Internet Provides Wealth of Information on Car Maintenance July 10, 2008
Posted by google in : Travel , add a comment(ARA) - A thorough check of your vehicle’s major systems is a good idea before the snow flies, and checking your tires, brakes and battery is a good start. But if you’re like many drivers, you may not know enough to recognize a problem when you see one.
For instance, do you know the telltale signs of a weakening battery? Do you know the difference between all-season tires and performance tires, or which one is right for your vehicle?
The Internet can provide a wealth of information for the car maintenance novice who is looking for tips on how to winterize a vehicle or make a specific purchase. Online resources, such as motorist.org and some manufacturer Web sites, can provide basic information on how systems such as brakes, shock absorbers and batteries work, why they’re important, and what car owners should be aware of when preparing their vehicles for winter conditions.
For example, if your car cranks slowly when you try to start it, has trouble starting in cold weather, or if your headlights dim when the car is idling, have that battery checked. And if you’re buying tires, all season radials are designed to handle dry and wet surfaces as well as some snow, while performance tires provide more grip and a sportier feel.
A new Web site, sears.com/auto, lets drivers compare features and prices of batteries and tires, gather information about automotive maintenance, and find answers to commonly asked questions and definitions for useful terms related to vehicle maintenance.
On the site, car owners can enter the year, make and model of their car to receive a list of tires and batteries designed to fit their vehicle. Items can be sorted by price, brand or product name, and car owners can compare as many as four similar items side by side. By entering their ZIP code, car owners can then find the nearest Sears Auto Center, where they can discuss questions and options with the experts on staff.
“With the information they gather online, car owners gain a better understanding of what they need and why, before they even begin comparison shopping,” says Bill White, president of Sears Automotive. “Savvy consumers frequently come into their local Sears store with their printout of side-by-side comparisons when they are looking to purchase major appliances, lawn tractors, home theatre and other big-dollar items,” he says. “Now, automotive tires and batteries are two more areas where sears.com can help consumers make fact-based decisions for major purchases.”
The “Automotive Advisor” section of the site offers information on buying, maintenance, safety and more — ideal as owners prepare their vehicles for winter driving. Common questions, ranging from how and when to check tire pressure to why “cold cranking amps” in your car battery are important, are answered in this section of the site.
The site also provides information on services Sears Auto Centers offer, such as alignments, brake service and wheel balancing, as well as a list of what is included with each service. All information from the site can be printed for quick reference. Because the products offered on the site must be installed on a vehicle, they are not available for online purchase, but can be obtained at Sears Auto Centers nationwide.
“On the Internet, auto owners can research the advantages of various products, compare prices and make decisions in the comfort of their own home,” says White.
Sears also offers a wide variety of merchandise and services through its Web site, www.sears.com.
Increase Your IQ Right Now July 5, 2008
Posted by google in : health , add a commentYou can increase your IQ (intelligence quotient) in the next ten minutes.
Throughout this site, there are many brain power exercises and techniques designed to help you long-term, but what if you need a quick brain fix right now? What if there is an important meeting coming up, or a crucial test, or just a chess game you don’t want to lose? Can you really boost your IQ quickly? If what you want is results, and not an argument about the definition of intelligence, the answer is absolutely yes.Try some of the following.
Breath To Increase IQ
Breath deep. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the functioning of your brain immediately. By breathing deeply we relax and put more oxygen in the blood (therefore in the brain), both of which help. Relaxation has been proven to improve brain function. Low oxygen levels in the blood have been shown to decrease it. Since most of us are in the habit of breathing too shallowly, this is a quick way to increase IQ. By the way, if you breath through your nose, you are more likely to breath deeply.
Meditating also helps, primarily because of the deep breathing aspect. The state of mind achieved through a simple breath-watching meditation allows true relaxation, and is conducive to creative problem solving. Just close your eyes and breath through your nose, deeply at first, then in whatever way is comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Do this for at least a few minutes.
Self-Hypnosis may help you increase you intelligence quotient. At HypnosisDownloads.com they have an audio download that will help you improve concentration, and one to program your brain with problem solving techniques. I have to tell you that I haven’t tried them yet, but they are inexpensive and they guarantee they’ll work or they’ll refund your money.
Move Your Body To Increase IQ
Sit up straight, and close your mouth. Good posture affects our state of mind, and helps us to think more clearly. Try an experiment to prove this to yourself. Do math problems in your head; first while slouching, with your mouth open; then while sitting up straight with your lips together. You’ll get the point.
Exercise a little. Physical activity-just enough to get the blood pumping-can “wake up” your brain enough to help you think better. Walking seems to work best, but any aerobic activity can help increase your IQ.
Sleep well. You knew this one, right? Just remember, the evidence shows us that the quality of sleep is very important, not just the quantity.
What You Eat Can Increase Or Decrease Your IQ
Consume ginkgo biloba. Whether in capsules or tea or off a neighbors tree, ginkgo leaves have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping memory and concentration. The effect is quick, and doesn’t seem to diminish with regular use.
Drink coffee. Everything from test scores on college exams to chess games have been shown to improve after a cup of coffee or other drink containing caffeine. It is a temporary effect, however, and caffeine may have adverse long-term effects for regular users.
Avoid Sugar. Actually any simple carbohydrates taken in large quantities can give you that sluggish feeling that makes it difficult to think. This is due to the insulin that is dumped into your veins after the sugar is. Don’t eat white flour, sugar, potatoes, and other carbs before an important meeting, or anytime you need full use of your intelligence.
