How The AC Cobra Was Born

How The AC Cobra Was Born

AC is the oldest British car manufacturer with continuous production of cars since 1901. When car enthusiasts hear the name AC Sports cars, the first thing that might come to mind is amazing speed, performance and stylish bodies – the AC Shelby Cobra. But you may be surprised to learn that prior to 1970, many cars built by AC were anything but sexy speed demons.

In 1904 the founder, John Weller, named the business Autocar & Accessories Limited and started production of a small delivery vehicle called the Autocarrier. It was a 3 wheeled vehicle with a 5.6 hp air cooled, single cylinder engine and became very successful as a delivery van for commercial businesses. The Autocarrier was a common sight on the streets of London; almost a “must have” if you wanted your business be seen as fashionable. The company eventually changed its name to Autocarriers Limited and used the abbreviation, AC.

Like all car manufacturers, AC saw its ups and downs due to WWI, WW2 and the stock market crash of 1929. But they still managed some great success stories with their light weight, four wheel vehicles like the AC Ace and Aceca. Surprisingly, the cars they produced in bigger numbers from 1953 to the early 1970’s were their three wheeled vehicles, the "Invalid Carriage" for the Ministry of Health.

It wasn’t until 1961, when Carroll Shelby entered into negotiations with AC Cars with the backing of The Ford Motor Company, that big changes started happening with AC’s four wheeled models. It was the proposed installation of a large Ford V8 engine in the current lightweight AC Ace that resulted in the AC Cobra; arguably one of the fastest and most brutal sports cars ever produced.

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Crosley, Buy One for the Garage and Kitchen

Crosley, Buy One for the Garage and Kitchen

What does a radio, a refrigerator, a car and the Cincinnati Reds baseball team have in common? It's Powel Crosley, born in Cincinnati, Ohio in1886. At thirteen, he and his younger brother built an electric go-kart, and at twenty one, he formed a company to sell an inexpensive 6 cylinder car called the Marathon 6. It failed for lack of money.

Crosley worked at a variety of different ventures that offered better success than his car company, but the turning point for Powel’s career was when his young son asked for a radio in 1920. Appalled by the high prices, Powel Crosley built his son’s radio by developing a five-tube receiver. He marketed this invention and sold millions turning Crosley Radio Corporation into one of the worlds largest.

It been reported by his friends, that once the creative phase of an operation was completed, Crosley would preoccupy himself with other interests. In 1922, Powel Crosley became a disc jockey on his own radio station, and by 1934, it was blasting out 500,000 watts of power. When the radio business started getting old to Crosley, he hooked up with an inventor with an idea for a refrigerator with shelves built into the door. The inventor had been turned down at Frigidaire and Kelvinator, but Crosley liked the idea of a "Crosley Shelvador" and sold four million of them. He also bought the Cincinnati Reds during the thirties which saved the franchised and they named the ball park Crosley Field in his honor.

Crosley gave his first love, automobiles, another go in 1939 with Crosley Motors building mini-cars and distributing them through filling stations and auto repair shops. After WWII, Crosley sold all his other interests, except for the Cincinnati Reds, and focused on making his cars. He turned his economical mini-car into the first postwar sports car.

The Crosley Hotshot had its distinctive “Cobra” single overhead cam, four-cylinder engine and disc brakes, both highly unusual at the time. Its 26.5 horsepower came at more than 5000 rpm, an almost unheard of speed for an American engine, and it would rev beyond 6,000. In 1950, a Crosley’s won at Sebring, the Grand de la Suisse in 1951, and placed second in Tokyo Grand Prix. A Crosley almost took a victory in its class at Le Mans in 1951 until its voltage regulator went out late in the race.

Racing enthusiasts weren’t the only ones that fell in love with the Crosley. As a passenger vehicle, it was a comfortable, light weight, inexpensive, fuel efficient, zippy little car. Over 70,000 Crosley automobiles were built by 1952 when production ended and the company was sold to General Tire Corporation.

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Bugatti - Is it an Auto or is it Art?

Bugatti - Is it an Auto or is it Art?

There’s something about a Bugatti’s body design and mechanical precision that makes us think of them more as a work of art rather than a car. So it came as no surprise to discover that the man behind this marque, Ettore Bugatti, studied to be an artist and came from an artistic family. Ettore was born in Milan in 1881 to Carlo Bugatti who worked as a silversmith, sculptor and painter. Ettore’s younger brother, Rembrandt Bugatti, became a sculptor - his work can be found in private collections and museums around the world.

Ettore Bugatti studied at the Brera Art Academy until the age of seventeen when he decided he would be more successful as an engineer. Within a year, Bugatti designed and built a three wheeled car with two engines that won eight out of ten local races. At the age of nineteen Bugatti produced his first four wheeled car with a four cylinder overhead valve engine, contact battery ignition, chain drive, and a four-speed gearbox – very innovative features at that time. Bugatti was making a name for himself, and was getting contracts from all over Europe to build his unique cars.

In 1909, the twenty nine year old Bugatti set up a factory on a large piece of property at Molsheim in Alsace, France, which is still in use today. At Mosheim, Ettore built the first car to bear his name, and a small, lightweight racing machine that took second place at Le Mans in 1911. It didn’t take long for before car orders increased and the factory started to grow.

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Why NASCAR Became a Major American "Sport"

Why NASCAR Became a Major American "Sport"

NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is known as the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the United States. The three series under the auspices of NASCAR include the Craftsman Truck Series, the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup. Some local races such as the Whelen Modified Tour and the All-American Series from Whelen are overseen by NASCAR. Overall, 1500 races at 100 tracks are considered NASCAR races.

Originally, NASCAR was viewed as a regional sport coming from the Southeastern United States, but today it ranks second only to football in television rating in the U.S. In addition to broadcasts in the United States, races by NASCAR drivers are shown in 150 countries globally. Fans show support of the sport by purchasing licensed products in the amount of billion annually. Fortune 500 companies recognize the power of NASCAR fans and sponsor the sports more than any other sponsorship role.

The headquarters of NASCAR is at Daytona Beach, Florida. There are four local offices in North Carolina and regional offices in Arkansas, New York City and Los Angeles. Mexico City and Toronto Canada also have NASCAR offices. Additionally, most NASCAR teams consider North Carolina home.

Originally, Daytona Beach was the location where world land speed records were set with eight consecutive records between 1927 and 1935. The Daytona Beach road course was the site of fifteen speed records before 1935. As the location for land speed records moved to Bonneville Salt Flats, Daytona Beach was already synonymous with fast cars both on the beach and on the coastal highway A1A.

The years of Prohibition followed by the repeal in 1933 made use of fast cars with modified capacity driven at high speeds either to evade the police or later the revenuers. Much of this activity occurred near Wilkes County region of North Carolina, but also in other parts of the Southeastern United States. Races of the modified cars increased in numbers and popularity during those years.

Three people were primary in the creation of the NASCAR governing body in 1948: William France, Sr., Erwin 'Cannonball' Baker, and Bob 'Barky' Barkhimer. William France wanted to protect the drivers from unscrupulous promoters who collected gate receipts and did not award winning to the drivers. The first intent was to race Roadsters, Modified, and Stock cars. Only the Modified division raced during the first year. The first season had 52 Modified dirt track races. By 1949, the Strictly Stock division made its debut

Originally, the cars raced had to be virtually factory models, but beginning in 1950 it was recognized that modifications for safety and performance were desirable and the Division was named 'Grand National’. By the mid 1960s, the races were run with race cars and a stock body.

Only one of the original season race tracks is still on the circuit today-Martinsville Speedway. The Darlington Raceway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are both recognized world wide for their famous events in the world of NASCAR racing. Originally, the race tracks were oval and measured 0.5 to 1 miles per lap. Darlington was 1.366 miles and known as a Superspeedway following its construction in 1950. The track was wider and faster than other locales. In 1959 the Daytona International Speedway at 2.5 miles became the sport icon.

During the early 1970's new sponsorship was found for the sport in the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. The name of the series was changed from Grand National to the Winston Cup. The series today is known as the Sprint Cup. Prizes were increased significantly and a new points system was developed. The series dropped from 48 races during the season to 31 races. Busch Beer took on the sponsorship of the next competitive level of racers, known as the Late Model Sportsman.

ABC Sports began covering some of the Grand National races but abandoned the effort as not exciting enough for ratings. In 1979, the Daytona 500 race was picked up from flag to flag by CBS. During the final lap, the two leaders wrecked on the backstretch and the third place car driven by Richard Petty won the race. The two wrecked car drivers and a family member proceeded to add to the drama on national television by engaging in a fistfight. Fans that had been kept indoors by a major snowstorm on the U.S. eastern seaboard were introduced to the excitement and drama of the sport.

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NCAA College Basketball Preview

NCAA College Basketball Preview

The 2007-2008 season ended up being yet another exciting college basketball campaign. As always, there were Cinderella's like Davidson, but in the end it was the traditional powers that were in San Antonio, Texas for the Final Four where Kansas edged Memphis in a thrilling final. North Carolina, UCLA and Memphis left Texas disappointed, but those three teams are likely candidates to reach Detroit, Michigan for the 2009 version of the Final Four.

The Tar Heels are the clear favorites to cut down the nets in the Motor City. It was assumed that Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington or Danny Green would head for the NBA. Few thought, but many hoped, that all would return to Chapel Hill. But here they are for at least one more year playing college ball. Anything but a national championship would be disappointing for a team that went 36-3 last year and returns their top six players.

However, there are plenty of other traditional powers who hope to bring down the favorites, including UNC's nemesis Duke. The lack of an interior threat forced the Blue Devils to depend on their perimeter game. And when the outside shot stopped falling, Duke stopped winning. Coach Mike Krzyzewski hopes junior Brian Zoubek and freshman Miles Plumlee are the answer. With Gerald Henderson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas, Duke has plenty of other scoring options, but they need to find one in the paint.

UCLA lost four key players, including the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love, the fifth overall pick. Yet, if anybody can reload quickly, it is the Bruins and Coach Ben Howland. The talent on the perimeter will be unmatched in the Pac-10, but the difference will be finding an interior threat that can replace Love. As usual UCLA has a talented group of freshmen coming into Westwood, but 6-8 forward Drew Gooden is no Love.

An old favorite who has been struggling lately will also be back on the national stage. Connecticut has enough talent to reach the Final Four and a year of experience for their young team can do nothing but help. Having center Hasheem Thabeet gives Uconn a presence under the basket that few teams can match. But does Coach Jim Calhoun have enough depth to make a serious run and are the team chemistry issues that have plagued the Huskies over the last few seasons finally over?

Derrick Rose may have been the first pick in the NBA Draft, but that does not mean Memphis is lacking in talent. Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier are senior leaders on a team that generally lacks in senior leadership. With some young talent waiting to make their mark, the Tigers can make another championship run.

Coach Rick Barnes returns plenty of experienced players, but losing D.J. Augustin hurts. The point guard left for the NBA after averaging 19.2 points and 5.8 assists per contest as a sophomore. With a brutal schedule that includes non-conference games against UCLA and Michigan State, it will not take long to learn just how good the Longhorns are this season.

Those Spartans of Michigan State will have home state advantage if they can make it to the Final Four. Even without Drew Neitzel, Coach Tom Izzo has a more talented squad than he has had in recent years. The difference maker could be highly touted recruit Delvin Roe. The power forward could be the missing part to a puzzle that includes a talented group of sophomores on the perimeter in Chris Allen, Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers and the team's leader, junior Raymar Moragn.

But it is not just the traditional powers that will make noise this basketball season. So-called mid-major conferences like the Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley, Mountain West and West Coast Conference all have teams that can make plenty of noise in March.

Dayton, Temple and Xavier are the cream of the crop in the A-10. Dayton returns Chris Wright from injury and there is enough talent around him to make the NCAA Tournament and do some damage once they get there. This is also the year Temple returns to prominence after a few down years. But it is Xavier that dominated the conference a year ago and returns a couple stars in C.J. Anderson and Derrick Brown.

The Missouri Valley Conference still might not reach the level they did a couple years ago, but there are quality teams in the conference. Creighton and Southern Illinois are the traditional favorites and will be again this year. After six straight seasons without a conference championship, the Bluejays drought is expected to end this year. Like SIU, the Creighton strength is on the perimeter and whichever team can find more production out of the frontcourt will be the favorites to take home another MVC title.

Out west it is UNLV and BYU who are expected to battle for the top spot in the MWC. The Runnin' Rebels lack of a big man has been a problem over the last few years, but that should change with the arrival of Beas Hamga and Brice Massamba. But even with the big guys at UNLV, BYU will be difficult to contain. The Cougars have their own problems in the paint with the early departure of center Trent Plaisted, but Lee Cummard alone will make BYU a tough team to beat.

Up until last year, the West Coast Conference was all about Gonzaga. While the Zags are still the team to beat, they will have some competition from St. Mary's and San Diego. All three of those teams are coming off of NCAA appearances. Although surprise San Diego was the only one of the group to tally a victory during the Big Dance, the WCC should get at least two more opportunities to make a run in March.

It is not just the top of the mid-major conferences that have teams that are fielding quality teams. Davidson was last year's surprise team in the NCAA Tournament and might be again this year. There are some key players missing, but as long as the Wildcats have Stephen Curry on the floor, they will be dangerous again. Speaking of teams who made a splash in 2008, Siena has the tools to do it again this time around. The Saints return seven players who started at least ten games during the 2007-2008 campaign. Kent State and VCU did not have the postseason success of Davidson or Siena, but they both have superstars who are ready to break onto the national scene. Point guards Al Fisher and Eric Maynor are great scoring floor leaders who will lead the Golden Flashes and Rams to success in 2009.

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Baseball Weight Training

Baseball Weight Training

Weight training for baseball is not similar to the training imparted for other sports. It becomes more important because the baseball season is much longer as compared to other sports. So one has to maintain his mental and physical health and remain injury free throughout the whole season. Vigor training is essential to develop a strong base which is important to play baseball consistently with passion and intensity.

Due to the challenges presented with the sport of baseball, weight training is difficult to pertain with baseball. The special lifting necessary make baseball an innovative sport! Most people comment that many sports team leaders execute egregious faults in baseball weight training which can lead to body injuries, stress, or other trauma.

Weight training through baseball should take into consideration the limitation of players. The truth though is that it is not really the training that does not work but it is the coaches who do not understand fully this kind of weight training program.

Many coaches want to simply increase their hitters' strength and stamina, ignoring the other aspects of their play. If one prepares for an upcoming competition in a manner that is too severe, and without sufficient rest, the injury occurs. The least that they should understand is that their players are already overstressed and over trained.

Train but do not strain through overtraining. You should know that overtraining is not good because it not only causes injuries and severe muscle damages on the body but likewise, it defeats the very purpose of an exercise. You should know that like ordinary weight training exercises, the baseball weight training program should observe the same basic principles in weight training such as rest.

Exercise and progression are an important part of a healthy lifestyle but rest is just as important. You will not go any further if your body can't take the pressure you're putting on it. What you want to avoid is challange and not damage, which is different.

Be sure to include variety in the training regimen. There needs to be variations in the intensity and the types routines. Incorporating various exercises that work alike to strengthen muscles will improve your workout.

Lastly, you should know that the most important aspect in the weight training program in baseball is the force produced. Aside from the strength of the leg muscles and the hand and leg coordination, the program also develops extreme force particularly when one swings the baseball bat. The very reason why most coaches incorporate weight training in baseball is because force requires mass times acceleration.

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4 Ways to Coach Baseball

4 Ways to Coach Baseball

There are several good ways to be able to coach baseball if you are a coach or maybe even just an uprising coach for that league. But in order for the coach wisely, you need to possess certain skills and own ways of dealing with your team and properly handling them or perhaps leading them to victory. This much is true for every coach. You do not only coach for the sake of coaching but you should have certain ways of doing things your own. Your role is very crucial as the team's head master after all.

First, you need to be organized. This is the best way to have your team busy but in a clear cut and well-defined manner which means you must have a definite practice time-table and schedule. You cannot handle a team properly or worst you cannot lead the team if you yourself is messy in the first place. You need to have to think ahead about the certain plans you might want for your team in order for them to be kept in the right track. Your team will pretty much can tell for sure if you are not organized so start learning so before you can start teaching them to do just exactly that.

Second, you need to have discipline. Discipline first yourself before you can discipline your team. Each team must have definite rules to follow and you as the coach should adhere to that first before your team can follow to do the same. Never ever tolerate anyone who breaks the rules even if it means having a series of punishment. Do not pick one among the team as your favorite player or whatsoever because this can create chaos and injustice among themselves. If your ace player screws up, bring upon him the necessary punishment for him to understand what discipline is all about. It does not mean that if they are the best players, they can do whatever they want.

Third, create a positive working environment to have better mental capability results. Remember that baseball is not just pitching, batting, tagging, catching and running. Baseball is a mental game as much as you never want it to be. How you motivate and encourage your team every time whether it is a big game or not or maybe even just a practice game, will make a very big difference in the idea of losing or winning. You have it in your hands.

Fourth, imprint into your mind that winning is not all there is to baseball. You are a coach and your role is to teach your team to be the man they are in the field but you do not control who wins and who loses. Your role is a coach first and foremost and when you do that as properly and in the best ways you can, I assure you winning pieces will just fall back to its places and it will definitely take care of itself.

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Dog Food and Dog Grooming Info

Dog Food and Dog Grooming Info

Dog food plays an important role in the nutrition and growth of an pet dog. It ensures that the dog leads a healthy and sprightly life. Another important aspect for a healthy dog is proper dog grooming. Read on to know more about dog food and dog grooming. Dogs, like humans require grooming. If a dog is well groomed, it only ensures that it will have a satisfied life and goof health. How a dog looks plays a very important part in how the dog feels. Also, the basic grooming of the pet is very necessary for a healthy dog. Here are some objects you would need for good dog grooming.

1. Comb: The coat of the dog may be the most visible part of the dog's body. Therefore, you should ensure that you comb the dog's coat regularly. A comb and proper wash of the dog's coat will keep the coat shiny and sparkly, jut as it should be! Washing your dog's coat also ensures that you spend time with the dog, which gives you an opportunity to find out any small injury or medical situation which you would ignore on a normal basis.

2. Nails: The nails of the dog not only look ugly, they are also potentially dangerous. Dogs have a habit of scratching their bodies, and a very big nail may cause a untoward and sudden injury. Also, long and unkempt nails may become ingrown and cause further problems to the dogs.

3. Bathtub: The complete dog grooming. You can always get a bath tub that is big enough to bathe your dog. This will ensure that the dog has a healthy and lively day ahead. Generally, dogs should be bathed in tepid water. The best idea is to have someone hold the leash on a short length and someone else to clean and give the dog its bath.

Other than dog grooming, the kind of dog food you feed your dog also plays a important role in its health. Ensure that the dog food that you buy is wholesome and has all the nutrients that would be in a balanced diet. Some dogs may have an allergy or may not be comfortable with some types of food. Find out whether the food that you give them have these ingredients or not. Having ingredients not accepted by their dietary systems may even have them fall sick.

If you are buying the dog food over the counter, ensure that the expiry date of the food has not passed, and it still ready to be eaten. Eating foods after their expiry date has passed can cause digestive and other problems for your pet dog.

These are just some of the tips on dog food and dog grooming, the two most important aspects when it comes to dog health. You can take suggestions from the dog's vet about the dog's diet and daily lifestyle. Also, you can research the internet for relevant information about your dog's grooming and dietary needs

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How Choose the Right Pet for You

How Choose the Right Pet for You

A lot of people have a good idea of what kind of pet they want. However, most of them tend to oversee the time and the level of care their choice of animal requires. Choosing which pet perfectly fits you and your lifestyle may seem easy. But you also have to look at their maintenance requirements and make the right decision from there.

Certain animals require more attention than others. For starters, your dogs need twice as more things as cats. The sensitivity of dogs is something you should be prepared for. Some of them would go out of their way and tear your whole house down just so they can get the attention they need. Try to leave your dog unattended for a whole day. If it isn’t trained well, you would surely go back to a messy, torn, and tattered house. Dogs become bored even if you give it toys or another dog for a companion. These pets need human interaction above anything else. This means that you need to take your dog out for a leisure walk every day, probably after work. Dogs need their play and exercise time to live happily.

Cats are a different case though. These animals can be left on their own. Just keep all the breakables inside a locked shelf and you should be good. Else, you might find them missing or shattered after a leaving your pet for a while. To take care of a cat, the only thing you have to do is to keep your house clean. This way, they wouldn’t create too much of a ruckus. Instead, they’ll go to their corner and sleep. Or they’ll look outside the windows, amuse themselves with a toy, or just sit back and relax by themselves. But then again, if you still think that cats are a problem, then the best pet for you would be fish. You don’t have to maintain these animals much. Just clean the tank regularly and feed them daily and they would be happy.

The bottom line is, no matter what type of pet you get, you have to provide a certain level of care. All pets need love and attention from their masters or owners. As for the others, they would need training and positive reinforcement too. Fish may not need the latter much. But just the same, you are required to provide them all they need to survive. When choosing a pet, be sure that you consider all of these things to come face-to-face with the one that is perfect for you.

To sum it all up, dogs are high maintenance pets which also need training. But once you have taken care of all of that, they are become the best companions you can ever have. Dogs can do a lot of things like alert you of imminent danger, tell you that someone is at the door, or simply love you twice as much in return. In exchange, it only needs some of your time and attention.

Cats are usually low maintenance pets, although some cat breeds aren’t. Some breeds clamor for people’s while others detest it. Cats would like to be alone most of the time. So if you’re not thinking of adding any more pets to your household, this animal is the best one for you.

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Choosing Designer Dog Leads

Choosing Designer Dog Leads

Dog leads form an important part of dog grooming. If you want your dog to make a statement, it’s time to get a designer dog lead!

If you have just brought home a dog, you need a dog lead. Today, dog leads are an important part of dog training supplies. A dog lead helps you control your dog, as well as make a bold statement. So why not make a designer statement after all with designer dog leads!

If you enjoy having fun in life and have a unique personality, you’d want your dog to be different as well. That’s where designer dog leads come into play. Not only do they offer you features, but they are as practical as the leather dog leads that are so commonly available.

A new pup needs to be trained to be disciplined and among the many dog training supplies that are required for this purpose, dog leads are the more important items. However, before you invest in designer dog leads for your pets, you must know some more about these dog training supplies item.

Features in Designer Dog Leads

Though common leather dog leads as well as designer dog leads fulfill the singular purpose of keeping your dog safe and in your control, there are other aspects that you must scrutinize carefully. And these are:

1. Durability: just because they are designer, doesn’t mean designer dog leads are durable. You need to check the lead for durability and how strong it is

2. Length: Buy designer dog leads that are at least six feet long and made of either leather or nylon. Another important thing to check for is a quality metal clip that gets hooked to the collar. Thes will be in gold or silver

3. Comfort: Always look for dog leads that are easy to hold and are able to offer you proper control of your dog, especially if you own a large-sized dog.

As dog leads age, they begin to fray at the sides; moreover, your dog would love to chew on his lead as it would the handiest thing around! And it will slowly get weak and destroyed. So your designer dog lead should be strong and long-lasting considering you may have to pay a hefty amount for it!

Irrespective of whether you opt for nylon or leather dog leads, we must let you know that nylon designer dog leads are more popular. Today, it’s not just dog leads that are going the designer way, even dog training supplies are becoming designer and you have a wide range of choices in colors, style, material, and design.

It may also be a good idea to buy dog leads that glow in the dark or have other important safety features. Retractable designer dog leads must be avoided as they require extra care and allow your dog to wander far off and invite trouble rather easily. Go for dog leads that have a loop at one end for hooking your hand, so that both you and your pooch are safe.

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