Month: June 2016

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Park your golf cart in cold weather? Winterizing your golf cart is crucial if you store it and hope for a quick start up in the spring. While the procedures are a bit different for a gas vs. an electric model, you must clean it and attend to the fuel source and tires for best results.

Before you Start Winterizing your Golf Cart

Cleaning your cart body, battery terminal, and tires is important to both maintain the finish and making it easier to work on. Soap, water, and degreaser will clean away this year's dried sand, mud, grime, and dirt. Pull up the seat to expose the battery and clean the case with water, a combination of baking soda and water, or battery acid neutralizer. Clean the battery terminals and make sure that the cables on the battery are tight and in good shape.

Before starting your winter preparations, you must first determine where you are going to store it. Indoor storage is best. If you have no room in your garage, consider renting a storage unit and towing the cart there. If leaving it outside is your only choice, remove the rain curtain. Position the vehicle in its winter destination, as once you do the next steps, the cart will only move if you push it.

Steps in Winterizing a Gas-Powered Vehicle

For gas powered carts, you should next remove gasoline in the carburetor and fuel tank to prevent leftover fuel from gumming up the works.

• Disconnect the fuel line and run the engine until it quits.
• Drain the carburetor by loosening the drain screw at the bottom and then tightening it again.
• After removing the air filter, spray cylinder oil into the carburetor while operating the starter, and then replace the air filter and reattach the fuel line.
• Seal the gas tank to prevent air from getting in by sticking a golf tee in the vent tube, and sealing the edges with duct tape.
• Disconnect the battery and spray the terminal with protector spray.
• Inflate the tires to 12 to 14 psi and secure the car from rolling with the blocks, without engaging the parking brake.

Protecting an Electric Vehicle

For electric cars, clean the battery as described above, and then:

• Remove the battery caps to check the water level in each cell, and if necessary, fill with them with distilled water.
• Coat the battery terminals with anti-corrosive gel to prevent corrosion during storage.
• Fully charge the battery with a battery charger.
• Inflate the tires to 18 to 20 psi secure the car from rolling with blocks, but do not engage the parking brake.
• Set the tow switch to neutral.

Final Storage Tips

The final stage in getting your golf cart ready for winter is to cover it. A light cover will protect it from dust if you store the vehicle inside, whereas you need a heavier cover if you have to leave the cart outside. As a result of your care to protect your vehicle from winter damage, your preparation time to get the cart back on the links will be much shorter next spring. Make winterizing your golf cart a priority now to save time then.

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Source by Jill Smith

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Becker in his Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Denial of Death, says everyone lives with a vital lie. It's called a vital lie because this lie is absolutely needed for life to have meaning and value.

This is not really a new discovery. Philosophers and psychiatrists have long known that human beings lie to ourselves as a necessity. Becker was just very good at convincing you, the reader, that it's true and to take a real hard look at yourself.

Camus, the famous Existential writer of The Stranger, said the fundamental question for life and philosophy is why should not I kill myself? Given the absurdity of life where we no longer have faith in God, country, or even family, what's the point of existence? When we see people dying in the most horrible and grotesque ways, how can we believe our lives have a fate or meaning?

Nietzsche, unfortunately most well known for saying, "God is Dead", said that we create our own meaning. He prophesied that the biggest issue on the horizon would be nihilism. Sure enough, the history of the 20th century proved it. World War I destroyed our illusions that our country is looking after our best interests (rather than selfish, irrational greed and fame) and destroyed our illusion of glory of war. World War II proved that science and technology would not likely create our future utopias but instead end up killing us all. The Cold War and modern terrorism have told us how fragile our lives really are.

Because we are free human beings, we need meaning, purpose, and hope. We need to believe that our actions and our lives have meaning and value. We need to be able to hope that we have some degree of control over our lives. Animals are dictated by their biological instincts and conditioning such that they never have to reflect on their decisions or future. They live by instinct. We are the only living organism that has the free will to choose. But how to do we know how to choose?

Most people simply live by "social instinct" or herd instinct. Marx said that religion is the opium of the masses. But that's not quite right. Socialization is the opium of the masses. Culture and tradition are equally the cognitive, social instincts that we live by without realizing or thinking about it. Socrates, the father of Western philosopher, is the first to deeply question everyone about their truth. How do you know what's right and what's wrong? At the end of every Socrates' dialogue, we find his victim actually just holds a strong opinion rather than truth. So do we.

This gets us back to Becker again. Ernest Becker did not believe we could overcome this need for vital lies. Instead, he hoped that we could be consciously aware of what our vital lies were. What "immortality projects" do we pursue? This way, our intellectual rational side of our being could moderate our behavior and prevent us from overreacting. We could have vital lies that lead to productive, happy goals such as curing diseases rather than trying to destroy others. Is this good enough though? Because to know one's vital lie would seemingly destroy all my illusions that my project is meaningful. It would be like having a Christian realize that God is maybe just his own mental creation. How could he continue having faith in God then? This is the dilemma that Becker never really addressed or solved. Which is somewhat ironic considering that he did convert to Christianity in his last years.

Nevertheless, studying Ernest Becker's books such as the Denial of Death give us meaningful questions that may not provide us with answers but provides us with a more accurate perception of reality.

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Source by P Park

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Caribbean medical schools have long been the butt of jokes but their graduates are the ones having the last laugh. There are thousands of licensed physicians from Caribbean schools practicing all across the country. Over 25% of all doctors in the US are from international schools. Do you know where your primary care physician went to medical school? This is the field where Caribbean graduates are expected to dominate with a large percentage of graduates training in Internal and Family Medicine. They are expected to fill a nationwide shortage that is currently occupied by Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

Picture this. A 17 year old high school graduate enrolls in a pre-medical program at a Caribbean university. Schools will automatically accept students to their medical programs as long as they maintain a certain GPA in the pre-program. This means there is no need to take the MCAT so you can save yourself the headaches from preparing for that. The program is completed in 2 years and the student enrolls in the first year of the medical degree program at 19 years old.

Numerous Caribbean schools offer an accelerated curriculum that divide the year into trimesters. Students attend school year round and are able to complete their MD in less than 36 months. Not to mention you only spend 18 months studying on the island. The clinical years are spent training alongside American medical student at hospitals in the US. St. George's medical school has hospital affiliations that match any US school. Our fictional student graduates with his Doctorate in Medicine at the ripe age of 22 (going on 23).

Our new graduate is eligible to practice in any state in the country as long as he attended one of the "Big 4" Caribbean medical schools (St. George's University, Saba University, Ross University and American University of the Caribbean). Internal Medicine residencies last 3 years so we have a residency trained physician ready for board exams, licenses and employment at a mere 25 years old. Not quite Doogie Howser but it's impressive to say the least.

This accelerated path also benefits those seeking a new career or chasing their dream of being a doctor. Time is of the essence and wasting summers off in the traditional semester system is not time well spent. Caribbean medical schools are littered with nurses, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors and many other health care practitioners. Many schools offer several different entrance times during the year giving flexibility for students who want to begin their medical education immediately.

There is risk involved in attending a medical school overseas but there have been thousands who have blazed the trail before you and set the precedent. Caribbean medical schools produce capable physicians and fill an integral need in the health care system of the US.

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Source by Greg Andrew Park

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Caring for your bowling equipment

If you have spent your hard-earned pennies on bowling equipment it is a good idea to learn how to care for it. Not only will this ensure it lasts as long as possible but will also keep it in good condition for longer and it could even improve your bowling game.

It can be expensive and like the rest of us needs a little love. Some TLC with regards to your bowling equipment could go a long way. So here is how to care for them including bowling bags, shoes and accessories …

Caring for your bowling ball

Bowling ball lanes have a layer of oil. This oil protects the lane and helps balls curve better. Rubbing your ball with some polish and a soft towel will remove any dirt, oil, wax or any other foreign objects. You may be surprised to know that something as robust and hardy as your ball can be affected by very high temperatures or extremely low ones.

So, when caring for your ball, be sure not to leave it out in the sun. Temperatures above 80F can warp your ball and render it useless. Similarly, if it is too cold, your ball could freeze! Bear in mind this is more likely to happen with lightweight balls than heavier ones.

Performance is everything with bowling balls so even one seemingly innocent scratch could affect its performance. This is why caring for your ball is so important. If your ball is scratched or has dents in the surface, a bowling shop should be able to resurface it for you.

Caring for your bowling shoes

Properly caring for your bowling shoes will ensure your performance is not affected. For example, cleaning the sole of your sliding shoe will ensure it does its job for longer, this is why you should learn how to care for your bowling equipment properly. If there is any residue or other dirt on your sliding shoe it may not slide as well as it could.

Just some warm water and mild detergent should do the trick. As with other shoes, you may want to use shoe polish or cleaner to treat the leather. If your soles have seen better days you can get the shoes re-soled at your nearest bowling store.

Shoes are very durable and should last many years, however, caring for your bowling shoes by employing these small tricks will ensure they stay in good condition for longer and do not interfere with your performance.

Caring for your other bowling equipment

When it comes to how to care for your bowling equipment is to keep it clean. Bowling bags, shoes and gloves can all be cleaned with some soapy water. After all, there is no point in lovingly polishing your ball to then put it into a dirty bowling bag which is full of the dirt you just cleaned off.

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Source by Joseph Park

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Running from I-10 to Pass Road in Biloxi is Popps Ferry Road. The centerpiece of this road for anglers is the Popps Ferry Bridge. Bisecting Mullet Lake and Big Lake off Biloxi's Back Bay the waters are a home to healthy populations of both saltwater and freshwater fish.

Location and directions

Take Exit 44 (Cedar Lake Road) off Interstate 10 and head south. The second red light intersects with Popps Ferry Road. A turn to the west along Popps Ferry Road brings you to the foot of the bridge sharing the same name. The last road before the water, Causeway Road, will take you below the bridge and to the public pier and boat ramp.

Warnings and notes

The 3900-foot long Popps Ferry Bridge is an important link in the Inter-Coastal Waterway (ICW). Its 25-foot drawbridge span opens no less than ten times per day to allow recreational and commercial traffic to pass through the waterway. With some pushboats moving multiple barges lashed together, these leviathans take a high degree of caution and a wary eye. In 2009, a towing vessel with eight barges struck the bridge and collapsed a 150-foot section into the water below.

What to bring

The waters of the Popps Ferry area including Mullet Lake, Big Lake and Back Bay lay almost exclusively in the brackish water between Interstate 10 and Highway 90. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, a saltwater license is required south of US Highway 90 and a freshwater or saltwater license is valid between I-10 and US Highway 90. This means that the area can be fished with either license. Saltwater licenses are not valid north of I-10. Any person (65) or older, or any person otherwise exempted from obtaining a freshwater fishing license, must have documentation with him / her at all times and effective July 1, 2010, residents 65 years of age or older are required to purchase a lifetime recreational saltwater fishing license. Louisiana residents must however purchase both the Freshwater and Saltwater license to fish in the marine waters of Mississippi.

Typical fishing

The old pylons of the fishing pier are good spots for flounder. Slow trolling natural baits such as shrimp along the bottom work well for these flat fish. Good sized black drum come in close to eat crabs and logically those baits, rigged properly bring success there. The mouths of the tidal streams entering the lakes are preferred locations for juvenile redfish (Red Drum) up to twenty inches. Night fishing with a good moon during the summer months can frequent a good amount of white trout.

Because the area is brackish water, a good number of freshwater fish are often to be found in the area including brim and bass. Big stripers (Atlantic Striped Bass) haunt the reed banks running baitfish and are often a great catch. Fishing close to the bridge brings nice flounder, especially when fishing under the lights at night.

Hints and tricks of the locals

Clint Shows of Ellisville and his fishing buddies frequent the Popps Ferry area whenever they have downtime. Fishing from a 21 'semi-v put in at the launch there, Clint is proud of his favorite spot. Shows related when asked if he has had any luck this spring so far that:

"Yeah, we've got some pretty nice ones. We always get big reds between the VA and just the other side of the Popps Ferry Bridge."

When asked what they are having luck with he advised, "We were using spinner baits like redfish magic. Root beer-colored cocahoe minnows seem to work as well as just about any glitter or chartreuse tail. Flukes (a bass lure) are good too . "

Clint and company prefer open-faced baitcast reels including Cabela's Prodigy. Bass pro shop Pro Qualifier and Daiwa Magazine Force V's on Berkley Cherrywood graphite rods. The whole boat confesses to use Spider Braid 20lb test.

"No need for a leader." Clint explained with a smile.

His buddy, Brad Hill, holds up a nice 17-pound striper caught on a DOA shrimp lure for example.

James Randall of Biloxi, a local resident who fishes from the bank with a medium sized spinning reel likes to use split shot weights and 1/0 hooks to grab the always-present Sheepshead, white trout and the occasional croaker. He confesses that the croakers are just for cut-bait on larger hooks for redfish. Besides his spinning reel, Randall uses Zebco 33 closed-faced reels strung with 10-pound test. After a day of fishing, James lines up a good collection of flounder and trout down the tailgate of his truck and smiles.

"It's always good fishing down here off this bridge"

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Source by Chris Eger

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Hello, and welcome to Los Angeles, currently the second largest city in the United States with a growing population of nearly four million people and just under five hundred square miles. This city is comprised of 114 neighborhoods, each with its own personality and flavor. Here are some facts for you, Los Angeles neighborhoods explained in just a few lines.

East and North East Neighborhoods

Created from rolling hills, both the East and North East areas of Los Angeles are mostly residential. University Hills is an area where professionals have come to escape and Highland Park is one of the oldest in the area, home to craftsman style homes.

Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhoods

The Downtown area is just under six square miles of skyscrapers and a bustling art community. It is an area that begs you to let your inner creative soul come out to play or simply to enjoy the beauty that is all around you as you wander the streets here.

The Greater Hollywood Neighborhoods

Home to the famous Hollywood sign, the Greater Hollywood area is also comprised of the Melrose district, home to shopping and fine dining of virtually any and all cuisines that you can imagine. If you want a little dose of ethnic flavor, this neighborhood also boasts Little Armenia, the California home for Armenian food and culture.

The Harbor Area Neighborhoods

The Harbor Area is made of a number of port neighborhoods including San Pedro. Make sure that you take time to visit the Point Ferman Lighthouse, which is now a museum. Another neighborhood in this area is Wilmington, an industrial area that has been used in several major motion pictures.

Los Feliz and Silver Lake Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are home to two of the largest parks in the area, Elysian Park and Griffith Park. This is also one of the oldest residential areas in the state with homes from 1890 here.

West Los Angeles Neighborhoods

The Western part of Los Angeles is home not only to the majority of the wealth but the entertainment industry as well. Beverly Hills and Bel Air are both located here as are many of the major motion picture studios.

Before making your move, it is important that you know about these neighborhoods so that you know what to expect from the area you are considering. You need to know about schools, churches, shopping opportunities and job outlooks. While the economy continues to recover, there are still a number of industries that are booming in this amazing city and the surrounding areas. What is there Know View before your move by vBulletin® Having the Los Angeles neighborhoods Explained .

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Source by Karen Betty

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Like much of the Pennsylvania Code, state regulations on the posting of signs for private parking lots is somewhat wordy and can be difficult to understand. One key provision to notice, however, is that it is illegal to tow any vehicle unless the signs posted in the parking lot are fully in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Thus, it is very important that any Pennsylvania business owner with a private parking lot fully understand the regulations in place to ensure the business lot contains the proper signs in the proper places.

The Code covers two different types of signs used in any private parking lot. The first is defined as "Public Notice Signs," which show messages referring to the entire lot, such as "Parking for XYZ Business Customers Only," or simply "Private Parking." These signs must be posted in specific areas, and must also follow several other regulations. If the parking lot has clearly defined entrances and exits, the law is fairly straightforward and states that a sign must be posted at EVERY entrance to the lot and that each sign must be facing traffic. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Code is not as clear on what is required in parking lots with no clearly defined entrances, such as those that are simply open to the street on one or more sides. In these cases, the Code states only that signs must be posted so that they are "readily visible to an ordinarily observant driver." How many signs are necessary, or where exactly to place them, is difficult to pin down, so business owners may be best off following the law of "better safe than sorry," and posting signs very clearly at relatively small intervals throughout the lot. It may also be helpful to speak with a representative from a towing company or even local law enforcement to make sure the signs are posted properly.

Of course, having signs posted in the right locations is only half the battle. Business owners must also ensure that their signs are displaying the correct message in the correct way. To this end, it is important that any signs posted in a parking lot contain three pieces of information as follows:

1. The primary restriction: essentially the basic message of "Private Parking," "Parking by Permit Only," or another phrase along these lines. This message needs to use letters at least 3 inches high. If the sign is more than 75 feet away from an entrance, an extra inch has to be added for every additional 25 feet. As for the width, the letters must be at least 1/8 wide as the required height.
2. The secondary restriction: this includes the additional information such as which hours of the day or days of the week the sign applies. This can also include a warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed and / or the charge that will apply. The secondary restriction is NOT required for a sign, but is generally helpful, even if it simply states "No Parking, Any Time." The secondary restriction requires letters at least 2 inches high. If the sign is larger, the secondary restriction letters must be at least half the size of those in the primary restriction.
3. The name and telephone number of the owner (or other person in charge) of the lot. The towing company will likely also post their own signs containing their own information.

While the majority of business owners may opt for some version of a pre-made sign, these regulations should always be kept in mind. Finally, one last thing for business owners to consider is the requirement for signs which apply to hours of darkness. If a "No Parking," sign applies at all to hours in which it may be dark, it is required that the sign be either illuminated or "retroreflectorized." A retroreflectorized sign must also be placed so that it will be seen in the headlights of any car entering the lot.

The second type of sign regulated under the Pennsylvania Code are "Reserved Parking Signs," which have messages regarding individual parking spaces. These include Handicapped signs or signs designating a space or area for a specific person or type of vehicle. The first essential regulations for these signs pertain to their size, which must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches, and the height of their lettering, which must be at least two inches high. Such signs should be posted in front of each individual parking space. In the case of parallel parking, the signs must be posted at intervals of no more than 100 feet. Business owners can also choose to mark specific spaces using the pavement or curb, but it is required that these markers be easily visible (again to an "ordinarily observant driver") AND that the parking lot have a Public Notice Sign stating that the spaces require a permit.

Spaces for the handicapped, along with their accompanying signs, are required by law for all business parking lots in Pennsylvania. It is important to note however, that each handicapped space must be marked not only by the standard handicapped parking sign but also by a second sign indicating that violators will be towed along the minimum and maximum fines for this offense. The second sign is to be posted below the first, which should be posted below any other signs for the parking space, at least 60 inches off the ground. Finally, if either of the signs is missing or "obsolete" (written on, mangled, etc.), it is the responsibility of the parking lot's owner to replace it as quickly as possible at his or her own expense. While all of this may seem rather convoluted and complex, the task of establishing a business' parking and towing services is an important one. In most cases, standard signs can be purchased for a lot, and must simply be posted properly. As mentioned before, it may be helpful for business owners to consult someone with more knowledge on the subject, such as a police officer or towing company.

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Source by Mike Mardinly

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Why Buy A Custom-Fit Car Cover? To help protect your investment and keep your vehicle looking show-room new. Keeping your vehicle covered with a car cover can:

o Prevent unsightly dents, dings and scratches

o Shield it against finish-destroying man-made and natural hazards

o Act as an excellent theft deterrent

o Put a barrier between your paint and damaging weather

o For the fifth car cover benefit visit AutoAnything.com for more details

Dents, Dings and Scratches Reference

There's a certain feeling you experience when you discover that first dent, ding or scratch on your new vehicle. Unfortunately, they're a fact of life and nothing short of covering your vehicle with reactive tank armor will truly prevent them. However, using a car cover adds a layer of protective padding to cushion against runaway shopping carts, absent-minded car doors or other blows.

Natural Hazards Guide

Birds, trees, dust. They certainly seem harmless enough, but without a car cover, they can inflict serious damage to your prized vehicle.

Our fine feathered friends seem to have impeccable aim when it comes to leaving their droppings on our vehicles. Outdoor car covers catch bird bombs before they splatter against your paintjob. Plus, the majority of outdoor car cover fabrics are not harmed by the droppings acidity outdoor car cover fabrics.

The shady spot under a tree may look like a welcome spot to park your vehicle. However, with nuts, berries, sap, pollen, not to mention the roosting birds, parking under a tree can wreak havoc on your vehicle. A car cover can help keep your vehicle cool, even in the sun. Or, if you do park under a tree, a car cover can safeguard your vehicle from the onslaught.

Your vehicle's paint is only about 0.006 inches thick. Whether indoors or out, when dust sits on your paint it turns abrasive and causes minute scratches. By the time you notice them, it's already too late. Both indoor car cover fabrics and outdoor car cover fabrics are designed to keep dust away from the surface of your vehicle.

Theft Deterrent Reference

Though it may only look like a thin layer of fabric, a Covercraft car cover can do an amazing job at keeping thieves away from your vehicle. Since time is crucial in not getting caught, thieves often pass by covered vehicles, which take longer to get into, and go after easier prey. And, if you add a lock and cable to your car cover, you will not only keep your cover secure, but your vehicle becomes even harder to steal.

Damaging Weather Guide

You do not have to be a meteorologist to know that harsh weather can do a number on your vehicle's finish. An occasional spring shower poses no real threat to your vehicle. However, seemingly harmless rain can find its way into tiny scratches or blemishes and start the corrosion process. And, acid rain – well, the name says it all. A water-resistant car cover will keep your vehicle high and dry.

Harsh UV (ultraviolet) rays and the intense radiant heat of the Sun can cook the color right out of your paint. A car cover is like sunscreen for your vehicle, blocking harmful UV light and preventing photo degradation. And, a lighter colored car cover will yield a reflective cooling effect.

It's not the cold that gets to your vehicle's finish – it's the moisture and salt. These two corrosive cohorts are in cahoots to ravage your paint. Fortunately, a car cover can keep both these culprits away from your vehicle.

The fundamental advantages of custom-fit car covers

A custom-fit car cover is specially tailored to the lines of your vehicle. No detail is left unturned. Custom-fit car covers hug every contour of your vehicle and feature sewn-in mirror pockets, plus grommet holes for antennas.

On the other hand, low-quality universal-fit car covers are baggy and can slip, slide and rub against your paint, destroying your finish. Additionally, the poor fit allows the harsh elements to creep in at every gap and defeat the purpose of the cover.

The specialized cut of a custom-fit car cover is far and away the best choice to wrap up and protect your vehicle.

When deciding which car cover is right for your vehicle, we advise that you consider:

o Where you park and how often you use your vehicle

o The weather in your area

o What color is right for your vehicle and storage needs

Where You Park and How Often You Use Your vehicle:

o When you park outside and cover up every day, you may want to choose a lightweight outdoor car cover that's simple to use and easy to fold.

o For those who park in crowded lots or on streets with children at play and heavy pedestrian traffic, a thicker heavyweight outdoor car cover that provides some dent and ding protection is best.

o If you garage your vehicle and frequently cover and uncover it, a lightweight indoor car cover is ideal.

o Choose a heavier indoor car cover to keep your classic safe for long-term storage.

o A super-soft indoor car cover lets you pamper your "baby" and keep it safe and secure.

The Weather in Your Area

The ideal car cover for your vehicle is greatly influenced by your local weather. Many materials have been developed to deal with specific inclement weather conditions. Rainy parts of the country like the Pacific Northwest and Deep South would demand an outdoor car cover with exceptional water resistance. The coastal areas along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico need a car cover that will protect from and last in salty air. In the sunniest zones of the country like the desert Southwest, a Coverking car cover with extra UV and photo degradation protection and reflective properties makes the most sense.

Tips on What Color is Right for Your vehicle and Storage Needs

Car covers are offered in an array of colors, but picking the right hue is not solely a matter of personal taste. Here are a few tips and points of reference to help you with your choice:

o If you live in a sunnier climate, you'll want a lighter colored fabric for outdoor storage.

o If you have a lighter colored vehicle, a lighter colored fabric is safer for your paint. Bright colors, although thoroughly, tested could bleed under certain conditions.

o If you're looking for style, a vibrant color can lend your vehicle character or compliment its finish.

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Source by Andrew Bernhardt

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The reality of rhino poaching is increasing at an alarming rate and the statistics are astonishing. The senseless killing of Rhino has exploded in South Africa during the last 5 to 6 years. The statistics are increasing daily. The largest amount of poaching occurs in the Kruger National Park. Other game reserves and private game lodges throughout South Africa are also targets.

The rhino poaching syndicates are growing at a startling rate. The problem occurs mainly due to the Kruger National Park boarding on a few other African countries. Illegal immigrants are constantly streaming across the border, carrying automatic and semi-automatic firearms and ammunition with the sole purposing of killing the endangered rhino species for merely the horn. The horn is then sold on the black market for phenomenal amounts of money. The fetching price of rhino horn is estimated at between $ 60,000 and $ 82,000 per kilogram.

Rhino horn is thought to have various so-called healing powers and is a huge component of tradition Chinese medicine. It is illegally smuggled out of South Africa to Vietnam, China, Thailand and other East Asia countries by the poachers. Various negotiation attempts by the South African government and Vietnam, China and other East Asia countries have been made to curb the ruthless slaughter of these animals. Negotiations between South Africa and Thailand have as yet not commenced.

Thousands of kilometers of land need to be patrolled by the park rangers. Assistance is given by the South African Police Service, to attempt to curb the poaching problem. Unfortunately, the distances are so vast and manpower is limited, which makes it virtually impossible to know where the next strike will take place. Gladly arrests are made, with serious consequences to the poachers. Over and above the confiscation of the horns and weapons; severe penalties and in some cases even imprisonment are imposed.

The Humane Society International (HIS) is working hard to impose stricter international and domestic regulations to safeguard the rhino population. Additionally, the main objective is to persuade the Chinese Medical Board that rhino horn is ineffective and has no medicinal value. The devastating outcome of killing rhinos is threatening survival of the majestic animal.

Various institutions, influential people, celebrities and the general public of South Africa have started the campaign with a slogan of "Save the Rhino." The campaign needs global support to prevent and curb this futile killing. The campaign has crime-lines available due to the seriousness of the matter. Please stop the meaningless killing of the Endangered Rhino! "Rhino poaching is a sad reality in South Africa.

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Source by Lois Matthysen

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How to Evaluate Change
The final and most important stage of the change planning process is to determine which measures you will use to monitor and evaluate the project outcomes (ie were the objectives met?). For example, if the aim was to increase productivity, your measures might include the collation of figures relating to outputs, levels of variation and errors in order to check that they have increased or decreased favourably.

The timeframe over which the measures will be taken should also be determined at the outset, especially when in a turn-around situation where instant results are required. It is essential that you take measures before the commencement of a change or improvement project so that there is sufficient data to compare post-project results to.

How you measure the objectives will depend on the change project, examples of which follow:

Organisational performance – Finance
Organisations often embark on change programmes to improve the financial performance of the organisation in order to increase shareholder value. Here, financial measures are used:

• Turnover
• Profit
• Cost
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Loss
• Share Price

Organisational performance – HR
Organisational performance is heavily dependent on, and influenced by, the level of engagement of its staff. Measuring the effectiveness of the HR function can often reveal issues that impact directly on the bottom line. Here, engagement and employee satisfaction measures are used:

• rate of staff turnover and associated recruitment costs
• absenteeism
• average length of service
• number of disciplinary and grievance cases
• results of employee surveys

The analysis of the information gleaned from the measures would not only reveal the current level of engagement, but would also help set targets, objectives and budgets for succession planning, training and development initiatives and recruitment.

Productivity
It should be common practice for organisations to regularly examine their systems of efficiency around the creation of outputs and change or amend them accordingly. Productivity measures centre on:

• the time, costs and resources needed to design, develop, create and deliver a product or service.
• the quantity of outputs, or number of customers served, etc ..
• the amount of variation in the quality of the products or services, ie the number of errors or defects

These types of measures are easily quantifiable and can be obtained from production, financial and sales reports. They will be statistical in nature and many organisations will have automated systems, particularly on production lines and in call centres, for recording the data.

It's imperative to know whether a change initiative has had the desired effect or not. Therefore, it is very important that you determine at the outset of the project what outcomes are expected, how you will measure them and when.

Dependent on the initiative, your measures will either focus on the performance of functions, processes or people. There are numerous ways in which to measure performance outcomes using data, figures or subjective information. Whichever method you use it is, of course, important to measure levels of performance prior to any project then compare them again afterwards. Remember that some initiatives will be monitored over a period of time, while others will be designed to create immediate improvements.

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Source by S Park