Archive for September, 2008

Why Are Some Guys a Disaster at Picking Up Girls?

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Just like anything else male impotence lot of what we do Ritalin this world is based upon how we think. If you are consumed with thoughts of insecurity then inevitably you exchange hosting services act in an insecure manner. Your actions will be indecisive dotnet web hosting confused.

Wherever there is choice there is confusion, if you knew exactly what to do then there would be no choice and therefore you would act with confidence. The reasons why a lot of guy’s fail with girls is due to their own lack of understanding. In the event you fail to understand yourself, then how can you be expected to understand others?

Women just like men want security and on a daily basis, they like us build walls around themselves in order to protect their interests. You know when you go into a store and somebody says, “May I help you” you automatically react by saying “No thank you”

This almost automatic reaction is in self protection, you don’t want to be sold to. The guy’s who struggle with chatting up women will take “no” at face value and walk away. On the other hand if in passing someone says hello you will generally say “hi” back.

By watching and understanding yourself you will see how you react and this will provide clues to what you are doing wrong. If you are standing in a bar with your arms folded and wondering why women don’t pay you any attention then you will continue to be alone.

On the other hand if you smile with open body language and get out there and converse you will see that you get quite a different reaction. If you say “hi” to a woman even in passing she will then start to check you out since she now gets a sense that you are open and friendly.

In conclusion people who succeed at anything take the initiative to get things done, sure they will make mistakes but they do not sit around worrying about it.

Guy’s if you are serious about getting the girl of your dreams then you need to seriously work on solid techniques to achieve your goal. If you know what a girl is thinking it is far easier to approach her.

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Can I Get Some Help Please? Is Online Tutoring an Option For You?

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Online tutoring is fast becoming an alternative for teaching and learning online, especially when Nebraska Lemon Laws asp website hosting are bound by constraints such as transportation and no available locale tutors in their area. But just want is online tutoring? Online tutoring refers to the process where knowledge and skills are imparted from automobile donations knowledge provider expert to a learner using online communications. Although it has been around for quite a while, it has seen significant grow with increasing bandwidth. Tutoring takes various forms:

1. Tutoring via email occurs when the tutor provides learning content, review information and tests, and the learner then accesses the information and reviews it at their own pace and time in their own space. Interaction is also primarily via email where feedback is provided via the same format.

2. Real-time tutoring online depends on good bandwidth and learners and tutors engage online in various activities at the same time as they would in a face-to-face classroom. The tutor and learners make use of tools such as the white board, chats, and instant messaging to transmit information back and forth. Some tutoring programs take advantage of audio and video resources. Many of these programs also allow the session to be recorded for later review if necessary.

A good online tutoring strategy may incorporate both forms of online knowledge delivery for effective and lower cost knowledge delivery. Some critics worry that a learner can get too much help from a tutor outside the classroom, but good tutors and tutoring companies guide students through the course content not give away the answers. After all, what is the point of doing well on a test but not be able to apply it in real life!

So, what features should you look for in a good online tutoring program? 1) Affordability. Is the program good value for your money? 2) Does the program include all components of learning - instructional, demonstrative, collaborative, and individual work? and 3) Does the program emphasize a good level of online refinance interest only for students and tutors?

Many programs have round the clock service with many tutors who have expertise in different areas. The services offer tutoring in many subjects for example mathematics, sciences, reading, etc. It all depends on what your individual needs is.

The demand for online educational services can be attributed to various factors which include an increase in the number of non-traditional students who do not have a lot of time to look for other resources, a more competitive educational landscape in which colleges and schools are trying harder to attract students with extra services and students’ greater familiarity with the Internet.

Unlike face-to-face tutoring where the tutor can see the expression of the learners and reiterate the content on a personal level, online tutoring requires additional preparation of course material so that it is delivered faster to the student, typing into the whiteboard. It is therefore best to look for online classes that are small so that the students get more individualized attentions when a lot of interaction is required.

Attendees are in remote locations and tutors home owners insurance quotes access to demand attention. As a result, online tutoring might be more difficult for tutoring younger children or those with little attention span unless there is additional adult presence, for example the parents, to work with the student.

As more learners become comfortable with technology, the competition for online tutoring services will continue to grow. Likewise, there is reason to believe that as online learning continues to grow, so will online tutoring.

Sophia P. is the editor of about-elearning.com/online-tutoring.html about-elearning.com/online-tutoring.html and colleges-and-careers.com colleges-and-careers.com - information and resource guides e-learning and degree programs.

Some Useful Essential Oils With Curative Properties

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Essential oils have natural healing properties that are helpful in treating common health problems. They can be safely used free insurance quotes online inhaling, massaging or in bath. Below are some useful essential oils with curative properties -

1. Marjoram

Marjoram free car insurance quote online a popular aromatic flavoring. The oil is extracted from the plant by distillation. It has a powerful head clearing aroma and an uplifting effect on the spirit. Marjoram blends very well with lemon essential oil.

Marjoram essential oil is helpful for:

1. Anxiety and depression: Inhale, use in the bath or in a vaporizer.

2. Constipation: Blend into carrier oil and massage into the abdomen to relieve spasm in the intestines.

3. Head cold: Inhale, or use to massage face and neck.

4. Insomnia: Use in the bath or inhale.

5. Muscular aches and pains: Use in carrier oil to massage the affected parts, or add to the bath.

2. Myrrh

Myrrh essential oil is produced from the resin of the myrrh tree. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times for its rejuvenating qualities and is one of the oils used for embalming.

Myrrh essential oil is helpful for:

1. Cuts and grazes: Bath the area in a solution of five drops to 2 tsp (10 ml) of cooled, boiled water.

2. Coughs: Blend into carrier oil and massage the chest and throat or inhale.

3. Mouth sell annuity payment inflamed and sore gums: Add five drops to a medium size glass of warm Company car insurance and use as a gargle several times a day.

3. Niaouli

Niaouli oil is produced by steam distillation from the leaves of the niaouli tree, which is native to New Caledonia. It is an excellent antiseptic.

Niaouli essential oil is helpful for:

1. Acne and Car insurance price quote skin: Blend in carrier oil for massage or add six drops to 1/2 pt (300 ml) of boiled water and use as a skin tonic.

2. Bronchitis, chesty cough: Inhale, or mix with a carrier oil and massage the chest.

3. Catarrh: Inhale.

4. Grazes: Dilute six drops of niaouli oil in 300 ml of boiled water - very good for removing dirt from wounds.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read the benefits of anti-aging herb natural-cure-guide.com/natural-cure/shilajit.htm Shilajit and stress relieving herb natural-cure-guide.com/natural-cure/ashwagandha.htm Ashwagandha.

Condo Hotel Buyer Tips - Condo Hotels May Be the Best Vacation Home Deal For Small Investors

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Be sure to consider all options before buying car free insurance online quote vacation home.

This article makes it easier to understand the positives and negatives of condo hotel ownership as a possible, really-makes-sense substitute for owning either an outright vacation home or a limited use timeshare.

Vacationers generally require a clean, comfortable place to sleep and a central meeting place for friends and family. The real action and fun, however, generally takes place outside the home during vacation activities. So larger living spaces do not always equate to greater vacation ownership benefits.

Condo hotels (often referred to as a “condotel̶ ;) are usually smaller sized suites located in popular resort area such as seaside, mountain side, and desert playground communities such as Las Vegas. Some condotels are also situated in downtown and University settings. Although a condotel appears to visitors to be a typical hotel, individuals have the opportunity to purchase single suites, or even a room, within the hotel. There are both new, purpose-built Condotels and conversions.

For example, in Orlando a new Condotel could be purchased Homeowner consolidation loans The Blue Rose or The Palms Hotel and Villas. Both are near major theme parks and both offer comfort and convenience. The differences are price, size, hotel star rating, feel of luxury, amenities, and ongoing operating expenses. The price today will range from about $339,000 to millions in The Blue Rose, to about $139,000 to $189,000 at The Palms Hotel and Villas. The Blue Rose is under development, will be larger and more luxurious, have a five-star rating, and have much higher operating costs related to ownership. The Palms Hotel and Villas condotel is a conversion from a Hilton brand hotel, smaller in size, three-star car insurances quote comfortable but not luxurious, and has lower operating expenses related to ownership.

In a fixed-weeks or points based timeshare, buyers purchase very limited use of a resort. Buyers of a condotel or outright vacation home own their residence outright. In both cases an owner can usually stay in it, rent it, or sell it. In some cases, however, the owners unit use may also be somewhat limited.

In condotels, in-house hotel management companies rent out the individually owned units on behalf of their owners. For this service they receive a portion of the rental income for that specific unit. Condotel owners and their renters have use of the resort’s amenities while staying there. Whether an owner can use the amenities while a renting guest is staying in their unit depends on particular condotel association rules and the condo filing documents in that state.

Owning a condotel differs from buying and managing a traditional condo or vacation home in several other respects.

Whereas typical condos are built by housing developers, condo hotels are often developed by hotel and resort companies such as The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts or Four Seasons Hotels. Condotel prices are usually substantially higher per square foot than a traditional resort condo.

The extra cost of purchase, howevr, yields some benefits. The owner has access to the in-house management home equity loan services. Management will market and rent your unit by the night or for long or short periods of time. The management company charges owners a portion of rental income (typically 40% to 60%), and handles the maintenance, room get-ready after a guest departure, grounds keeping and accounting. Management also oversees hotel amenities such as pools, sport courts, golf courses, exercise rooms, and so forth.

When buying a traditional vacation condo or single family home, an owner must hire an outside management company to market and lease the property. There may be far less flexibility in placing the vacation property in and out of a rental program. Finally, the management company may not be able to effectively market the property nationally. Hotel management companies almost always have access to Global Distribution Systems (GDS) with many important internet in-bound reservations programs from Pegasus, Sabre, and the newer Secure-Res.

Many condo hotel buyers have had past success with condotels in Florida. Florida destinations often offer high-demand tourist activities and many past buyers bought at a time when real-estate prices were appreciating. Today, appreciation appears likely in the long-term but not as rapid as the early 2000s.

A prospective condotel buyer should ask: “Does the resort area in which the hotel is located really attract tourists and result in hotel guests?”. In checking with the Orange County Visitors and Convention Bureau, the answer to this question in the Orlando area market is a big college loan consolidation Annual occupancy at all Orlando hotels averages over 60% and many resort properties near major attractions have even higher occupancy.

Ask the management company about the condotel’s REVpar, an acronym for REVenue Per Available Room. This dollar figure is the most widely used hospitality industry benchmark for judging a hotel’s gross revenue potential.

The bottom line is always about “the numbers”. Whether your budget enables the purchase of a five-star luxury condotel or a more modest three star property, check all the numbers and cross-verify information whenever possible

Condo hotels today account for less than 10% of all vacation homes in the U.S., according to the National Association of Realtors. But you may find that this form of vacation ownership between a single family vacation home and a resort timeshare is the overall best deal.

E. Lee Reid is a hospitality, travel and leisure, vacation real estate, and construction industry expert. He and his companies have successfully managed thousands of vacation resort condos at multiple resorts in North Carolina and Florida. In recent years he converted several hotels to condo hotels in the Disney World area of Central Florida. He is a widely quoted author and speaker. Reid holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis which he completed while working in Memphis for Holiday Inns of America and its founder Kemmons Wilson. Reid will complete Cornell University’s Master of Essential Hospitality Management in 2007. This rigorous hospitality management program is offered through Cornell’s world-renowned School of Hotel Administration, the only Ivy League University devoted to hospitality education excellence. After completion, Reid becomes eligible for Cornell Hotel Society membership. Reid is also a certified General Contractor, Realtor, and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) candidate. Visit E. Lee Reid at eleereid.com eleereid.com

Pocket Watches - a Short History

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Knowing the time, has long been a desire of many people. The pocket watch is only one of a number of different instruments that will satisfy the need for telling the time. We are well past the time when the position of the sun alone gave us a clue, or that hourglasses needed to be turned on the hour sell annuity payment other such devices.

The pocket watch did not come about until after many other devices were invented. The main challenge for the home remortgage inventors was accuracy, and it could only be achieved car insurance comparisons large moving parts and weights until coil springs were invented in the 16th century. These timepieces were also hand made, and only really available to the very rich. The ownership of any timepiece meant status, wealth and authority. The watches that were usually square in shape and able to be moved, were originally hung around the neck.

During the 17th century, slimmer and rounded shapes for these watches were designed. They fitted neatly into pockets of the waistcoat. Designers tried many different designs and shapes and the accuracy gradually improved. Some of the early pocket watches had alarms. The invention of the pendulum clocks also contributed to the body of knowledge needed to improve the pocket watch.

The 18th century saw a growth in technology conference call service pocket watches and a greater acceptance (and affordability) amongst less wealthy folk. Lubrication systems were developed, better materials became available and decorations were added to produce a more accurate and more wanted product.

The 19th century saw the largest growth in pocket watch sales across the world. They were now being mass produced and some authorities (like US railway companies) made them compulsory for workers. The accuracy was getting better and better and reputable manufacturers provided a certificate (for accuracy) with each pocket watch. Mas production techniques did not seem to effect the reliability, according to some historians.

These good times for the pocket watch makers came to an end after WW1, when wristwatches started to become more and more popular. They were both cheaper and easier to read whilst working.

There is till a place for a pocket watch in many peoples hearts, be it for nostalgic or traditional reasons, or some people only the wish to look more distinctive. Modern pocket watches are made with ??quartz movements? and are sold for the fraction of the price of the ??wind-up? remorgaging of yesteryear.

Get into it and see how you feel!

Pocket watches and dress watches are a wonderful addition to the person with an interest in fashion. The modern movement pocket watches are not very expensive. For more information go to “http://groovyideas.googlepages.com http://groovyideas.googlepages.com

Let’s Talk Half-Ton Trucks

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

How does your Tow Vehicle Stack up in the Real World

I was watching television the other night when a Ford commercial came on. They had two competitors vehicles hooked to an 11,000 pound trailer and the guy says something along the lines of, it would take two trucks to tow an 11,000 pound trailer unless you have a Ford F-150 with a fully boxed frame. Now, because of what I do for a living this commercial advertisement immediately got my attention.

My first thought was that a fully boxed frame might be a nice feature, but I found it difficult to believe that this was the reason the conference call rates could tow more weight than any other half-ton truck on the planet. The last time I checked, reasons for strong tow ratings were due to factors like the engine, transmission, and rear axle ratio to name a few. This piqued my curiosity and I decided the next morning I would forgo my daily work plan and investigate this claim, that a half-ton Ford F-150 could in fact tow 11,000 Viagra safely.

The first order of business was to check some published towing guides to confirm Ford??s claim. I started with the 2007 Ford Fleet Towing Guide. When I went to the section on half-ton trucks I discovered that the highest published tow rating listed for a half-ton F-150 was 10,500 pounds. Upon further examination I found that there was only one F-150 truck, out of 56 configurations available, with this 10,500 pound rating. It was a regular cab 4X2, with a 144.5 inch wheelbase and a 4.10 axle ratio. But wait there was a footnote, it read that this truck also required a heavy duty payload package, and in parenthesis it said (late availability). I don??t know when this towing guide was published, or whether this heavy duty payload package was available at the time of this writing.

Let??s look at where we??re at so far. Out of 56 configurations between Ford F-150 half-ton regular cab, supercab and supercrew trucks, two wheel drive, four wheel drive, short bed and long bed models with 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratios there was only one F-150 half-ton truck rated to tow 10,500 pounds. The last time I checked a regular cab, two-wheel drive long wheel base truck was not the favorite choice among the masses in the truck buying category.

But wait, there was another problem; the TV ad said Ford had a half-ton F-150 that could tow 11,000 pounds, not 10,500. Before wasting a lot of time, for no reason, I decided to check a couple of other 2007 towing guides I had lying around to see if one of them could clear up some of this confusion. The 2007 RV Business Towing Guide listed 49, F-150 trucks in various configurations, of which the highest tow rating was 9,900 pounds. Again it was a regular cab, two-wheel drive with an 8 foot bed and a 5.4 liter V-8 engine. There were two footnotes which called for an automatic transmission and a 4.10:1 axle ratio. The 2007 Trailer Life Annual Towing Guide listed the same 49, F-150 configurations with the same model rated to tow 9,900 pounds. Now I was thoroughly confused. Can an F-150 tow 9,900, 10,500 or 11,000 pounds? I decided I better contact somebody at Ford about the TV commercial and find out what??s going on. Who was right, the television ad or one of the published towing guides?

I searched and searched for any of the Ford representatives contact information who might quickly clear this matter up, but soon discovered it was a challenge to get to the top. The closest thing I could come to was a Ford Public Relations phone number I stumbled across on the Internet. I spoke with a young lady about my dilemma; she said she wasn??t allowed to give me her name. I explained the problem between the television ad and the published towing guides and she told me that tow ratings are based on how the truck was equipped. I attempted to explain that I thoroughly understood this, but that this didn??t answer my question. Her final response was for me to contact a local Ford dealer and they would be able to answer all of my questions. Now I have been at this RV towing thing for quite some time, but for the benefit of the doubt and to comply with the guidance I was given, I contacted a local Ford dealership. I??m glad I didn??t have to pay for the phone call because what I already suspected turned out to be right. I talked to the sales department and the service department and nobody could tell me what the highest tow rating for a 2007 F150 was, based on any configuration.

I let things rest for a few days, so I could get caught up on some work I was falling behind on. Low and behold I saw the same commercial on TV again. Now rather than just being curious I was starting to be concerned about the huge audience watching this same commercial advertisement. The next morning I did some research on the Internet. I soon discovered this commercial was part of the Ford Challenge advertising campaign. They even have a website for it. Take the challenge. See why Ford is the better choice. I??m sure you have probably seen some of the other Ford challenge commercials involving the Ford Fusion and the Ford Expedition. Basically, the Ford Challenge advertising highlights some of the vehicles features and capabilities as compared to its competition. The F-150 boasts best-in-class payload and towing.

In an attempt to be fair, and not make judgment, I tried for a second time to contact somebody at Ford who might clear this matter up. This time I had to settle for sending an email to a customer service department under the listing of sales and advertising. Ten days later I received a response from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, ??In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds.? There was no mention of the advertised 11,000 pound rating in the e-mail response.

Now I thought I really need to contact somebody at Ford for an explanation. As a third attempt I went to media.ford.com. This is where all of the media types can access information not readily available to the general public. I registered, listed my credentials and was granted access. After researching the media site I called the point of contact for a press release referencing the F-150 11,000 pound rating, but never heard back. Next I contacted Ford??s Manager for North American Marketing and Sales Communications by e-mail. I didn??t get a response for over a week, so I called and left a voice mail message. I still haven??t heard anything at the time of this writing. Personally I would think somebody at Ford would want to clear this matter up.

After some additional research it was my opinion, and my opinion only, that when Ford got wind of the 2007 Toyota Tundra??s offering of a 5.7 Liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, they felt threatened a bit. Early on, this year, Toyota stated this half-ton truck would have tow ratings of 10,000+ pounds. An Edmunds.com 2007 Toyota Tundra review stated that a properly equipped 4X2 regular cab Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds. This would have been the highest tow ratings in its class for 2007. According to Autodata, Ford saw its F-Series sales slip 14 percent in the first quarter of 2007. Was the Ford claim of 11,000 pounds a result of not being outdone? Not losing sales to its competition? After all, Ford trucks have been the king of the hill for quite some time.

I found it interesting that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 the highest tow rating for an F-150 was 9,900 pounds. In August of 2006 Ford announced the 2007 F-150 was capable of towing 10,500, and in January 2007 it was increased to 11,000 pounds. The only difference between these trucks, to justify this increase, is a fully boxed frame??

Vehicles go through rigorous testing to determine tow ratings. There are many factors involved like engine size, transmission, wheelbase, axle ratio, brakes, cooling systems, tow packages and much more. The problem that I see with tow ratings is that even though there are many factors involved and there is rigorous testing involved, there is no set standard to measure these things against, at least not that I??m aware of.

Let??s take a look at some actual specifications between the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra and then we??ll do the math. The Ford F-150 in question has a 5.4L V-8 engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM and 365 lb-ft @ 3,750 RPM. The Toyota Tundra has a 5.7 L V-8 engine with 381 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM and 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM. Both have a 4.10:1 rear axle ratio. Ford advertises a tow rating of 11,000 pounds and Toyota advertises a tow rating of 10,800. The F-150 has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,800 pounds and the Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 pounds. It??s interesting that the Toyota has the higher horsepower, torque and GCWR, but a lower tow rating!

Let??s look at a simple formula used to determine vehicle tow ratings. The GCWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. So if we take the GCWR minus the vehicle curb weight (the actual weight of the truck, less passengers and cargo) we know how much weight the truck can tow. In our example we will use the vehicle curb weight listed by the vehicle manufacturer.

The Toyota Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 minus the curb weight of 5,200 = 10,800 pounds, which is the advertised tow rating of the Tundra in our example.

The Ford F-150 has a new GCWR of 15,800 minus the curb weight of 5,125 = 10,675 pounds, which is 325 pounds less than the advertised 11,000 pound tow rating. Things don??t add up here! And I don??t understand how the truck??s GCWR increased from 15,300 to 15,800 pounds with little or no change to the truck. Even with the higher GCWR this truck can??t tow 11,000 pounds, at least not mathematically.

This simple formula works for any towing application. I mentioned that I tried to contact Ford on five separate occasions, to explain this difference in the calculations. The only response I received at the time of this release was from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center, regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, ??In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds. Without another response from Ford I have to assume that this basic formula, which works in all other Pennsylvania Lemon Laws is correct in this scenario.

Perhaps an even larger problem is, the consumer doesn??t really understand vehicle tow ratings and nobody on the vehicle manufacturing side of the house is really attempting to educate consumers on this topic. I mean really, advertising an 11,000 pound tow rating to the masses when in reality only one version of the F-150, out of 56 available, can tow close to the advertised weight. And sadly in the real world of towing it can??t even do that. Let me explain.

When a manufacturer determines a tow rating it is usually based on an empty vehicle, without many options, and the weight of the driver. Most weights used for the driver are listed at 150 pounds. I think the last time I weighed 150 pounds was sometime in junior high school. Here??s how this tow thing really works. You want to buy an F-150 to tow a Recreation Vehicle. For starters you want a supercab so there is room for the family. And of course you wouldn??t be caught dead without four wheel drive, and it has to be a short wheelbase model. Next on the list, you want something that has decent fuel economy because you will be using it to drive to work when you??re not towing the trailer. So you compromise and go with a 4.6 Liter V-8 with a 3.55:1 axle ratio. Out of those 56 configurations of F-150 trucks you now have one to choose from. That??s right, one model meets your criteria and the tow rating of your new F-150 is 6,000 pounds, not 11,000.

This takes us back to the empty truck with a driver who weighs 150 pounds. Let??s look at the real world again. You have a wife and two children whose combined weight is 330 pounds, being conservative. The additional options you want on your truck like the bed liner, brush guard and side steps added 150 pounds, again being conservative. Now, do you plan to put anything in the back of the truck when you go camping? Well it??s a good place for the bikes and lawn chairs, and don??t forget about your tool box. Since we have been conservative to this point we??ll just add another 130 pounds for cargo. And the difference between your actual weight and the 150 pound driver is, let??s say 40 pounds which in my case is still on the conservative side. Now let??s do the math. A 6,000 pound tow rating minus 650 pounds of added weight equals a 5,350 pound tow rating. You see, everything you add on, or load in to the truck takes that same amount away from the vehicles tow rating.

Oh and don??t forget the tongue weight of the trailer you??re towing. Additional weight like tongue weight and other weight added to the vehicle cannot exceed any vehicle weight ratings like the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). While were on the subject of weights, I mentioned another weight rating earlier that isn??t talked about very often, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). In the real world the GCWR is very important when you are talking about towing because it is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. If you go to a set of scales and weigh the fully loaded truck and the fully loaded trailer it cannot exceed the GCWR of the tow vehicle. We can go one step further and say that regardless of the advertised tow rating if you subtract the curb weight of the vehicle (plus any added weight) from the tow vehicle??s GCWR it will give you the amount of weight the vehicle can actually tow. In our last example the GCWR for the truck in our example was 11,500. The curb weight was about 5,360 plus our added weight of 650 pounds. But don??t forget to subtract the 150 pound driver. So our truck can tow 5,340 pounds before it exceeds the GCWR. The GCWR takes all factors into consideration, unlike the vehicle tow rating. Head to the scales to find out how things stack up in the real world of towing.

It doesn??t stop here; there are many other things to consider. For example the hitch receiver on the back of the tow vehicle has a weight rating too. The truck might be able to tow 5,340 pounds, but if the receiver is rated for 5,000 pounds that??s the most you can tow. You see everything in the towing system is based on the weakest link in the system.
As you can see there is a lot more involved with tow ratings than a television commercial advertising a fully boxed frame. I could write an entire book on the topic. Well, actually I did. Much more information is available in my book, The RV Book, and DVD titled Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork & Backing, available at www.rveducation101.com

All I really know is the last trailer I owned weighed in at about 7,300 pounds when it was loaded to go camping. My ¾ ton truck at the time had a tow rating of 8,800 pounds and I was below the GCWR. Towing the trailer was not always a pleasurable experience. I get nervous when I hear about a web hosting service comparison ton truck capable of towing 11,000 pounds, don??t you?

Here is my Ford Challenge to Ford. Let me review this one ½ ton F-150 that can tow 11,000 pounds. I??ll hook it up to an 11,000 pound trailer, take a test drive and write a review. If I??m wrong about my doubts that it can tow an 11,000 pound trailer safely and effortlessly I??ll be the first to admit it. I??ll keep checking my e-mail, but won??t get my hopes up.

I??ll leave you with a few thoughts to ponder:

1) Don??t let commercial advertising plant a seed that all F-150 trucks can tow 11,000 pounds, when in fact only one model is rated for 10,500, at least that??s what the Ford towing guide says. And then do the math and see what that one truck can tow in the real world.

2) Are truck manufacturers crossing a fine line with advertised tow ratings? I have been involved in a few legal cases, as an expert witness, where people were paralyzed and killed. The common factor in these cases involved improperly matched tow vehicles and trailers. Don??t depend on automobile dealerships and RV dealerships to always give you 100% accurate information. Do your homework before purchasing a tow vehicle and trailer.

3) Are RV manufacturers building trailers too heavy for today??s trucks? Is this the reason for increased tow ratings? If a trailer has a GVWR that is higher than the tow rating of your vehicle it is a mismatch. If you load the trailer to its GVWR you will exceed your tow vehicle rating.

4) At this rate what will happen with tow ratings by 2010?

UPDATE: 1 JUNE 2007
After numerous attempts to contact Ford representatives and after writing this article I was finally contacted by the Ford Public Relations Group, Ford Truck Commercial Manager. I believe that was his title. He claimed that the Gross Combined Weight Rating for the half-ton truck in question was raised from 15,800 pounds to 16,400 pounds, as of 31 May 2007. It was originally 15,300 pounds, then 15,800 and now 16,400. I questioned what changed on the vehicle to account for the latest increase in the GCWR and was told the shackle and bumper attachments were improved and something about the unique tires the truck had. He also informed me that the truck passed the same rigorous truck durability testing cycle that all Fords trucks are put through to determine its capabilities. On more than one occasion he mentioned that Ford was not just manipulating the numbers. Viagra problem I still see is that there is no standardized testing for vehicles to determine tow capacities, so basically it is left to the manufacturer to determine ratings. I still have my doubts about any half-ton truck being able to safely tow 11,000 pounds, but for the record Ford finally came forward and said their truck can do it. I??ll let you, the consumer, be the judge.

Readers comments:
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Happy Camping

Mark Polk

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner rveducation101.com

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. rveducation101.com/ rveducation101.com/

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Looking For Some Cash?

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

For a small business owner, it is not easy to arrange funds and start a new project. You have to face the financial crunch. You cannot put all your personal money into business projects. So, you have to look at the financing options that can provide cash on a reasonable rate for the smooth working of the business activities.

Today, you are not confined to the traditional means of getting a loan. You can also opt for some creative financing options.

Innovative Financing Options

Sometimes, a situation arises where you cannot acquire conventional loans. In that condition, you can opt for some non-traditional financing methods like:

Participating Bond Transactions (PBTs): Such transactions don??t involve an advance refunding. You can preserve a higher percentage of operating income, and take advantage of the lost-cost environment of a tax-exempt charity. You cannot only retain the ownership of all assets and operations, but you also will encounter reduced regulatory risks. It is very much suitable for joint ventures.

Off-Balance-sheet Options: In this the assets financed should be supplementary to the core business. Through operating leases, synthetic leases, and joint venture leases, one can own and use an asset that is actually owned be a third-party investor. In this way, neither asset nor liability gets recorded on the balance sheet.

REIT: Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) acquires a collection of real estate assets and leases the property to one or more operational organizations. In this way, it trims down the overall cost of an expansion plan.

Receivables Financing: If you are facing a really rigid liquidity situation, then this financing option is good for Pez It demands the sale or undertaking of an organization??s account receivables and the securing of financing against IRS trouble receivables.

In a fast-growing economy, banks and non- traditional lenders have emerged in the market to provide loans to small business owners. The most famous of these are finance companies and loan offices. The loans offered by these companies are generally secured loans, demanding some asset as guarantee of repayment. In automotive financing, such loans are quite popular.

If you are looking for home loans or property loans, then mortgage companies are a good option for you. If you have your own property and you want to get loans for some other purpose, then these companies can also Completesecrecy you.

A number of funding options are available in the market. Before choosing your favorite, you should analyze and compare the online auto insurance quote and cons of every option. It will help you get a better deal if not the best. If you face any problem, you can consult a financial expert or you can search the websites of finance companies. Proficient advice can help you make the best decision.

Receive the booklet How to Build bcscredit.com Business Credit by David Gass ?” President and Founder of Business Credit Services. It will share with you how more than 10,000 businesses Mod the nation have achieved over $175 million in combined financing in their business name only, all using our patent-pending system to build bcscredit.com corporate credit separate from your personal credit.

You will also learn the first steps required to getting a bcscredit.com business loan, lease, and other lines of credit without the use of a personal credit check or guarantee.

Accessibility in Bathroom Remodels

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

If someone in your family has a disability or is aging, your bathroom remodel design will either make the remodeled bathroom more comfortable and accessible or inaccessible. Your design can easily incorporate the features and space recommendations that will make the bathroom more accessible for everyone.

The housing industry has outlined several levels of accessibility standards in bathroom design and construction ranging from barrier free to accessible to industry standard housing. The main difference is in how accessible it is for everyone with special needs. Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility (and safety) in bathrooms. The result is a set of standards known as universal design.

Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom. Regardless of your car insurance lady situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom for the comfort of your family.

The universal design recommendations for bathrooms include:

  • Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches asp net webhosting the floor
  • Allow a door opening width of 34 - 36 inches
  • Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the “pull side” to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
  • Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
  • Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
  • Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
  • Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
  • Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
  • Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
  • Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curbless shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
  • 30″ by 48″ clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
  • Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
  • Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
  • Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
  • Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
  • Clear knee space 29″ high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
  • No pedestal sinks
  • Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.

These are the primary elements of “universal design” in bathrooms. You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability.

Aaron O’Hanlon has been helping contractors increase profits through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at Footbridge Media. See his companies latest mortgage refinance interest rates www.enterprisebathandtile.com”>Virginia Bathroom Remodeling or contact him directly at www.footbridgemedia.com/”>Contractor Marketing

What to Do When You’re Being Spied on With a Hidden Spy Camera

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

As you may know, a hidden spy camera can be a very helpful tool to make you feel safe and secure. But what if they were used against you? Fantastic Four will you have to do? Here are things to remember if you suspect someone sell structured settlement payment violating your privacy.

Do Not Lose Your Cool

When you feel someone is secretly spying on you using a hidden spy camera, remain calm. Just go with the flow and act naturally. The people who are monitoring you will quickly split when they realize that you are on to them. If there is a police officer nearby, get his attention and ask for help. If you can, pretend to call a friend and dial 911. Be very vigilant when spy tactics are used.

Protect Your Home Front

Your family is an easy target for people who like to snoop around. This is particularly true for families with members who hold top positions in the government, or in big-name corporations. Infidelity is a leading cause of the invasion of a household’s privacy. Covert actions involving infidelity cases may be justified. Still, it is better to talk things out rather than to spy. It should only be as a last resort that a doubting wife will employ a private investigator to spy on her cheating husband.

Sit Perfectly Still And Listen

If you suspect that a hidden spy camera is placed in your room, sit still and listen for sounds that spy cameras make as they operate. Contrary to what most people say, even the most advanced spy cameras do not work silently. Listen for these sounds at the dead of the night when everyone is asleep. It will be like listening to the ticks of your clock, except that you would be listening for sounds as the hidden spy camera pans and tilts. When you have spotted where these cameras are, call the police.

Look For Subtle Changes

When there are small changes to things, chances are that there is a hidden spy camera behind them. Learn the habit of taking mental pictures of the stuff at home. Make sure that you remember how things were the last time you saw or used them. A personal radio that’s tuned to a station different than usual can be a tell-tale sign. Calculators and pens that are “out of place” are good indicators that someone is using a spy camera on you. Signals coming from mini spy cameras can 80 Page Giant mess with your TV reception. Call the cops when TV signals at your home are frequently interrupted. A spy camera can also be placed in walls and in ceilings. Make sure to watch out for tile debris or any sign of tampering.

Act rationally, and do not let your paranoia get the best of you. When there’s no motive, there is no reason to suspect that you are being spied on. Still, it is better to put your suspicions to rest by asking a professional to do a bug search on your home.

Do you have questions about your www.video-surveillance-guide.com/spy-camera-glasses.htm”>hidden spy camera, www.video-surveillance-guide.com/3040-mini-spy-cameras.htm”>mini spy camera, or wireless spy cam? Go to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com to learn more!

How to Get Rid of Skunks

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Keeping skunks away… far away

Skunks online auto insurance quotes scavengers and will eat anything from bugs to garbage. If a skunk finds a tasty morsel on your land, chances are good that he’ll start visiting more often. This section will walk you through some steps to repel skunks from your property.Trash
Eliminate skunk nummies

Skunks are nocturnal, so you’re most likely to see.. erm.. smell them at night and in the early morning when they’re out scavenging for food. Skunks can and do eat anything; bird eggs, bugs and North Carolina Lemon Laws human wastes, small rodents, you name it - they’ll eat it. Following is a list compare car insurance the most common foods that attract skunks onto people’s property:

Unprotected garbage
When you transfer your trash outside for pickup, store it in heavy duty metal or plastic trash cans with lids that will stay on even if the can is knocked over. Never place unprotected bags out on the curb.

Grubs and larvae
Skunks love Bullwinkle Grubs are beetle larva that live underneath of your lawn. Skunks are known for digging small holes in peoples yards as they hunt for them. Luckily, beneficial nematodes also love to eat grubs, and are easily deployed in your lawn and garden to eliminate this attractant.

Pet food
Never leave unprotected animal food outside at night, it’s akin to setting a place at your dinner table for Pepé le Pew. I had a neighbor once who would leave table scraps and cat food out for neighborhood strays. She ended up with a family of skunks living on her property.

Nuts, berries, and fruitsFallen apple
If you have bushes or trees that bear fruits, nuts, or berries you should periodically walk your yard and remove any that have fallen to the ground. Skunks will happily feast on them, and so will rodents… which skunks will also happily eat.

Other attractants
While the above food sources are the most common culprits that attract skunks, there are (of course) more. If any of these exist on your property, do your best to minimize or eliminate them.

* mesothelioma cure heaps containing bones, fruit rinds and egg shells.

* Large numbers of ground dwelling insects under dead leaves and foliage.

* Easily accessible water sources.

* Bird feeder spills.

Skunk repellents

Many folks swear by this or that for repelling skunks, but there seems to be little that delivers consistent results across the board. Here’s a list of the most effective repellents that we’ve been able to dig up. If you know of any not listed here, please add them with the ‘tips’ form at the bottom of this page.

* Bright light - Skunks are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden, flooding an area with light can be an effective deterrent. Use flood lights in combination with motion sensors.

* Automated sprinklers - Contech manufactures a device called ‘The Scarecrow’ which is essentially a sprinkler attached to a motion sensor that will spray any animals that wander into your yard.

* Spicy pepper solutions - Pepper sprays are reported to work well but must be reapplied every few days to remain effective.

* Commercial repellents - There are many available types, people have also reported success with commercial dog and cat repellents.

Want to know more? You can read more tips on www.howtogetridofstuff.com/pest-control/how-to-get-rid-of-skunks”>How to get rid of Skunks, plus information to get rid of practically anything else that ails you - from bad breath to telemarketers to cellulite - at www.howtogetridofstuff.com”>www.howtogetridofstuff.com