Friday, January 25, 2008

          

Corvette Gets 7-liter Engine

You might think that 6 liters was enough to make the Corvette two-seater fast enough, but not for the competition department lurking inside GM. They wanted to be able to compete head-to-head with the European supercars in the international endurance races for sports cars.

To do so, they took a leaf out of Ford's book. In the 1960s, when Ford found it could not compete with the smaller Ferraris at Le Mans with the 4.2 (ex-Indy) or 4.7 liter engines, they brought out their 7-liter mill. And it was so much bigger than the competition that they won. So the guys behind the Corvette decided to produce a 7-liter version of America's favorite and most famous sports car.

By the way, the 7 liter Corvette more than competes with the Dodge Viper SRT-10, which could give the standard Corvette a bit of a run for its money. Of course, this is not just any old engine. This is a very special version of its GEN IV 7.0 liter V-8.

This 2006 Corvette is challenging for muscle car of the year with no less than 500 bhp on tap at 6,200 rpm. Maximum torque from this mammoth engine is 475 lb ft at 4,800 rpm. This is bound to be a stunner with a top speed of about 185 mph and 0-60 in under 4.0 seconds. GM expects the quarter-mile be under 12 seconds.

To give durability, the engine has been beefed up in a number of ways. First, the connecting rods and inlet valves are now made of titanium these weigh about half as much as steel ones and are used in quite a number of high-performance engines. Because of the low weight, the titanium parts put less load on other critical parts of the engine - the crankshaft, bearings and in this case the valve gear as well. The titanium valves also allow the engine to rev faster safely.

In fact, titanium used to be an aerospace-only material because it was so expensive, but it is now bein gused more in exotic cars and the heads of golf clubs, helping the lesser pros feel not so outclassed by Tiger Woods as they might with ordinary drivers.

You will see that the Corvette 7 liter is intended for the race track by the fact that the engine has a dry sump lube system. A dry sump system prevents the oil in the oil pan from slopping away from the pick-up on fast cornering the sort you can do only on a track and thus damaging the main bearings.

Instead of staying in the oil pan, the oil is pumped out to a tank, and then pressure fed from there directly to the engine bearings and other critical areas. Definitely a system for top supercars.

The underpinnings of the car have also been beefed up with a new aluminum perimeter frame which reduces weight. Further weight reduction comes with a new magnesium engine sub-frame. To ensure the car is stiff enough, it will be available only as a hardtop. The front fenders and wheelarches are now carbon fiber composite panels, which also reduce weight.

But theres more

To get all that power onto the road, and to get it to stop, bigger wheels, tires and brakes have been fitted. The front brake discs are now 13.9 inch diameter, and 19 x 12 inch wide rims are used at the back; front wheels are 18 x 9.5 inches. Such massive rear tires for a car with 50:50 weight distribution suggest that the car will have a tendency to oversteer smoky drifts could be the order of the day!

All-in-all, this is a really special car, developed to compete with the best.

John Hartley is editor of http://www.fast-autos.com, an online magazine devoted to fast cars and supercars. He has written from many of the world's top auto magazines, and has written many books about cars and the auto industry.Pegeen Blog72506
Onida Blog68778
          

Buick Guide

Buick Guide

Buick enjoys a rich history of more than a century—in 1903, The Buick Motor Car Company was formed, and in 1904 appeared the first model of Buick. Right from the start of the production, Buick gained popularity with its design, features, and technology that the company always looked to improve. Buick is now GM's only US-based semi-luxury brand, and is the fourth oldest marque in the world.

Buick during the 50s and 60s

1950s mark the era of super cars in the production of Buick. Buick gained a unique style and size with plenty of room, even in the 2-door models. The characteristic form of the Buick tail lamps during 1950s was a tier of small circular bullet-shapes. Buick La saber (Buick Lesabre) is one of the best-selling full-size cars, and it was launched in 1959. Before the discontinuation of this model in 2005, Buick La Saber enjoyed history of refined elegance that made it America's best selling full-size sedan for more than 12 consecutive years!

In the early 1960s, the design of Buick became more streamlined. The famous sports-looking Buick Riviera was launched in 1963. The engine used for Buick, the V8 engine, became very popular among hot-rodders in the 1950s and 1960s, because the vertical attachment of the valve-covers enabled the engine to fit into smaller spaces while maintaining easy access for maintenance. Buick models always enjoyed special Buick accessories and Buick parts, which made them unique it for the use of hot-rodders, and also for the general public.

Buick gave precisely what American market wanted at that time—it delivered, it conquered the hearts, and it triumphed! Buick has written a golden chapter in the car history of America and Buick-owners must feel proud that they bought one of the finest cars of their times!

Ray Taylor
http://www.CarsNet.com

Ray Taylor has been operating the San Diego Auto since 1990. He has loved cars since he was 12 years old. He also operates auto related web sites. http://www.CarsNet.com and http://www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com.Phedra Blog22309
Penny Blog84520
          

Thailands Yellow Ribbon Coup

Do not adjust the color on your television. There are no smudges on your screen. What you witnessed on the news was not an illusion. When the Thai Military puts on a coup, they do it with style and panache. Its true! Their colorful fashion sense may actually be the reason no shots were fired during the uprising?

Only in a Buddhist realm would soldiers roll in for a coup dtat with decorative yellow ribbons tied to their guns. Yellow flowers on lapels and coordinated armbands were all the rave. Is it any wonder so many people love this Kingdom?

Exactly what is the story behind all that yellow? Is it military policy to, Tie a yellow ribbon round the old AK? Who decides coup fashion? Oddly enough, respect is the Blackwell of Thai military style. Its all perfectly simple.

You see in Thailand different colors represent different days of the week. Yellow is for Mondays and Monday was the day His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on. As such yellow is his royal color. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a wonderful royal, who is highly revered by the Thai people. All across his kingdom flags and banners glow like sunshine to humor His Highness.

This year Yellow Fever was taken a step further. 2006 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the kings ascension to the thrown. Hes the world's longest-serving monarch. (Elizabeth is second, but shes more of a beige gal.) Because of this auspicious anniversary yellow shirts are worn by Thais every Monday as a sign of loyalty and respect for His Majesty.

Yellow polo style shirts with the kings crest are so popular here; there have been accusations of price gouging and temporary shirt shortages. This left many Thais feeling blue the queens color. Others were just green with envy.

Picture this scenario. Youre in the grocery store when you suddenly have a pertinent mango question. You turn to look for an employee only to realize its Monday. As you stare across the oscillating sea of yellow shirts you know all is lost. There is no way to tell the staff from the customers.

Yes. Yellow is taken quite seriously in Thailand. Its definitely this years new black. So when soldiers pulled into Bangkok with yellow adornments on their weaponry there was a message, beyond simply looking dapper. We are here with all respect for our king.

By the time international news crews touched down to cover the blood- red carnage, children were climbing the on tanks, vendors brought ice cream out to the troops, tourists posed beside military equipment and local florists handed out roses to the soldiers yellow roses. This was the calm before the calm or as one reporter put it, this is the most relaxed coup I have ever witnessed. Must be Mellow Yellow?

Nola L. Kelsey is the author of Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin Country and coauthor of the scathing political satire Keeping the Masses Down. She is currently wandering SE Asia for two years while she pretends to write her next book. To read more of Kelseys work, visit her rarely up-to-date website at: http://www.nolakelsey.com. Risa Blog3049
Penny Blog84520
          

Bucovina - A Travel Guide To Romania's Region Of Painted Monasteries

Bucovina is a region of monasteries, unique in the world for their colorful exterior frescoes. Equally well worth the visit are the villages, still leading the traditional way of life, and the stunning landscapes.

The name Bucovina may not mean much to many people, but Bucovina, and its brave princes, played an important part in the history of the Balkans during the XV and XVI centuries, and in particular with regard to relations with the Ottoman Empire. The impressive number of churches to be found there, with their fine exterior and interior frescoes, have been preserved and handed down from mediaeval times, and because of their uniqueness and artistic value, were added to UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List in 1993. There is, indeed, no other place in the world where such a group of churches, with such high quality exterior frescoes, are to be seen.

The churches were founded, in most cases, as family burial places of princes and high nobles. Each painter, although following the canonical iconographic programme, interpreted the scenes in a slightly different way. The scenes were first painted on the interior walls, and then extended to the exterior ones. The reasons for such vast scenes were both religious and didactic: to promote Orthodoxy and to educate the illiterate.

Tourist information in Romania: The notion of "tourist information office" disappeared after the 1989 revolution because all the local tourist offices were abolished. The travel agencies created by the private sector took over the role of the tourist information offices. They can provide you with the information and services for organizing tours in Bucovina. Because Romanians themselves increasingly prefer to travel outside Romania, the travel agencies are more specialized in organizing international travel. Local tours have been neglected for many years but are now flourishing again.

The private sector is now the most advanced, and appreciated both inside and outside the country for the western level of comfort and services.

Tourist information can also be found in the annual publication of the Romanian Yellow Pages. All bookshops sell travel guides, but it is not so easy to find travel guides of Bucovina in the main towns. An exception could be the newspaper stores.

Our travel guide: Bucovina - A Travel Guide to Romania's Region of Painted Monasteries is an excellent full-color book on a wide variety of cultural heritage subjects from mural paintings and archaeology to architecture and local traditions. It also gives practical information and tips on travel to and in Romania, what to see, where to stay, what to buy and to eat, to get the most of Bucovina.

We hope that you will enjoy your travel to Bucovina!

Ciprian Pintilie, Designer, http://www.romanianmonasteries.org.Quintana Blog61267
Phedra Blog9317
          

Health Tips During Plane Travel

It is a known fact that long traveling is usually stressful and tedious. Having a stressful trip should not be a part of your travel planning. When you travel in an economy or coach section in a plane for a longer period, it can be stressful and can cause harm to your health. You definitely tend to feel fatigue and experience all kinds of symptoms like vomiting, headache, body pain, desperation for water and uneasiness. So here are few tips to make yourself comfortable during your travel.

1. Drink lots of water and don't let yourself get dehydrated. You can also consume alcohol moderately.

2. You can wear ear plugs and also eye shades to prevent yourself from hearing any noise and also coming in contact with bright luminous lights.

3. Have a light meal and avoid junk foods. Take fruits, cheese and crackers in between your meals to have a filled feeling.

4. Ensure that you refill your water bottle frequently to consume enough water to fulfill your thirst.

5. Take extra care for your neck and back. Sitting in the plane for too long can cause neck and back pain. Ensure you have an additional pillow or cushion apart from the one given to you in the plane.

6. Moisturize your lips with a lip balm.

7. Prevent your skin from drying up by applying enough moisturizer to your hands and face.

8. Don't be sitting in the plane. Just have a small walk occasionally to have a good blood circulation.

9. Dress warm because the temperature of the cabin is usually set to 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.

10. Don't remove your makeup before taking rest since it will prevent your skin from losing moisture in the flight.

11. Yawn frequently or chew your gum or swallow your saliva to depressurize your ears.

12. Don't drink coffee before and during your flight.

13. Ensure that you have plenty of greens and carbohydrates before boarding the flight and see to it that you take a deep breath before boarding it.

14. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothes. Make sure for every time zone you cross, you take rest which in turn will reset your body's condition and allow it to adjust to the new environment.

15. Have a small medicine kit with your medical records and insurance in case of any emergency a balanced diet and have a routine to keep healthy at all times.

Cathy Peterson writes about http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/4vacations.com/ and http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/AlohaAirlines.com.Pat Blog69994
Philis Blog3905
          

The Many Ways To Obtain Frequent Flyer Miles

Did you know there are frequent flyer mile programs that allow you to earn miles in ways other than flying? Frequent flyer programs are not new and most people have some basic knowledge about them. These frequent flyer programs encourage airline passengers to be loyal customers of a certain airline versus jumping from airline to airline for the best pricing deals. Obviously, free travel is worth it to anyone, so those frequent flyer programs that make it easiest to earn miles are worth getting more information about.

Not every frequent flyer program is the same; although, almost every airline does offer such a program. When deciding which program to choose make sure it is clearly understood how you can earn frequent flyer miles, and make sure that you read all the information that they make available to you. What you will probably begin to realize is that you can earn frequent flyer miles without flying! Obviously, you earn more miles for flying, but there are often other avenues to earn miles through and you should take advantage of those offers as well.

For example, many hotels and car rental businesses have affiliations with airlines. If you book with a certain hotel, and rent a car from a certain car rental location, then you will receive more frequent flyer miles. Although, always make sure that the rates are comparable to other options. If they are, take advantage of those extra miles so that you can go on more and more trips. Not only that, but you can also earn points by dining at certain restaurants associated with airlines and their frequent flyer accounts.

An airlines credit card is another great way to earn miles towards flights. Many airlines will provide their program members a line of credit to charge against. The amount of points earned depends on the airlines defined policy on how many points you get per dollar charged.

Most people would try and take advantage of all these different ways to earn points, and earn as many points as they possibly can. More and more airlines are continuing to use these programs and improve their bonuses to keep loyalty, which is a large bonus to you. These improvements allow you to benefit overall. It is important to do your research from the start and find out all the different ways that you can earn miles so that you will be able to use your credit and airline miles wisely; always a pay-off in the long run.

Shelly Walther has written several articles on travel and leisure and enjoys traveling herself. She has been to many places including Norway, her most recent adventure. More of her work can be found at http://www.FieldTravel.com.Perle Blog57932
Olly Blog69329
          

Need Money? You Asset Can Get You Cheap Secured Personal Loans

In a world where money is playing such a critical role, you cannot afford to stay a single moment without sufficient fund. Money is needed for your each and every action that you perform. But imagine that in this scenario, if you face a cash shortage due to any reason, what would you do. The answer is simple- you will go for a loan that is affordable, is available at the right time and is convenient to repay. Such an opportunity is provided by cheap secured personal loans which will not only fill the cash gap but also make your financial life healthy. Let us see how it works.

Cheap secured personal loans are such loan products that offer you money for almost any kind of purpose. This is because personal loans are available for your personal needs which can be anything. When you are applying for these loans, you need not tell the lender the purpose of this loan. So whether you have to meet your medical bill or business expenses, or you have to purchase a home or a car, do not worry. Cheap secured personal loans are available for you.

In order to avail a cheap secured personal loan, you should firstly make up your mind as to what security you are going to put as collateral. Since it is a secured loan, you are required to put collateral against the loan amount. You can place any valuable property such as your home, car, jewelry, or any other asset that is equal to or greater than the loan value. This gives you an additional benefit of getting a good loan amount because collateral gives lender an assurance that his money is not at risk and that if you fail to repay, he can always repossess your asset.

You can get a cheap secured personal loan with an amount ranging from 3000-25,000. However, the loan value can even extend up to 100,000 depending upon your requirements and the collateral that you put. The repayment term is usually 3-25 years.

The interest rate charged with secured personal loans depends on the loan amount and the repayment. However you can get a cheap and reasonable loan by applying to the online loan lending services. Online lenders provide you a list of lenders who offer secured personal loans at cheap rates. Among them you can easily compare and choose the best and reasonable lender. Online lenders also provide you ease in filling the application form. They offer you fund within as fast as 10-12 days. This is because it has a least number of paperwork and verification process.

Cheap secured personal loans provide funds for all. People with bad credit or no credit history can also apply. They will be offered a loan deal that will suit their financial situations.

Loans are available widely. But cheap secured personal loans provide you the best deal. Apply now and get maximum benefits.

Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce from CPIT and has completed her masters in Business Administration from IGNOU.She is working as financial consultant for chanceforloans . To find a Cheap secured personal loans ,Debt consolidation loans, Cheap rates, Personal loans,Secured loans, Unsecured loan visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk.Patricia Blog90047
Phyllis Blog12937
          

Top7 Car Buying Tips

While we all like to think we wont be conned when buying a used car, thousands of people are every single year. The majority of these people have bought their used car from one of the popular free ads papers and have known very little - if anything - about what to look for in a quality car. If you fall into this category, then simply follow the top seven car buying tips outlined below.

First of all, look out for signs that the car may have been involved in a serious accident. Points to watch out for include slight gaps between the body panels and car doors that drop or that fit badly on their hinges.

Always give the gearbox and clutch a through test. To do this, make sure that you have the engine running then press down on the clutch. If there is any change in the sound of the engine then this could indicate the bearings are worn.

The gearstick should move smoothly without any crunching sound.

Make sure the brakes are in top order by breaking as firmly as you can without the car skidding.

When you start up the car make sure the exhaust fumes are white - any other colour could indicate problems.

Check the panels to make sure there are no lose screws. If there are this could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with and the car has done more mileage than it states.

Finally, always go over the cars paperwork thoroughly to make sure the history is correct. Generally the more history a car has then the better. Or invest in a vehicle data check, a service which can instantly check your proposed new cars history, including whether it has ever been stolen or involved in an accident or whether it has any outstanding finance on it etc.

The service does not cost a lot and could save you a fortune - as well as any headaches in the future.

Louis Rix is Director of http://Netcars.co.uk (http://www.netcars.co.uk) one of the UK's leading motoring websites. Established in 2000, its mission is to become the UK's number one site for used car searches and motoring information. Netcars also provide car finance, loans and insurance.Reba Blog97935
Oralie Blog91224
          

Information On The Different Types Of Cleaning Soaps Sold In Todays Cleaning And Janitorial Markets.

Laundry soaps - These soaps are generally thought of as mild soaps used for lifting soil, grease and organic compounds from an assortment of fabrics. Laundry detergents are formulated to work under varying conditions. Laundry detergents come in powders, liquids and gels and can work in all water temperatures. Laundry detergents are most effective when used in warm or hot water especially when removing grease or heavy soil.

Kitchen soaps - The two main types of kitchen soaps are dish detergents and cleansers. Dish detergents are formulated to cut through grease, suspend the soil particles in the foam and leave a no residue shine. Hand dishwashing detergents are made to work at lower temperatures and usually have more grease removing capacity by producing more foam. Machine dishwasher detergents are formulated to produce less foam and work at higher temperatures. Often other agents are added to the formula to provide a no residue rinse in the final dishwashing cycle. Cleansers contain mild abrasives that help remove stubborn stains and heavy soil. Some cleansers are more abrasive than others the mildest being cream cleansers to the harshest being powdered cleansers.

Personal soaps - There are many types of personal soaps sold in today's market. From the basic to the extravagant every soap seems to contain its own unique properties specially formulated for every particular need. Antibacterial soaps are formulated to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses by adding broad spectrum antimicrobial agents such as chloroxylenol (PCMX). Chloroxylenol kills up to 99.9% of all bacteria that can make you sick. Regular personal detergent soaps are designed to lift soil from the skin by suspending particles in the foam. Some personal detergent soaps contain lotions and extracts to add moisture to the skin that the detergents take out. Hair and body soaps are a multi-purpose blend that works on hair just as well as it cleans skin making them a great candidate for fitness clubs and schools.

Cleaning soaps - These soaps are made for cleaning soils and grease. Cleaning soaps come in light to heavy duty formulations and are great at removing soils and grease without having to use harsh abrasives.

Industrial soaps - Industrial soaps are formulated for specific tasks. They are commonly used for car washes, auto centers, and production line cleanup. These soaps usually come in 55 gal drums or large containers and are connected to pressure cleaning systems.

Lee Harris is an expert in the cleaning industry and can answer all your questions about soap and soap dispesners.Parwane Blog26176
Priscilla Blog26055
          

Patenting, Branding, and Marketing

When it comes to product or service development, these activities should be thought of as mutually beneficial, not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Patenting involves securing ones intellectual property rights by obtaining a grant of a patent, thus protecting the novel features of the invention from being made, used, offered for sale, or sold by someone other than the inventor. Branding on the other hand, is the process of developing a products identity within the minds of the consumer. Patenting is accomplished by securing a patent, and branding is accomplished, typically, through marketing efforts. However, these development efforts need not, and should not occur in a vacuum.

Unless the product, method or process in question is truly a commodity and incapable of patent protection, branding alone will probably not provide the outcome the owner is seeking. Yes, branding alone may make a product successful. Unfortunately, if the product is not protected, it will likely not be the original owner who enjoys that success. For example, small and medium sized business owners who concentrate solely on branding in order to secure the market place will invariably be thwarted in their efforts by large corporations having better access to marketing and distribution channels.

Normally, what happens in these cases is that as the product becomes a commercialized success, competition enters. If this competition has access to cheaper manufacturing, a larger distribution network, and sufficient initial capitalization, the competition will be able to capitalize on and then take over or redevelop the brand, leaving the original owner in their wake. This can be accomplished by, among things, locking them out of major distribution channels, and creating lower cost products. Without some form of protection there is little the smaller business owner can do. For example, when the worlds largest company is a retail store, and is Chinas eighth largest trading partner, you have very little chance of out-sourcing, out-marketing, or out-selling them. So whats a business to do? Simple, protect yourself!

By securing a patent on the product, process, method, or article of manufacture, the business arms itself by protecting the intellectual property. As such, if your product is novel, that is to say new or improved over existing products, then your product may be capable of patent protection. If so, and if you acquire for example a U.S. patent, you will have twenty years wherein you can stop all others from making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing the invention into this country. However, patents are only for non-commodity products. One caveat is required: in obtaining patent protection, it is imperative that the inventor seek a qualified patent attorney. All patents are not created equal, and there are many ways to pay for and obtain a patent that will have little to no commercial value. Yes, the process and fees are expensive. Frankly, the system is designed to be that way in order to discourage people from patenting products that have no hope of commercialization.

One of the biggest reasons I hear for not obtaining patent protection is the false belief that even if achieved, a smaller business would not be able to enforce it against a larger entity. This is simply not true. In fact, the opposite is true. There are numerous law firms that actively seek smaller business clients in patent infringement matters and will represent them at little to no cost to the client. In these cases, the larger the infringing entity, the more infringement typically takes place. Consequently, it is exactly these patent infringement cases that firms seek and will represent clients on a contingency basis.

Of course, there are also many reasons to not patent something. In the end, it is a business decision that only you can make, and it should be treated as any other business decision. In this manner, simply forgoing patent protection because of preconceived ideas about the market, costs, and enforcement, without looking into what amount of protection is available, is akin to sticking your head in the sand. The days when one could rely on these preconceived notions are gone, and in todays competitive economic environment, we need to ascertain, strive for, and obtain all of the commercial advantages that are available to us. At the very least, you should investigate what you may be giving up.

Copyright 2006 by Paparella & Associates.

Mr. Paparella is Principal of Paparella & Associates, an intellectual property law firm specializing in patent and trademark prosecution:Remy Blog92884
Orelle Blog13992
          

African Safari - Back To Basics And Reflections On The Creation

The Swahili word safari originally meant "journey" which is further correlated to hunting for survival and exploration of lands.

The safari is typically traveled by foot amidst the vast lands. This is of course deemed to be the best way of experiencing the circle of life in the safari since you can reach to the core of the natives and their unique cultures.

Walking trails are continuously maintained so that the explorers are guided along their courses better. However, visitors can always widen their safari options with many forms of travel available with each safari tour package. Other modes of transportation include hot air ballooning, fly-in safaris, driving safaris, canoeing safaris, horseback riding safaris, and elephant back riding safaris.

These do not only add ease on travel but may also allow access to the deeper domains (and often uncharted places) which contribute more thrills while on tour.

As for the categories, African safaris are normally offered in three basic types: permanent tented safaris, lodge safaris, and mobile safaris. There are also a couple of other safari choices customized depending on the travelers needs. One good example is the honeymoon safari for newly-wed couples.

One complete safari tour that will take you from the Eastern region to the Southern parts lasts around 10 to 21 days. If you are planning to journey this long, it would be best if you avail from a local tour operator or a specialist so you are sure that you what you get is a complete safari adventure.

It is helpful if you have the knowledge of some of the practices, culture and etiquette to adopt well with the localities. As for your choice of safari package, consider the factors such as meals, accommodation, transportation, driver and guide service, excursions, itineraries and supplemental packages.

There are hundreds of conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries that display the continuous interplay of the wild in its natural setting, marvelous places untouched by technology, and vast array of flora and fauna.

Life in the safari is more serene and offers more grounds for realizing how beautiful creation is. And all these are topped with the unique (and sometimes peculiar) cultures of different African tribes that mark the richness of their history.

African safari seems to remind us how the sixth day of creation looks like. They are the living remembrances of how the Creator intended things to be- the perfection, the diversity, the coexistence between man and his nature, and the life that surrounds everything.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com.Rafaela Blog33755
Ranique Blog16609
          

Buying a Car on the Internet Sight Unseen

Buying a New Computer Or Car on the Internet

For over two decades, Dell, Inc. has been wildly successful at bypassing the traditional stores and selling computers directly to consumers, custom-assembled according to a selection of options. The promise of convenience and savings, along with Dells strong company reputation and their backbone of customer service have helped ease consumer fears of buying a relatively expensive product sight unseen. Gateway and other computer makers have since embraced the online medium and are now enjoying a similar success at a varying degree. It wont be long before buying a new car online is not going to be much different than ordering a new computer. Some German manufacturers have already caught on to this emerging trend. A BMW enthusiast, for example, could configure and order a new M6 months before its official entry into the US market. He or she could then track its progress through the manufacturing facility online similarly to the way one would track the progress of ones new Dell. However, buying a new car online sight unseen is not a very risky proposition. One knows what one is getting and there is franchise dealer and a manufacturer standing behind it.

Buying a Used Car on the Internet a New Breed of Shoppers

What about the used car market online? How can consumers quantify the risk they are taking buying a used car sight unseen to make sure it is justified by the savings of such purchase?

Historically, conventional used car buyers have been able to kick its tires, take it for a spin, and haggle over the asking price of the car they like at their local dealer since the invention of the automobile. Because of the internet, a considerable number of these conventional used car buyers have found a myriad of ways to harness the power of the ever expanding online automotive resources and tools available at their disposal to make informed buying decisions.

It is from those online savvy buyers that a new breed has emerged - those who buy their used cars online, sight unseen. Although they represent a relatively small portion of the used car buyers, these brave souls see an unmatched advantage and find ways to minimize the risks. But whats in it for them, one might ask? Simple, actually: selection and price. The internet offers easy access to a vast selection of vehicles worldwide - online car portals, classifieds, conventional dealers with online presence and pure online-only outfits, online used car brokers, to name but a few. Since most of them are looking for a specific vehicle, their chance of finding the one is far greater online compared to the confines of their local area.

Needless to say, virtually all of them are looking for a bargain. Our brave souls take risks, but these are justified, at least in their eyes, because of the savings they realize by utilizing the online channel. How do they do it? They, too, are well-armed with the online tools they need to make intelligent buying decisions. Here is how these online tools help them through the decision-making and buying steps of the process.

Fair Market Value

Determining whether a particular car is a bargain is a function of understanding its fair market value given its condition in the context of the current supply and demand. For the non-economists, of course, there are a number of excellent online market valuation sources available. Kelley Blue Book, NADAGuides, Edmunds.com are some of the most widely used car pricing providers. They all base estimates on a large number of recorded transactions and provide appraisal adjustments for the year, make, model, mileage, options, condition and even local market trends. As their appraisal algorithms differ slightly from each other, the estimates may vary, so checking more than one source is recommended. There are three major price levels: trade-in (or wholesale), private party and retail. Trade-in is what one would expect to get from a dealer for ones used car it is the lowest of the three averages, but its important to know as a baseline. Private party is what one would expect to get if one sells a car to another person, and retail is what one would pay for that car at a used car dealership.

Third Party Vehicle History Reports

In addition to the sellers honest word and availability of service records our prudent innovators tap into the same third party vehicle history report providers the rest of the used car buyers use. CARFAX and Experians AutoCheck, initially serving the automotive professionals only, have been available to the general public for a number of years now. For $24.99 CARFAX offers 30 days and AutoCheck offers 60 days of unlimited vehicle history reports. These provide extensive reporting on the vehicles recorded history: date and type of registration and renewal events, as well as checking for recorded incidents, odometer rollbacks, junk, salvage, rebuilt titles, insurance loss, theft, lemon buybacks, etc. Many dealers realize the convincing power of stating the recorded facts and now offer free vehicle history reports for the cars they sell.

Car Inspections

Independent vehicle appraisal/inspection services with online presence have also seen a boost in their business. For $99.95, CARCHEX offers to give any automobile a 155-point pre-purchase auto inspection almost anywhere in the USA. Not too high a price for peace of mind, especially if it can save one from having to deal with surprise repairs. For half of this amount, one can find a mechanic in the local directory who can check out the car and even take it for a test drive on one's behalf and then fax a detailed report. Nevertheless, some of the more thrifty buyers have found ways to save themselves the nominal fees mechanics charge without depriving themselves of the peace of mind of a pre-sale inspection. Say, I live in Boston and happened to find a 1974 BMW 2002tii that I really wanted all the way in San Diego. Now, I would definitely want the car inspected prior to buying it. My thrifty side, however, wants to avoid the $150 fee a local company would charge me to inspect the vehicle. The solution? I would ask a fellow member of the BMW enthusiast community who lives in San Diego to take a look at the car for me. There are plenty of BMW forum members that would be more than happy to offer their time and expertise to a fellow east coast bimmerphile in need.

Shipping

There is a sea of car shipping companies that would gladly bring our pioneers their newly acquired vehicles home at a reasonable price. One example, Dependable Auto Shippers operate a fleet of state-of-the-art, satellite tracked vehicle shipping transporters, which allow one to track ones car while it's on its way much like one would track a package. Yet, a healthy number of this new breed of used cars buyers opt for driving their new purchase home on their own instead. Its cheaper, its faster, and admittedly, its much more exciting. Sellers specializing in online sales of this kind have also adapted to accommodate the demands of this new kind of used car buyer. Airport pickups for our weary yet eager buyers are more or less industry standard, these days. Sellers specializing exclusively in online sales, providing a hot meal for their guests at the family table before they depart on their voyage home, is not unheard of.

Although buying a used car online sight unseen is not for the faint of heart, it is a growing phenomenon, which if executed carefully, could be a very rewarding experience for all parties involved.

Chris Herbert is an automotive expert associated with Motobidia.com - a direct business-to-consumer online used car broker of high-end pre-owned cars available at dealer auctions nationwide. http://www.motobidia.com/index.asp.Reyna Blog74814
Reeva Blog9897
          

Learning To Compete In A Very Competitive Industry: Travel

Over the years, many of us have heard about the opportunities available in wholesale travel. As a consumer, we can recognize that if these wholesale travel packages are legitimate, then we will have access to vacation packages that would make the average traveler drool over their possibilities in travel destinations. When we slide the shoe to the other foot and consider wholesale travel as a business opportunity, we question whether we have the knowledge or fortitude to succeed in this type of business.

Read on as we examine wholesale travel from the perspective of the consumer and the online businessperson seeking new opportunities in profit.

Beware of The Discount Travel Scams

While the wholesale travel industry is a legitimate industry offering legitimate travel packages, there are a few people out there offering deals that are less than favorable to consumers.

The most common travel scam is the kind used to sell timeshare packages in real estate. The real estate agent will give you a free three-day package to an attractive destination, IF your yearly salary meets certain minimums AND you agree to sit down and listen to a sales pitch for timeshare properties.

Now, there is nothing wrong with timeshares per se, but the methods that some unscrupulous agents employ to sell timeshares are shameful to say the least. Timeshare supported vacations are well known for their hard-sell approach to the sales process.

As a result, when most people speak of discount travel or wholesale travel, the first thought that comes to the mind of most consumers is the timeshare sales pitch. As a result, consumers generally have a poor opinion of discount travel or wholesale travel, based only on their fears of timeshare selling scams.

Be Aware Of Travel Restrictions With Some Packages

There are three types of restrictions that may accompany some discount travel packages:

* Expiration Dates: Many packages come with defined expiration dates that make them difficult-to-use by the stated due-date. Not all of us can gear up to take our vacation within the next 90 days. So, be certain to read the fine print of any offer that is made available to you.

* Blackout Dates: Blackout dates were made famous by David Spade's representation of Capital One Credit Cards. Some travel rewards carry blackout dates to limit the expense of those rewards. They don't want you using your travel rewards over the Thanksgiving weekend, since that is the busiest travel weekend of the year, and prices are generally higher for that peak period. Travel rewards aside, some travel packages employ blackout dates as well. Check the fine print to make sure that any blackout dates offered with a package do not interfere with how you want to use the travel package.

* Non-Transferable Vouchers: In theory, if you buy a hotel room and an airline ticket to Jamaica for the weekend and if something were to happen in your life that prevented you from using your purchased services, you could give the tickets and reservations to your best friend, so your money would not be wasted. Some travel vouchers may prevent you from transferring your vacation to another party. As always, read the fine print to know what restrictions might limit your vacation plans.

In a lot of cases, even if these restrictions exist, they will not interfere with your vacation plans. But, it is far better to be aware of a limitation before you buy your vacation, than it is to find out about those restrictions when you are ready to plan your trip.

How Do Service Providers Profit From Vacation Packages?

Where the value of discount travel or wholesale travel packages distracts many people, is this underlying question of how companies can offer these types of packages. The consumer is confused by the whole concept of free vacations, so we will look into the profit motive here.

When people are looking at an offer of a free vacation that consists of three days in a hotel room, many people are dumbfounded that such a thing could exist. If we use Las Vegas hotels and Orlando Florida hotels as examples, it is a much easier concept to understand.

When a Las Vegas hotel offers a free three-day stay, they do so with the expectation that you may spend several hundred or thousand dollars in their casino. If you did not take the free stay in their hotel room, you may have taken your vacation in Las Vegas anyhow, but stayed in one of their competitor's hotel rooms. If that were to happen, then their competitor would have won your money in their casino instead.

Hotels in vacation spots such as Orlando Florida may be receiving rewards from Walt Disney World to ensure that you spend your vacation at Walt Disney World, instead of Six Flags Over Texas. The hotel will receive money from Walt Disney World for your stay, and you will eat several meals and use several services at the hotel that gave you the hotel room for free.

Free services frequently provide the lubrication that helps a local economy soar, so many businesses will offer rewards to the hotel chains to offer free hotel rooms to visitors.

Do keep in mind that if you do get a free hotel room, there will still be a small cost to you in terms of the taxes excised on that hotel room stay. State laws mandate that all visitors pay taxes on their hotel rooms, and even though your stay might be free, you will still be required to pay the taxes on the room.

How The Airline Industry Profits From Discount Air Travel

When an airplane flies from New York City to Los Angeles, they always have a specific number of seats on that flight. Even if only twenty people paid for that flight, they airline would be required to make the journey, with all of its empty seats in tow.

So, airlines have constructed a very unique business model to make sure their empty seats are filled. When you buy a seat directly from the airline company, you will most always pay full price for the seat. If you buy your airline seat from a travel company, you can often find discounts on those seats.

Very literally, airline companies calculate how many seats they will sell on their own for each flight, and then they wholesale the remaining seats to travel agencies and other travel companies, to ensure that they will fill most or all of their seats.

The travel industry will buy seats on the airplane for as much as 90% off the retail cost of a flight. Then they will turn around and sell those flights to their customers at a markup. The actual discount rate will vary by the company making the offer, since only the biggest wholesale travel companies will get the deepest discounts, and the travel agencies usually buy seats from these airline seat wholesalers.

Can The Little Guy Compete In A Market Saturated by Big Players?

Simply put, yes. A friend of mine at Dreams By Vasrue has built his own little travel empire selling wholesale travel packages. In a recent month, he was able to generate $18,000 in profits these were profits, not total sales.

With a saturated market filled by big names such as Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz and many others, you would think it impossible to compete in such a crowded marketplace. But, you must remember that these big travel websites are operating as the travel agency, buying travel services at wholesale and marking up their prices to make a significant profit.

This leaves the little guys lots of opportunity to reach the buying public in ways that the big websites cannot do themselves. The big websites are not in the business of offering true wholesale travel, because they are like travel agencies selling retail travel to consumers.

The Lesson In This Story

The lesson in this story is that the Internet is offering lots of entrepreneurs a way to stand up and compete with the largest corporations on the planet in a multitude of industries.

As an online businessperson, you should always be looking for that new opportunity that could make you very wealthy. When you take the time to learn the internal workings of any industry, you will uncover opportunities to compete successfully and prosperously with the biggest names in your own industries.

Bill Platt writes and ghost writes articles for dissemination on the World Wide Web through http://thePhantomWriters.com His company also offers article distribution services to people who write their own articles. Reach Bill at 405-780-7745 between 9am-6pm, M-F. One thing that success brings online entrepreneurs is the opportunity to travel more frequently. If you are interested in learning about wholesale travel as a way to save money or as a business opportunity, please visit http://www.DreamsByVasrue.com/ to learn more about the programs offered by Clinton Douglas IV.Rania Blog72509
Ranee Blog22600
          

The Future of Cars, Unleashed

Cars.com is singing a new tune for future car trends. Recently, it has reported the upcoming trends of cars that will hit the market in the coming years. 15 new innovations are predicted to wow car enthusiasts in the next 10 years.

According to Patrick Olsen, managing editor of cars.com, "You can find some of these innovations on the market today, and the technology exists to incorporate many of these innovations in the near future. Cost and consumer demand will help determine whether these innovations become standard, become options for select luxury vehicles--or never make it out of development."

Car innovations include advanced flexible fuel systems that could allow all types of fuel interchangeably. From gas, hydrogen, diesel, E85 to electric and battery power, name it and the fuel system can handle them. There is also the anticipated invasion of active tires. These tires are made from synthetic compound that can be transformed any time to manage various road conditions with just one push of the button. Another expected innovation is the autopilot where the driver does not literally drive because his car is guided by the navigation system.

Aside from the aforementioned, lane charger warning that monitors traffic, camless engines that demands airflow according to the cars workload, and self-repairing paint that prevents scratches are also expected to amaze the automotive market in the coming 3 to 5 years. Also included in this time frame are the launching of navigation systems with real-time traffic information, electric window tinting and self-parking cars.

Within 2 years expected car innovations include keyless entry and ignition, collision mitigation system which prepares a car for an accident, automotive black box, adaptive break lights, economy mode cars, and computer center cars that can manage calls, emails, music and music.

The automotive industry never fails to amuse car fanatics with its amazing innovations. In the coming years, expect more exciting and fabulous innovations from Toyota accessories, Volkswagen accessories, Volvo accessories and the rest of the renowned car manufacturers. Also expect that auto parts go with these changes.

Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week.Raina Blog76994
Petronia Blog2408
          

Exterior Copper Detailing Is Solid Gold In Home Sales

Home sellers find that exterior detailing, including copper weather vanes, copper planters, and Brass doorknockers provide eye-catching curb appeal that draws potential buyers. Copper weathervanes and other exterior details also add a touch of welcoming elegance and a perception of added value that can help keep sale prices high.

Even in a sellers market, its important that any for-sale home stand out from other choices on a buyers list. A buyer may visit several realtors and look at up to two-dozen properties in one day, explains businessman Russell Cazeault. That means its critical to make a good and lasting impression. Exterior detailing like copper weathervanes, copper wind chimes and copper planters are an affordable way for home owners to say Welcome home to prospective buyers.

Cazeault has been helping homes makes a good impression for 18 years. He is president of the Cape Cod Weathervane Company which offers a vast selection of decorative copper details and cooper accents for home exteriors. Our traditional Cape Cod copper weathervanes are hand-crafted by master artisans with unsurpassed quality and attention to detail, says Cazeault with pride.

The company also offers a line of nautical weathervanes and has recently added Cape Cod Address Plaques to its product line. Copper weather vanes, brass door knockers, and cast aluminum address plaques are functional as well as artful, says Cazeault. This makes them an addition to the value of any home.

Command High Prices With 10 Low-Cost Fixes

Cazeault admits that copper weathervanes may not immediately spring to mind as an incentive for buyers. In fact, when it comes time to ready a home for sale, most owners grab their ladders and paint brushes, purchase lumber and tools, and make plans to do a little fixing up. Before long, theyve spent all their evenings and weekends and all their money making interior changes that may never be seen because the exterior wasnt inviting, explains Cazeault.

According to Cazeault, the best way to grab eyeballs is with his Top Ten Quick Fixes To Improve Home Sale Prices. These are things any homeowner can do that provides noticeable improvement. And each item takes no more than a few hours many less than an hour.

***Buy quality welcome mats for all entry doors (This makes an unmistakable psychological impression.)

***Paint your front door (Cracked and peeling paint on a front door signals to a potential buyer that the house has not been well maintained.)

Changing the color of your front door is also an easy way to draw attention to your house, which is helpful when the For Sale sign goes up.

***Add a brass doorknocker (A door knocker adds old-world warmth and charm to an entry, observes Cazeault. Brass door knockers can be a real conversation piece. The hardest part for most people is deciding which knocker to choose In most cases they are torn between two or three different styles.

***Substitute copper rain chains for old downspouts (Copper rain chains channel water from the gutter to the ground, but theyre much more attractive than a downspout, They can drain into a basin, a rock garden, or directly into the ground

***Replace old house numbers with a new colorful address plaque. (Nothing dates a home more than shabby numbers that have lost their sheen, explains Cazeault.)

***Replace aging light fixtures with a copper lantern or brass onion lamp.

(The inexpensive plastic fixtures that the builder let you have for a song may be functional, but they do little to enhance your homes appearance, observes Cazeault. A modest investment in a new brass light fixture can make a big difference in how your home is perceived)

***Add a cupola (The cupola experts at the Cape Cod Weathervane Company recommend that a cupola be 1 1 wide for every foot of roof line)

***Top it off with a copper weathervane. (Standing high above your house silhouetted by the sky, an elegant copper weathervane adds timeless grace and gives your home that New England feel,

***Consider outdoor art. Use barn stars or wall art to enhance large empty windowless walls on the back of a home, garage or shed.)

***Use copper urns and copper planters. (For the horticulturally challenged, try arrangements of silk and plastic flowers)

Easy To Mine Copper

Cazeault notes that consumers no longer have to chase down copper weathervanes and other exterior detailing items at local home stores or go through the sometimes frustrating process of having items delivered. Online companies like The Cape Cod Weathervane Company frequently stock a larger selection of truly unique decorative copper than most brick-and-mortar stores, says Cazeault. And we offer free delivery,

For more information about The Cape Cod Weathervane Company and their copper weathervanes, brass doorknockers, customized address plaques, and other decorative items, visit http://www.capecodweathervanecompany.com

Ruby Ann Stevens is a native Cape Codder and freelance writer on Home Improvement and Business subjects.Quintana Blog61267
Perrine Blog76965
          

Friends (Season 2) DVD Review

Along with Seinfeld and Frasier, Friends dominated the must-see TV of the 1990's. Winner of innumerable television awards, the show features the lives of six friends in their late-twenties/early-thirties living in New York City - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The six friends spend the majority of their time in a coffee house named "Central Perk" or in either Monica's apartment or Joey and Chandler's apartment.

The Friends (Season 2) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere which begins with Rachel anxiously waiting for Ross at the airport so she can tell him about her feelings. But when Ross exits the plane with his new girlfriend Julie (Lauren Tom) on his arm, Rachel struggles with what she should do. The first several episodes of the season are dominated by this storyline until (in episode #31) a drunken Rachel phones Ross and leaves a message on his answering machine revealing the truth. Forced to decide between Julie and Rachel, Ross constructs a list of pros and cons (episode #32) that Rachel inevitably finds. The incident threatens to destroy their relationship before they finally come together. Meanwhile, Joey lands a part on Days Of Our Lives as Dr. Drake Ramoray, but seals his own fate when his hubris steps on the toes of the show's writers

Below is a list of episodes included on the Friends (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 25 (The One with Ross's New Girlfriend) Air Date: 09-21-1995
Episode 26 (The One with the Breast Milk) Air Date: 09-28-1995
Episode 27 (The One Where Heckles Dies) Air Date: 10-05-1995
Episode 28 (The One with Phoebe's Husband) Air Date: 10-12-1995
Episode 29 (The One with Five Steaks and an Eggplant) Air Date: 10-19-1995
Episode 30 (The One with the Baby on the Bus) Air Date: 11-02-1995
Episode 31 (The One Where Ross Finds Out) Air Date: 11-09-1995
Episode 32 (The One with the List) Air Date: 11-16-1995
Episode 33 (The One with Phoebe's Dad) Air Date: 12-14-1995
Episode 34 (The One with Russ) Air Date: 01-04-1996
Episode 35 (The One with the Lesbian Wedding) Air Date: 01-18-1996
Episode 36 (The One After the Superbowl: Part 1) Air Date: 01-28-1996
Episode 37 (The One After the Superbowl: Part 2) Air Date: 01-28-1996
Episode 38 (The One with the Prom Video) Air Date: 02-01-1996
Episode 39 (The One Where Ross and Rachel You Know) Air Date: 02-08-1996
Episode 40 (The One Where Joey Moves Out) Air Date: 02-15-1996
Episode 41 (The One Where Eddie Moves In) Air Date: 02-22-1996
Episode 42 (The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies) Air Date: 03-21-1996
Episode 43 (The One Where Eddie Won't Go) Air Date: 03-28-1996
Episode 44 (The One Where Old Yeller Dies) Air Date: 04-04-1996
Episode 45 (The One with the Bullies) Air Date: 04-25-1996
Episode 46 (The One with the Two Parties) Air Date: 05-02-1996
Episode 47 (The One with the Chicken Pox) Air Date: 05-09-1996
Episode 48 (The One with Barry and Mindy's Wedding) Air Date: 05-16-1996

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find where you can find more reviews of movies and TV series. Source: http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com/2006/02/friends-season-2-dvd.html.Pearle Blog13606
Ora Blog89182
          

Denali National Park in Alaska - 2006 Travel

The best sightseeing I have ever experienced was this year during a recent trip to Denali National Park in Alaska. I could not have hoped for better weather, wildlife viewing opportunities or friends to share it all with. Our accommodations at the Denali Princess Lodge were fantastic as well.

This fall I was lucky enough to get a call from my brother, an aspiring photographer. He had just been awarded a Fall Drive In Permit to Denali National Park. They are issued by lottery and allow a limited number of drivers to enter the park by vehicle. There are only four days in the entire year in which you can do this. I was thrilled, excited and eagerly awaiting my adventure of a lifetime.

We enter the Alaska Park around 4:30 am so that we could beat the other drivers and make it to a pass called Polychrome for the sunrise. Polychrome got its name for multitudes of colors displayed throughout its rocky layers. Normally this is quite a site but at sunrise it was absolutely amazing. We were also able to catch a great viewing opportunity of Mount McKinley at sunrise. There were a few people around for this and it truly was a marvelous Alaskan experience.

Next we were able to see some wildlife up close. We came across three brown bears, a mother and two cubs. They were eating berries just off the side of the road. Around the next corner we came across a pack of wolves. They were out hunting and just happened to be heading unknowingly straight towards the brown bears. We had to turn around to watch this incredible encounter and Im glad we did.

As the wolves approached the brown bears they let their presence be known. They surrounded the bears and consistently went in close then pulled back to a safe distance while trying to drive the bears out of their territory. The mother bear was somewhat concerned because of her cubs. She kept standing up on her hind legs to see over the vegetation and follow what the wolves were up to. This of course led to many great photo opportunities. Finally after about an hour or so the bears moved back and went over the mountain to the next valley.

We continued our trek back into Denali National Park to the very end of the road. Roughly 90 miles back you will find Wonder Lake. Alaska has many beautiful lakes but this one was simply amazing. The water was crystal clear and so calm you could see the reflection of Mount McKinley just as if you were looking into a mirror. We spent some time at the little pullout the park has there and then began our return trip.

On the way back out we saw several moose. This time of year the moose in Alaska are in rut and you will find many Bull Moose ready to compete for the females. We only saw a little confrontation between the moose however we did see several Bull Moose with racks that had to have measured over 60 inches wide. That is quite impressive by all accounts.

We came across several Alaskan Dall sheep, more brown bears, a beaver, spruce hens, a falcon and a plethora of ground squirrels. The fall colors were out, the sky was blue and this was definitely a once in a lifetime trip through Denali National Parks in Alaska. In my opinion, it was well worth the cost of the travel to Alaska.

Ryan Tollefsen has compiled a comprehensive Alaska Travel Guide and Alaska Photo Gallery which he credits to his many years in Alaska. Learn everything you need to know and expect from your Alaska vacation before you begin your travel.Priscilla Blog20554
Phylis Blog78497
          

The Basics of an Online Payday Loan Service

Online payday loans service provides you loans for meeting your day to day expenses between your pay days. You should be earning a minimum sum to get benefited from such service. You are also required to have a checking account. Online payday loan service is generally secured by a postdated cheque for the next pay day and doesnt require you to arrange any collateral for the lender.

The features

No credit checks No credit checks are there while applying for an online payday loan service. This enables the people with poor credit score to easily apply for such loans. People coming under such category are defaulters, arrears, CCJs and IVAs, late-payments etc.

No faxing required Borrowers are not required to fax the documents related to their application details to the lender. This ensures reduced paperwork and formalities. These loans are also known by the name of no fax payday loans.

Reapplying is possible You can apply for an online payday loan service as many times as you like. But make sure to repay them on time as these short term loans are at higher interest rates.

Apply at anytime Online payday loan service is available to borrowers during 24 hours a day. That means you can apply for such loans whenever you need quick money irrespective of the time.

Faster approvals You can get the approval for an online payday loan service in very less time. The money gets deposited into your checking account within a period of 24 hours.

The amount and repayment

The amount which you can apply for under an online payday loan service ranges between ₤100 to ₤1000. You can repay this amount within one or maximum of two weeks. You can extend the repayment period for an online payday loan service by paying certain amount of fee to the lender.

The search

You can look for best deal for an apt online payday loan service among numerous loan payday loan quotes which are free available on dozens of loan websites. You can study and compare these quotes easily with the help of online instruments such as comparison tools, debt and repayment calculators etc.

The Application process

Application process for an online payday loan service is like a childs play. You just have to fill out a simple application form with the requisite details. The service provider or online payday loan lender will notify you about your account status. Then upon approval the money will be automatically deposited into your checking account.

The last word

To sum up, we can say that, whatever be the problem or requirement (i.e. electricity and water bills, car break down, health checkups, hotel bills etc), there is only one solution and that is an online payday loan service.

Tess Ocean has been associated with OnlinePaydayLoansUK. Having completed her Masters in Finance from Yale University, School of Management. She provide useful advice through her articles that have been found very useful. To find online payday loan service, personal payday loan, payday loan uk, bad credit payday loan, payday loan application visit http://www.online-payday-loans-uk.co.ukQuintina Blog85859
Rasia Blog11948
          

Buying Luggage

People who travel consider their luggage as indispensable as tickets or money, even they only travel infrequently or on occasion. Purchasing luggage can get to be expensive, so its really necessary to carefully think about each purchase you make before buying a single thing. A few crucial factors have to be kept in mind when buying luggage; these may help you decide what to buy and how much to spend.

Your luggage can be both trendy and sensible, you know. The more you use your luggage, the faster it will wear out. Durability and practicality should be the most important features of any luggage you buy, especially if you travel frequently. If checking baggage is a regular aspect of your travels, then you should consider not only durability and practicality, but cost as well. Losing a set of expensive, designer luggage through the airline can be extremely stressful and frustrating, to say the least. Statistically speaking, the chances of losing luggage and never getting it back are fairly low, but your odds increase the more you travel.

Luggage can be purchased either by individual pieces or in a set, so you should determine how much luggage you need. When traveling for business purposes, a garment bag, suitcase, and travel bag may be all that you need. You can usually buy luggage sets that include all these at a better price than purchasing them individually, but make sure to compare prices and brands first before making a decision. A four or five piece luggage set may prove to be more adaptable as time goes by, thus getting you the best value for your money.

Purchasing luggage that fits your exact style and design should be considered, especially if you really need only one or two pieces. How you usually carry or bring along your luggage will help you decide what style you should buy. Larger suitcases and bags become heavy when fully packed, so you should look for styles that are easier to carry and move, such as travel bags or suitcases with handles and wheels. The inside design of the luggage should also be considered, in order to be sure that there is enough room and compartments to hold the items you typically travel with.

Designer luggage is generally considered to be of high quality, but don't forego the possibility of finding well-made luggage from a discount retailer when youre looking for pieces for periodic or light use. You usually only need a couple of pieces of luggage when going camping, going off to college, or the occasional road trip, so it shouldnt matter if the luggage youre going with are mismatched. However, experienced travelers warn against bringing along mismatched luggage when traveling by airplane, since matching sets are usually easier for baggage handlers to identify.

You should also look up department stores, discount retailers, and online retailers, so you can compare different brands and prices. Reading a consumer guide before buying would be helpful for checking consumer ratings on the different types of luggage that you might be planning to buy. Comparing cost, style, durability and practicality will help you select just the right luggage for your travel needs and will help assure you that your purchase is a good one. If you are buying luggage for someone as a gift and don't want to consult them, consider purchasing a basic three piece set in a neutral color and style.

Azlan Irda is a co-founder of http://www.onestopdiscountshopping.com, where you can get high-quality luggage at the best prices. Visit us for your luggage needs.Rachael Blog31758
Pia Blog37609
          

Getting The Tools For Do-It-Yourself Car Repair

It's great to be able to do as many things as possible by yourself. Imagine fixing your vehicle without having to take it to a mechanic and pay your first kid's college savings? That is the reason why do-it-yourself car repair is such a big deal. Everyone and their grandmother wants to get under their own hood and get it all fixed up by themselves. How great would it feel to be able to take care of yourself?

If you are interested in cars and want to empower yourself and fix your own auto, the first thing you should do is have a good, thorough look at the manual. Familiarize yourself for all the thousands of tiny little parts of your vehicle. Although it sounds like a daunting task, everything will make more sense after you have absorbed it. And best of all: It will save you piles of cash as well. So, get each auto part figured out and see how it all works together.

If you want to fix something in your car and make it run better, you want to make sure you know what you're doing. IF you want to do something more important, like replace your brake pads, you want to be sure you're doing it right. That's a job you certainly don't want to screw up.

After you've perused the appropriate vehicle manual, you need to stock up on tools. But before you go and shell out the cash at your local automotive store, take a look on the internet. You can often find better deals online, as well as tips on what brands are the best. There are loads of forums online where you can get free advice.

How Can You Save Cash?

Before you purchase anything on the internet, make sure it's what you need. You can go to a 'big box' shop like for example Wal-mart and do some window shopping. Go somewhere with a wide selection of tools and look around. Ask the staff for advice. Then, when you know just what you need, go home and order it from the internet. It is important to make sure you are getting the right things;it can be an expensive pain to have to send the wrong thing back.

The most important thing is to make sure your repairs are thorough. You don't want to make any mistakes that will cost you more money later. If you are totally clueless, check out some online forums.

Terry Bolton is a writer and internet publisher of Car Repair Info. You can go to http://www.the-car-repair-portal.com for more.Rea Blog49483
Pearle Blog88390
          

Car Travel with Pets

You really need to wear heavy leather gloves (the kind that go up to your shoulder) if you are going to try to get my cat Eddie into the Mini-Van, but many pets love to drive, almost more than their owners. While I've only had to take Eddie for a ride a few times, he has taught us a great deal about what can happen to the inside of a car, with a pet.

Pets are a joy to have with us, but they do have special needs to help them stay comfortable and us happy.

Pet Hair

Hair is the hardest item to clean off upholstery and carpeting. Trying to vacuum it up is a waste of time for the most part. The fibers weave into the carpeting and fabrics of our car, and grip.

What gets hair off the carpet and fabrics fast and easy is rubber or latex gloves. There is a product out there called the Pet Sponge, which works great too, but it is really made from the same substance. Just put on a glove, get it a little damp and run your hand across the pet hair area. Your glove will fill with pet hair, effortlessly. Rinse off, and go in for another swipe.

You might consider getting a Pet Pad for your traveling pet.

Heat

If you are traveling with a pet, get a sun shield. Seriously. I know we sell them, and this looks like a great place to put an ad, but the facts are, cars heat up way too fast, and much hotter than we realize.

From a cool just-air-conditioned state, it takes a car less than 20 minutes to reach 120 degrees sitting in the sun, even with the window 'cracked' open for fresh air. In summer times, or hot days, the interior can reach 150 degrees in the same amount of time.

Well made, reflective sun shields can reduce your car's temperature by 50 degrees. Leaving the window 'cracked' is still a good idea, but keeping the interior heat level down is much better.

Urine

Don't ask.

Getting the Urine out of the interior carpeting is a bit of a chore. Start with baking soda. Just pour it on dry and let it sit over night. Vacuum and repeat, letting the baking soda sit again. Vacuum up the last layer and then pour into the affected area Hydrogen peroxide. Let this evaporate, and then vacuum.

This won't remove any stain or discoloration, but it will get the odor out and neutralize the urine itself. From this point you can use a carpet or upholstery cleaner to remove any stain that might remain.

Comfort

Keeping pets comfortable and safe inside the vehicle is sometimes a creative challenge. We do have several car accessories for pets which can help you with some of the details.

Cargo Area Travel Liner: This is full comfort. The padded liner is cushioned and slip resistant, and allows your pet full access to the cargo area of your min-van. The liner is water resistant and tear resistant. Your pet can walk around on the textured fabric without slipping and sliding. The rear of your vehicle can get warm, so the fabric is breathable to keep your pet comfortable in any season.

Seat Covers: Same idea as the cargo liner, just a smaller space. The fabric and comfort are the same, and so is the ease of cleaning and the protection provided to your interior.

Pet Barriers: These barriers limit your pets movement, and with many pets this is a good idea. It also adds to their safety.

With pet barriers, windows can also be let down a little more, providing cooler conditions when you have to leave your pet in the vehicle while traveling. (it is still a very good idea to also use the sun shield I talked about earlier).

Organizer: Pets need stuff! Feeding dishes, snacks, leashes, collars, scoopers, and so much more. Pets need a lot of stuff, and keeping it organized is a good thing when traveling with your four legged partner. Leashes get tangled and "lost" quickly. Having a place to store these required items, for easy access, allows you more fun and less hassle.

Article Written by Car Accessories (http://www.caraccessoreis.com).Raf Blog77785
Penny Blog25528
          

RV Windshield Damage Repair Options

Since RV America assists more than 1,000 RV dealers nationwide, we generally stay current with dealership practices and procedures as well as new RV gadgets, warranties, protectants, cleaners, gizmos, and the occasional scam. One of the best new products weve recently seen on the market is a product called Diamon-Fusion.

If youve driven any vehicle especially an RV on the open road, youve no doubt experienced the head-whipping experience created by seeing a rock hurtling toward your windshield. You flinch, close your eyes, and simultaneously hear the inevitable popping sound made by the projectile. Instantly you open your eyes to inspect the nature and cost of the damage. Weve all been there.

As mentioned above, theres a new product on the market that many of our RV dealers are recommending, and that we wholeheartedly endorse as well. Its called Diamon-Fusion. (RV America Insurance does not sell this product, nor do we make a profit from endorsing it.) Diamon-Fusion provides a four-year warranty, which covers the repair of any damage caused by road debris. You can purchase an upgraded warranty, which includes both repair and/or replacement of the glass.

So, how does this product work exactly? According to Diamon-Fusion USA, this product causes a molecular change in the surface of the glass. The process reduces the coefficient of friction and also increases its impact strength by as much as tenfold. Ill explain.

Your windshield glass appears to be smooth, and it is, basically. But imagine for a moment that youre looking at an extreme close-up of your windshield. Under a microscope, youd probably think youre looking at the surface of 80 grit sandpaper. Your RVs windshield is constructed like that; its actually quite rough. You might say that the surface of your windshield is covered with millions of peaks and craters. So, heres what happens when that projectile hits your windshield; the rock, lets say, actually grips into one of these craters transferring its full force to that immediate spot on your windshield. If the force is strong enough, youre left with a star, or crack in your glass.

How does Diamon-Fusion work? Although we could elaborate on the entire molecular process, lets over-simplify at this point. The application of this product first creates a smooth surface by filling in the peaks and valleys. Then a protective coating is added which provides the durability. Simple, huh? Not only is your RV windshield now stronger, but the slicker surface significantly increases the chances that a rock will bounce/slide off without creating damage. In fact, lab tests conducted by the company show that it would take about 10 times the force to crack a Diamon-Fusion treated windshield compared with an untreated one.

While this alone is probably enough to capture your interest, theres another added benefit. You can also expect to have improved wet weather visibility when your RV windshield is treated by Diamon-Fusion. Why? The smoother the surface of your RV windshield, the less likely it is that water droplets will be able grip your glass.

Because of the nature of the chemicals used in the process, the application of Diamon-Fusion is not a project you can do yourself. See your RV dealer for a quote and proper installation. The price can range anywhere from $400 to $2,000 for the largest of RV windshields.

If you consider the cost of a new windshield, and/or the cost of your RV insurance deductible coupled with the potential inconvenience of interrupting your vacation, you might come to the conclusion that Diamon-Fusion is a good investment for your RVing future.

Paul Bender
RV America Insurance Mktg., Inc.
1-800-400-0186
http://www.RVAinsurance.com

Paul Bender is the founder and Co-owner of RV America Insurance Marketing, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA. RV America Insurance is the largest RV insurance agency in the nation, and has long been recognized as the leading provider of specialty RV insurance through RV dealerships nationwide. RV buyers rely on RV America's licensed agents to provide outstanding value and superior knowledge of RVs and RV specific insurance coverage.

If you would like to republish this article please retain all links.

Paul Bender is the founder and Co-owner of RV America Insurance Marketing, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA. RV America Insurance is the largest RV insurance agency in the nation, and has long been recognized as the leading provider of specialty RV insurance through RV dealerships nationwide. RV buyers rely on RV America's licensed agents to provide outstanding value and superior knowledge of RVs and RV specific insurance coverage. http://www.rv-insurance-coverage.comOlva Blog76343
Reyna Blog17332
          

Cruise Travel Close To Home From The West Coast

Cruise travel from ports close to home is what passengers want now. In almost all of the cruise reviews, cruise travelers have expressed concern with long airline trips to distant lands. Now they want to cruise from ports that are close to home to enjoy a less stressful cruise vacation. The cruise lines have caught on to this trend and are now positioning their ships up and down the United States East and West Coasts and along the Gulf of Mexico. Let's explore the ports of embarkation on the West Coast starting in Southern California at the port of San Diego and go northward.

If you can take the time before or after your cruise travel, spend some extra time in San Diego. The city of San Diego is blessed with year round warm weather and seventy miles of Pacific Coastline. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city. They have a first class, world famous zoo in Balboa Park. At Old Town State Historic Park learn about the History of California. Near the downtown area there are 15 excellent museums and gorgeous gardens.

A little further up north is Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Here is where the Queen Mary retired to in 1967 and is permanently docked serving as a Hotel. With more 12,000 sea creatures the aquarium is a delightful spot to spend a couple of hours.

If you plan to take your cruise vacation out of Los Angeles there are plenty of sights to see. A pre or post cruise package from the cruise lines will allow you to see the many cultural centers or drive by the star studded neighborhoods of Malibu, Bel Air and Hollywood. Be sure to see Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Chinatown and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit funky Venice Beach and dine in the many excellent restaurants. And don't forget to at least window shop on Rodeo Drive.

The dazzling Golden Gate Bridge will be what you sail under on you cruise vacation from San Francisco. Many cruise reviews have mentioned this city as one of the favorites from which to start a cruise. You may opt to take a side trip to the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valleys for a day. While in San Francisco check out Fisherman's Wharf, or take a cable car ride through the city. In this city there are numerous excellent restaurants. There is a ferry that will take you over to Alcatraz Island for a glimpse into the life of the prisoners.

Perhaps you have chosen Seattle, Washington as your embarkation port. The lovely Puget Sound area is rich with history of the maritime industries. The Olympic Mountains will leave you feeling awed when viewed from the Space Needle that is 607 feet high. For fun don't miss the Pike Street Market for fresh seafood and produce. There are many fleets of sport fishing boats for fishing or for whale watching.

Even further up the coast you are now in Alaskan territory. Fairbanks, which was once a booming mining town, is the entrance to Alaska's interior. If you stay here for a day or two try a really Alaskan adventure and go dog sledding. Maybe you would like to pan for gold, another part of Alaska's history. If you want to see the Northern Lights plan your cruise vacation for late August or early September.

Choosing a cruise vacation out of Whitter, Alaska will allow you to go whale watching, and look for sea lions and bald eagles. This is a small quaint town that really lets you feel what Alaska is all about.

You will fly into Anchorage for departure from Seward, Alaska. Try to stay a few days to explore the riches Anchorage has to offer. There is the beautiful Denali National Park, where Mt. McKinney offers spectacular scenery. In Seward you can take a cruise to the Kenai Fjords as a day trip.

Any of these cruise ports will make a great start for your cruise vacation. So when planning any cruise travel pick a port that's close to home and leave some time for exploring the town of embarkation.

Happy Cruising

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com Penny Blog64047
Prisca Blog31116
          

Discover How Cheap Travel Agents Can Save Your Time And Money

It used to be the case that cheap travel agents were a sort of oxymoron. People paid a premium to get their vacations and business trips booked by someone else with little or no disturbance. Since the advent of the internet, all that has changed.

Travel agents have had to lower their prices and fees to compete with the internet. Most people who can afford vacations or go on business trips also have access to the internet. There are many sites on the internet that allow a person the ability to quickly and easily make all their own travel arrangements.

In addition, airlines and hotels have upped the prices they charge travel agents because the airlines and the hotel companies want people to book directly through their own places. Because of these factors, travel agencies have had to lower their prices considerably in order to compete, resulting in cheap travel agents.

Just because there is a excess of cheap travel agents doesnt mean that the quality is any less than it used to be. Indeed, many cheap travel agents, in addition to lower prices, offer many more services than they used to in order to attract and keep more business.

For example, cheap travel agents may book activities for you. If you are going on a tropical vacation, they can book scuba lessons. If you are going skiing, they can arrange a deal on your raise tickets.

Furthermore, cheap travel agents still have access to all sorts of valuable information that you may not have on the internet. For example, cheap travel agents still know which companies are trustworthy and which have had problems.

They are also sources of invaluable information such as local customs, if you are traveling abroad, weather, and information on food and water quality. They can offer personal insight into the area you are traveling to which you might not be able to find in an online search.

Cheap travel agents not only offer these services, they also do all the groundwork for you. Basically, you decide what you want and the travel agent makes it happen. If you want the best price on an airline or hotel, you may have to go to many different sites to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Even cheap travel agents have the best prices and the best deals right at their fingertips. This could save you a lot of time and some money in addition to trying to keep track of which websites had the best deals and the constantly changeable prices that seem to accompany hotel and airplane ticket prices.

If you dont have the time or the leaning to read carefully various websites looking for airfare or hotel deals, consider using the services of a trustworthy and cheap travel agent.

Tavis J. Cooper provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for http://www.the-traveller-directory.com, http://www.travellers-guidebook.com and other related issues.Paolina Blog97698
Pippa Blog28395
          

How To Choose An Air Conditioning Contractor

Looking for a good air conditioning contractor? First rule is: take your time! It will take some time and research to find a good air conditioning contractor, but it will be worth it. You want your contractor to be knowledgeable enough to offer a good range of products to choose from... and be able to answer any of your questions fully and professionally.

The majority of air conditioning manufacturers offer a range of products, and many of the manufacturers build their parts with the same parts, so get at least three quotes from similar contractors. Beware of bids that are too low, because those dollars are likely to be cut out somewhere, maybe with bad installation or design.

Of course, there are many air conditioning contractors out there who claim to do the best job, but only a few are actually skilled in the profession. Research the local market and get a good idea of the different products that are out there. Discuss it with your neighbors and friends and see if they can recommend anyone, but then follow it up by doing your own investigating.

Most importantly, find out how long they've been in business and get references. Then, compare the contractors' quotes for capacity and quality equipment. Also, know what kind of air conditioning you want before you sign a deal with any contractor. Sounds obvious, but if you have a clear idea of what's available and what you want, you're in a much stronger bargaining position with the contractor.

Some things to think about when seeking out a contractor is whether you choose a smaller or larger business. Smaller contractors often charge less for labor and will fix your unit at a minimal cost, while larger companies tend to have more employees on staff and often work 24 hours a day. Finally, think about after the air conditioner is installed.

After you've made your choice, you want to be sure to get a signed contract and warranty statement in order to see that what needs to be done is completed. Then, ask for a completed start-up report after the unit is installed. Most manufacturers provide a commissioning check list with that important equipment information.

Christine Loxley writes for http://www.airconditionerworld.com a site about http://www.airconditionerworld.com/airconwords/index.html and http://www.airconditionerworld.com/air.conditioner.types/index.htmlPacifica Blog80793
Ramonda Blog9002
          

Planning Your Trip to Europe

Plan Ahead for Travel to Europe

A few tips that could help you are:

1. Plan sooner, not later. Now is the time to get the best prices, the best seats, and the best schedules. Delays limit your options. Check out promotional offers through airlines and travel agencies and remember to use those frequent flier miles!

2. Get necessary documents ready. Make sure your passport is current. Find out if any countries on your itinerary require a visa for entry. For those that do, request visas well in advance of the trip to avoid last-minute delays. Bring copies of your birth certificate, immunization records, and driver's license. They aren't required in most European countries, but they will help to identify you if your wallet or passport are lost or stolen.

3. Go to the doc for an exam. Ask if there are any areas of Europe under any kind of health alert. Bring your records, prescriptions, and immunizations up-to-date. Get instructions for any chronic ailments that may be problematic. See your pharmacist to assure you have sufficient quantities of medications for the trip as getting refills in Europe could prove difficult.

4. When planning your Europe itinerary, get complete information about hours of operation for sites or departure and arrival times for tours and transportation. Get information on currency exchange rates, what common terms would be useful to recognize in the languages of the countries you're visiting, locate maps of the areas you're travelling in, and any other information you feel you need to insure an efficient and satisfying trip. You may want to get a book or two from the library about the countries you'll be seeing. Getting a recording for language study is also a good idea. Like everything else suggested here, do these things long before you depart for Europe.

Europe is a great place to visit. There is a lot of living history and tradition that is waiting to be experienced by you. Do the hard work now so you can take it easy later when you're supposed to!

Finding discount prices on European vacations.

Imagine saving 30%-40% in airfare expenses as you get ready to travel to an exciting, exotic location. How exciting would that be? Inexpensive European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel can be found if you're willing to do just a little research. You don't have to be an expert at hunting down the most discount airfare, just spend a little time comparing departure dates and times. European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel and traveling overseas is an activity that more and more people are engaging in these days, and, believe me, you can find some incredible bargains on the internet.

If you're schedule is flexible, you'll find Fantastic prices on European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel.

For example, when traveling to London England, you'll save a lot of money if you can go before June and after September. The summer months are the busiest. But, if you search for European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel during the shoulder or off-season, you'll find some cheap flights that will save you a lot of money. Why give that money to the airlines when you can use it for sightseeing or eating in nicer restaurants? When traveling overseas be sure to allow plenty of time to obtain your passport. In addition, international travel will usually require longer check-in times at the airports. You'll need to pass through customs when you arrive at your foreign destination and you'll need to do it again when returning back to the U.S.

Spend a little time doing some research on the internet and you'll be very excited with the great European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel prices offered. You'll be in control of how much you pay and that'll make your vacation that much better.

Jacky Uy writes for http://www.cheapairfareguide.info where you can find out more about cheap airfare guides and other topics.Paula Blog31522
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