there are also comic books on comedy, drama, horror collectibles wholesale, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, for adults, for children, in foreign languages and adaptations. So as you can see, there is a wide variety to choose from, which can result in a huge comic book collection. All well kept comic books will either maintain or grow in value over time. The trick is to choose titles with the highest growth potential.

The very first step in collecting comic books is to buy them. The first step in purchasing a good comic book is to choose a good local comic or specialty store. Most stores have a saver programs or subscriptions that allow you to have the comics of your preferred title set aside for you. Most of the titles are either under Marvel Comics, DC Comics or Image Comics. The minority are under independent titles. Browse the store of choice and look for comic books with solid story lines and excellent illustrations.

It will be to your advantage if you can get the earliest release of the issue. Also, because this is primarily a hobby, buy those that interest you and maybe these will increase in value.

For a collector’s item to increase in value over the years, it should be in crisp condition. This is true of all collections, but comics call for special treatment. To keep them in mint condition, they must be carefully flipped through while reading. Please refrain from dog-earing and folding the pages. Afterwards place in a Mylar Sleeve. This is like a clear envelope with a pressed-board backing. This sleeve prevents moisture from damping the comic and the board ensures that the comic isn’t folded or crumpled. Slide the comic into the sleeve against the treated side (the white side) and the comic cover facing front.

If you plan on storing the comic books for more than five years, make sure to use premium quality acid-free backing board and paper. After this, the comics should be stored in a long or short comic box with the comics standing up. Make sure the box has the right fit and it is always helpful to include a list of the comic books stored inside the box in an organized manner according to title, date of release and issue number, to avoid unnecessary skimming and flipping through the comics. These supplies are common in specialty shops because they are really a necessity in comic storage.

The post Collecting and Caring for Horror Collectible first appeared on NAZING written by Olivia Bradley