Hi all,
 
It's been a while.  The following link leads to an article citing the upcoming 100th birthday of the vacuum cleaner.  It also has some practical pointers for prospective buyers.
 
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/061217/25vacuum.home.htm
 
All the best to all of you now and throiugh the coming year . . .
 
Sincerely,
 
Venson