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10 Types of Shelters for Natural Disasters

When a natural disaster strikes, there’s nothing people want more than the bare necessities and a roof over their heads. Disaster relief groups go to great lengths to ensure that victims have shelter from the storm and a place to dwell during the aftermath, but when facilities become full the help has to get creative. Thankfully, there are hundreds of affordable shelters on the market and self-build homes that provide shelter and hope in these trying times. Here are 10 types of shelters for natural disasters:

• Shipping Container Houses
  In recent years, recycled shipping containers have been used as emergency housing for natural disaster victims. Shipping containers have a sturdy structure and impenetrable exterior that makes them an ideal shelter for earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Not only are they structurally-sound and plentiful, but shipping containers make beautiful, modular homes.
• Relief Tents
  
  Disaster relief tents are convenient, portable and easy-to-install structures that use strong frames and high-quality fabrics that are flame retardant, water resistant and give victims privacy. Tents can typically house an entire family or a group of individuals with enough space to create separate rooms. Depending on the construction and materials used, some disaster tents are capable of withstanding severe weather and certain natural disasters.
• Shelter Canopies
  Shelter canopies aren’t just four poles with an overhead roof, they can also come with windows, doors and protective lining that shields victims from water, bugs and other outside elements. Canopies are extremely portable and rapidly deployed in times of need. Although canopies are mostly temporary houses, they can be customized with generators, lights, beds, tables and other amenities to make it feel like home.
• Foldable Shelters
  Like the bellows of an accordion, foldable shelters expand into homes of various shapes and sizes and easily fold back into place to be transported or stowed away. Foldable shelters are typically made out of polypropylene, provide relief for four or more people and are relatively inexpensive to buy. The unique folding design of this shelter makes it one of the most portable and immediate shelters for natural disaster victims today.
• Plastic Sheeting Homes
  Many temporary houses for natural disaster victims are made from high-quality plastic sheeting, which is portable, long-lasting, and shields against weather and other elements. Plastic sheeting can be used alone to create single-family homes, community shelters, latrines or to reinforce current housing.
• Sandbag Shelters
  Sandbag shelters are both sturdy and artistic structures that can resist hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Sandbag shelters are extremely versatile in their shape, construction and amenities. Mirroring the adobe-style homes, sandbag shelters can be used as temporary shelters or transformed into self-sustaining houses.
• Hexayurt Shelters
  For less than $100 dollars to build, hexayurt homes provide an inexpensive, eco-friendly and sustainable form of shelter for natural disaster victims. This geometric shaped shelter can be made with sheets of plywood, OSB, coroplast, hexacomb cardboard and other construction materials that are screwed together, painted and customized to your liking. They are roomy enough for windows, doors, stove fittings and room partitions and have the ability to withstand various climates and weather conditions for years.
• Bamboo Houses
  Bamboo houses have become a widely-recognized form of shelter for natural disaster victims and those who are prone to such catastrophes. Bamboo is incredibly flexible and strong, with twice the compression strength of concrete and half the tensile strength of steel. If properly constructed and treated, bamboo houses have the power to withstand deadly earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters.
• InterShelter
  InterShelters are dome-shaped homes, made out of a fiberglass-composite mixture and a fireproof structure. They can house an entire family and are easily broken down, rebuilt and relocated for various shelter needs. Each dome-home weighs 70 pounds, but they can withstand a Category 4 hurricane, an 8.5-magnitude earthquake and other extreme weather or natural disasters.
• Concrete Shelters
  In an effort to create permanent housing during natural disaster crises, the Concrete Canvas created a building-in-a-bag that only needs water and air to inflate. This portable shelter is made of cement-impregnated cloth expands and hardens in one day and is completely waterproof, fireproof and chemically resistant. Doors and windows can be cut for ventilation, and any unset cloth can be tailored to meet the occupants’ needs.

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8 Most Expensive State Construction Projects

For better or for worse, it’s your tax dollars at work. Big construction undertakings by your state may seem pointless during the building process. After all, what’s the purpose of widening an interstate to alleviate traffic when the 10-year project itself is making traffic worse? But when everything comes together and the final touches have been made, the reward is that your commute has been made easier ? at least until another population boom. Here are some of America’s most expensive state projects.

1. Big Dig ? $22 billion with interest
   The Big Dig, also known as the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, is the most expensive highway project in US history. It cost $15 billion to build from 1991 to 2007, and an additional $7 billion in interest will be charged before the project is paid off in 2038. Its purpose was to relieve congestion on I-93 in Boston by steering traffic into an eight-lane, 3.5 mile tunnel. Since it has been in use, numerous leaks have been spotted and fatal accidents have occurred. In 2006, a woman was killed when three-ton ceiling panels collapsed onto her car. Even still, officials have maintained that the Big Dig has done its job.
2. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, East Span Replacement for Earthquake Safety ? $6.2 billion
   After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that damaged a part of the east span, statewide studies were undertaken in an effort to determine whether or not California’s bridges were safe from seismic activity. Because of the result of the ‘89 quake and the information gained from the study, safety improvements were planned for the Bay Bridge. The entire east span is currently in the process of being replaced, and it’s scheduled to open in 2013.
3. Mon-Fayette Expressway ? $5.4 billion
   Construction on the Expressway began in the 1970s and it’s expected to be completed in 2011. During the process, costs have skyrocketed from $1.2 billion to $5.4 billion because of rising costs of construction materials and design changes. Its purpose is to connect Morgantown, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, and assist in the economic revitalization of old steel towns along the way. However, the population along the first section of the Expressway is decreasing, and roadway traffic is down from when the first section opened in 1990.
4. Ohio River Bridges Project ? $4.1 billion
   The Ohio River Bridge Project is intended to link Louisville with Southern Indiana, and according to kyinbridges.com, it “will result in safer travel, less congestion and improved access to destinations in the region.” Included are the construction of two bridges and a reconfiguration of Louisville’s Kennedy Interchange, also known as Spaghetti Junction, where three interstates (I-64, I-65 and I-71) merge. As of the summer of 2010, it’s likely that tolls will be imposed along its routes.
5. Interstate 69 in Indiana ? $4 billion and counting
   Not only will the I-69 project connect Evansville to Indianapolis, but according to the state of Indiana, it’ll also spur economic growth the state and the country. Nationally, it’ll be connected to 17 of the country’s top 25 seaports and 15 of the country’s top 25 air cargo airports. Its importance is reflected in its rising cost; much of which is going toward the construction of the new Ohio River Bridge
6. Central Texas Turnpike System ? $3.6 billion
   The Central Texas Turnpike is intended to provide relief to the growing Central Texas region, specifically Austin and San Antonio. According to Texas Governor Rick Perry, the project was completed a year ahead of schedule and $400 million under budget because of innovative methods of funding. It was financed by a combination of state highway dollars, local contributors, the sale of bonds and a federal loan.
7. Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project ? $2.5 billion
   Originally, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge was supposed to serve 75,000 vehicles per day, but nearly 200,000 vehicles crossed the bridge per day in 1996. The extreme congestion along with the accompanying wear and tear prompted the formation of a new plan to build two new six-lane spans. More than 10 million man hours have been spent on the overall project thus far, and 44,000 tons of steel and 100,000 tons of concrete have been used. The project is set to be completed in 2013 when the finishing touches will be put on the Telegraph Road Interchange.
8. I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement Program ? $2.2 billion
   According to i95newhaven.com, the program “features public transit enhancements and roadway improvements along 7.2 miles of I-95, between Exit 46 (Sargent Drive) in New Haven and Exit 54 (Cedar Street) in Branford.” The result will be less congestion from New York to Boston. Currently, more than 140,000 vehicles per day use the roadway; 100,000 vehicles more than it was built to accommodate.

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10 Summer Projects to Enhance Your Yard

The feeling of accomplishment is glorious when you pull into your driveway and realize that your yard is the best in the neighborhood. Beautifying your home by surrounding it with lush greenery and colorful flowers will not only enhance its value, but the scenery will also provide you with a peaceful outdoor area to unwind, relax and collect your thoughts. So brave the heat, get your hands and knees dirty, break a sweat and spend your free time this summer tackling projects that’ll enhance your yard. Here are a few to consider.

• Fertilize
  Fertilizer is rich in nutrients, and once you apply it to your yard, your grass will be thicker, greener and devoid of unsightly weeds and pesky insects. Be sure to buy fertilizer that’s intended for summer use. Don’t apply it during midday when the sun is beating down on your grass, and don’t forget to water afterward.
• Collect compost and add it to your soil
  Save grass clippings, branches, vines and other natural waste ? like fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, nutshells and coffee grounds ? to make a compost pile, which will boost the growth of your lawn and garden. The natural fertilizer balances the pH level of the soil, prevents erosion of topsoil, releases plant nutrients and improves water drainage. Here’s a guide to composting from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
• Establish a walkway
  You don’t want the thick grass that you’ve worked hard to maintain to get trampled. If your yard lacks a concrete walkway, or if your guests ignore the one you have, establish a new one by laying bricks or stone pieces. Choose a design that will best suit your home and lawn aesthetically. Not only will it eliminate the crease in your grass, but it’ll also give your home new flavor.
• Prune and plant
  If you have some unruly trees and shrubs that need to be pruned, take out the shears or a machete and go to town. However, keep in mind that some trees and shrubs are best cut in certain seasons. During the summer, it’s best to prune azaleas, lilacs, magnolias, mountain laurels, hawthorns, forsythias and flowering crabapples. If you want to plant a garden of flowers, consider daylilies, purple coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.
• Install an automatic irrigation system
  Don’t allow for the dryness of summer to take its toll on your lawn. By properly installing an automatic irrigation system, you’ll conserve water, save money and ensure that your grass, plants and trees get sufficient moisture. If you plan to do it on your own, be sure to solicit the advice of a certified irrigation contractor. Just don’t rely on the “on/off” setting and check it regularly; you don’t want to overwater and waste money.
• Mosquito-proof your yard
  Mosquitoes can be a pain during the summer, especially in humid climates. You want to enjoy spending time in your yard without having to deal with tons of bites afterward. Rid the pests from your property by removing the standing water in which they breed. You can put a birdhouse in your yard, which will attract birds to feast on mosquitoes and other bugs. You can also place mosquito traps in strategic locations to prevent their assault.
• Wash your home’s siding
  Dirty siding can taint an otherwise beautiful yard. Rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store or rental equipment dealer and wash your vinyl or metal siding. Wood and brick siding should be cleaned more delicately with a regular hose and mild soap solution. Regardless of the surface, proceed with caution; painted areas can chip and fade if too much pressure is applied.
• Build a new fence
  If your old fence is rotting and coming apart, spend some time constructing a new one. First determine whether or not you want to build the same type of fence. If not, choose a style and type of wood ? wood fences are most common ? that would best fit with your yard. Be sure to stain your pretreated lumber so that it’ll survive the weather and remain looking new for years.
• Build a patio
  A patio can serve as your summer outdoor retreat for family fun. Just like when you build a fence, it’s important to ensure the style of the patio fits with the rest of your home and yard. Leave enough room for the activities in which you’d partake on it ? like a cooking area. Be sure to create the perfect atmosphere; surround it with plants and proper lighting.
• Cover the bare spots
  Have any unsightly bare spot where absolutely nothing will grow? Don’t waste your time planting and replanting, and cover it up with big rocks and stones. But if the area is even somewhat conducive to life, you can cultivate a rock garden. You can also place a bench in a shady and bare area on which you could sit and enjoy the new view of the rest of your yard.

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10 Most Common Residential Fences

One of the great joys of being a homeowner is the opportunity to rebuild your fence once every several years. Determining which fence best suits your home stylistically and practically can be difficult. Of course, you can only do that after you’ve received approval from your homeowners’ association, which may or may not advocate one specific type of fence for all houses. If you’re given the choice, you might consider one of the 10 common residential fences listed below that are seen in neighborhoods across the country.

Wood fences:
• Picket
  Picket fences are typically four feet tall, containing small gaps between each board. These are perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing fences, though they tend to symbolize the generic style of suburbia.



• Privacy
  The best way to enclose your property and prohibit your neighbors from peaking in on your daily activities is to erect a privacy fence. Typically, it stands six-feet tall, but you might be able to build it up to eight-feet if your homeowners’ association approves.



• Lattice
  Lattice fences are semi-private, but more appealing visually than many other types of fences. They’re characterized by crisscross patterns of wood strips, forming holes that enable you to see through to the other side.



• Slat
  You’ll most commonly find slat fences in the Southwest, where they fit the scenery of the rugged terrain. Wooden slats are laid horizontally, giving the fence a distinct appearance. The only problem is that they’re usually not built high enough to keep children in or out.



• Basket weave
  Basket weave fences are appealing aesthetically and aren’t difficult to construct. In most cases, they’re installed horizontally and they can sit on sloping terrain. The amount of privacy provided by a basket weave fence ultimately depends on how high you stack it.



• Post and Rail
  Although post and rail fences are most commonly scene in rural areas, many suburbanites who own larger properties have adopted the style. They contain two to four rails, and they’re easier to build than most other types of fences.



Vinyl Fences:

• Privacy
  A vinyl privacy fence is a bit more stylish and expensive than a wood privacy fence. It can be lower maintenance and longer-lasting; you just have to hose it down every once in a while.



• Concave Picket
  Distinct from a regular wooden picket fence because of its sloped design, a vinyl concave picket fence is perfect for the front yard, where you want to be able to socialize with your neighbors. It’s typically three to four feet tall with six-inch centers from post to post.



Steel:

• Chain link
  Chain link fences are considered more economical than the alternative, although they tend to be less aesthetically pleasing. They come in many different heights, and serve to separate your property from the next person’s property while protecting children and animals from entering or leaving. They’re usually made from galvanized steel, but you can also find them in vinyl.



Iron:

• Ornamental
  Wrought iron ornamental fences offer a classic look, and you can select a unique design that matches with your home. Obviously, they won’t protect your privacy, but they will keep out unwelcome guests depending on their size.

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40 Construction Projects with Massive Flaws

We have all seen some weird stuff when it comes to construction, from design to quality. Well here are 40 bizarre construction mistakes that you may not have seen before. In fact, see how many mistakes you can spot in these construction projects (most of the flaws are pretty obvious).

As far as we know these images have not been photoshopped, however I have not been to each one to verify them.

If you can make it in, you’re welcome to stay.
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Well they needed light on the roof as well.
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Hey you can still get in,
you just have to crawl through the window.
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I bet on the inside the sign says emergency exit.
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People love crawling through the windows,
instead of going through doors.
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Hey they said we had to have a wheelchair ramp,
they didn’t say that you had to be able to use it.
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You know how those electric company people are,
they just put their poles anywhere.
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I’m not an expert, but I think part of this system
is supposed to be outside.
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Someone needs to take an organizational class.
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The company’s new diet plan,
you have to be able to make it past
the end of the stairs.
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This door was for Tod,
he had long legs.
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Hey we just like to have some variety when we walk.
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Helping people save money.
If you can’t reach it, you can’t spend it.
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Who needs privacy?
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I hope the guy sitting next to me,
didn’t eat a bunch of jalapenos.
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Once again those electric people,
just throwing their poles around everywhere.
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Ok, who wants to cross the bridge first?
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I really hope this was designed this way,
if not someone must have been drunk.
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The second level is for short people only.
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Talk about curb side service from the train.
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I’ll wait for the next stall.
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So what do you do when you come home from work,
and find a pole in your driveway?
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I wonder if they have a chair on the inside too.
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That first step is a doozy.
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Well they said the condo came with two balconies.
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Well that’s one way to stop those
skateborders from going down the steps.
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I bet in 10 years they will look back on this
and question if it was a good idea.
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Well they say in business location is everything.
I wonder if they thought about that when
putting up this poster?
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Hey we didn’t say you could use your balconies,
we just said you had one.
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Man those electric people just drop their poles
in whatever hole they can find.
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If the holes were a little bigger,
you could slide down it like a
fireman pole.
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The city’s new anti-theft device for
man hole covers.
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Make sure you do this at night while
the kids are still asleep upstairs.
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Hey you can make it, just have to
swing around a bit.
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Now this would have been better if they
had turned the monitor around the other way.
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I hope thats not up north where
you get ice on your driveways.
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Notice that both windows have a balcony,
however the door in the middle doesn’t.
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Maybe that’s the exit door for salesmen.
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I don’t know about you but supporting
a struction on stones seems fine to me.
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The new open door policy.
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If you are studying to become a construction project manager, I’m sure you can appreciate just how ridiculous and actually dangerous these can be. One of the critical responsibilities of any project manager is to make sure the end project is both usable and safe. Some of the problems above resulted form poor planning and others are a result of poor execution. In either case, it’s clear that a good construction manager should have been consulted.

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20 Construction Projects That Managers Boast About

Every day we see structures that defy our understanding of how they are built and stay together. Architects are always trying to design something that is on the cutting edge, abstract, and that amazes people as they look at the structure. However, once designed, it’s up to the construction manage to ensure that it gets built properly. At times this can be very stressful. Here are 20 structures that demonstrate what I?m talking about. When you look at these, try and think about how they were built, imagine yourself having to manage these projects.

You will find that in almost every project that there is a battle between the architects on how a structure should be built and how it can be built. As a construction manager, some of the things you have to watch for are safety, stability, and budget. Most of these are worked out between the architects and the engineers, however as the on site manager, it?s up to you to look at everything, to question everything, to ensure that when people are around, in, or on the structure that it is going to be safe.

The last thing you want in your career is to have a project that you managed come crashing down and causing injuries or deaths. This can kill a career very quickly. We see in the news every day where someone was taking bribes to cut corners or look the other way, it?s not worth it. Besides going to prison, living the rest of your life thinking about those who lost their lives due to you looking the other way will be far worse than any jail cell.

So have ethics, have a strong will, be willing to stand up and point out when something is not right. It?s your name, make it worth something, and make it something to be proud of. If and when you do, you will find yourself managing projects like the ones above, ones that people around the world will look and admire.

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60 Custom Motorcycle Builders That Can Make Your Dream Come True

Custom motorcycles are truly a thing of beauty, elegance, and style. They take quite awhile to design and build; therefore they usually cost more than a motorcycle you can buy at the store. Many of these bikes are built for companies and celebrities; however you can own one too. Have you ever wondered where you can get one, well here are 60 custom bike builders that will be happy to work with you and make your dream come true.

Aardvark Cycle

Allen, TX
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After Hours Bikes

Cooper City, FL
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All American Cycle

Portland, OR
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Amen Chassis Works

Rogarsville, TN
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American Motorcycle Service

Framingham, MA
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Boondock Customs

Crystal Lake, IL
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Broadway Choppers

Schenectady, NY
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Caribbean Custom Cycles

San Juan, PR
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Central Coast Cycles

Santa Cruz, CA
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Chica Custom Cycles

Huntington Beach, CA
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Chopper City Customs

Jacksonville, FL
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Choppers Inc

Melbourne, FL
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Chopper Works

Derry, NH
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Cochise County Choppers

Naco, AZ
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Covingtons Cycle City

Woodward, OK
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County Line Choppers

Phoenix ,NY
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County Line Cycles

Simi Valley, CA
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Count’s Kustoms

Las Vegas, NV
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Coyote Customs

Oklahoma City, OK
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Creative Cycles Inc

Wall , NJ
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Cyril Huse

Boca Raton, FL
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Donnie Smith Custom Cycles

Blaine, MN
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Exile Cycles

Valley Glen, CA
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Fred Kodlin Motorcycles

Borken, Germany
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Flyrite Choppers

Austin, TX
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Gangster Choppers

Midlothian, VA
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Greg’s Custom Cycles

Clearwater, FL
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Gypsy Choppers

Clearwater, FL
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Heavy Duty Cycles Limites

Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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Hotshoe Customs

Elizabeth, NJ
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Insight Customs

Hebron, IN
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Iron Hawg Custom Cycles

Hazleton, PA
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Jesse Rooke Customs

Phoenix, AZ
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Jim Nasi Customs

Scottsdale, AZ
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Klock Werks Kustom Cycles

Mitchell, SD
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Kotic Kustoms

Woodstock, GA
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L.A. County Choprods

Marina Del Ray, CA
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Martin Bros Bikes

Duncanville, TX
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MGS Custom Bikes

Lancaster,CA
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Orange County Choppers

Newburgh, NY
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Paul Cox Industries

New York, NY
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Paul Yaffe Originals

Phoenix, AZ
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Poole’s Pro Built

Brea, CA
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RB Customs

Houston, TX
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Riff Rat Customs

Livermore, Ca
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Ron Simms Custom Cycles

Hayward, CA
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Santiago Chopper

Gibsonton, FL
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Scooter Shooterz

Cedar Lake, IN
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Smoky Mountain Customs

Asheville, NC
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Speed City Cycle

Indianapolis, IN
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Suicide Cycles

Manchester, MD
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Thunderbike

Germany
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Thunder Cycle Designs

Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Toxic Choppers

Colorado Springs, CO
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Twisted Choppers

Sioux Falls, SD
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Unique Custom Cycles

Sweden
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Von Dutch Kustom Cycles

Ranco Cucamonga, Ca
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West Coast Choppers

Long Beach,CA
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Wicked Custom Cycles

Hialeah,FL
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Young Choppers

Marietta,GA
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30 Urinals That Will Catch Your Attention

Have you ever gone into a restroom and found an interesting urinal? Well if you haven?t, here are 30 wild and interesting urinals for you to look at.

As far as we know these photos are real and have not been photoshopped.

Top 10 rules for using a men’s restroom

1. Just like marital sex, speed is vital. You get in and you get out fast. However you don’t fall asleep right away.
2. Even in the event you have a stick buried in your eyeball, you must by no means ever allow another man to catch you taking a look at yourself in the mirror.
3. Be sure to bring a marker, so that you are able to add a good literary contribution to the words of wisdom on the walls. Sign it using a single X (no kisses).
4. Remain at the urinal for a long period. This will create the illusion that your urine has a long way to travel.
5. When using the urinal, always keep your eyes riveted on the misspelled obscenities straight in front of you… even if somebody at the next urinal is having a brain seizure.
6. For those who have truly impressive earth-moving equipment, stand no less than two feet back from the urinal; keeping both of your hands on your hips.
7. Always fart two times when taking a leak. This is actually the signal that you are straining to force urine past an enlarged prostate; a sure indication that you’re an alpha male.
8. Always act like you are subduing a 20-foot python while placing your package back into your pants.
9. By no means ever flush a urinal. It’s O.K. to sometimes flush a toilet, particularly when you have a woman inside your stall.
10. In the event that several other men are around, be sure to go to the dispenser and purchase condoms large enough to be stamped with “Danger of Child Suffocation” warnings.

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