I know most people wonder if buying "Made in the USA" really matters. It can seem like it's just another marketing ploy. It's also really hard to walk away from a similar item that costs hundreds of dollars less, just to buy a homegrown product.
Viking, the makers of those gigantic shiny ranges, has been hard-hit by the economic slowdown and the slow migration away from domestic products. They're diversifying their business to try to survive - offering matching cabinets and cooking classes to try to stay in your lives. The one thing they can't do is explain to consumers that there really is a difference between imported and domestic products. You can't see it, but I can, and here are some things you should question before you buy a cheaper model:
- Is that really metal? Cheaper models use plastic coated with metal, much less durable
- How thick is that metal? If you don't like dents, you might want to ask how thick the sheet metal is - in other words, what gauge is this metal? Thicker is better for safety and durability. Similarly, you want thicker gauge wire for the racks inside a range.
- Are those buttons for real? Thin shiny plastic panels won't look so hot in a few years, physical switches are always a plus.
- How serious is the hardware? Look at the door hinge. Big thick metal parts are better than thin or even plastic parts. The oven door is a common failure point for ranges.
If you take the time to become familiar with some of these terms and materials, the differences between high and low-end will become apparent. Often a cheaper model will save money upfront, but the pricier model will last significantly longer. Hopefully, there will always be a place for Made in the USA, and Viking for one says they're going to "build in America no matter what."
Yep. Denim Diapers. You really are seeing that. My gut reaction is to sink this product, but I'm trying to take a step back into the target's mindset. There are lots of people who let their kids run around in just a diaper all day - I may not be one of them, but this product doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it will appeal to them?
I know most people wonder if buying "Made in the USA" really matters. It can seem like it's just another marketing ploy. It's also really hard to walk away from a similar item that costs hundreds of dollars less, just to buy a homegrown product.
My husband had a serious habit - he drank in the morning, throughout the day and the evening - he was and remains a seltzer fanatic. Then we brought the Sodastream into his life and now he's a changed man - he can make his own seltzer for a fraction of the cost and without tearing through seemingly millions of plastic bottles to get his fix. I highly, highly recommend it!
I may be waaaaay behind the times, but I really didn't know about this yet: European countries, Denmark in particular, are building trash incinerators to generate electricity and heat (we did too 15yrs ago but have not embraced newer cleaner technology). And it's completely clean. Cleaner than burning wood in your own fireplace! It's one of those fascinating, frustrating articles for those with common sense. I may have lived in NYC but I don't understand Bloomberg's negative reaction to the technology when the city produces 10,500 tons of waste A DAY!!! Read the NY Times article to learn how trash can solve it's own problems.
A push mower to desire from Fiskars - The Momentum Reel Mower. Another great application of the basic fly wheel - I haven't gotten a taste yet but I'm eager to see if it delivers that effortless sense of power. Also, are those mainly plastic housings? Could be a concern for long-term durability, which is a mainstay of the classic push mowers.
