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Today is Inauguration Day, which means Donald J. Trump officially becomes the 45th President of the United States. The day is filled with history, tradition and pageantry, with various events and festivals taking place throughout Washington D.C. The most important aspect of course, is the Swearing-In Ceremony, in which the President to be swears an oath to “faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The ceremony and indeed the whole day are traditions which signal the peaceful transfer of power between the next administration and the previous one; the symbolic weight of the moment is clear to anyone. No one knows what future inaugurations will hold, but the history of this important day is fascinating. Inauguration history George Washington was sworn in as the first President in April of 1789 in New York City. His second inaugural ceremony took place in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson was the first President to be sworn in in Washington D.C. in March of 1801. The inauguration was traditionally a spring affair until Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s second term, which began in 1937. The change was due to the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1933. The main idea was to reduce the “lame duck” period between the November elections and the installation of the new government. The “lame duck” period had caused problems for the country, perhaps most notably in 1860-61 when many southern states seceded from the Union during the interregnum before Abraham Lincoln assumed office. The first ceremony to be broadcast on radio was Calvin Coolidge’s second inauguration in 1925, while the first televised ceremony was Harry S Truman’s second in 1949. While speeches and general goings-on were always recorded by reporters, the use of mass communication technologies allowed the spectacle of the tradition to be experienced by a wider selection of the populace. Extraordinary Inaugurations There have been nine “extraordinary” inaugurations in which a successor is immediately sworn in as President due to extenuating circumstances that leave the office vacated. Such historical circumstances include death by illness, assassination and resignation. The immediacy of the swearing in is to avoid a vacuum of power. Perhaps the two most famous extraordinary inaugurations (at least of modern times) took place relatively close together. In November of 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in on a parked Air Force One after the assassination of John F. Kennedy; the photo of his crowded ceremony is one of the most famous in American history. Barely a decade later, Johnson’s successor Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace after the Watergate Scandal and Gerald Ford was sworn in in August 1974 to finish Nixon’s term. Events While the swearing-in ceremony is probably the best-known and most important aspect of the day, there are other events. The inaugural address is the first speech by the newly sworn-in president and many political observers believe it sets the tone for what is to come under a new administration. The shortest speech was by George Washington at his second inauguration - only 135 words. Other events include the Congressional luncheon, the Presidential Procession to the White House and the Inaugural Parade. A national prayer service usually takes place the day after the inauguration at Washington National Cathedral.  

Time for some of that thunder down under. And by that we mean the Australian Open starts today! It’s tennis baby - Australian style! The Australian Open takes place in the city of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. Melbourne is famous for being a sports mad city - it was even named the Sporting Capital of the World for the fourth time this year by Sport Business Magazine. In addition to the Australian Open Grand Slam, the city also hosts multiple cricket matches, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and many other events. It is also the spiritual home of Australian Rules Football, which holds its “Grand Final” at the Melbourne Cricket Ground every year. While the fervor for sports is certainly intense in Melbourne, the Open itself is well-known as a languid departure from the other tennis majors. Unlike stuffy and tradition-bound Wimbledon or the hyper branded professionalism of the U.S. Open, the Australian Open is lauded for its festive, carnival-esque atmosphere. The fan are raucous and welcoming and the party doesn’t end. Colloquially known as “The Happy Slam,” the Australian Open is the favorite of many players. In addition to its fun reputation, the slam is also well-known for producing some shocking upsets. Will any underdogs go far this year I can’t wait to find out! Men’s Draw Novak Djokovic is looking to win his seventh Australian Open, which would set the record for most wins at that major. Djokovic currently shares the record with Aussie legend Roy Emerson, so don’t be too surprised if some natives root against him. Despite his dominance over the past few years, Djokovic is not world no. 1; that honor belongs to rival Andy Murray, who will participate in his first Grand Slam in that capacity. All eyes will be on those two, but there is plenty of interest spread throughout the men’s draw. The ageless and indefatigable Roger Federer will be back looking to recapture some of the old magic. So will Rafael Nadal. Standbies like Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic and Gael Monfils will continue to try move past the velvet ropes of superstardom. Perhaps the most intriguing player is the young Australian Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios has sometimes been more noted for his emotional outbursts than his play. Can he win over the hometown crowd and bring the Open championship back to its home Women’s Draw Angelique Kerber is the world’s no. 1, but you can never count out the great Serena Williams. Williams will try to win her 23rd Grand Slam Singles title, which would move her past Steffi Graf on the all-time list. It would be the most Grand Slams for the Open Era; Margaret Court won 24 titles, some in the amateur era and some in the Open Era. History aside, it's hard to know when Williams might hang it up, so if  you're a tennis fan it's probably a good idea to try to catch every match you can.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it celebrates the birthday of the most famous civil rights leader in American history. If you took at least one American history class in school, you’re probably aware of the basics of his legacy. From the Selma March, to the “Letter from the Birmingham Jail,” King was at the forefront of some of the most memorable moments of the civil rights movement. But undoubtedly the most powerful moment was the famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the 1963 March on Washington. As the most prominent leader in the civil rights movement, King’s legacy ranges far and wide. Since his death, King's name has become a touchstone for all the values that Americans hold most dear, such as unity and equality. While his legacy is not in doubt, the MLK Day holiday itself has a long and often contentious history, with many states combining the King celebration with other days or refusing to celebrate it altogether. The holiday was first proposed in 1968, a mere four days after King was assassinated; Ronald Reagan signed a bill making the day a federal holiday in 1983 and Utah was the last state to recognize the day on a state level in 2000. In between there was plenty of controversy. Did You Know The holiday once caused Arizona to miss out on the Super Bowl. It’s true. In 1993, Phoenix was scheduled to play host to Super Bowl XXVII. Arizona, however, was embroiled in a controversy whereby the voters of the state could directly vote on two different propositions which would make MLK Day a paid state holiday. The NFL had publicly threatened to move the Super Bowl if either measure was not passed. In November 1992, Arizona voters rejected both propositions and the game was moved to Pasadena, California to be played in the Rose Bowl. The Cowboys crushed the Bills 52-17. King Day of Service "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others" - King It's a powerful quote and it is no surprise that King's legacy of service has inspired many others to take up the mantle. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act which encourages Americans to participate in an act of service. MLK Day is one of two official national days of service as designated by the government (the other is September 11). Many organizations, civic groups, churches and schools sponsor extensive volunteer efforts of various stripes. Food drives, soup kitchens for the homeless, cleaning and beautification projects, entertaining seniors - all are great examples of the kinds of volunteer efforts that many people participate in on this day. As a young Pumphead (before I had my Inspector’s license), I myself participated in several MLK Days of service. I sang for seniors, I cleaned a park, I packed food at a food bank for hungry families. These were extremely edifying experiences, ones that influenced me greatly. I strongly encourage everyone to get out there and volunteer for a good cause in your community. As the saying goes, "make it a day ON, not a day off." Did You Know Part 2 In Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas, MLK Day is celebrated in conjunction with Robert E. Lee’s birthday.

The big showdown in college football is set and it will be a rematch of last year’s epic national championship: the Clemson Tigers versus the Alabama Crimson Tide for all the marbles. The two southern titans will clash at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on January 9, 8:30 PM EST. It’s on. How They Get Here: Alabama It’s same song, different verse for Nick Saban’s Alabama football machine. The program has been likened to, at various times, a boa constrictor or “The Death Star.” The formula  is simple in concept and precise in execution: get the biggest, fastest, nastiest athletes in the country, teach them sound defensive technique and rotate them throughout the front seven (defensive line and linebackers) to keep them fresh. Add in a veritable army of video analysts as well as the brilliant defensive mind of Saban to make and necessary adjustments and you have the ingredients for a dominant defense, particularly in the ground game. Team simply do not run the ball on Alabama. Period. Of course, passing the ball against Alabama is difficult as well, as QB Jake Browning and the Washington Huskies learned in the Peach Bowl. Alabama throttled the Pac-12 conference champs - after one early passing touchdown, Washington never threatened again. It’s an outcome that has become familiar to college football fans. On offense, the Tide are known for running behind big power backs that can wear down a defense. Bo Scarborough is this year’s edition of the Bama Power Back and he lives up to his predecessors. The passing game is more of a question mark, with precocious true freshman QB Jalen Hurts still learning the nuances of the position at the college level. Nevertheless, Hurts can still be a threat with his legs. Clemson Clemson did a bit of living dangerously there, with a bevy of close games nearly knocking them out of the title picture. In addition to losing at home to Pitt, the Tigers also flirted with disaster in close games against Louisville and NC State. Still, in the biggest test of the season, Clemson was absolutely dominant against the Ohio State, shutting out the Buckeyes 31-0. Whatever the stumbles along the way, Clemson is in the position it wanted all along: a shot at Alabama in the championship game, with a dream of revenge for last year’s heartbreaking loss. As always, the Tigers are led by their quarterback nonpareil, Deshaun Watson. While Watson has thrown his share of interceptions this year, he has come up big in the most important moments. Dangerous with both his arm and his legs, Watson will do whatever it takes for his team to win. And don’t count out the Clemson defense either. While that unit may not impress in the same manner as Alabama’s vaunted defense, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is known for using creative schemes and blitzes to get to the quarterback. Will he be able to rattle Alabama’s freshman QB Tonight will tell. The Inspector Pumphead Prediction After inspecting various advanced statistics, game film and football history, here’s how I see it playing out. The game will remain relatively close in the first half, but a key DeShaun Watson interception will shift the momentum. Alabama's defense will slowly squeeze the life out of Clemson before pulling away. Alabama 30,  Clemson 17. What do you think Let us know in the comments.  

  Convertible Jet Pumps are Well Pumps that can be configured to move water in either Shallow Well or Deep Well Systems. These pumps operate through suction power, in which a pressure differential moves the water in an upward motion. Most people commonly rely on either shallow well jet pumps, which can draw from water tables up to 25 ft. underground or deep well jet pumps which can draw water from water tables up to 90 ft. underground (depending on the model). Water table levels can sometimes fluctuate, however, whether due to climate, elevation or other factors. Thus the advantage of the Convertible Jet Pump is that it can help the user adapt to a potentially fluctuating water table. If you want the confidence of knowing that you will be able to get well water no matter the changes, a convertible jet pump may be for you. The pumps sit above ground but can be equipped with a submersible jet ejector assembly to increase operating depth. Keep in mind that the appropriate fittings are are necessary to convert the pump from one application to another. PumpProducts.com is a proud Goulds Pump distributor and we carry three series of Goulds Convertible Jet Pumps: the J + series, the JRD series and the HSJ series. In turn, each pump in these three series can be configured in a standard Shallow Well System or in one of two horizontal deep well systems, twin pipe and Packer. The Packer system requires a Packer Adapter inside the well head. The following graphic gives a picture of how each system looks and the fittings required: PumpProducts.com also offers convertible jet pumps from Sta-Rite. PRICE MATCHING All of the Goulds Convertible Jet Pumps listed on our site qualify as Price Match Guarantee products. Find a lower price and we’ll match it! Check the Price Match Guarantee button on each product page for full terms and conditions. For more information on the Goulds convertible jet pumps or the Price Match Guarantee program, visit pumpproducts.com or call us with any questions at 1-800-429-0800. J+ Series Convertible Jet Pumps The J+ series Convertible Jet Pumps are specifically designed for homes, farms, cottages and booster service. PumpProducts.com carries the J5, J7, J10 and J15 models. Each model in the J+ series is designed with a back pullout design that allows for easy service and maintenance without disturbing the piping. Note that the tubing comes connected for shallow well use; a deep well configuration requires a JDW fittings package or an AV22 kit to make the pressure switch connection.   Unlike with most other types of pumps, the relevant performance statistics of convertible jet pumps will vary greatly depending on the application configuration and fittings used. The charts below show the performance for each model in the J+ Series for a shallow well package and two deep well packages (twin pipe and Packer). Within each chart the flow rate differential depending on the adapter, nozzle and venturi used is also shown. JRD Series Convertible Jet Pumps The JRD Series Jet Pump are specifically designed for use in homes, farms, cottages and for booster service. The primary difference between the J+ series and the JRD series is in construction. J+ pumps contain a motor adapter in the casing while in JRD pumps the front housing connects directly to a plate. J+ models are a little pricier so if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative for the same applications, consider the JRD series. PumpProducts.com currently carries the JRD5, the JRD5LT, the JRD7 and the JRD10. The following charts give an overview of the relevant performance statistics for the JRD series pumps in shallow well, deep well twin pipe and deep well Packer configurations. Note that the tubing comes connected for shallow well use; a deep well configuration requires a JDW fittings package or an AV22 kit to make the pressure switch connection. HSJ Series Convertible Jet Pumps The Goulds HSJ Series Convertible Jet Pumps are multi-stage pumps operating at 60 Hz. These pumps are specifically designed to deliver high capacity flow at greater pressures than the J+ or JRD series. The hex design provides positive drive for the impellers and eliminates any clearance adjustments. Like its cousins, the HSJ series is also designed for homes, farms, cottages and booster service. We carry the HSJ07N, HSJ10N, the HSJ15N and the HSJ20N. The following charts give an overview of the relevant performance statistics for the HSJ series pumps in shallow well, deep well twin pipe and deep well Packer configurations. TECHNICAL BROCHURES Goulds J+ Convertible Jet Pump Technical Brochure Goulds JRD Convertible Jet Pump Technical Brochure Goulds HSJ Convertible Jet Pump Technical Brochure INSTALLATION/OPERATION MANUALS Goulds J+ Convertible Jet Pump Instruction Manual Goulds JRD Convertible Jet Pump Instruction Manual Goulds HSJ Convertible Jet Pump Instruction Manual PARTS LISTS  Goulds J+ Convertible Jet Pump Repair Parts List Goulds JRD Convertible Jet Pump Repair Parts List Goulds HSJ Convertible Jet Pump Repair Parts List SPECIFICATIONS No Specifications Sheet Available IMAGES

We here at PumpProducts.com would like to wish a very Happy New Year to all of our customers, old and new. The new year often brings newfound optimism for new experiences and opportunities in the future. Whether you were at a raucous party with hundreds or enjoying a quiet night at home with family, we hope that whatever celebrations you participated in were safe, legal and enjoyable for all. Of course, now that the champagne is gone and the confetti has been swept up, it’s back to the real world. With most of the population returning to work and school today, it is easy to forget the optimism and slip back into the same old daily routine. Don’t let those resolutions go to waste! It might be helpful to reflect on the experiences, happy moments and major accomplishments of the past year. Even as you’re getting back in the swing of things and checking emails, take a moment to think about 2016 and how it will inform your goals for 2017. For instance, here are some of the highlights of our 2016: --We expanded our storefront locations with a new branch in Westwood, NJ. The new location contains a modern warehouse which has increased the company’s stocking inventory and shipping efficiency. --In September, one of our esteemed partners, Liberty Pumps, sponsored a grand opening event for the Westwood branch which included food, music and pump demonstrations. --We launched a new content marketing campaign to boost our online and social media presence. Many new deals, promotions and features were introduced through this campaign. --We continue to be a top stocking distributor for Goulds, Zoeller and Liberty. Check out the Goulds sewage pump category to see some of our best sellers. --The company is continually in the process of identifying and hiring new talent in the areas of inside sales, marketing and information technology. We are always looking for new faces who can help us better serve our customers. Those are just some of the memorable moments from 2016. As you can probably tell, we are very excited about our growth and optimistic for the future. It’s a good time for PumpProducts.com, but we know that complacency can be detrimental to future growth; we want to remain hungry and cutting-edge. So we hereby make the following new year’s resolutions: To continue to make customer satisfaction our first priority in all aspects. Develop and offer new deals, discounts and promotions. Increase stocking inventory so more products are readily available. Improve response time to customer inquiries. Interact with customers and fans through social media. Deliver more content that highlights the power and possibility of pumps.     These are just a few of the resolutions we have to help us make a great 2017 and beyond. Do you have any suggestions for other resolutions we should add Let us know in the comments! Also feel free to post  your own resolutions - we’d love to know more about our customers and their goals. Here’s to a happy and productive 2017!