Agriculture
Interesting Iron's List of Gifts for Tractor Enthusiasts
2024-11-22
Let's take a break from the ordinary and explore some unique gifts this week. As a tractor enthusiast myself, I'm excited to present a list of items that every tractor lover needs. These aren't just any gifts; they're practical, fun, and sure to bring a smile to the face of the tractor nerd in your life.

Unlock the Joy of Tractor Gifts with Interesting Iron

Olight Baton 3 Flashlight

Can't recall the last time we left the house without a flashlight? Well, this Olight Baton 3 has become a favorite. Standing at 2.5 inches tall and weighing less than 2 ounces, it's incredibly portable. Ryan Roossinck swears by it, using it constantly instead of the phone's flashlight. Its bright light and tough build make it perfect for various situations. The magnetic tail cap is a handy feature when both hands are needed. With different versions available, including one with a charging case that can charge it three times before needing a recharge, it's a must-have. The version with the charging case retails for $89.99 on their website, while the standard one is $58.99. It sells out quickly on the Olight website, but you can find it at many retailers.

Whether you're traveling or need a reliable flashlight at home, the Olight Baton 3 is a great choice. Its durability and functionality make it stand out from the crowd.

Leatherman Sidekick

There's hardly a day that goes by without Ryan Roossinck having his Leatherman Sidekick with him. It's one of the most versatile tools he owns and has saved him countless times. With multiple sizes available, Ryan has one at work, one in the basement, and a keychain version too. As a firm believer in multi-tools, he finds them handy for quick fixes when you don't want to search for the "right" tools. Leatherman is the only one made in the U.S., and almost all their products come with a 25-year warranty. The Sidekick he has retails for $69.95 from Leatherman's website and can be found at various retailers.

For those who need a reliable tool that can handle any situation, the Leatherman Sidekick is a top choice.

Toy Tractors

Believe it or not, it's the 30th anniversary of the John Deere 8400! This 1/64th scale version is a recent addition to Ryan Roossinck's display cabinet. Tractor nerds everywhere have a soft spot for die-cast tractors. They may not be practical, but they bring joy. Dyersville, Iowa, sees a huge increase in size during the National Farm Toy Show. Ryan hasn't found a farmer or tractor enthusiast yet who doesn't love them. There are different scales to choose from, and prices range from a few dollars to more expensive models. Jason Dalton from Dalton's Farm Toys in Newton, Iowa, says the Ertl's 30th Anniversary John Deere 8400 1/16th and 1/64th set is the hottest release this month. It retails for $225 - $250 and is a one-time production run, so don't wait too long if you want one.

For tractor enthusiasts of all ages, toy tractors are a great gift that can bring back memories.

Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

As a tractor collector or someone with a need to inflate tires, this Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator is a must-have. Ryan admits he doesn't have a tractor collection but still has a soft tire in his garage. His wife's dad was a Milwaukee fan and used their tools hard, and they kept working. This inflator gets great reviews on social media. It retails for $179 without a battery, but you can often find great specials with a battery and charger. It's worth shopping around to get the best deal.

Keep your tires inflated with this reliable and powerful Milwaukee tool.

'Snoopy and the Spy'

If you're a history buff or a tractor nerd, Lee Klancher's 'Snoopy and the Spy' is a must-read. Ryan just finished reading it and was impressed. The book covers important times in American ag history from a unique perspective, with interviews of key people in modern tractor history. It also includes fascinating stories about corporate spy games. The hardcover copy sells for $24.95 on the publisher's website. It's a great read for those with short attention spans as the chapters are short.

Dive into the world of tractor history with this captivating book.

The Coolest Carpet Farming Rug Ever

At the National Farm Toy Show, Ryan stumbled upon Boundri and was amazed. These aren't ordinary play mats; they're real-deal carpets printed with satellite imagery of farms. Nathan, the president of the company, impressed Ryan with the concept. Boundri has expanded its product offerings and now has a wide range of products centered around satellite imagery. The smallest 3×5-foot rug starts at $199, and the largest 8×10-foot rug is $499. You can even upload your own photos to create a custom rug. It's a unique gift for kids or grandkids.

Give the gift of a personalized farm carpet with Boundri.

Knipex Cobra XS Mini Water Pump Pliers

Corey Hillebo sent Ryan a photo of these tiny Knipex Cobra XS Mini Water Pump Pliers next to a ballpoint. At 4 inches tall with jaws that open wide, they're perfect for those who struggle with traditional pliers getting in the way. Knipex is a high-quality German brand, and Corey was impressed with how well they worked. Ryan got his on Amazon for $33 and knows they can be found at other places too. These pliers are sure to be a game-changer for those who need a compact and powerful tool.

Upgrade your tool collection with these mini water pump pliers.

Wrapping Up

That's it! This is my first attempt at a list of "stuff" that makes my life better. Whether it's handy or just cool, these gifts are sure to please the tractor nerd in your life. Keep checking back as I'll be adding more things to this list. Have a great week! And for those still interested in browsing tractors at auction, start your search here!

Philly Cops Break Up TikTok Car Stunt Show; Driver Flees to NJ
2024-12-02
On Sunday in northeast Philadelphia, a chaotic scene unfolded as six people were arrested and several more made a hasty escape. One driver was even alleged to have sped away to New Jersey. The incident occurred during an unauthorized car stunt show. According to 6abc, cars were performing donuts and racing up and down the street just before 11 p.m. when the police intervened.

Police Response and Alert

Officers were alerted to the show as some attendees were live-streaming it on TikTok. This led to their swift response and the breaking up of the gathering. The identities of those taken into custody have not been immediately released. The Philadelphia Police Department informed NJ Advance Media on Tuesday that those arrested were cited for participating or contributing to the act of drifting.

Impact and Warnings

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, authorities have previously emphasized that reckless driving at such events poses a significant danger to both participants and observers. In recent weeks, Philadelphia law enforcement officials have been actively working to crack down on illegal car meet-ups. Last month, eight people were arrested for allegedly helping organize a chaotic September meet-up near City Hall, where a police officer was injured and thousands of dollars in damage occurred.

Community Safety Concerns

Such unauthorized car stunt shows not only endanger the lives and well-being of those directly involved but also have a negative impact on the local community. The noise and chaos created by these events can disrupt the peace and safety of nearby residents. It is crucial that law enforcement continues to take a firm stance against such illegal activities to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.

Call for Support

We rely on your trust in us to provide local news. If you value our work, please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Your support helps us continue to bring you the important stories that matter. AJ McDougall can be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall.
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Messi và Inter Miami trong đội hình MLS 2024 và Club World Cup
2024-12-04
Messi and Jordi Alba's remarkable journey in MLS has been a tale of both glory and disappointment. They led Inter Miami to the prestigious MLS Supporters’ Shield with an astonishing 74 points in the regular season. However, their quest for the MLS Cup ended in failure during the playoff stage. Despite this, both players were selected for the 2024 All-Star team due to their outstanding performances on the field.

Messi and Alba's MLS Legacy - From Shield to Playoff Struggle

Messi's Leadership in Winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield

Messi played a crucial role in guiding Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters’ Shield. In the 2024 MLS season, he participated in a total of 19 matches, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists. During the first round of the playoffs with 3 matches, he also scored 1 goal and had 1 assist. His exceptional skills and leadership on the field were evident throughout the season.In addition to his goal-scoring and assist abilities, Messi's presence on the team had a significant impact on the morale and performance of his teammates. His ability to create scoring opportunities and control the game from the midfield was truly remarkable. His leadership qualities inspired the entire team to strive for excellence and achieve great results.

Jordi Alba's Defensive and Offensive Contributions

Jordi Alba played as a left-back and made 28 appearances on the field. He scored 4 goals and provided an impressive 10 assists. During the playoffs, he also scored 1 goal. His defensive skills were solid, providing stability to the team's defense. At the same time, his offensive contributions were crucial in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.Alba's ability to overlap and provide width on the left side of the field was a key factor in Inter Miami's attacking play. His accurate crosses and timely runs into the box often led to goal-scoring opportunities. His defensive work was also commendable, as he was able to effectively mark his opponents and prevent them from creating dangerous attacks.

The Absence of Luis Suarez and the Rise of Christian Benteke

The absence of Luis Suarez was a significant loss for the MLS 2024 team. In 27 matches, he scored 20 goals and provided 9 assists. His goal-scoring and creative abilities were highly valued by the team. However, he had to make way for Christian Benteke of DC United, who scored 23 goals and won the MLS Golden Boot in 2024.Benteke's arrival brought a new dimension to the team's attack. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability complemented the existing players well. His presence in the penalty area often created chaos for the opposing defenses and led to many goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Other Outstanding Players in the MLS 2024 Team

In addition to Messi and Jordi Alba, the MLS 2024 team also had other outstanding players. Riqui Puig from LA Galaxy, Cucho Hernandez from Columbus Crew, and Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC were among the notable players.Kristijan Kahlina from Charlotte FC played as the goalkeeper, providing reliable saves and organizing the defense. Steven Moreira from Columbus Crew and Yeimar GomezAndrade from Seattle Sounders were solid defenders, adding stability to the team's backline. On the attacking front, Evander da Silva from Portland Timbers and Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati also made significant contributions.

Messi and Inter Miami's Position in the Club World Cup

Before the draw for the 2025 Club World Cup in the USA, FIFA announced the 4 seeded groups with 32 clubs from around the world participating. Inter Miami, led by Messi, was placed in Seed Group 4 and faced some challenges as they were likely to encounter strong opponents in the group stage.Seed Group 1 consisted of strong European clubs and high-ranking South American teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich. Seed Group 2 included European clubs like Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Juventus, and Salzburg. Seed Group 3 had Al Hilal, Ulsan HD, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Monterrey, Leon, Boca Juniors, and Botafogo. Seed Group 4 with Uwara Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Esperance, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, Auckland City, and Inter Miami was the home team's fixed group and would play the opening match.The Club World Cup will be held from June 15 to July 13, 2025, at 12 stadiums across the USA. The draw ceremony will take place in Miami on December 5.
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