USDA Biobased Certified Ropes The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased products reduces our nation's reliance on petroleum, increases the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. Ravenox cotton ropes and hemp ropes are tested and USDA certified as biobased products. USDA Biobased Hemp Ropes Ravenox, the first American hemp rope manufacturer since 1934 and unrivaled innovator of hemp rope products in North America, announced today that it has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product label. The product, Cannabis Hemp Ropes, is now able to display a unique USDA label that highlights its percentage of biobased content. USDA Biobased Cotton Ropes In addition to Ravenox cotton ropes being certified by the Seal of Cotton for their authentic and iconic fiber content, they are also now certified by the USDA as 100% biobased content ropes. Ravenox cotton ropes are natural, renewable and have environmentally-friendly benefits. When it’s composted as disposal, cotton rope breaks down more readily than synthetic ropes in the environment. As cotton technologies evolve, they create opportunities to make cotton production, manufacturing and disposal less burdensome on the earth. In just the past few decades, U.S. cotton growers have made significant reductions in water use, land use and soil loss. Third-Party Verified Biobased Ropes Third-party verification for a product’s biobased content is administered through the USDA BioPreferred Program, an initiative created by the 2002 Farm Bill (and recently reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill). One of the goals of the BioPreferred Program is to increase the development, purchase and use of biobased products. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label displays a product’s biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks. Utilizing renewable, biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Biobased products, through petroleum displacement, have played an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that exacerbate global climate change. Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts. “We are proud to be partners with the USDA and appreciate their efforts to help support biobased products,” said Allison Contic, Vice President of Operations at Ravenox. “We are excited to offer a unique biobased hemp rope with 64% biobased content and cotton ropes with 100% biobased content. Ropes and cords from Ravenox are contributing to an ever-expanding marketplace that adds value to renewable agriculture commodities, creates jobs in rural communities, and decreases our reliance on petroleum.” According to a report that USDA released in July 2019, biobased products contributed $459 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016 (a 17% increase from 2014) and support, directly and indirectly, 4.6 million jobs. The report’s research team estimates the reduction of fossil fuels and associated GHG emissions from biobased products equivalent to approximately 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) prevented as of 2016. The increased production of renewable chemicals and biobased products contributes to the development and expansion of the U.S. bioeconomy – where society looks to agriculture for sustainable sources of fuel, energy, chemicals, and products. Ravenox is a USDA BioPreferred Program Champion USDA's BioPreferred Program was first introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill with the goal of increasing the development, purchase, and use of biobased products. It requires federal agencies and contractors to give purchasing preference to biobased products. The USDA BioPreferred Program also includes a voluntary certification and labeling initiative for biobased products. In 2021 the USDA celebrated the 10th Anniversary of their USDA Certified Biobased Product Label. To mark the 20th anniversary of the program, Ravenox was selected as a Champion of the program, signifying our long-term commitment to using renewable materials, reducing our reliance on petroleum, supporting the bioeconomy, and bettering the planet. About Ravenox Ravenox is an American rope, cordage and twine manufacturer specializing in twisted and braided ropes. One of only 27 American Cordage Institute certified manufacturers providing cotton, hemp, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, Plasma, Spectra, Dyneema and other natural and synthetic ropes for a variety of applications. For more information, visit www.ravenox.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Amazon and YouTube. ABOUT THE USDA BIOPREFERRED PROGRAM AND CERTIFIED BIOBASED PRODUCT LABEL The BioPreferred Program is a USDA-led initiative that assists the development and expansion of markets for biobased products. The BioPreferred Program is transforming the marketplace for biobased products through two initiatives: mandatory purchasing requirements for Federal Agencies and Federal contractors and voluntary product certification and labeling. Biobased products span a diverse range of applications, such as lubricants, cleaning products, chemicals, bioplastics and ropes. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label communicates a product’s biobased content. Expressed as a percentage, biobased content is the ratio of non-fossil organic carbon (new organic carbon) to total organic carbon in a product. New organic carbon is derived from recently-created materials. The total organic carbon in a product consists of new organic carbon and old organic carbon that originates from fossil carbon materials, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas. More than 3,500 products have earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product label. To learn more about the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, please visit www.biopreferred.gov.

Stretching is an essential part of a healthy workout routine. Unfortunately, many people choose to skip stretching and blame it on time constraints. Skipping this part of the workout isn’t a good idea, especially when it comes to major muscle groups that have long-term, vital effects on your entire body!

Ravenox Joins the Manufactured in North Carolina Manufacturers Network American Rope Manufacturers Almost everything we use and enjoy daily is manufactured somewhere and we rely on these items every day. Whether it's the computer, phone or tablet you're reading this on or the drawstrings in your window blinds at home and the cords in your jackets, someone made these items. Manufacturing is at the foundation of our lives and our economy. Rope Companies Ravenox is proud to join the Manufactured in North Carolina Manufacturers Network. Manufacturers in North Carolina lead the world in many products and industries and Ravenox happily represents the rich textile heritage of Burlington, North Carolina; a city known as

What are shipping cranes? Crane ships or floating cranes specialize in lifting tremendously weighty loads in settings that require speed and efficiency. Shipping cranes and dock cranes are often utilized as material handlers in ports and harbors for things like moving containers or dry bulk. Offshore construction also puts shipping cranes to use to help with constructing oil rigs. This type of work demands extremely durable and strong rope to get the job done. Necessary Attributes and Upkeep for Ship Crane Rope The ropes used on shipping cranes are regularly exposed to things like destructive seawater, wetness and high temperature working environments. The wire rope should be checked on a regular basis for things like tensions as well as chafing and internal deterioration. Galvanized rope is usually necessary for corrosive locations because it helps protect against rust. An appropriate manufacturing lubricant used frequently ensures minimum rope abrasion. Broom hoist ropes, auxiliary hoist ropes, and regular hoist ropes are a few types that you will see present for use in the environments mentioned above. Offshore Riggers and Using Rope in Diverse Environments The men and women, also known as riggers, who work on the vessels and structures that use shipping cranes monitor and supervise various sections of operations. Based on what position is held by each rigger, their responsibilities can range from drilling to deconstructing machinery and even monitoring oil flow. Most importantly, riggers maintain safety regulations and make sure they are followed. Part of these rules includes monitoring rope condition and replacing or repairing as necessary. After all, loads are very heavy and dropping even just one could result in serious injury and can even be fatal. Ravenox is a proud leader in the rope business. Our company can provide the solutions needed within this domain for crane use and heavy-lifting which are important in industries like offshore construction, commercial marine, subsea installation, oil & gas, and mining. Quality and safety are always top of mind when it comes to our customers.

As is the case with citizens around the world, the leadership at Ravenox is constantly monitoring the evolving and dynamic situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the United States and worldwide. Ravenox recognizes that people in every corner of the country are relying on us, the products we make and the continuing functionality of our business. Maintaining the active manufacturing of high-quality products and materials specific to the mass shortage of critical supplies is top priority at Ravenox, a veteran-owned and operated company. Today, more than ever, it is important to have a reliable partner to work with. To that end, Ravenox has been recognized as an essential business. The company continues to provide customers, business partners and government entities with the material needed to continue operations. “Applying the same efficiencies that we use in our manufacturing process, we have increased our diligence to cleanliness and taken measures to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and customers,” says Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee. Not only are the products and materials produced at Ravenox basic necessities, but they are used as components in a wide variety of other vital supplies. If you are seeing delayed shipping times on any of the marketplaces where you normally purchase Ravenox goods we encourage you to purchase directly from our website and you'll get the fastest possible shipping directly from our factory.

Who is OTEXA? The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) Made in the U.S.A. Sourcing Database helps buyers source U.S. textile products like rope, twine, and cordage from U.S. manufacturers. Ravenox is proud to be registered as one of these textile manufacturing companies. Analyzing Industries Throughout the World OTEXA is dedicated to increasing the international competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel, fiber and raw materials, fabric and footwear, and travel goods industries. This is done by undertaking industry analysis, contributing to U.S. trade policy development, participating in trade negotiations and trade promotion, and addressing trade barriers. U.S. Textile Industry Builds Relationships OTEXA works with other Department of Commerce units and U.S. agencies in developing a public policy environment that advances U.S. competitiveness at home and abroad. A key to the successful efforts of OTEXA and other industry offices is our strong working relationship with trade associations and individual companies within the appropriate sectors. Ravenox: A Company Registered with OTEXA American Production, Manufacturing, and Textile Companies As an American and veteran-owned company focused on making products here in the USA, Ravenox is committed to bringing manufacturing back to America and creating more jobs for Americans. This starts by being registered with administrations like OTEXA to assure our customers that they are choosing the best.

Looking for some inexpensive ways to redecorate? Here are some great DIY Rope Decor Ideas! 1. Rope Wall A rope wall is a great, inexpensive idea to break up a room without visually losing space. You can use a rope wall to separate your entrance/foyer from the rest of your house, separate two rooms that run together or create smaller rooms in a large space (such as a studio or office). The best part of using rope as your divider is that it is translucent. A rope wall allows you to achieve your goal without making your space feel any smaller. Below are some example photos The Steve Harvey Show featured this great idea. Watch this video to get a quick overview of How To Build A Rope Wall: This same rope wall can also be applied flat against a wall to create an accent wall. Again, it is a less permanent alternative to painting or laying wood/tile, yet creates the same feel. 2. Hanging Shelf Another great DIY project is using rope to create a hanging shelf. Hanging shelves are trendy, minimalist and allow you to store items while freeing up floor space. They require very little materials to make and are inexpensive. All you'll need is your desired color Ravenox twisted cotton rope, wood for your shelf base, a drill and wall hooks. Drill holes large enough to pass the rope through and tie a knot on the bottom. Hang from 1 wall hook to make a triangle shaped shelf to from two for a traditional shelf. You can even make multiple layer shelves by continuing the rope down to another piece of wood after the knot. See photos for examples. Shelves can be easily moved and ropes changed with ease through changing seasons. HAPPY REDECORATING! To see all of our twisted cotton rope options click HERE.

Small businesses that exemplify the importance of advocacy As the voice of retail for over a century, the National Retail Federation has a long history of convening retailers. The annual Retail Advocates Summit, the industry’s premiere advocacy event, returned to Washington, D.C., July 27-28, giving retailers a chance to connect with lawmakers to share their stories and celebrating the contributions retailers make to communities across the country. Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Those celebrations include recognition of small businesses that go above and beyond to advocate for the retail industry year-round. The America’s Retail Champions program features 34 small businesses, of which five have been named as finalists. On July 28, one small retailer was named the 2022 America’s Retail Champion. Congratulations to Margaret Barrows, owner of It's Nola Snacks. 2022 America's Retail Champion Margaret Barrows, owner of It's Nola Snacks, with VP of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at NRF, John Gold Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, was named as a 2022 honoree and participated in the Retail Advocates Summit, the retail industry’s premier advocacy event. This event gives retailers a seat at the table to directly connect with policymakers, tells retail’s story and celebrates contributions to advocacy. The 2022 Retail Advocates Summit featured The Retail Experience, which gave retailers the opportunity to show Capitol Hill who we are as an industry. 2022's Retail Experience featured: Opportunities for retailers to directly connect with leading lawmakers and their staff to share retail’s story Demonstrations of retail’s tech transformation with retail technology innovators Immersive exhibition of retail’s impact and contributions to workforce development and job creation Displays from Main Street retailers and NRF industry partners NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show preview Remarks from members of Congress and presentations of Hero of Main Street and Champion of Main Street awards to lawmakers who support retail Ravenox CEO Sean Brownlee with Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash) and the Hero of Main Street Award Congratulations to the NRF's 2022 finalists A special congratulations to the other four finalists for the 2022 Retail Champion Award. They were: Jessica Bettencourt - Klem's - Spencer, MA Bobby Djavaheri - Yedi Houseware - Los Angeles, CA April McClung - Emily's Heirloom Pound Cakes - Homewood, AL Danny Reynolds - Stephenson's of Elkhart, Inc. - Elkhart, IN Take Action - Advocate Today! You are the best advocate for your business and your employees. No one knows better than you what’s needed to improve the business climate for retailing or how proposed legislation will affect your business and community. Legislators take your concerns as a constituent and local employer very seriously. Grassroots political action is vital to retail’s success in the legislative arena. Your personal involvement helps bring progress on issues affecting retailers and other businesses. Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC-13) with the Hero of Main Street Award Get involved today Learn who your legislators are and their views on retail issues. Stay informed by reading updates on legislative and regulatory activity. Keep informed of the challenges you’re facing and what’s happening in your community. Invite legislators to tour your business and to attend community meetings and events. Call or write to lawmakers when important issues arise. Consider testifying before legislative committees on issues that affect your business. Share your views on retail issues with the media and on social media channels by tagging and interacting with elected officials. Provide your employees and colleagues with information on key issues, new laws, and regulations. Support pro-retail candidates Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, at the Retail Experience Showcase with Ravenox products

Thin Red Line Ropes and Leashes We honor our nation’s first responders who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster or terrorist attack. These include paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMT's), police officers, firefighters, rescuers, swift-boat rescue teams, paramedics and other first responders. These selfless men and women form a Thin Red Line of protection between communities and everything from West Coast wildfires to East Coast hurricanes. Explosions, fires, floods, smoke, spills, crashes, heart attacks: against deadly odds, again and again, firefighters put their lives on that thin red line to rescue people, pets and property. Thin Red Line Twisted Cotton Rope Firefighters and first responders expose themselves to danger to protect others. They are forced to face their own fears and grasp for every ounce of courage to perform the necessary task. The Thin Red Line is displayed to show respect for firefighters injured and killed in the line of duty protecting lives and property. The Thin Red Line twisted cotton rope is manufactured in 1/8-in, 3/16-in, 1/4-in, 3/8-in, 1/2-in and 5/8-in diameters in lengths from 10 feet to 1,000 feet. Made from the highest quality cotton yarns it is easy to tie knots in and splice. The natural fiber rope is soft on your hands and is perfect for most applications. Thin Red Line Braided Utility Rope Our braided utility rope is made from multifilament polypropylene (MFP) fibers and is a synthetic option to our natural fiber cotton ropes. This Red and Blue color combination is also very soft and is great for indoor or outdoor applications. Also known as derby rope it is commonly used for tie-downs, emergency rope, horse halters, horse leads, barriers, boating or just a general-purpose utility rope. It is also commonly used in knot tying classes, theater rope, decorative rope and as tack rope for equine use – hence the name Derby Rope. This is also one of the most popular ropes for dog leashes. Our Thin Red Line Utility Rope is available in 1/4-in, 3/8-in, 1/2-in, 5/8-in and 3/4-in diameters and in lengths from 25 FT to 1,000 FT. Thin Red Line Dog Leashes and Horse Leads Walk your dog comfortably with the softest twisted cotton rope dog leash. These handmade dog leads are made with our #1 Best Selling Twisted Cotton Rope and they are soft on your hands. The natural cotton rope fibers will ensure an easy grip and help you avoid any hand burn commonly seen with synthetic ropes. The hand woven loops allow for an easy grip or you can wrap the leash around a pole for tethered, hands-free placement if necessary. Have fun and keep your canine under control with this sturdy, straight-forward, heavy duty dog leash. These dog leashes use the same construction as our best-selling horse leads. They’re strong enough to hold a horse and they’re guaranteed to keep your pet in line. Select your size for small, medium or large dogs. Available in lengths of 6 feet, 10 feet or 25 feet. Perfect for your walking or training needs. Every last detail is taken into account when constructing these dog leashes. These leashes are hand-woven for strength and style. The brass plated bolt snap is strong and easy to clip on your dog’s collar. The weave is then covered with color matching twine that is hand whipped over the ends for a seamless look. As Americans, we owe these protectors a debt of gratitude for all they do, and all they stand ready to do at a moment’s notice. Ravenox's Thin Red Line collection is both a tribute and a reminder of the sacrifice—and the difference—made by our first responders.

Whether you’re experienced in creating awesome Halloween decorations or getting crafty for the first time, these DIY Halloween decoration ideas will make it easy to spook up your home. Halloween Decoration Idea #1 – A Rope Wreath Are you having trouble finding suitable materials for your Halloween wreath? You can go with orange paracord or choose our Halloween rope. With its orange and black color combination, this rope is perfect for adding some extra spookiness to your front door. The rope is made of high-quality twisted cotton, easy to tie in knots and splice, which makes it durable, soft, and very versatile – you can use it to make all sorts of rope Halloween decoration ideas without any discomfort caused by other types of rope. For this rope Halloween decoration idea, you’ll need a wreath frame made of styrofoam, about 100 feet of our Halloween rope or twisted cotton rope (depending on the frame’s size), a hot glue gun, and glue sticks. Instructions: To attach the hanger, cut about 2 feet of the rope and glue it to the back of the styrofoam frame using the hot glue gun. Let it cool, then start wrapping the rope around the frame (make sure to skip the spot where the hanger will be glued). As you wrap the rope around the Styrofoam frame, make sure to keep the rope very tight and snug against the previous wrap. It’s super simple to create this decorative piece. All you have to do is wrap and glue the final ends to the Styrofoam! To really add to the wreath, you can add extra Halloween decorations, such as mini pumpkins, pinecones, or fall leaves. When you’re done, all you need to do is install a secure nail or hook on your door and hang the wreath using the Halloween rope or our twisted cotton rope. Halloween Decoration Idea #2 - No-Carve Pumpkin Decorated with Rope Want a festive decoration with (almost) zero effort? Skip pumpkin carving and do rope! We have a super simple DIY Halloween decoration idea for you. All you have to do is create circular rope designs on your pumpkin! There are nearly no materials needed, just twisted cotton rope and glue. Cut the twisted cotton rope into different lengths. Attach the rope to the pumpkin in coils of various sizes using a hot glue gun. Start with the larger coils first, then fill in the spaces in between with the smaller ones. This one is super easy and is a fast way to add some nice flair to your fall-themed Halloween decorations. It goes perfectly alongside scarecrows, hay, and is a perfect way to spruce up your pumpkin patch! Halloween Decoration Idea #4 – Rope Basket For Trick or Treaters Candy This Halloween decoration idea works for a few reasons. First, you can fill it with fall leaves or pumpkins and voila! you have a simple but effective decoration for your porch. Creating a set of 4-5 different baskets ranging in size can be a beautiful addition to your front porch or pumpkin patch. Although, probably the best use for this rope Halloween decoration is to make a variety of baskets each with a different candy in them for your trick or treaters. As a child, being able to choose your favorite candy from a variety of choices is one of those things that makes your house stand out from the rest of your neighborhood. You can have candy in 3 baskets, Halloween rope bracelets in another, and small toys in a third which give every kid who visits your house a unique experience to bring smiles to their faces. To make it, you’ll only need a sewing machine and rope. Instructions: To make the handles, take 3 pieces of rope, stitch the ends, braid together, then stitch the other end. Using parchment paper, wrap a metal or plastic pot that is the size rope basket you would like to make. Starting with the base, begin to wrap your twisted cotton rope (looks best if you braid two strands of rope together) into a circle to match the size of your basket, using glue to secure each rope layer. Once you have the base complete, start to wrap the metal or plastic pot with your rope, gluing the rope to the parchment paper as you go to make sure your basket is sturdy. Create a new layer of braided rope until each layer of your basket is complete. Before making the final two or three rows of braid, sew (or glue) the handles in between two rows. If you are using this to hold candy for trick or treaters, you probably won’t even need the handles, so just remove the metal or plastic pot frame and your basket is done! We Hope You Enjoy These DIY Halloween Decoration Ideas Rope is definitely one of the most inexpensive ways to prepare for the Halloween season, even those last-minute ones. On top of the Halloween decorations mentioned above, you can use our Halloween rope for hanging all sorts of decorations round the house, be it bats, spiders, hanging skeletons or any other decorations you normally use to decorate your house with for the spooky season. Another last suggestion for using Halloween rope is to make simple Halloween bracelets for your gang of trick-or-treaters. We also have a video to show you exactly how our Twisted Cotton Rope is made. We take great pride in being able to supply you with the very best materials you need to make your house the Halloween hit of the neighborhood! Have a very happy (and spooky) Halloween!

Macrame! Macrame is a super popular DIY trend with unlimited design possibilities. And guess what? It’s super easy to make; maybe not all, but most of it. I get startled by the diverse macrame designs online when I surf for new ideas. Yeah, I like rope a lot. How you turn the long slim twists to beauties drops my jaw, but let’s leave it for another day. We’ll highlight simple and classic macrame designs you can make this weekend for your home, but first, here’s a brief history of macrame. Brief History of Macramé Macramé filled every nook and cranes in the 70s, but it originated with the 13th-century Arab weavers. Macramé is a Spanish word from the Arabic word migramah (مقرمة) meaning “fringe”. These decorative fringes were originally used to keep flies off animals (camels and horses) in the hot African desert regions. How did macramé spread across the world? During long distant journeys, sailors made macramé and sold or bartered when they landed. Not a very interesting history though, especially as the craze for macramé faded. In the early 70s, it regained popularity, and this time served better for wall hangings, bedspread, table cloth, draperies, etc. By the early 80s macramé had fallen out of fashion as a decoration trend and faded. Macramé was most popular in the Victorian era. Sylvia's Book of Macramé Lace (1882), a favorite, showed readers how

More than a hundred international brands are ‘at risk’ of selling cotton products related to Uyghur forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region

Digital procurement helps sellers improve visibility with business and government buyers to grow their organizations.

If you love the outdoors, then you know what is absolutely essential to have rope with you on every trip. Having the right kind of rope on the campground or trail will not only make your life easier, but it can also save you in dangerous situations. So, what’s the best rope for outdoor use? Read our guide on different types of rope along with the variety of ways to use them on your next outdoor experience. Best Types of Rope for the Outdoors and Their Uses Twisted Rope Also known as laid rope, the twisted rope is made of three strands twisted together, which make it look like a spiral. Twisted rope usually comes in one of the following materials: nylon, polypropylene or polyester, but it can also be made of cotton or other natural fiber. Synthetic twisted rope varieties The twisted rope varieties made of synthetic materials are quite inexpensive and widely available. They might not be the strongest types of rope out there but are most resistant to rotting and mildew. In addition, they float and are impermeable to water, which makes them perfect for the outdoors, especially if you know that the rope will get wet, such as boating. Cotton twisted rope Cotton rope, on the other hand, is the softest and can be used for a number of projects such as wedding decorations, dog leashes, dog toys, macrame, interior design, simple restraints, or cozy hammocks for your backyard. Manila rope Another natural twisted rope alternative is Manila rope, also known as hemp rope, which is made from the Abaca plant. Like the cotton variety, this natural fiber rope is quite soft on the hands, and you won’t need to use gloves while handling it. If it becomes wet, Manila rope shrinks, but on the plus side, it’s resistant to salt water. Note: make sure the Manila rope is completely dry before you store it; if you store it wet, it will quickly rot or get damaged by mildew. This rope is known to be quite strong and easily absorb perspiration, which makes it perfect for gyms and climbing systems. If you’re planning a game of ‘Tug of war’ or exercise climbing, Manila rope is your best choice! Finally, Manila rope is known as one of the ‘greenest’ rope options due to the fact that it decomposes over time. Besides being a very popular option for interior decoration, Manila rope is often used by designers and contractors in landscaping. You will see it a lot in fences, piers, pathways, gardens, decks, etc. Braided Rope Smooth braid rope Braided ropes are made by weaving fiber strands. They can be double braided (consisting of one braided rope inside the other) or hollow (consisting of a woven core only). The former option is, of course, more suitable for the outdoors since it is UV resistant, stronger, and more resilient to abrasion. Made from polyester, smooth braid rope is perfect for any weather conditions and ideal for outdoor adventuring and recreation – traveling, camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, hunting, you name it. Moreover, due to being lightweight and its high break strength, smooth braid rope is crucial for all survival kits in case of emergency situations. No wonder all cavers and mountaineers rely on it! Solid braid utility rope Another braided rope alternative which is great for the outdoors is the utility cord. This type of rope is meant for heavy-duty usage and is widely utilized by professional rescuers, military, mountaineers, and fire brigades. Its durability, resilience, and strength make it a perfect choice for various outdoor activities such as scuba diving, kiting, and sailing. This rope is favorite among fishermen, especially those that prefer spearfishing since its high visibility easily attracts the fish. On top of that, the solid braid utility rope is ideal for any weather conditions – it floats in water and is not susceptible to rotting. Bungee Cord This cord has an elastic core (band) with a nylon, cotton, or polypropylene cover and commonly comes with hooks at the end. Bungee cords are resistant to UV radiation and moisture, which makes them ideal for everyday uses, sports, and outdoor activities, especially hiking, kayaking, boating, and camping. You know that line that holds tents together? That’s bungee cord. It is also often used for fastening loads as well as bundling up gear like tubes, sleeping pads, or canoe paddles. You’ll find it in most camping stores in all lengths and diameters. The bungee cord is long-lasting but the elastic wears out after long-term exposure to the environmental conditions and stretching. That’s why you need to check it for wears and tears before every use. Also, be careful not to pull the rope too tightly because it may snap at you. Composite Cord Rope (Kernmantle Cord Rope) The word ‘kernmantle’ is of German origin: ‘kern’ translates as ‘core’, whereas ‘mantel’ means ‘jacket’. Parachute cords are kernmantle rope. The kernmantle composite cord has a shock-absorbent core made of nylon and a polyester cover. Their stretchiness is what makes these ropes perfect for other purposes in the outdoors - you can use them to tie down loads in your truck or to tie your kayak/canoe to the dock. Although kernmantle ropes are highly resistant to abrasion, they’re still soft enough to provide great holding power and easy to grab. This softness makes kernmantle ropes very useful even in non-life safety situations, such as towlines and as comfortable pet leashes. In Conclusion We’ve covered some of the best ropes for outdoor use - classic twisted ropes, braided ones, bungee cords, and composite cord ropes. They demonstrate the variety of materials and designs, along with the best use for each rope in the outdoors. Knowing the downsides of each type of rope will come in handy depending on whether you are looking for outdoor hiking or just using the rope for outdoor decoration. Understanding the different features and uses will help you choose the right type of rope for your next outdoor adventure.

Big News -- Ravenox Featured in Seattle Times Ravenox was recently featured in the Seattle Times alongside Nutpods, a plant-based coffee creamer owned by Madeline Haydon, the winner of the 2019 Amazon Small Business Spotlight Award. 6 ways for your small business to navigate a strong finish to 2020 and beyond Seattle Times September 1, 2020 https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/6-ways-for-your-small-business-to-navigate-a-strong-finish-to-2020-and-beyond/ Sean and Genevieve Brownlee, Founder and Owners of Ravenox Behind the Scenes Interview with Sean Brownlee: These past few years we have experienced exponential growth through a variety of measures that we believe should be foundational to any business. Capitalizing on the latest software and technology will enable any small business to grow alongside more established companies. Ravenox Builds Value In the Company and Products Ravenox, our primary focus has been growing our sales funnel by increasing brand awareness and interest through educating our customers about the value of working with our company. Paired with intelligent demographic identification we have been able to widen our customer base substantially.

Washington Retail Association including Board Member Sean Brownlee of Ravenox Advocate for Retailers in Washington State Capitol Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee, recently traveled to the state capitol with the Washington Retail Association to meet with legislators on behalf of the Washington retail industry community. The Washington Retail Association represents approximately 4,000 storefronts in every legislative district in Washington State. In 2018, the Retail sector generated a record $170.2 billion in taxable retail sales in Washington - these sales generated more than half of the state's general fund resources. Support to Continue to Create Jobs and Business Standards More importantly, employment in the retail sector has steadily grown with more than 393,100 jobs in Washington supported by the retail industry offer job security to millions. Significantly, ninety-eight percent of retailers represent small business, employing fewer than 50 people. These businesses are dedicated to providing quality services for their customers, and to creating and growing jobs in their communities. Although there are many exciting pathways in the retail industry, retail is where many youths find their first jobs, and where adults can transition back to the workforce every year. Discussing Issues that Effect Retailers and Consumers During this legislative session, the board of directors was proud to address legislatures about bills impacting retailers to advocate support for business in the local area and the state. With some of the largest retailers in the world headquartered in Washington State, the rest of the country looks to Washington for national leadership. Two of the most impacting bills discussed were the Data Privacy Bill and the Retail Theft Bill. These issues impact retailers, customers, and the government alike. Special thanks to the Senators and Representatives below who took the time to meet with Washington Retail's Board of Directors and discuss these important issues: Senator Reuven Carlyle (D36-D) Representative Roger Goodman (D45-D) Senator Mark Schoesler (D9-R) Senator Randi Becker (D2-R) Senator Andy Billig (D3-D) Representative Larry Springer (D45-D) Representative J.T. Wilcox (D2-R) Board of Directors for the Washington Retail Association in the Senate Chamber Ravenox CEO and Board Vice Chair, Sean Brownlee, with Board Chair J.R. Burke and WR President Renée Sunde Ravenox Taking the Lead Rope for Business As technology evolves and reshapes the face of the retail industry, Ravenox will be there to help lead the way. Our rigorous company standards don't stop at our American Cordage Institute approved standards, we are proud to rigorously support American-based business as well for years to come!

German Shepherds in the White House As a dog-obsessed company, Ravenox and Blitzen (our German Shepherd mascot) are thrilled to welcome two German Shepherds into the White House! They go by the names Major and Champ and belong to President Joe Biden.

As hurricane season begins in the United States with the possibility of many hurricanes brewing in various areas--impacting both on the coastline and inland populations--it's important to be as prepared as possible. Hurricane notifications give everyone plenty of time to prepare and one simple way to add a protective layer and peace of mind is with rope. Ways to Use Rope During Hurricane Season Even if you have hurricane strapping installed it's a good idea to use rope to secure other areas in and around your home. Rope with a high tensile strength and a slight

Scout pioneering merit badge is all about knowing how to use ropes to build things. From building chairs and tables in camp to bridges and towers. Ravenox supports Scouting and in this post we've put together all of the rope whipping, knots and lashings materials you need to successfully obtain your Pioneering Merit Badge! Here's a great overview video of the Pioneering Merit Badge by Steve Garrett: Download the Pioneering Merit Badge Workbook HERE. The workbook can help you organize your thoughts as you prepare to meet with your merit badge counselor. Demonstrate the basic and West Country methods of whipping a rope. Basic Rope Whipping Method When properly tied, this basic whipping (a.k.a. “American whipping”) is an effective way to keep the ends of a rope from unraveling. West Country Rope Whipping Method A simple approach to reliably whipping lashing ropes that's easy to learn and easy to tie. Fuse the ends of a rope For synthetic materials like nylon, fuse the rope. Rope and cord made from plastic or nylon will melt when exposed to high heat. 1. Cut away the frayed part of the rope. 2. Working in a well-ventilated area, hold each end of the rope a few inches above a lighter, match or candle to melt and fuse the strands together. 3. Let it cool off for a few minutes. Be careful: Melted nylon is hot and sticky, so don’t touch the end until it’s completely cool. Demonstrate How to Tie the Following Knots Clove Hitch Knot The clove hitch is used to secure a line to a pole and to start and end a variety of lashings. Butterfly Knot In Scout Pioneering, we frequently use a butterfly knot to form the fixed loop in a rope tackle — a very useful knot! Round turn Knot with Two Half Hitches In addition to securing ropes to a fixed object, this knot is exceedingly useful for tying guy lines to pioneering structures. Rolling Hitch Knot A rolling hitch, also known as a Magnus Hitch, is considered an essential pioneering knot. (For increased strength, more turns can be added to start the knot, and for increased security, another half hitch can be added at completion.) Water Knot In Pioneering, whenever you need to join the ends of ropes made of man-made fibers that are braided and slick and don’t hold knots well, think of the water knot. Carrick Bend Knot A carrick bend is ideal for joining two large diameter ropes and has been referred to as “probably the finest bend ever made”. It avoids the sharp nips of the sheet bend, and can be kept open by seizing the two free ends to their standing parts. Sheepshank Knot The sheepshank is most frequently used for temporarily shortening a line without cutting it. Sheet Bend Knot This is the basic knot to tie when you need to join two lines together of the same or different diameters. Demonstrate and explain when to use the following lashings: Square Lashing The Mark II Square Lashing (Japanese Mark II Square Lashing) is a straightforward approach to lashing two poles together. Diagonal Lashing Diagonal lashing is a type of lashing used to bind spars or poles together, to prevent racking. It gets its name from the fact that the wrapping turns cross the poles diagonally and is used to spring poles together where they do not touch as in the X-brace of a trestle. Round Lashing A round lashing can be used to combine poles together to increase their strength, but it’s most commonly used to join poles together to extend their length. Shear Lashing The shear lashing is used for joining together two parallel spars which will be opened out of the parallel to form “shear legs.” Tripod Lashing This lashing works very well for most Scout Pioneering applications, but for a heavy tripod, or a large one that will be supporting a lot of weight for a longer period of time, using racking turns (Figure of Eight Tripod Lashing) provides more contact between the rope and the spars. Floor lashing The lashing can be tightened considerably by running a line around the wraps in between the floor spars and the stringer poles i.e.adding fraps! This lashing is useful when building any kind of raised surface for a: platform, deck, raft, table, bench, chair, or Chippewa kitchen. Rope for Pioneering and Camp Use Scout units can buy rope directly from rope manufacturers like Ravenox where it is packaged in standard lengths. Manila Rope, Nylon Rope and other natural and synthetic ropes are available for Scout pioneering activities. Solid Braid Polypropylene Rope is an inexpensive and colorful rope for practicing knot tying.

Wedding season is upon us, and while many couples incorporate rope into their wedding décor, it can also be used in the wedding ceremony itself as a beautiful symbolization of unity and commitment. An ancient Celtic tradition called the Handfasting Ceremony is a universal way to symbolize love, commitment, and literally, “tying the knot.” Handfasting was a popular tradition in ancient Rome, Ireland, and Scotland, and consists of tying a bride and groom’s hands together to illustrate joining together in marriage and the commitment to stay together. The Romans used vines and rope to bind the bride and groom’s hands together, and this is widely considered to be the origin of the phrase “tying the knot.

Warping is the transferring of many yarns from a creel of single-end packages forming a parallel set of yarns wound onto a beam or a section beam. The parallel winding of warp yarns from different winding packages like cones, cheeses, spools, warper’s bobbins into a sheet form is called warping. The primary purpose of a warping machine is to prepare a weaver’s beam to be set up on a weaving machine. Depending on the kind of intermediate carrier used, the industrial warping process can be carried out in a variety of ways: Sectional / Indirect Warping Beam / Direct Warping Ball Warping A warping machine can process a variety of types of materials, including coarse and fine filament and staple yarns. Cotton, polyester, wool, polypropylene, nylon and hemp are some of the most common yarns used in the warping process. Warping is one phase in the manufacturing of a variety of products where the raw materials are prepared for subsequent processing. In follow on stages, the warped material can be dyed or processed into other goods. Those include, mops, cheese cloth, shirting, home textiles, apparel, tire cord and a variety of other textile products. One of Ravenox’s many capabilities is the production of warped yarns, cords and ropes from our creels to warping machines. From sectional to long chain beaming we can meet your warping needs. Capability: Textile & Ball Warping Services Processes Sectional / Indirect Warping Beam / Direct Warping Ball Warping Materials (Including but Not Limited To) Coarse Filament Fine Filament Staple Yarns Cotton Polyester Wool Polypropylene Nylon Hemp Product Applications (Including but Not Limited To) Mops Cheese Cloth Shirting Home Textiles Apparel Tire Cord Production Volume Prototype Low Volume High Volume Blanket Orders Lead Times Quoted on job by job basis Emergency services available Rush Services Available Efficiency Certifications SDVOSB, SBA, American Cordage Institute, Cotton Inc. Additional Information Industry Focus Agricultural & Farming Architecture Building & Construction Commercial Consumer Goods Defense Industry Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Defense (DOD) Food Handling Government Home Home Furnishing Household Industrial Manufacturing Marine Military Recreational Research Residential Restaurant Retail Textile Tool & Die Transportation Turf & Garden Industry Standards Mil-Spec Military Specifications File Formats GIF Graphics Interchange Format JPG or JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group PDF Portable Document Format STEP Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data TIFF Tagged Image File Format

At Ravenox, we are always moving forward and looking for the best way to make things better. We have a perpetual drive to find, develop, make and sell smarter, better solutions.This includes crafting products that are not harmful to our planet. As a start, our cotton rope is certified by the Seal of Cotton for its authentic and iconic fiber content. Consumers can be confident that we are committed to responsibly providing the finest products available. Our cotton ropes are natural, renewable, and have environmentally-friendly benefits. When crafting our twisted and braided ropes, only the finest cotton yarns available are used. Our 100% cotton rope is made from yarn that is sourced from cotton grown in the rich soil of North Carolina which gives us that trademark high quality, softness, and strength. In fact, North Carolina is also where it is twisted into yarn and again twisted and braided into ropes. We also source our yarns from up-cycled materials to help protect our planet and our home. Essential Uses for 100% Cotton Yarn Farmers, Ranchers and Gardeners need to use biodegradable cotton twine in the production and storage of their harvests and for livestock use. Ravenox Food-grade twine is made in both single-strand and triple strand and is perfect for trellising climbing plants, tying plants to a support, hanging plants in a greenhouse, bundling together fresh cut flowers or veggies, hanging cut herbs and Kokedama string gardens. Non-essential uses can include a plethora of options from things like Macrame and arts and crafts to home and event décor. Why Our Cotton Rope Makes for a Healthier Earth It’s biodegradable. When you’re done using it throw it right into the compost. It will break down along with all the other natural plant matter in there. It’s natural, just like everything else in your garden! You don’t have to worry about weird toxins from plastics and synthetics. Pet Lovers who are looking for a great pet toy should use Ravenox twisted cotton rope in natural white. Great for dog toys, bird toys, cat toys and any other pet toy that could be ingested and is of concern. Up-Cycling for Minimal Waste Up-cycling is the process of re-using discarded material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. Ravenox has partnered with Recover™ to provide the most sustainable colored yarns the industry can provide. Recover™ develops and manufactures low-impact high-value upcycled yarns for all types of fashion, accessory and home textile products. We're proud to implement their yarns into our ropes. Here are a few highlights about Recover™ Yarns: Recover™ drives the fashion industry closer to zero-waste. The Recover™ Upcycled Textile System turns textile waste into valuable new yarns for many life-cycles. Recover™ helps protect the planet, our only home. Recover™ uses textile waste as a raw material resource, diverting it from landfill and incineration. They become less dependent on virgin materials and save water, energy, CO2 emissions and toxic chemicals. Recover™ Yarns produce the lowest-impact textiles. 50% of the energy used to recycle and spin yarns for Ravenox is generated by solar power. Recover™ yarn that is used in Ravenox’s Cotton Rope is Dye-Free. No dyes are used to match colors with Recover™ cotton fibers. No water is used and no chemical products are used. Our colored cotton ropes are made from Recover™ yarn, which comes from their global facilities. We exclusively use Recover™ yarn in all of our colored cotton ropes. At Ravenox, we not only believe in a responsibility to our customers, but a responsibility to the Earth. After all, she provides what we need to bring you the products you love. Happy Earth Day!

Ravenox Encourages Volunteering Volunteering is a key part of Ravenox's corporate social responsibility program. While serving in the community and showcasing corporate culture, our CEO embodies the Ravenox message of speaking and living by these values. In December of 2019, Sean Brownlee was voted in as Vice-Chair for the Washington Retail Association; helping lead the association and advocate for the retail industry throughout Washington State. Retail Associations Protecting the Industry Nationwide, retail associations help advance and safeguard the well-being of the retail industry. The Washington Retail Association is recognized by merchants, elected officials and other trade groups as an influential and effective representative of retailers in the state and nation. One of a Kind Program with Big Involvement on Behalf of Small Businesses The Washington Retail Association is the state’s only association exclusively dedicated to advocating the unique interests of retailers on legislative and regulatory issues. Its reach includes federal, state, and local governments, especially Seattle, which increasingly has been setting legal trends for the rest of the state. Like-Minded Associations Join Together to Support the Retail Industry Washington Retail represents more than 3,800 storefronts statewide that range from large national chains to small shops. Members include wholesalers, dealers, professional services, and mall owners and operators. Though a unique state association, Washington Retail maintains numerous partnerships with like-minded associations and chamber of commerce across the state and nation. Meet the Officers elected for the 2020 year Who Were Proud to Represent Washington Businesses R. Burke, Director of State Government Affairs for Polaris, Inc. as Board Chair Sean Brownlee, CEO of Ravenox, as Vice-Chair Rob Jensen, COO/CFO of Lantern Press, as Treasurer Lowell Gordon, Owner of The Creative Office, as Immediate Past Chair Opio Dupree, VP of Government & Public Affairs for Macy’s, as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee Theresa Treat, VP of People Services for Ben Bridge Jeweler, as Chair of the Human Resources Committee. “Ours is a working board consisting of respected innovators who represent retailers from Main Street storefronts to online and multinational companies,” said the 2020 Board Chair, Burke. “Each and every member brings invaluable, leading-edge perspective to anticipate the needs and values of Washington’s retail consumers.”

HMPE ROPES 12 Strand HMPE ropes are the strongest commercial ropes available. HMPE rope is made from High Modulus Polyethylene which is a material that is composed of extraordinarily long molecular chains of polyethylene. In the 1950's the cordage industry began using HMPE and gel spinning it into high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and yarns for rope and cord making. HMPE ropes are very tough, stronger than steel, and have the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made. High performance ropes that are stronger than steel HMPE rope has an extremely low density and it has a strength-to-weight ratio that is 8 time higher than high strength steel! The molecular alignment and gel spinning process allows the fibers to perform better and is the reason HMPE-based ropes, soft shackles and winch lines float, whereas steel wire sinks. HMPE Ropes used for different products HMPE is an amazing material and it is used to make artificial joints, body armor, high pressure hydraulic joints and seals and of course synthetic ropes, cords and lines for a variety of industries. Shipping Industry Offshore Working & Lifting Lines Offshore Working and Lifting Lines, including deep water mooring lines, oceanographic lifting and coring ropes, seismic tow ropes and salvage ropes. HMPE rope can also be custom-manufactured into heavy lift slings. HMPE rope is used in a range of offshore environments and offers the utmost safety and reassurance at sea. Ravenox can custom design-and-build deep water and heavy-lift ropes to suit any application. Tug Boat & Salvage Ship Lines Tug lines are one of the most demanding applications in the commercial marine industry due to the high loads and abrasion these ropes experience on each job. Ravenox has supplied HMPE rope products to tugs all over the world for ship assist, towing, and escort jobs, for many years. Technologically advanced products such as HMPE 12x12 offer our customers the following benefits: Lighter and easier to handle Requires fewer crew members Faster tie ups and stand downs Safer - reduces strain and back injuries No fish hooks Reduced costs No maintenance Proven track record in the industry for over 20 years Works well on winches Easy to splice Pendants Ravenox provides and recommends the use of pendants which are a very popular method for extending the life of tug assist and working lines. Pendants are a shorter length of rope attached to the mainline by either reeving or cow-hitching the lines together. The pendant is on the working end of the main tug hawser and gets most of the abrasion and damage. Thus, the shorter pendant (usually 50-ft to 100-ft in length) can then be replaced, if and when necessary, at a less expensive cost than replacing the 450-ft mainline. Inland River Boat Lines Replace “wing” and “face” wire ropes with HMPE synthetic ropes. Wing wires and face wires are the manner in which river push boats attach themselves to and maneuver the barges they’re pushing up or down the river systems in the US. Wing and face wires tend to be anywhere from ½” to 1 ½” in diameter depending on the horsepower of the push boat. The benefits of high performance HMPE ropes over wire rope wing and face lines are: Strong as wire rope size for size 1/7th weight of wire rope Floats Reduced making up and knocking down times Less crew members required to handle lines Safer – less worker related injuries and claims No maintenance or re-lubing Easy splicing – DVD instructions available free of charge With proper care – longer wear life than wire rope Ship & Barge Mooring Lines Ravenox offers a wide range of mooring line solutions depending upon your application needs. We can produce mooring lines to order, based upon your strength requirements, the length of line required and the expected loads. High Modulus Polyethylene HMPE rope is ideal for U.S. Navy Ships, Coast Guard Ships, Container ships and all other seafaring vessels. Helicopter Longlines Ravenox Helicopter Longlines are a lightweight workhorse for light, medium and heavy-lift helicopter underslung and utility operations. Ravenox longlines are certified to meet manufactured specifications and each system includes a certificate of conformance and test in accordance with readings as specified by ASTM E-4 standard practices for force calibrations and verification. Ravenox uses 12 strand HMPE fiber to create an ultra-high strength, lightweight helicopter underslung cargo long line. HMPE is widely used to replace wire-rope where extremely low-stretch and high strengths are required. Its resistance to abrasion and chemicals is unsurpassed by any other synthetic fiber. Mining Tow Lines Mining is one of the most punishing environments. Traditional steel wire ropes or chains used to pull, hoist, or lift in mining applications are heavy, inflexible, difficult to rig and can recoil dangerously when they break. Synthetics provide all the strength of steel, but are 86% lighter for a much safer solution. Lightweight, flexible, and soft on the hands, high strength synthetic fiber rope solutions significantly reduce rigging time, manpower and injury risk. Unlike steel wire rope, they will not rust, corrode, or produce broken/protruding wires, and don’t dangerously recoil if broken. Utility Pulling Lines & Cable Grips HMPE Utility Pulling Lines are ropes used by electrical utility companies or often utility contractor companies for pulling utility transmission wires through blocks and into place on transmission towers. The ropes are fed through the blocks on the towers and attached to the end of the wires which are then pulled into place by large winches. Pulling lines are often sold in multiples of 4 or 6 units at a time depending on the number of wires being pulled. The ropes are ordered coated with different colors so they can be easily identified. The best choice for this application are or Spectra® ropes. Benefits of these high-performance fiber constructions are: High strength Abrasion resistance Low stretch Ease of splicing in the field Stays round and firm around blocks and sheaves Available with urethane coatings in a variety of colors Torque free Utility & RV Winch Lines Ravenox offers a wide range of high performance synthetic fiber Winch Lines, including vehicle recovery winch lines, ATV winch lines and tow ropes. We also offer utility winch lines for pulling overhead power lines and setting poles and transformers. Lighter than steel and easier on the hands, Ravenox's HMPE rope and high modulus synthetic fiber lines spool up flat and pull off the drum easier than steel. Safer, lighter, and easier than steel, trust HMPE synthetic fiber winch lines from Ravenox. Theatrical Rigging Lines Ravenox's range of theatrical rigging lines offer artists the utmost safety and reassurance on stage. We offers a complete line of HMPE rope for all applications; low density HMPE for winch lines, fine braids for reliable human flight and everything in between. Made from high-performance fibers that are strong yet soft on the hands, Ravenox's rigging lines can be custom-built to suit any performance. Commercial Fishing Lines Ravenox offers a wide range of Commercial Fishing Lines including trawl ropes, gilsons, purse lines and aquaculture. HMPE fibers are know to stand up to the harsh aquatic environment and perform in the most extreme conditions. High Modulus Polyethylene Rope Construction Process HMPE ropes are manufactured from strands of HMPE that have been enhanced by a patented recrystallization process. The process draws the precisely twisted strand through a heated fluid filled pressurized vessel, creating a constant heat profile throughout the strand’s cross-section. This process ensures that all filaments are drawn under the same controlled conditions, thereby enhancing the base HMPE fiber by further aligning its molecules and effectively increasing fiber strength efficiency throughout the strand. Benefits and Features of HMPE ROPE HMPE has the lowest stretch of any rope available Low creep Soft hand Torque free Easy splicing Neutrally buoyant in water Select sizes of 12 strand HMPE ropes are ABS & DNV type approved High Modulus Polyethylene Elasticity HMPE fibers are very inelastic, they do not stretch much at all. After a rope is braided and spliced, there is typically a

Choosing the right rope for the job is important. Depending on what you’re doing the wrong rope could fail you at the worst time leading to a costly disaster or injury. With that in mind let’s look at some of the most common uses of cotton rope, nylon, and more, and the most appropriate type of rope to use in those situations. What type of rope do I need - What’s the rope used for?

As is the case with citizens around the world, the leadership at Ravenox is constantly monitoring the evolving and dynamic situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the United States and worldwide. Ravenox recognizes that people in every corner of the country are relying on us, the products we make and the continuing functionality of our business. Maintaining the active manufacturing of high-quality products and materials specific to the mass shortage of critical supplies is top priority at Ravenox, a veteran-owned and operated company. Today, more than ever, it is important to have a reliable partner to work with. To that end, Ravenox has been recognized as an essential business. The company continues to provide customers, business partners and government entities with the material needed to continue operations. “Applying the same efficiencies that we use in our manufacturing process, we have increased our diligence to cleanliness and taken measures to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and customers,” says Ravenox CEO, Sean Brownlee. Not only are the products and materials produced at Ravenox basic necessities, but they are used as components in a wide variety of other vital supplies. If you are seeing delayed shipping times on any of the marketplaces where you normally purchase Ravenox goods we encourage you to purchase directly from our website and you'll get the fastest possible shipping directly from our factory.

Ravenox has decided to join the ranks of many other progressive companies, and start accepting Bitcoin payments on the website. Online payment options have changed the way companies conduct business transactions with their clients and customers so much, that almost every online order is fast and straightforward these days. All you have to do is click a few times on the dashboard, and you’re done. We came a long way from PayPal and Square, instead, we now focus on Bitcoin transactions and payments. Accepting bitcoins is similar to accepting foreign currencies, but our primary goal is to give our customers more payment options, and of course a high-quality ropes and cords. What is Bitcoin exactly? For those of you who are not familiar with the term and the development of Bitcoin, we’re here to clarify it. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency, a form of virtual cash you can use to purchase items or services from companies that accept bitcoin payments on the website. The main reasons Bitcoin is different from other fiat currencies like dollars, euros or pounds, is decentralisation and no bank interference in the flow. Of course, as with any goods on the market, bitcoins are traded on exchanges, and they have a value that can be measured in fiat currencies. They are also kept in special crypto wallets, which you can use to pay for online transactions or buy/sell on the crypto exchange. Many people wonder how Bitcoin became a mega sensation in the world, and it’s because of the big boom on cryptocurrency exchanges that happened at the end of 2017 when the price reached USD 20,000 for 1 Bitcoin. In only nine short years, crypto enthusiasts and brokers saw the potential of the coin and the blockchain technology behind it, and managed to turn it into a high-profit investment. That’s how people started engaging in the crypto world. This year, we started seeing legal regulation and government support from some countries like China, Sweden and prominent companies accepting crypto as part of their payment options. Ravenox is now one of those companies. Photo by Fancycrave Why should you pay in Bitcoins? Our only goal is to give you a choice, and if you want, you can use it. We believe that Bitcoins are the payment option of the future, and we like to get a head start in the race. For you, as a buyer, the fact that there are no banks and thus no fees can be one of the reasons you should consider paying in Bitcoins. Each transaction is publicly verified by the peer-to-peer community network, which means they are generally safe for both sides. Furthermore, if you don’t want to to go through a third-party bank, credit card company or PayPal, Bitcoins might be your best payment option after all. The benefits of shopping Ravenox While we’re on the subject of payment options, we might focus on why you should choose Ravenox. Ravenox is a veteran-owned and operated rope manufacturer that focuses on bringing manufacturing back to America. We have deep knowledge of our supply chain and focus on ethically source raw materials that have traceability using blockchain technology. These technologies tell the truth about where our ropes come from and the impacts they have on the environment. Transparency in manufacturing is one of the key components that we believe makes our company so strong and we're happy to be adding in another layer of transparency in crypto currencies. In addition to Bitcoin Ravenox also accepts these Crypto Currencies Ethereum Dogecoin Litecoin Bitcoin Cash DAI USDC Ravenox continues to accept these traditional forms of payment Visa Mastercard American Express JB Discover Diners Club Elo Shop Pay Shop Pay Installments Apple Pay Google Pay Facebook Pay PayPal Amazon Pay A list of all the prominent companies that accept Bitcoin payments Do you know that since January 2018, KFC Canada has launched a limited time offer known as “The Bitcoin Bucket”? The bucket contained chicken tenders and waffle fries for the price of $20 worth of bitcoin. It sold out pretty quickly, too. KFC was probably dipping its toes in the water with this offer, and the possibility for KFC to become a company that accepts bitcoin payments is enormous. Soon after, Subway followed the example of KFC and put a limited offer on the table, which included bitcoin payments. However, this was more of a franchisees decision. You can find a few shops around the U.S. (Altoona, PA) and Buenos Aires in Argentina, which accept Bitcoins as a form of payment. OkCupid, the popular dating site, and Etsy, the popular e-commerce site, also allow bitcoin payments. Here is a list of the more prominent online retailers that accept Bitcoins: Microsoft allows you to deposit bitcoins in your account, which you can use to buy games, movies and apps in the Windows and Xbox stores. Overstock.com, since January 2014; other than bitcoins, they also accept ethereum, litecoin, dash, monero and the new bitcoin cash. Expedia since June 2014; you can pay for the hotel bookings with bitcoins. eGifter allows you to purchase gift certificates for Amazon, JCPenny, Sephora, Home Depot, Kohls and more. The electronic retail giant Newegg is included. The e-commerce platform Shopify, since November of 2013. The Internet service provider Dish Network, since August 2014; Dish is the first subscription-based TV provider that started accepting bitcoin. Roadway Moving Company, since the end of 2017. PizzaForCoins accepts bitcoins and 45 other cryptocurrencies. They connect you with Dominos, Pizza Hut or Papa John’s, and let you pay in crypto. Reeds Jewelers in 13 states across the U.S. accept bitcoins. Gyft allows you to buy in bitcoins for their gift cards, which are valid in Target, Sephora, CVS Pharmacy, Whole Foods, Hotels.com, Southwest Airlines and more. CheapAir has accepted bitcoins since 2013. Why are there so many sites that accept Bitcoin as payment in emerging markets? Sites that accept Bitcoin as payment are emerging all over the world, almost all the time, because business owners finally saw the benefits from this payment method. Here at Ravenox, we weighed the pros and the cons and decided to go for it, because the pros were far more valuable than the cons in this particular situation. Bitcoin payments enable customers all over the world, even the ones that don’t have a bank account or PayPal, but have access to the internet, to purchase services and products without any restrictions. The traditional methods of payment are no longer holding the reign in the virtual world. When it comes to large payment amounts, which need extra time to clear when the money is transferred through banks, Bitcoin makes them instantaneous. Another great benefit is that a specific country’s exchange rate does not bind cryptocurrencies, but they are recognized almost everywhere in the world. This makes them a great payment option for users and business alike. For international e-commerce companies, Bitcoin can be a game-changer. Millennials tend to love Bitcoin because they see it as the “way of the future”. Furthermore, as a demographic, they like the simplicity and anonymity of the online transaction, which can help any business to appeal to this crowd. Adding another payment option, such as Bitcoin, is a prudent financial decision for any company that wishes to achieve higher conversion rates. Of course, there are also clients that feel safer when they pay with crypto, instead of the more traditional methods like PayPal and credit cards. What companies accept Bitcoin as payment? – A profile Another segment of this article is our profile on “What companies accept bitcoin as payment?” During our decision making at Ravenox, we wanted to know more about companies that feature crypto before we added a Bitcoin payment option. We’re going to share our knowledge with you here. First of all, these are companies that are open to new technologies, and at the same time are customer-centric. The logic behind this is very simple: if a customer wants to pay with Bitcoin, he/she should. As we said above, the convenience and anonymity of cryptocurrencies give some customers a sense of safety. If we take the nature of Bitcoin into consideration, which is virtual, it is natural for online stores and online businesses in general to be a better fit than regular retail stores. There are large companies like American Express, Facebook, Alibaba, Walt Disney, IBM, Ford, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Siemens, Intel, Mercedes, Samsung, Toyota, Apple and many more that are exploring and investing in blockchain technology and transactions. This is a sign that Bitcoin and the tech that made it possible are here to stay and make an impact. Jumping on the bandwagon earlier rather than later can be a smart choice in this hyper virtual climate. Of course, as with any business decision, there are some drawbacks involved, which tells us that the companies that accept bitcoins tend to be more ambitious on the market. The main issue is the volatility of the coin on the exchange, although the price has stabilised in the last year without too many drastic fluctuations. Since the writing of this article, the price of Bitcoin is $64,569.24. Online stores that accept Bitcoin payments are the “future of e-commerce” You will hear many experts and enthusiasts in the cryptocurrency field say that online stores that accept bitcoin payments are the “future of e-commerce”, and they might be right. So many small businesses and international corporations started accommodating customers with Bitcoin payment options that it seems like the market is catching up with the crypto fans and traders. If you own a crypto wallet (and you must have one if you have Bitcoins), then you can pay with Bitcoins at any online company that provides you with the option, like Ravenox. In the words of the famous Peter Diamandis, founder and chairman of the X Prize Foundation: “At its core, Bitcoin is a smart currency, designed by very forward-thinking engineers. It eliminates the need for banks, gets rid of credit card fees, currency exchange fees, money transfer fees, and reduces the need for lawyers in transitions… all good things.” Ravenox is a company that takes pride in the products we create, and we continue to improve and innovate all the time for our customers. When Bitcoins became somewhat of a tech revolution, we wanted to give you the option to use them. Our decision to accept Bitcoin payments on our website was made for our customers so that we can provide them with yet another viable payment option.

Whether you want to attract Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds or Mountain Bluebirds it's important to know how to attract these birds, what kind of bluebird houses you should have and which nest boxes are most effective. Having the right kind of bluebird housing is essential. Protecting our feathered bluebird friends is just as important and knowing what kind of bluebirds house, fence posts they like and which entrance hole is most appropriate for these North American birds is very important. The American Bluebird Society is dedicated to protecting bluebirds and they've helped with designing houses , keeping away house sparrows, studying nesting sites and guarding against natural predators. Ravenox has come up with this handy guide we call The Bluebird Ten Commandments to help guide you through attracting and maintaining your very own bluebird nesting sites. Bluebird Ten Commandments - A guide to having the best birdhouse for bluebirds I. Place houses at least 100 feet apart, because bluebirds are territorial. A bluebird loves her space and it's important to keep bluebird houses separated. II. Keep the bluebird houses in open habitat. It’s the environment they prefer. Often, Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds can be found flying around open spaces like golf courses because they love the open space it provides. But be careful, European Starlings and other invasive birds love these environments too! III. Control the House Sparrows and European Starlings, or they will eliminate the bluebird and Tree Swallow. The best way to do this is with a good trap suited to these types of birds. IV. Add a second bluebird house 21 feet (7 paces) from the first house, at every 300-foot setting. This will allow the valuable Bluebird Tree Swallow to also nest on your bluebird trail. V. Control the most threatening parasite, the blowfly larva. If you don’t, you may end up fledging very few, if any, baby birds. Check the nest box and change their nests when babies are from seven to 10-days old (only one change per brood needed.) VI. Attach a predator guard to your bluebird houses. This will protect the bluebirds from predators and other enemies. Snakes, raccoons and other predators may try to invade your bluebird houses and attack your bluebirds. The best way to keep them out is with a good guard and with houses that have the right size entrance hole. VII. Avoid pulling bluebirds from their nest box and handling the bluebird and/or Tree Swallow young after they are 14 days or older. They may fledge prematurely, which could cause their death. VIII. Look through the entrance hole and monitor your bluebird nest boxes and houses at least once every week. This will help ensure the bluebirds are safe and there are no problems. IX. Remove the old bluebird and/or Tree Swallow nests from their nest box on your first nest check after the young have fledged. X. Keep accurate field records. This is the first step toward achieving greater success on your bluebird trail.

RAVENOX CHOSEN TO SHARE ITS BRAND STORY WITH MILLIONS ON QVC, HSN, AND ZULILY Ravenox Joins Qurate Retail Group’s Small Business Spotlight, a Partnership with the NRF Foundation to Help Small Businesses Weather COVID-19 Burlington, NC, May 11, 2020 - Ravenox has been selected for Qurate Retail Group’s Small Business Spotlight, a partnership with the NRF Foundation to help 20 small businesses navigate the unprecedented turmoil created by the pandemic. Qurate Retail Group, a multiplatform retailer that includes QVC, HSN, Zulily, and several other brands, is using its production resources, television broadcasts, and digital platforms to help Ravenox share its story with millions of consumers nationwide. Ravenox’s story began appearing on QVC’s and HSN’s websites and social pages on May 11 and the company will be highlighted on air on QVC and HSN on May 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Zulily is promoting the campaign on its website, email, and social, and Ravenox can also tap Qurate Retail Group team members for advice on solving a business issue related to COVID-19 through a virtual mentoring initiative. “Ravenox is honored to have been selected to help represent the millions of American Small Businesses who have been displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sean Brownlee, CEO of Ravenox. Ravenox is an American rope and cordage manufacturer that serves a wide variety of industries. The direct to consumer retailer specializes in recycled and upcycled materials for use in twisting and braiding ropes. Founded by an active U.S. Marine, Ravenox has helped businesses succeed and has seta standard in rope manufacturing. Qurate Retail Group has a long tradition of helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow their brands through the incredible power of storytelling and shopping discovery. QVC, HSN, and Zulily provide compelling platforms, with unmatched reach, that enable small businesses to speak directly to millions of consumers in their homes. “We have a special relationship with the small business community, which generates so much of the innovation that drives our economy and has played a special role in the growth of our business,” said Mike George, President and CEO, Qurate Retail, Inc. “Ordinarily, the companies in our Small Business Spotlight would not be on QVC, HSN, or Zulily, because they are not part of our vendor family. Our aim with this initiative is to help rally the public around these vital businesses, so they can come through this crisis and continue to anchor their local communities for many years to come.” The Small Business Spotlight runs from May 11 through June 6 and is part of Qurate Retail Group’s $29 million COVID-19 global relief efforts. “From national relief efforts to local giving, the retail industry has stepped up in extraordinary ways to serve communities large and small throughout the health crisis,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “The Small Business Spotlight lends support to local, small businesses that are the lifeblood of our national economy. We’re honored to work with Qurate Retail Group to share their world-class expertise and multiple platforms with these small business owners during such a critical time.” For additional information on Ravenox, contact Sean Brownlee or visit www.ravenox.com. To learn more about Qurate Retail Group’s Small Business Spotlight, visit QVC.com and HSN.com. About Ravenox Ravenox is a rope, cord and hardware manufacturer direct to consumer retailer specializing in recycled and upcycled materials for use in twisting and braiding ropes. Proud to be one of 27 manufacturers recognized by the American Cordage Institute, Ravenox helps set the standard in rope manufacturing. Made in the USA, Ravenox provides industrial ropes for offshore working and lifting lines, tug and salvage lines, ship and barge mooring lines; cotton ropes for macramé projects, weddings and events, pet products, cooking and gardening; and utility ropes for climbing, backpacking, emergency supplies (PPE), boating and outdoors. Founded by Sean Brownlee, an actively serving U.S. Marine with over 22 years of service, Ravenox is recognized as an industry leader. Amazon named Ravenox as one of the six best small businesses of 2019, the National Retail Federation’s America’s Champion Award Finalist in 2018 and Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Largest Veteran-Owned Business in 2017. Ravenox is headquartered in Burlington, NC. To learn more visit www.ravenox.com.

Taking Care of Your Fur-baby’s Dental Health February is the official Pet Dental Awareness Month and Ravenox is all about supporting the health and care of your favorite furry friend! Dental health is a very important aspect of the overall care of your pet. Ignoring this need can lead to dog dental disease that can not only affect their breath and cause them pain, but affect your wallet as well. Dental disease in canines can cost up to $3,000 in treatment depending on the severity of poor dental health. It can even result in bone-loss for your most loyal pal. Even Young Dogs Need Good Dental Care According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), nearly two-thirds of pet owners do not follow veterinary recommended guidelines for dog dental care. This makes Periodontal Disease the most common clinical diagnosis in adult dogs with most dogs having some form of the disease by the time they are three years old. So, what are some simple and effective ways to keep your pup’s mouth in tip-top shape? Brush Your Dog's Teeth! The first step in good doggy dental hygiene is brushing their teeth regularly (we recommend you don’t share your toothbrush with them though -- no matter how much you love them). It may not be their favorite activity on their to-do schedule, but making it a habit to lightly brush their teeth and gums with a super soft toothbrush during bath time is a great way to make sure you are clearing away any food, build-up, and germs to keep their pearly whites fierce! Choosing the Right Toys for Daily Dental Care There are an array of different bones and products on the market that are said to help with your pet’s dragon breath, but being aware of what you are feeding your “fur-ever” friend is really something that pet owners should keep in mind. One of the easiest ways to maintain dog dental care between brushing is a multi-functional toy that your canine will love! Twisted cotton rope dog toys offer a natural fiber that is non-toxic if ingested and helps clean your dog’s teeth to keep them sparkling and healthy between brushings. So, while brushing may not be a highlight of their doggy day -- adding some additional playtime with their favorite human can foster your affection for one another and keep them healthier for longer. Not to mention -- who doesn’t love a little game of tug-of-war? Giving Them the Best Dental Care Long-Term When a pet comes into our lives, we open our hearts in a way that isn’t possible without their unconditional love. So, as loving pet parents, we want to keep them with us for as long as possible. Including regular dental care in your pet’s life from early on is said to increase their life expectancy up to two years. And if one of the best and easiest ways to increase the frequency of their dental care is to play with them, how could you ever go wrong with a rope ball or DIY rope toy?

Purple martins, Progne subis, the largest North American swallow, are fascinating birds known for their long-distance migration, aerial acrobatics, and joyful chirping. Every year, these delightful creatures undertake an epic migration from eastern North America to South America, and their journey is one of the most intriguing phenomena in the bird world. Species Overview of the Purple Martin Highlighting their unique coloration and distinguishing them from their relatives in the swallow family, the Purple Martin name is as distinctive as their appearance. However, Purple Martins are more than just a spectacle to be admired from a distance; their way of life carries an intrinsic ecological value and contributes significantly to our ecosystems. Understanding Purple Martin Migration in North America To effectively protect Purple Martins, it is important to have knowledge of the bird's migration patterns in North America. These birds typically arrive in eastern North America in early spring, usually between April and May. They begin their breeding season, establishing nesting territories and seeking out suitable nest sites. During this time, it is crucial to ensure the availability of appropriate nesting habitats, such as Martin houses or nest boxes. As summer progresses, Purple Martins can be observed throughout their breeding range, engaging in courtship displays and raising their young. Monitoring their breeding success and taking measures to mitigate threats during this period is vital for their conservation. Toward late summer and early fall, Purple Martins start their southward migration. It is important to note that the exact timing may vary depending on various factors, including weather conditions and food availability. These birds undertake an impressive journey, traveling to their wintering grounds in South America, where they will spend the colder months before returning to North America in the following spring. Migration: The Purple Martins' Annual Odyssey The migration of the purple martin is an awe-inspiring phenomenon, a testament to the endurance and navigational prowess of these birds. Their migration begins around July, peaks in August, and is characterized by a long, arduous journey from their breeding grounds in North America to their winter habitats in South America. They travel thousands of miles, cutting across numerous geographic features like plains, forests, and large bodies of water. Unlike some migratory bird species that travel in large, cohesive flocks, purple martins undertake their journey in a more solitary fashion. They often travel in loose groups, their paths intersecting with those of other bird species. This solitary nature of their migration further underscores the strength and independence of these birds, as each one must navigate the challenging journey largely on their own. Purple martins are supremely adapted to their migratory lifestyle. Their long, slender wings are perfectly designed for sustained flight, enabling them to cover long distances with ease. Their keen vision helps them navigate and spot insect prey while in flight. Interestingly, the timing of the migration varies. Adult birds, having already made the journey at least once, often leave earlier than their younger counterparts, who are making the voyage for the first time. This staggered departure suggests an innate understanding of the risks and challenges associated with the journey. Moreover, they have an internal clock synced with the length of daylight, allowing them to accurately determine the timing of their migration. They can even sense changes in air pressure, providing early warning of approaching storms during their journey. However, the migration also exposes these birds to numerous dangers. Predators, harsh weather, and exhaustion are constant threats. Additionally, the depletion of their insect prey due to climate change and habitat loss poses a significant risk. The Allure of South America: Wintering Grounds for the Purple Martin After a grueling flight spanning thousands of miles, Purple Martins find solace in the tropical climates of South America. The abundant resources, coupled with the mild weather, provide the perfect conditions for these birds to rest and recuperate. Upon arrival, Purple Martins roost in large numbers, forming communal roosts that are a sight to behold. South America's lush landscapes serve as the ideal backdrop for such gatherings, creating an environment where the birds can thrive before making the journey back to North America. The Role of Human Intervention and the Purple Martin John James Audubon, the renowned naturalist, was one of the first to document the intimate relationship between humans and Purple Martins. This relationship has persisted over the years, evolving into a shared responsibility to ensure the survival and prosperity of these birds. Protecting the purple martin population involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, preserving and enhancing their breeding habitat in North America is vital. This involves encouraging homeowners to install purple martin houses, which can provide safe and secure breeding sites for these birds. Secondly, conserving their winter habitat is equally important. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable farming practices, preserving rainforests, and controlling pesticide usage which impacts their food supply. Lastly, monitoring and research must continue to understand their migration patterns better, identify threats, and develop effective conservation strategies. Preparing Your Gourds for Purple Martins Roost Every year, millions of Purple Martin Birds (Progne Subis) migrate from South America to North America for breeding from their non-breeding nest sites in South America. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology believes it takes purple martins about four to six weeks to travel from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, British Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to their preferred breeding locations in the United States and Canada. Cornell Lab scientists believe they travel North to take advantage of longer summer days in northern latitudes for protracted feeding times. As they travel north it is important to know when to have your purple martin houses, gourds and racks set up and to open your Purple Martin bird houses. Before the arrival of the European starling, an invasive bird to North America, Native Americans would hollow out natural gourds and create bird houses for the purple martin. Today, the Purple Martin bird relies on humans for their housing needs. As the purple martin migrates north to Eastern North America they search out nesting sites. West of the Rockies they nest in trees, woodpecker holes or other natural cavities. In Eastern North America, humans need to prepare purple martin's new homes. To prepare the Progne Subis bird's new nest sites, Cornell lab recommends following the Ravenox bird migration map above which shows the estimated arrival dates of the Purple Martin bird in different areas around the country. Make sure you’ve got everything in place well in advance of the arrival of the first scouts. Keep an eye out daily for their arrival. Be sure to leave entrances to the nest sites closed until you spot that first Purple Martin scout, or other species of birds could take advantage of your Purple Martin gourds and set up their own nests in your purple martin houses. Be sure set up traps for non-native species of sparrows and starlings or they could invade your Purple Martin colony before your first Purple Martins even arrive. Usually, younger Purple Martins arrive about 4 to 12 weeks after the first adults arrive. Hazards of the Journey Despite their impressive adaptations, the purple martin's migration is not without peril. These birds face numerous challenges and threats during their voyage. They must avoid a wide range of aerial and terrestrial predators, endure severe weather conditions, and overcome the sheer physical exhaustion that comes with flying thousands of miles. Another significant challenge they face is the changing availability of food. As insectivorous birds, purple martins depend on insect populations for sustenance. However, the widespread use of pesticides and climate change have led to significant decreases in insect populations, posing a grave threat to these migrating birds. Housing and Habits of the Purple Martins Purple Martins have a peculiar affinity for human-made structures, in contrast to many other bird species. They are primarily cavity nesters, relying on natural cavities like old woodpecker holes or nest boxes and birdhouses constructed by people. In North America, particularly in Eastern regions, the installation of nest boxes and Martin houses has been instrumental in creating conducive environments for Purple Martins to breed and thrive. However, the selection of nest sites can be a competitive process. Purple Martins often find themselves in conflict with House Sparrows and European Starlings for the control of these sites. Additionally, unmonitored Purple Martin houses can attract other species, making it harder for Martins to establish their nests. Aerial Acrobats: The Diet of the Purple Martins As insectivores, Purple Martins have a penchant for flying insects. Their agile flight patterns and keen eyesight enable them to catch insects mid-air, a unique trait that distinguishes them from many other bird species. They devour a variety of flying insects, including dragonflies, beetles, and even butterflies. Their ability to eat insects during flight makes them invaluable for pest control, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. Protect Purple Martins from Predators Hawks, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey are majestic creatures, but they can be a dangerous foe to Purple Martin Landlords. Knowing how to get rid of these predatory birds usually comes down to scaring them away and making your property less attractive to them. Learn more about what raptors are afraid of and how to use deterrents to protect your purple martins and their nests boxes from European starlings, tree swallows and other birds of prey in the Guide to Predator Protection for Purple Martin Bird Houses. Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility The migration of the purple martin is a testament to the breathtaking wonders of nature. Their journey is a saga of strength, resilience, and survival, capturing the essence of life's indomitable spirit. However, like many natural wonders, the purple martin migration is under threat from human activities and climate change. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that these birds can continue their epic journey year after year. Every one of us can play a role, whether by installing a purple martin house in our backyard, supporting conservation efforts, or simply spreading the word about the importance of these birds and their awe-inspiring migration. By acting responsibly and proactively, we can ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to marvel at the purple martin's grand odyssey, witnessing firsthand the indomitable spirit of life that this journey represents. As we continue to marvel at their beauty and cheer for their aerial acrobatics, let's also strive to create a world where Purple Martins can continue to soar freely, adorning the skies with their shimmering presence.

Trussing is culinary jargon for tying things up. Cooks and chefs use butcher’s twine better known as cooking twine or kitchen string when trussing. When using kitchen twine to cut meat, it keeps the juices inside the meat for optimal pleasure when taking the first bite of your juicy tenderloin. Most chefs are innovative when they’re in need of a viable substitute but for those who are inexperienced in the kitchen or maybe need more options, here are a few that may work for you. Dye-Free Cotton Ensure your kitchen string is made with dye-free 100-percent cotton. Whether it comes from a kitchen store or right here on our website, clean, natural 100-percent cotton kitchen string is suitable for trussing practically any meat choice. You can also use cotton string to hang roast whole chickens over a fire. Some may decide to use bakers twine as a substitute; this is a bad idea because it is typically made with a polyester blend. Dental Floss Only USDA-certified food and heat safe synthetics like nylon should be used for cooking. An exemption to the rule is dental floss. As long as it’s unwaxed and non-flavored, you can use dental floss to help make delicious dishes like thanksgiving turkey or your homemade three-layered chocolate cake. Dental floss will prove to be a favorite substitute due to its strength and easy access. Cheesecloth A tied cheesecloth wrap holds poultry or meat, like a rolled, stuffed pork tenderloin, firmly when roasting or braising in liquid. This loosely woven cotton cloth comes in seven grades from open to extra-fine weave. All grades have specific culinary purposes. Toothpicks and Skewers Food-grade toothpicks and skewers work best for securing stuffed meats when there isn’t any kitchen twine around. Toothpicks and skewers can burn in the oven. Soaking them in water for about 20 minutes before use prevents them from scorching. Don’t forget to count toothpicks or skewers as you insert them, to make sure they're all removed before serving. Silicone Bands Hot bands also known as silicone cooking bands, can replace kitchen twine or toothpicks when cooking. Food-grade silicon cooking bands are typically safe for freezing, deep-frying, microwaves, and even dishwashers. You may have seen them used to tie fruit and vegetables or a juicy steak. There you have it... Cooks have been trussing for years to make meat easier to handle and to help it cook better. As you now know, the traditional tool for trussing isn’t necessarily the only way. Now that you’re well versed in kitchen twine and its substitutes, give any of these viable options a try tonight, and we reckon you’ll wind up pretty pleased at the way dinner turns out.

Trussing is culinary jargon for tying things up. Cooks and chefs use butcher’s twine better known as cooking twine or kitchen string when trussing. When using kitchen twine to cut meat, it keeps the juices inside the meat for optimal pleasure when taking the first bite of your juicy tenderloin. Most chefs are innovative when they’re in need of a viable substitute but for those who are inexperienced in the kitchen or maybe need more options, here are a few that may work for you. Dye-Free Cotton Ensure your kitchen string is made with dye-free 100-percent cotton. Whether it comes from a kitchen store or right here on our website, clean, natural 100-percent cotton kitchen string is suitable for trussing practically any meat choice. You can also use cotton string to hang roast whole chickens over a fire. Some may decide to use bakers twine as a substitute; this is a bad idea because it is typically made with a polyester blend. Dental Floss Only USDA-certified food and heat safe synthetics like nylon should be used for cooking. An exemption to the rule is dental floss. As long as it’s unwaxed and non-flavored, you can use dental floss to help make delicious dishes like thanksgiving turkey or your homemade three-layered chocolate cake. Dental floss will prove to be a favorite substitute due to its strength and easy access. Cheesecloth A tied cheesecloth wrap holds poultry or meat, like a rolled, stuffed pork tenderloin, firmly when roasting or braising in liquid. This loosely woven cotton cloth comes in seven grades from open to extra-fine weave. All grades have specific culinary purposes. Toothpicks and Skewers Food-grade toothpicks and skewers work best for securing stuffed meats when there isn’t any kitchen twine around. Toothpicks and skewers can burn in the oven. Soaking them in water for about 20 minutes before use prevents them from scorching. Don’t forget to count toothpicks or skewers as you insert them, to make sure they're all removed before serving. Silicone Bands Hot bands also known as silicone cooking bands, can replace kitchen twine or toothpicks when cooking. Food-grade silicon cooking bands are typically safe for freezing, deep-frying, microwaves, and even dishwashers. You may have seen them used to tie fruit and vegetables or a juicy steak. There you have it... Cooks have been trussing for years to make meat easier to handle and to help it cook better. As you now know, the traditional tool for trussing isn’t necessarily the only way. Now that you’re well versed in kitchen twine and its substitutes, give any of these viable options a try tonight, and we reckon you’ll wind up pretty pleased at the way dinner turns out.

Tug of War has evolved over time. From its beginnings to today, the demands of technique, tactics, strength, and fitness have increased. To be able to deal with these enormous pressures, you must have a reason. A goal in mind, a motivation for your actions. The challenge in team sports lies in the community, working out goals together and pursuing them consistently but flexibly. That motivation to perform can vary between school sports, recreational sports and adventure sports. Performance in school sports, individually or as a group, teaches one to take on challenges, meet expectations through effort and achieve goals they have set for themselves. Students put fairness above success. Performances in recreational and adventure sports varies in that the individually chosen requirements for self-affirmation and self-realization are chosen. Sporting activities maintain or improve the diversity of possibilities for action and increase the quality of life. ADVICE TO TUG OF WAR COACHES In selecting men and women to form a team, it should be kept in mind that Tug-of-War is an exceedingly strenuous exercise and training for it can be very monotonous. The men and women selected must, therefore, be definitely keen, hardworking, and cheerful characters. Any person of surly disposition or given to frequent complaining is much better left out of the team as they will have a very negative effect on the others. The people best suited to Tug-of War should have, or be able to develop, broad shoulders, thick thighs and legs, and well-developed arms, ideally, they should be nearly all the same size. Above all, they must have plenty of grit and be prepared to put up with any amount of hard work. If difficulty is experienced in selecting the heavyweight team, it should be remembered that keenness, strength and stamina are more important than actual weight, and it is better to have eight really good people a little underweight rather than to put in a couple of substitute folks to make up the weight. TUG OF WAR DRESS During training, old boots may be worn provided they are comfortable and the soles are reasonably good. The general condition of the boot does not matter. For competitions work, however, really sound boots should be worn. They should be

North Carolina Business Leaders Continue Discussing the Impact of Tariffs Amid Economic Crisis At the beginning of June, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland held an online discussion that included North Carolina farmers, business owners and manufacturers that continue to be negatively impacted by the trade war between China and President Trump. North Carolina business owners and leaders previously discussed the mounting costs of tariffs and the trade war. The conversations go on as costly tariffs continue to be imposed on North Carolina amid a growing economic crisis that has cost the state jobs and businesses. These talks include leading state retailers, supply-chain experts, distillers and more. New data on the impact of tariffs to North Carolina consumers, businesses and farmers will continue to be released as it becomes available. Across many industries, these farmers and business owners (including Ravenox's very own CEO, Sean Brownlee) have been vocal about eliminating tariffs and how it would positively effect their businesses. COVID-19 has only furthered the complications these leaders and their businesses face in the current market. “Knowing that as a small business we have spent over $150,000 on tariffs, we are not able to hire [more] employees like we would want to. And I know a number of other U.S.-based manufacturers that are facing the same problem,” Brownlee said. To date, the citizens in North Carolina have lost over $1.4 billion to the payment of additional taxes due to these tariffs. It is even possible that tariffs could cost well over 60,000 jobs to be lost in North Carolina alone. Sadly, bankruptcy being experienced by farmers has already seen a 33% increase.