The July 2008 month-end trend data for distributors and manufacturers of power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) products compiled by the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) retracted slightly in July 2008.

U.S. distributors’ overall sales of PT/MC products fell 1.1% in July 2008 compared to June 2008. When matched up against sales in the same month last year, sales in July 2008 were up 10.2%. Accounts receivable collection days increased 2.6% since June 2008. The confidence index of U.S. distributors for July dropped 0.2 points to 5.4 on a 10-point scale.

Canadian distributors were the only category reporting a gain in sales in July 2008, posting a 2.0% increase over June 2008. Sales over the same period last year were up 6.4%. Accounts receivable collection days dropped dramatically, by 19.3% compared to June 2008. In July 2008, the confidence level of Canadian distributors was held constant for the sixth consecutive month at 5.7 on a 10-point scale.

U.S. manufacturers’ sales dropped 3.9% in July 2008 when compared to June 2008. Sales in July 2008 climbed 14.4% compared to the same period last year. Orders in July 2008 were down 2.7% over June 2008. The confidence level of U.S. manufacturers rose 0.1 points to 5.4 on a 10-point scale.

Canadian manufacturer’s sales decreased 3.5% in July 2008 compared to June 2008. Sales were down 0.9% when compared to the same period last year. The confidence level of Canadian manufacturers increased 0.1 to 5.0 on a 10-point scale from June to July 2008.

Product-by-product sales between June 2008 and July 2008 reflect the overall decline in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Only three of nine product categories for U.S. manufacturers — shaft couplings, variable speed drives and gear products — posted increases in sales. For Canadian manufacturers, four product categories posted double-digit gains — mounted bearings, clutches and brakes, shaft couplings and gear products.

From my previous post, there were some questions in the comments. Will deal with them in two seperate posts.

I am less than a month away from submitting my PhD, and am frustrated with bench work. I am very interested in begining a career in industry, and specifically looking at applicaiton scientist roles.

As you yourself have said, you always hire through recruiters, however, all the ones I’ve spoken to keep telling me that I’ll have real trouble getting a position straight out of my PhD. One of them has refused to put me forward to any of the companies she has as clients. Another one has done so, as my experience matches exactly what the client needs, but told me in effect not to hold my breath. Apparently I have to go through sales first. I don’t beleive that is so, but perhaps I am misguided.

I should point out that I am in the UK, so the market here is probably different from the US, but what are your thoughts about this?

I couldn’t disagree with what you are being told any more strongly than I do. “go through sales first”…. ummm.. NO - I wouldn’t hire you in to an app scientist role if you had been through sales first. At that point you have been taken too far away from the bench.

“not right”is very odd. In looking at our app scientists, they are all straight from Ph.D. At other companies I know of, that is mostly true as well. Several have done post docs, but far from a majority. Several don’t have a Ph.D. - so that is pretty much the opposite of what you are being told.

I am looking world wide when I say this. I have full visibility in to Europe, China, and India - so this is certainly not a US only issue. I would say ex-US that it is critical that you have a Ph.D. as I don’t currently see any non-Ph.D’s. In the US it seems to be a lot less of an issue.

Straight out of the Ph.D. it WILL TAKE A LONG TIME to get a job. You don’t know anyone, you have nothing in your favor with regards to work experience etc…. It took me 4 months, and I got VERY lucky. Others have taken 5/6/7 months.

!. KEEP IT QUIET

Some people can sleep through a 5 alarm fire next door, others are awakened by the drip of a faucet or the ticking of a clock. Scientifically speaking sound that exceeds 70 decibels is a stimulus to the nervous system and that is a signal for your body to wake up.

Sound and white noise machines, which make a constant sound, or ear plugs are recomended.  But the bonus of a sleep machine is that it takes you to a deeper state of sleep, we offer a free white noise CD with the purchase of our sound machines which can be found at Blue Planet Products.

2. SEEK DARKNESS

Too much light when you are sleeping contributes to sleeplessness.  Use dark fabrics and solid window coverings to block out the light.

3. TURN OFF THE TV AND TALK RADIO

Both offer two things that should not be in your sleeping environment. Stress and stimulation. Plus even if you are listening to something soothing, and fall asleep you will probably be suddenly awakened by a loud commentator or commercail, and no one needs that!

4. KEEP IT COOL

The ideal sleep tempreture is about 65 degrees. If your sleeping area is hotter or cooler than that your sleep time and quality can be reduced.

5. DE-CLUTTER AND DE-STRESS

A relaxing sleeping area is free from clutter and mess.  Stacks of books, clothes piles, and food containers add to stress.  Replace them with enjoyable or relaxing images. For the walls choose colors that are associated with calm and relaxation.  Mild greens and blues bring a tranquility to the room.  Just stay away from bright or colors that shock the senses.

6. GOOD BYE PETS

Though the thought of not being able to cuddle with Princess or Fido may seem disterbing at first.  Having Princess plop down on your head or stomach or Fido playing with your toes will cause a lot more loss of quality sleep.

7. INVEST IN THE RIGHT MATRESS FOR YOU

Soft as marshmallow or hard as a wood plank, test drive matresses before you buy and make sure you are getting the one that best fits you.

8. POSITIONING IS KEY

Try to avoid sleeping with your head elevated or on your stomach because both sleeping positions contribute to aches and pains and poor sleep.  The best sleeping positions recomeneded by medical experts are  sleeping on your side with your spine straight or on your back.  Transitioning from an unhealthy sleeping position is a tough task but for your sake try to do it!

9. ESTABLISH A BEDTIME RITUAL

Dim the lights and read a lighthearted book or magazine until you are unable to keep your eyes open any longer. Using a bedside reading lamp makes switching off the lights when you are ready for slumberland.

10. USE SUPPORTIVE PILLOWS

The right pillow is essential for quality sleep as well as helping the body with correct sleeping posture. A good pillow gives support, if you are a side sleeper the pillow should support your head and neck, keeping them in alignment. For back sleepers the support should be mostly under the neck with the head almost touching the mattress.

Thank you for reading and hopefully this guide has helped you create the environment you need to support a restful nights sleep.  Remember to stop by Blue Planet Products  to check out our quality products, great pricing and free shipping and bonus items! CLICK HERE FOR THE BLUE PLANET PRODUCTS STORE.

i bought a set of taylormade lcg burner irons. i’ve alwqays liked the the LCG irons just for what the LCG stans for low center of gravity. this helps with the average or weekend golfer with getting the ball airborne. i bought this particular set, as they looked good in the ebay pics and the sellers feedback rating was 100% which is why i went ahead and bought the set with the buy it now option price which was very reasonable, considering the condition of the clubs and the sellers feedback rating. any bidder researching or knowing the LCG Burner club would have done the same, as the “buy it now” price was lower than the average selling price. thanks hack1158 

Although they are a little strange-looking compared with other putters that I have used (mostly Cameron blades and a Cameron Futura) I was attracted to the Red X putters because they were the most effective putters of all in making putts during a recent putter study conducted by a leading golf magazine. The internal weighting technology gives these putters a high moment of inertia, while the steel face floating in an elastomer base gives them the softest and most solid feel of any putters I have tried. I favored the Red X2 over the Red X because I like a straight, center-shafted putter. The final determining factor was putting with another Red X2 and seeing that I could really hole putts with it. I have now bought two Red X2 putters on eBay and I like them better than any other putters I have had. 

I purchased the Red X2 on e-bay after looking at about 30 different putters at the local golf shops. I saw a new one of these at the shop and loved the balance and alignment but it had already been sold.

Being a Scotty Cameron this is not a cheap putter ($250 new, $130-150 used) but it is also perfectly balanced and weighted. I have the center shafted putter with the 3 red alignment dots under the shaft. I have always wondered if I had the putter square to the line and with this putter I can easily tell because if I can see any of the dots past the shaft I am not aligned properly.

I don’t change putters very often as I only average about 28.6 putts per round. This is only the 4th putter I have every owned in over 20 years of golf and I am extremely pleased with it. I have played 10 rounds since I purchased it and am now averaging 28.2 putts per round and most of my 2nd putts are from inside 18 inches.

The only draw-back I have is the purchase price, but I would highly recommend this putter if you are looking to improve your putting and have some extra cash laying around.