Give Your Auto TLC, It’s Fall Car Care Month

Author: Joe Thompson
Source: articleage.com

October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance. This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the car’s old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and components checked or get the car properly serviced by a mechanic.
Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles, especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of time. As early as now, work on your car’s problems, even the minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and stress-free.
By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield, trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might break as you drive through bumpy roads.
Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping, Honda weatherstripping, Ford weatherstripping, Chevy weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match your car’s original parts.
Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long years of using your car’s original lights, you would need to replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store features great variety of lights including high quality and stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.
The fog lights are very important during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning, you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you. Your headlights when used in circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous since they emit stronger light that produces glare.
Keep your car wheels including the tires at their best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on the car’s air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the original auto parts, don’t hesitate replacing it. Spending some extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn’t a bad idea especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.
Check out Auto Parts Wholesale’s featured premium quality replacement auto parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.
Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No matter how tough its original parts are, you can’t expect them to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don’t maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance and driving abilities.
Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

Good Tenants – Learn Twelve Ways Landlords Keep Them

Author: D. Maurice
Source: articleage.com

Happy, Long-term Good Tenants Paying On Time

How to Create a Win-Win Relationship for the Both of You!

After you’ve found your tenants, how do you keep them? Establish a friendly, pleasant, business-like relationship with your tenants, so they’ll want to renew again each year. By using one or a few ideas below, you will learn how to keep good tenants. The following are some suggestions that apply to residential landlords, landladies, and property managers.
1. Move-in Gifts

Move-in gifts are a nice way to welcome your new tenants. Place these gifts in the apartment with a red bow on them before the tenant moves in. A (plumber’s) plunger and a garbage disposal wrench, known as an Allen wrench, can work wonders for your tenants. Simple idea, right? These small, practical gift items will come in handy when the plumbing backs up or the garbage disposal stops working. Often overlooked, these items are not something people think of, but these move-in gifts will save you time and money with fewer maintenance trips.
2. Welcoming Gifts

A welcome gift establishes a positive relationship with your good tenants. Present the gift after the first eight to twelve weeks of tenancy. As always, make sure the tenant(s) rent is current before presenting your welcome gift. This effective gesture shows the good tenant(s) you are a thoughtful landlord. A few examples of some welcome gifts are:

Hanging flower baskets of petunias;
Small potted flowering plants such as pansies; or,
Small fruit baskets from your local grocery store.
Present your gift in person. These inexpensive gifts will surprise your tenant(s). And go along way towards building goodwill. This is also a good time to do a quick “look around” inspection. This way you can determine if the tenant is keeping the apartment clean.
Also, take this opportunity to observe any unauthorized move-ins (e.g., a person or pet.) If there was, then politely address the issue immediately. Mail a written letter of notification acknowledging the unauthorized move-in. A copy of the lease should also be mailed to the tenant. Anyways, you will be able to address concerns while you’re there, creating a win-win relationship.
3. Renewal Gifts

Renewal gifts are small reward items of appreciation you may wish to provide to your tenant(s). A small incentive goes a long way. And you’re creating a positive relationship between yourself and the tenant. Here are the benefits of lease renewal:

You don’t have to advertise for another good tenant;
You don’t have to screen calls;
You don’t have to show the apartment only to wait for no-shows;
You don’t have to build a new relationship with a new tenant; and
You don’t have to educate new tenants about your do’s and don’ts.
Renewable gift suggestions:

A gift certificate to a local restaurant;
A bouquet of fresh cut flowers; or
A special gift certificate from a local supermarket or gardening supply center
These renewable gifts range from $25 to $50. This amount depends on your budget. And, continues to build a positive relationship with your good tenants. Presenting a renewal gift in person demonstrates a caring attitude about your tenant(s).
4. Holidays

Holidays are a great time to acknowledge your good tenant(s). There are a number of holidays to choose from and depending on your time, schedule, and workload this is a personal choice. Generally, a trouble-free idea is to send a non-denominational holiday greeting card, letting your tenant(s) know you’re thinking of them.
Alternatively, such as a week before Thanksgiving, purchase a turkey as a gift, along with one you buy for your own family. This provides the tenant(s) with a nice Thanksgiving meal while saving you time and money. Either way you’re creating another win-win relationship with your good tenants.
5. Emergencies

Communication and some well-established rules are vital. Let your tenants know your property management schedule. For example, calls regarding minor problems, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the week, excluding Sundays. Educating your tenants early is a necessity for your peace of mind. Following are examples of some real life non-medical emergencies.
It’s 9:00 p.m. on a New England Thursday evening. The winds are strong and it’s snowing lightly. The temperature has reached 30 degrees below zero. The phone rings and our tenants are complaining they have no heat. Quickly, a call is made to the oil company. The oil delivery is made and this remedies the situation. The landlord follows-up to make sure everything is o.k. Our tenants know even with freezing temperatures, we do care and act immediately.
Here’s another example, one of our tenants’ decided to use the laundry facility in one of our empty units. We approved her authorization to do laundry. While she was there, she discovered water spraying from underneath the bathroom sink. Already, two inches of water had accumulated. The bathroom and most of the surrounding kitchen is drenched. She called in a panic. “The water is spewing from underneath the bathroom sink,” she says. I was unsure what to do. I called my best friend, my husband, and he remedied the problem within two hours. The tenant did not have to call about this emergency. She chose to, demonstrating the importance of good, strong relationships with your good tenants.
6. Maintenance

Your property rental maintenance system will increase your real estate value and cash flow. Hence, you will be able to charge a little more rent for the up keep. When you’re scheduling maintenance projects for the year, make a checklist. Your checklist should include preventative maintenance; cosmetic, simple upgrades, and tenant renewals. Below are some simple guidelines for an effective property maintenance system.
Preventative:

Replace the leaky toilet system;
Replace worn out faucets;
Replace a run-down refrigerator;
Replace an unsafe stove;
Replace a leaky roof;
Replace inefficient or a potentially harmful furnace;
Schedule pest control care;
Seal cracks to prevent loss of heat or pest intrusion;
Clean or check the filter in gas heaters;
Check air conditioning unit for efficiency.
Cosmetic:

Cutting, trimming trees, flowers, etc.;
Landscaping – for example, add crushed stone around the building for extra drainage;
Painting – freshen up trim, walls, ceilings, floors, railings, lattices, and so forth;
“Curb appeal;” planting flowers and shrubs, lightly washing the outside of the building.
Upgrades:

Replace old, worn out carpet;
Replace or install new floors;
Add ceiling fan(s) to provide extra comfort during summer months;
Add a microwave.
Renewed tenants:

Repaint walls, moldings, casings, ceilings;
Provide new window screens;
For more ideas, see the long-term tenants of 3 years or more section 10 below.
7. Drive-by or Walk-around Property Inspections

Throughout the winter months, you should drive-by your property every two months. Particularly if you don’t live nearby. Other areas without snowy winters may require more or less property attention. During your drive-bys or walk-around inspections, look for obstructions on the front porch, on the deck or the entranceway.
And depending on your geographic location, pay attention to the condition of the property’s lawn, flowers, and shrubs. In the spring, summer and fall a monthly drive-by or walk-around is sufficient. Below is a list of items to check:

Bees nest – If it’s small and you know you can remove it safely then do so. The best time to remove a bee’s nest is in the morning. It’s cold and the bees are not flying in and out as much. If you’re unsure ask the person at the local hardware store for help. Pick up a can of bee spray eradicator while you’re there. However, a professional pest control company is the easiest solution to remove the nest safely.
Clutter on the front and back porches or decks;
Water to the outside hose is turned off;
Lawn is mowed;
Do you need to paint the exterior of the house, steps, fire escape, garage, etc.?
Do you need to tar or replace the drive way or roof?
Observe any illegal or excessive activity by the tenants. Are people going in and out of the property to frequently?
If the tenant happens to be outside ask if they have any concerns or requests.
8. Walk through Inspections

Property inspections are a positive way to build strong relationships with your good tenants. Tenants who call with small problems are often viewed as pesky tenants. However, inspections performed quarterly or bi-annually will likely make your tenants more comfortable. Good tenants prefer telling you their maintenance problems in person rather than over the phone. You can also correct most tenant problems immediately.
9. Death in the Family

Acknowledging a good tenants loss is a courteous and warm gesture. Send the tenant(s) a sympathy card, a bouquet of flowers, or a catered platter of food. This goes a long way towards building a long-lasting relationship with your tenant(s).
10. Long-term Tenants of Three Years or More
If you have developed a positive, respectful relationship with your tenant and they renew their lease, than consider their renewal a job well done on your part. Tenants who renew and have been in good standing with you over the last few years will appreciate some updated interior features. Below are a few ideas to make your tenant feel good while increasing your property’s value at the same time.

Install new carpeting;
Paint walls, casings, or ceilings;
Add a used dishwasher or replace the existing one;
Add a paper towel holder;
Add a garbage disposal or replace the existing one;
Provide new screens;
Provide new light fixtures;
Provide a new medicine cabinet; or
Provide a new toilet seat.
11. Good Tenants Recommending Other Possible Tenants

Good tenants will gladly recommend other tenants because the new tenants will become their neighbors. Besides, your property is the tenant’s home and they are more apt to suggest helpful, pleasant, compatible neighbors. In addition, establishing a finder’s fee program is an excellent incentive to encourage your tenants to introduce you to responsible, prospective renters allowing you to minimize your advertising costs and the hassles related to finding new renters, while potentially signing on another good tenant.
Certainly, any finder’s fee program should be in writing, and possibly reviewed by your attorney, so that both the landlord and tenant understand how the program works, specifically how and when fees are to be paid. Retaining good tenants could create an endless pipeline of prospective tenants for you by your tenant’s word of mouth rather than employing traditional, cost-prohibitive methods.
One warning: The same due diligence should be followed with any tenants referred to you by tenants presently renting from you so that you don’t run into problems later on.
12. Provide your good tenant(s) an Information For Your Apartment Form

The Information For Your Apartment Form is important when you or your property manager cannot be reached. Below is a list of subjects the form should include:

Window areas;

Appliances;

Heat;

Air conditioning unit;

Security;

Plumbing;

Electrical;

Floors;

Rubbish;

Walls and ceilings;

Miscellaneous;

Emergency phone numbers;

Contact manager information.

You can view, the complete form at http://www.my-real-estate-software.com/apartment.html, so you can keep your good tenants happy and prevent those annoying middle of the night phone calls!
As you begin to integrate these suggestions into the management of your property or properties, you’ll learn how to keep good tenants. When you respect, train, and show some generosity you will create a win-win relationship for the both of you that can last over twenty years or more. Good luck and happy managing!
Article by D. Maurice. D. Maurice is the Webmaster of real estate software, my-real-estate-software.com, a resource of Professional real estate Software for the Property Rental Manager, Landlord, Investor, Realtor. Real estate software used to Acquire It, Manage It, Market It, and Maximize PROFITS! Please visit her site for more free tips and software used to build your real estate portfolio.

UAV Acoustic Apparatus for Insect Swarming Stimulus, part two

Author: Lance Winslow
Source: articleage.com

UAV Acoustic Apparatus for Insect Swarming Stimulus, part two; Using Locust swarms to attack our enemies using directional sound to guide them.
These plagues and swarms seem to occur randomly, although we do know the migrations are due to over population in an area. These palgues have been documented since the times of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs as well recent times: 1926-1934, 1940-1948, 1949-1963, 1967-1969 and 1986-1989. Our research will also help controlling run away locust problems and calm down such plagues, which threaten to severely hurt the World’s food supply at a time when humans are pushing new unknown problems of massive population increases, ways to catch (using sound containment techniques) the high in protein locusts may also re-supply food in times of such crop and agricultural losses. Locusts during times of plagues can devastate more than 20% of the surface of the planet, so the threat and unknown the enemy will face will be truly extra ordinary. Such events could effect 12-15% of the World’ population’s jobs and 25% of the populations food supply as well as change balances of trade. This is one reason the locusts are so feared by populations.
Since these insects already exist in regions where we have potential adversaries to our political will, we can use the native insects to our advantage in case of war.
The desert locust is a good species for this project since generally they live for about 3-6 months, which varies based on Weather and Ecological conditions of the region. This means we can keep them happy and contained until needed. The Acridoidea, has a 3-stage life cycle; Egg, Hopper, Adult. The eggs hatch in two weeks generally although it has also been documented that the period could increase to as high as 65 days. Hoppers develop in many stages over a month and a half. The adults mature in about three to nine months. Generally a time period of 2-4 months is considered average. This is clearly a remarkable species with some very positive attributes for controlling in times of non-war. To build these insects and genetically modify them to fit this need, should be a simple issue of finding the exact set of specimens in the species and breed them. The female Acridoidea will lay eggs in pods and in sand about a half inch to one inch deep. A solitary female will lay 95-160 eggs, gregarious female will lay less than 80 eggs in a pod. Generally these females will lay eggs three times during their lifecycle, not more less than 6 to 12 days apart. Reproduction conditions for breeding are simple enough and can easily be controlled. Moist sand or clay in an open area and green vegetation for hopper development, all of this is easily controllable. This means we can easily breed massive numbers quickly. Up to 1000 egg pods have been found in a square yard in the wild. With pancaked stacked five-inch thick racks we could grow millions inside a cargo container and feed them grass clippings to keep them happy until we need them. We can pour in agricultural bio waste and collect the methane gas for power. The adult desert locust eats about 2 grams per day. A small swarm such as the special teams to disrupt the enemy that we are considering is about one ton of locusts and would eat about the same amount in weight as 2500 people, so they are not completely free soldiers, but once you drop them on your enemy, even if you lose control of them, it is no longer your problem. These cargo containers can be parachuted in 260 miles from the target and guided in by UAVs with sonic guidance equipment to steer these locusts to the designated point. Desert Locusts will fly at speeds of 10 mph to 13 mph, the swarms can travel up to 80 miles per day, Locusts have been known to cross the red sea in swarms (about 180 miles). There is a documented case where swarm migrations in 1954 went from North-West Africa to the British Isles. In one documented case the insects went from West Africa to the Caribbean in about ten days in 1988, 5000 km. Solitary Desert Locusts fly at night and the gregarious adults in swarms fly during the daylight times. With such distances this insect seems to be natures perfect secret weapon.
Once we prove concept on a smaller scale we maybe able to figure out how to tap into the species full potential as these swarms can vary from 2 square miles to 600 square miles. There can be 25 million to 50 million adult locusts per square mile, eating anything in the path, by focusing such swarms you could overwhelm you enemy within a day.
Another advantage to the Desert Locust as a secret weapon is they can transverse large remote areas without detection, without setting off land mines, cannot be shot down and even if the UAVs are taken out, the locusts naturally will serve your political will as they are quite disruptive creatures). In wartime we often have to deal with less than ideal situations such as the remoteness and difficult access to a region, for instance the mountainous regions where Osama Bin Laden is. As we have learned in the last conflicts of the past many decades we had to attack and deliver our forces through undeveloped areas with few if any roads, communication, water, food. By adding this to our arsenal of battle plans, we have another way to disrupt our enemy without being any where close to them and something that no one would possibly ever expect.
To get locusts to swarm is really easy, they change behavior when they are in tight density as the population in an area swells they take to travel, becoming highly mobile. They typically act as an individual insect, but have swarming capabilities and behavior patterns as well, so by increasing the populations they will have swarming innate characteristics. The locusts even begin to change colors going from brown to pink or yellow. The are the younger and the yellow are the adults. At one time these different colors were thought to be different species and if you look at some of the older encyclopedias you will still see that mistake. We will also after proving concept use these sound devices to help us control mammals such as rats along an intended path.
Another interesting experiment we wish to try is to use a nano-covered mini-blimp, which will move relatively slow and can and will be able to stay with slow moving surface mammals.
We have been studying the different frequencies that farmers use to control pests. There are many organic thinking farmers who are trying to reduce pesticides and use sound instead. One interesting program is in Washington State in Yakima where apple growers have been highly successful in keeping insects from the trees.
Secondary considerations on disrupting an enemy’s facility using insects and UAV combinations in include creating electro-magnetic interference using phase shift currents on alternating current systems. It may is possible to send in an interference to a facility which attracts bugs and insects to the facility. Such a device could easily be delivered with a single mission small UAV. The Germans have several studies on the concept of acoustics in insect control. Several of the white papers we have read include use of advanced ceramic ultrasonic acoustic transducers and related technologies which can be incorporated into a dual use single mission UAV which would land on or around the roof of a facility or it’s partially exposed wiring system, air conditioning vents or air inlets. Imagine an enemy trying to use a communication station, anti-aircraft facility or command and control center being inundated with thousands of insects. Once the batteries run out in the UAVs system, the insects will slowly depart for greener and more innately desirable targets.
UAVs using ceramic piezo sirens and the relative wind from forward momentum we can reduce the power needs, which will end up using the batteries needed to propel the electric UAVs. We believe that with simple off the shelf whistles and devices drawing little or no battery energy, we can lay down tracks of sound directed to specific points to create sound barriers to control and direct insects in flight.
In conclusion we can show how using flying insects to disrupt the enemy will prove more than effective as it will be completely unexpected and cause absolute chaos and havoc at a time and place of our choosing.
“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Give Your Auto TLC, It’s Fall Car Care Month

Author: Joe Thompsom
Source: articleage.com

October has been designated as the Fall Car Care Month by the
Car Care Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to
educating motorists about proper vehicle care and maintenance.
This time of the year is perfect time to prepare for the
approaching winter months, that is, to repair or replace the
car’s old and worn out auto parts, have all its systems and
components checked or get the car properly serviced by a
mechanic.

Fall and winter months are the harshest months for vehicles,
especially those hard to maintain automobiles; thus, you need to
give your vehicle extra care during these months. Why wait for
those agonizing months when you can keep your auto fit ahead of
time. As early as now, work on your car’s problems, even the
minor ones. Simple things like weatherstripping your windows for
example can make your ride a lot more comfortable and
stress-free.

By means of weatherstripping the windows, doors, windshield,
trunk and other parts of your auto, you are not only making your
car air and watertight but safer as well. Small wholes and gaps
on the window frames cause the glass to rattle, which is
annoying and risky at the same time because the glass might
break as you drive through bumpy roads.

Find premium quality Toyota weatherstripping,
Honda weatherstripping,
Ford weatherstripping, Chevy
weatherstripping and more from Auto Parts Wholesale. This store also offers great
choices of replacement and aftermarket auto parts made to match
your car’s original parts.

Another way to prepare your auto is by making sure that all your
lights are working and are properly aimed. Of course after long
years of using your car’s original lights, you would need to
replace them as well. Be sure to install high quality and
durable auto lights. You can go to Auto Parts Wholesale for these lights. This store
features great variety of lights including high quality and
stylish Toyota headlights, Dodge fog lights, and Honda taillights.

The fog lights are very important
during fall and winter seasons because these lights provide low
illumination that helps you pass through thick fog, snow and
rain. They are specially designed to keep you safe while driving
through the worst weather conditions. Especially if you are
driving in mountainous areas at night and early in the morning,
you need quality fog lights to illuminate the road ahead of you.
Your headlights when used in
circumstances such as this might be futile or worse, dangerous
since they emit stronger light that produces glare.

Keep your car wheels including the tires at their
best condition. Make sure that that the tires are properly
inflated to avoid misfortunes on the road. Likewise, check on
the car’s air conditioning, heat, exhaust, cooling, starting and
electrical systems. Should you need replacement for any of the
original auto parts, don’t hesitate replacing it. Spending some
extra cash for new replacement auto parts isn’t a bad idea
especially if your safety, comfort and convenience are at stake.

Check out the store’s featured premium quality replacement auto
parts including Ford a/c condenser, Nissan Alloy wheels, BMW mirror, Jeep engine parts
and thousands of other GMC parts, Volvo parts, Honda parts and Toyota parts.

Your car must be an extension of yourself so take care of it. No
matter how tough its original parts are, you can’t expect them
to work perfectly right in worst driving situations if you don’t
maintain them properly. Give your car the most tender love and
care it deserves now before winter comes to test its endurance
and driving abilities.

17 Sure Fire Tips for a Successful Open House

Author: Andrew L
Source: articleage.com

The Sunday open house is a longstanding ritual in the real
estate market, and many a home has been sold on a lazy Sunday
afternoon. When used properly, the Sunday open house can be a
great marketing tool.

The following steps will help you get the most out of your open
house and increase your chances of selling your home for the
price you want.

* Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house.
Discuss all the various details about what is involved in an
open house. While many home sellers are comfortable with an open
house, others are not. If you choose not to host an open house,
there are other ways to sell your home.

* Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house.
For instance,if you belong to any special groups or
organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the
members. For instance, the local garden club may be very
interested in attending an open house that includes a beautiful
outdoor garden.

* The day before the open house, be certain to go through the
entire home with the real estate agent. Take careful notes and
follow all of his or her recommendations.

* Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the
condition of your home prior to the open house. Remember that
your real estate agent is trying to make your home more
appealing to potential buyers, not criticizing your decorating
style or choice of accessories.

* Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open
house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose
stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like. It is
important that guests see a home that is in immaculate condition.

* Ask the real estate agent to create a professional looking
sign in sheet for all visitors. It is important to get the name
and phone number of all attendees to the open house.

* Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house.
This will allow the agent to negotiate the price on the spot if
a good prospect attends the open house.

* The owner of the property should keep as low a profile as
possible during the open house. If using an agent, it is
important to let him or her take care of the open house.

* It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks
for guests at the open house. A punch bowl is also an attractive
addition.

* Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. It may be a
good idea to have a friend or family member takes care of your
pets until the open house is over.

* Don’t take any chances when it comes to medicines and money.
Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and
non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables
in the home prior to the open house.

* Never underestimate the importance of making a good first
impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the
first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is
immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well
swept and free of debris.

* Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant
odors prior to the open house. You may want to bake a fresh
batch of cookies an hour or two before the open house begins.
Not only will the aroma mask any unpleasant smells, but it will
create a warm and inviting ambiance as well.

* Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant. A home that
is too hot or too cold can make visitors uncomfortable, and lead
them to wonder about the quality of the heating and air
conditioning system.

* Play soft music in the background during the open house.
Background music helps set a good mood for your visitors.

* Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open
house. This will allow fresh air and sunshine in and help give
the impression of a larger space.

* If your home does not have plants, you may want to buy a few
before the open house. Plants can provide a warm feel and help
make guests at the open house feel more at home.

If you follow the steps outlined above, chances are your open
house will be a big success. Even if the home is not sold at the
open house the contacts gained and the word of mouth exposure
may well result in a sale.

Home Inspections – Before Signing the Contract

Author: Richard A. Lorenc
Source: articleage.com

Home Inspections – Resale Homes

The purchase of a home is for most people, the single largest
financial transaction they will make in their lifetime. When
purchasing a resale home, the home inspection process is vitally
important. Done thoroughly, it will identify items typically
deemed cosmetic, minor issues and potentially major problems
that should be considered before going forward with a purchase.

First and foremost, the time to fully consider home inspection
on a resale home purchase is before signing a sales and purchase
contract for the home. Whether using a licensed realtor or
purchasing directly from an owner, a written contract is
normally required. Within the contract, there is usually a
section specifically devoted to home inspection, financial
limits established in either absolute dollar terms or as a
percentage of purchase price. While printed and seemingly fixed,
they are subject to negotiation via an amendment to the
contract. They are meant to protect both the buyer and seller.
The buyer wishes to protect themselves from costly repairs and
the seller wishes to protect themselves from buyers requesting
repairs or replacements without regard to cost.

Once you have found the home of your dreams and before sitting
down to write a contract, do your own personal inspection
preferably with the help of your realtor and without the owner
present if possible. Set aside 30 to 60 minutes to walk through
the house and bring a notepad. Inspecting a vacant house is far
easier and quicker than a fully furnished home crammed with
belongings.

What to look for? Firstly bring your critical eye and if not
part of your nature, try to arrange someone to accompany you
that do have an eye for quality and faults. First time home
buyers are typically at a disadvantage as they just don’t know
where to even start or may minimize the magnitude of home
construction problems. Prideful, they may not want to ask their
parents for help or anyone else. However putting pride aside may
help avoid a very costly mistake downstream!

The kitchen…check for leaks under the sink; look at the
caulking around the sink and back splash; check all cabinet
doors and drawers for alignment/damage; open the dishwasher and
check for leaks and general condition; open the refrigerator and
check for general condition; check kitchen windows for fogging
and check window screens for tears or misalignment; check
flooring for broken tiles and/or cracked vinyl.

The bathrooms…check for leaks under sinks; check for caulking
around sink and back splash; check the shower/tub tile grouting
for cracks and broken tiles; check floor for cracked tiles or
lifted vinyl; check exhaust fans for excessive noise;

Other rooms…check the condition of the carpeting or flooring
looking for stains and/or damage; check for windows for fogging
and screens needing repair/replacement; check the walls for nail
pops and/or damage. Check the condition of fireplaces and wood
stoves.

Heating/Air Conditioning…check the vents in each room for any
condensation stains, check the general condition and age of the
furnace or heat pump equipment inside and outside units; check
the general condition and age of the hot water heater.

Exterior…check the age and general condition of the roof tiles
or shingles looking for damage or material breakdown; check the
condition of eaves and overhangs; check the condition of rain
spouts and gutters; check the condition of exterior walls for
cracks in stucco, damage to vinyl siding or siding
irregularities; check for any broken windows or screen damage;
check sliding glass doors and screens for damage; check
condition of driveway for cracks; check condition of sidewalks
for cracks;

Landscape…check general condition of lawn/sod; check for
presence of lawn irrigation system; check trees for general
health; check fencing for needed repairs; check for any drainage
problems; check for overgrown landscaping; tree overhangs etc.

Having done your “homework” now what? Armed with your notes, you
can sit down with your realtor and consider your cursory
findings and make a determination of the severity of what has
been found and approximate the cost to repair and/or replace
deficient items. While the homebuyer may lack experience to make
an estimate, when working with a seasoned realtor, they will or
will know where to go to get the answer.

The next step will be to divide your list into cosmetic and low
cost to repair items generally under $200; more costly
repairs/replacements generally over $500 and major
repairs/replacements generally over $1,000. With these
estimates, you can now consider what you want the seller to
repair and/or replace and place an amount into the contract for
repairs/replacement. Within an addendum, you can specify items
to be repaired/replaced both within the estimate and/or as part
of the purchase price.

Your realtor can now incorporate the repair items/costs into the
contract to be presented to the seller to accept, counter-offer
or decline. The contract should already have a home inspection
clause with provisions for a professional home inspection and
causes of action depending on the home inspection report. The
contract should also incorporate a clause that allows for
voiding the contract if the home inspection findings are
unacceptable to the buyer or the seller is unwilling or unable
to make necessary repairs or replacements. Once a contract is
accepted, then obtaining a home inspection by a reputable
inspector or Professional Engineer is the next step. Once the
report is received from the Home Inspector, findings will be
provided to the seller along with a written request for items
requiring repairs/replacement. Remember, at this stage, the
outcome will be determined by the wording and provisions already
incorporated in the contract.

Some Useful Tips for Improving your Dodge’s Fuel Economy

Author: Terry Brown
Source: articleage.com

As global oil prices continue to rise meteorically to record
levels, we have to find ways to improve our cars’ fuel economy
and save money. Especially now that drivers are doing a lot more
traveling than ever, the importance of fuel economy cannot be
over emphasized. The Environmental Protection Agency reports
that vehicle miles traveled by the average American has
increased by over 115%. This increase in miles traveled and the
present dilemma of rising fuel prices means that we are spending
more on our fuel than ever before. Thus, we have to find ways to
save money on gas and improve fuel efficiency, especially if our
vehicles are not really known for their excellent gas mileage.

There are many ways you can significantly improve the fuel
economy of your vehicle. Managing your vehicle by minimizing
operating costs on gas as well as minimizing emissions is our
goal. Here are some helpful tips you can use to help you achieve
a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle. Start by
determining your car’s actual gas mileage or your car’s miles
per gallon. If your car has poor gas mileage then it is more
important than ever to start improving your fuel economy. You
can do this by changing your driving habits. Take your time and
drive slower, instead of 60mph, try driving at 70mph. Although
it may take you longer to reach your destination, what is
important is you can save up to $5 in gas costs because of the
reduction in speed. This is because aerodynamic drag increases
as you drive faster and gas mileage deteriorates at speeds of
over 60mph.

Regular maintenance is a very effective way to improve and keep
up your car’s fuel economy. The simple reason is that a poorly
maintained car works harder; and a car that has to work harder
will definitely use up more fuel. Thus, maintenance issues such
as under inflated tires, dirty and clogged air filters, spark
plugs and fuel injectors must be resolved. Make sure that your
tires are inflated to their proper pressures. Tires that are in
good condition and properly inflated provide less road
resistance thus improving fuel. You should also check tire
pressure regularly and look out for signs of uneven wear or gas
leaks that could compromise your tire’s performance.

Another excellent way to cut your fuel costs is by planning your
vehicle use in such a way that you can combine, streamline and
consolidate your trips and reduce unnecessary travel. You should
also avoid excess idling, which is a waste of fuel. Stop your
engine if you think your car will be idle for more than 30
seconds. You can also minimize air conditioning and use your
car’s flow-through ventilation. You should also check which gas
you use, stick with the right octane gas indicated in your car’s
manual.

Have your Dodge regularly checked by your trusted auto mechanic.
Give more attention to those auto parts that are connected to
the fuel consumption of your car such as Dodge fuel tanks, Dodge
catalytic converters, Dodge gas tanks, Dodge radiators and
others. If your Dodge’s parts are either defective or is not
functioning properly then it is necessary and wise to replace
these auto parts as soon as possible. You can save more money in
the end by replacing dysfunctional parts and ensuring that
everything in your car is in tiptop shape.

However, make sure that you purchase the best Dodge Parts only from a trusted
and reliable auto parts store. Pick an auto parts supplier with
an excellent reputation in the auto parts industry. <
b>Inner Auto Parts is one of the many auto parts
wholesalers today, but stands out from the rest because it is a
reliable source of useful and relevant automotive information
and a known expert in the field of auto parts. They now have an
excellent auto parts store that offers top quality Dodge Parts
including Dodge A/C Condensers, Dodge Lights, Dodge
Weatherstripping, Dodge wheels and other major
product categories. With excellent quality, replacement Dodge
auto parts from Inner Auto Parts, you can be sure that your car
is maintained in excellent condition thereby improving its fuel
economy and helping you save money on gas.

Ten life and death to lose weight because you do not lean accounting for a few? – Weight loss, slimming – Food Industry

Author: weihua
Source: articlesbase.com

People Lose weight You also lose weight, but is not effective, that is why? If you have the following list of adverse conditions, then you should quickly look correct.

Life and death to lose weight because you do not thin the top ten accounted for a few?

1, you are not sleep very little?
Lack of sleep can reduce a regulator of body fat protein?? Leptin levels, while raising a kind of hunger for growth hormone (ghrelin) levels, the hormone stimulate food intake. Moreover, it enhances your hunger and appetite. If you think that the longer the time awake, burning more calories, you have to change their views. In fact, 65% of the calories in our body at rest consumed. Over the past 50 years, we average nightly sleep time decreased from 9 hours to about seven hours; in the same period, the average weight is increasing steadily.

You how to do? Night sleep. Goal is to sleep for eight hours, and efforts to become law. So you go to bed every night about the same time every morning to wake up in a similar time, so that your hormones will be less subject to interference.

2, at home too warm? When the weather is cold, our bodies use the calories to stay warm. Therefore, there is central heating and air-conditioned places, consume less calories, weight easy to increase. How can you do? The controlled use of central heating equipment. If you feel cold, try to use sports to make their own warm up.

3, it is you use the medicine?
Some drugs and weight gain are related. Oral contraceptives cause weight will be increased. Antidepressants, blockers and antihistamines can also gain weight.

4, to 35 years of age you?
Women after the age of 35 is easy to increase body weight, starting from menopausal hormones and metabolism can be changed. Of calories your body needs will increase with your age change. If you drink Wine Than in the past, to reduction. Not only that it will not gain weight, it will reduce your resist snacks will power.

5, because your genes do? Studies have shown that body mass index (BMI) may have a great relationship with the genetic. With both men and women tend to marry their similar body, does this mean? If your mother overweight, you still may have an overweight father. As recognized its easy to get fat, you can remain vigilant, not to this to happen. Eat low-fat food and often weighed, be careful not to gain weight.

6, are you depressed? Study showed that men with depression, will lose weight, and depression of women will fatten. We all know that happy feeling of life satisfaction and gives us the motivation to lose weight, and then stay slim; and depressed when we would not have the same willpower to health Diet Placed first in our daily affairs of men. Whenever possible, better not to use antidepressants. If you are feeling severely depressed, run to the hospital bar. Probably you need to talk with counselors.

7, the blame pollutants it? Pesticides and some Plastic Products of synthetic chemicals into our food chain is an indisputable fact that these chemicals disrupt hormones, inhibiting their capacity to control body fat. Eat Organic Food , The best fruits and vegetables can be peeled peeled, and to limit the daily diet the intake of chemicals and additives.

8, you “hypothyroidism”? Hypothyroidism referred to as “hypothyroidism” by the (various causes) of thyroid hormone deficiency caused by an endocrine disease. If you got “hypothyroidism”, the body consumes as many calories as before, the result is of course weight gain. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, hair loss, fatigue and joint pain. To the hospital for blood test for your thyroid hormone levels in it.

9, you have food allergies? Food allergy can cause weight gain if not conclusive, but some scientists believe may be. One theory is that people who have food allergies more gastrointestinal permeability, allowing more undigested food through. Food diary to note down and record your symptoms. If you have food allergies, most will appear as stomach bloating, headaches, or irritable colon syndrome, etc., have to go to hospital for gastroenterology or allergy clinic.

10, you are suffering from polycystic ovarian disease?

With polycystic ovary syndrome in women with ovarian increased, above a number of small vesicles are often long. Women with this disease 40% weight gain, other symptoms include acne, excess body hair, menopause and pregnancy difficulties. If you suspect they are suffering from polycystic ovaries, ask doctors to help you do a scan.

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Appliance coating and electroplating sectors: energy saving preventive measure

Author: dpdo
Source: articlesbase.com

“Household appliance manufacturing process no gas and solid waste emissions, and only a small number of production processes of water pollution. In contrast, focus on energy saving household appliances industry is not in the production process, but in the product.” Accepting ” Electric “when reporters talk about the appliance’s energy saving production process, the Chinese Household Electrical Appliances Association vice chairman and secretary general Jiang Feng said.
However, in the national “energy conservation” policy, under pressure, especially the State Department in 2007 in the “unit GDP energy consumption monitoring system for implementation of the proposal” put forward, on the annual energy consumption of more than 10,000 tons of standard coal enterprises focused monitoring, home appliances manufacturing sectors of energy production and capacity of sewage problems began to receive attention.
Reduce emissions at source
January 1, 2008, the State Council presided over for the China Pollution Source Census has officially begun, including the inspection of industrial enterprises is the core content. To ensure the smooth development of the census, in September 2007, China Household Electrical Appliances Association by the authorities entrusted with the discharge coefficient of household appliances refrigeration industry accounting of production.
According to “appliances” to report, the accounting work, in fact, home appliance industry is the state investigation of the sewage situation. China Household Electrical Appliances Association official said: “The future is likely to introduce specific measures for emission reduction, household electrical appliance enterprises must pay attention to business and emission reduction.”
According to a comprehensive home appliance manufacturer person in charge of Energy Department, there are air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, freezers and other products, production processes are the main pollutants emitted in the spray part skim phosphoric. Such as refrigerator production in the spray tank shell surface pre-treatment processes, air-conditioning outdoor unit casing before spraying the surface of the sewage treatment processes is the main process. Refrigerators, air-conditioning in the phosphate treated coating operations, using the electrostatic spraying process, its use is the main component of the solid powder of pure polyester powder, which does not contain organic solvents in solid powder, it need not be dispersed organic solvent medium, in the spraying does not produce organic waste, only a small amount of powder generated during the coating of dust, but recovered after the discharge may reach the national standard.
Million and the market told the Minister Xu Weiguo, “electrical” reporters, kitchen appliances in the production process, mainly in two areas spraying and electroplating emissions of harmful substances, which emit in the course of a number of spray containing acid, alkali and heavy metal ions water, in the electroplating process, will be discharged with organic matter, including cadmium, nickel, lead and heavy metals, including sewage.
“Household appliance manufacturing wastewater generated in the process method of phosphorus removal by chemical coagulation and other contaminants, into the municipal pipe network system. Some smaller appliances machine companies are outsourcing part of spraying in the specialized processing treatment, only to assemble products, household electrical appliance enterprises assembly process therefore does not exist in the emission of pollutants. In addition, many large enterprises have passed the ISO14000 environment management system certification in handling hazardous substances are regulated and so long . “said the head of a household electrical appliance enterprises.
Main controls
At the same time, local governments have also launched energy-saving emission reduction for enterprise implementation. A home appliance enterprises in Guangdong to the “electrical” journalists from the local government issued a “save thousands of self-examination and evaluation of corporate responsibility for energy-saving goal scoring table”, according to the requirements of the table, companies need to develop energy conservation plans, if at the end of maturity not achieve the promised targets will be subject to certain penalties.
This situation is the production process management and technological innovation has put forward new demands. According to “appliances” to report, Haier washing powder production line was the traditional method, will result in waste and inefficient powder. Haier powder line transformed into “kangaroo dusting” laws, not only reduced the amount of angle plate spray, powder box also improves the efficiency. Reduce the amount of the monthly board spray angle 200kg, saving costs 2,800 yuan; powder efficiency, daily more than 700 cabinet spray, cost-saving 60 thousand yuan per month.
“Electric” This reporter noted that the current household electrical appliance enterprises when new factories and production lines have great attention to energy saving design. Beijing Embraco Snowflake Compressor Co., Ltd. The new plant construction, the 400,000 U.S. dollars into building the two sewage treatment plant (industrial wastewater and domestic sewage), 50% of the wastewater reuse has been achieved (the green area of the factory All irrigation water comes from water reuse). Hailigufen Nanchang plant construction in its plan, the proposed construction of “green factory.” For example, in architectural design to consider rainwater harvesting, recycling of industrial water and waste heat production, natural light and efficient use of solar energy in daily life, also has been incorporated into the design plan.
In fact, many energy-saving home appliances business in the past few years has made some progress. “Haier Group in 2006, through the Division of cleaner production, formation cost 51.15 million yuan in annual emission reduction waste water 150,000 tons, the annual emission reduction COD (chemical oxygen demand) 327 tonnes.” Yang Mian Mian, president of Haier Group said recently.
Matsushita Wanbao (Guangzhou) Compressor Co., Ltd. introduced by reduction of lead and nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide emissions and iron recycling activities, improve the comprehensive utilization of plant energy efficiency, water efficiency, emissions and other pollutants.
HaiLi limited liability Company, General Manager Chen Jianfang proudly said: “Shanghai Hitachi present value of GDP energy consumption is 137kg million standard coal, far below the industry average level of China.”

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Passenger Bus – What You Need to Know

Author: Umar Hayat
Source: articlesbase.com

With the design of the passenger bus, individuals had an option on traveling across town or across country. The bus was designed to seat many individuals and in essence, these passengers would split the cost of traveling. This was a major benefit to those individuals that did not own any other form of transportation or did not want to use their own vehicle for a variety of reasons. Traveling by bus is a safe and cheap alternative to any other form of passenger transport.
Bus tickets can be much cheaper than an airplane or even train ticket. The one draw back to bus travel is that it does tend to take more time to arrive at your final destination than any other form of passenger travel. The benefit of traveling by bus is the scenic travel that you will pass along the way and the variety of people you will be able to meet.
The passenger bus has undergone many design changes throughout the years. The early buses were much smaller due to the smaller, less powerful engines that were produced at the time. Many of the comforts that we have come to appreciate, such as air conditioning, were not present in the early buses. Inside bathrooms were also not available. The early buses were a simple get-you-where-you’re-going vehicle that was more of a “tool” than a vehicle. Even without these comforts, the early buses were very popular with the population.
Still just as popular today, the double-decker bus that has become well-known throughout Europe, is still going strong. Mostly seen in city travels, open-top double-decker buses have fast become the meeting place of many groups and individuals.
Today’s buses are extremely luxurious in comparison to the earlier buses. The modern bus not only offers air conditioning and inside bathrooms, many of them even have built in television sets to further enhance your traveling experience. The air ride suspension that has been designed for the buses offers a quiet, comfortable travel. The reclining seats also are capable of allowing you to drift off to sleep while riding down the road. These amenities are only a few that are offered with today’s modern buses.
As you have read, traveling by bus has changed immensely over the years. Technology has brought to the passengers comfort, entertainment and relaxation. Indeed, traveling by bus is both an economically sound decision and a very viable safe alternative to any other form of passenger travel.

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