Real Estate

Save money on gas: the octane factor

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With the price of gas these days (over $ 3.00 per gallon at the time of this writing) most people

they are feeling the financial hardship and wondering what they can do to cut their gas costs. This article presents one of several ways to earn as many miles per dollar as possible.

When it comes to the grade of gasoline or octane you put in your car, “More is better”, right?

Not always. There are a number of myths surrounding the use of high octane gas.

Myth No. # 1: Using high octane gasoline will make my car run better.

Not quite. If your car is “pinging” or “banging,” a higher octane gas will help or remove the ping and save your engine, but it doesn’t directly add horsepower. However, it prevents your electronic ignition from delaying timing as an “anti-knock” measure when a ping is detected.

Myth No. 2: My car will get more miles per gallon by using a higher octane gas.

Since higher octane gasoline does not produce more power, you will not get better gas mileage.

Myth No. # 3 – My engine will run cleaner and produce less emissions and smog with a higher octane gas.

Is not true. Many oil company advertising methods may have you believe this, but octane has nothing to do with how “clean” your engine is.

Myth No. 4 – Octane is added to gasoline to produce a higher quality fuel.

No actually Octane it is gasoline, at least most of it. See the octane rating below.

You can save money on gas simply by using the lowest octane gasoline your car will tolerate. Using a higher octane

gas from what the manufacturer says is simply a waste of money. If you’re not sure what octane your car is designed for

To use it, you can start with the lowest octane gas (87 in most areas) and give it a try. If you ping under load, move to

next octane and only buy the lowest octane your car needs. To learn more about octane, read on.

What is “ping” or “hit”?

Most of us have heard the rattling noise under the hood, usually when the engine is under additional load like

up a hill, towing a boat or in a loaded truck. The noise itself is produced when the air-fuel mixture in the

compression chamber ignites too early (pre-ignition or detonation). This condition causes the air fuel mixture to burn unevenly and

Produces the pinging or hitting sound. This uneven burn causes flash points in the combustion chamber and can lead to engine damage.

What does Octane do?

Without going into all the chemical properties and technical aspects, basically the octane increases the

Combustion point of gasoline when under compression and retards combustion. The result is that it does

Gasoline is less volatile so it doesn’t ignite before your ignition system causes it to ignite at the correct time.

The intention of octane is simply to provide an anti-knock property.

Octane rating

The octane number you see in the gas pump is simply a percentage of the octane chemical in the

gasoline mixture. In other words, if you buy gasoline with an 87 octane rating, that mixture contains 87% octane and

the rest are lower-quality chemicals like heptane. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

What about “Octane Boost” additives?

If your car requires higher octane gasoline, you can use “Octane Boosters” available at your local auto parts store. The cost

and the effectiveness will vary. Test a tank filled with an additive to see if your can works properly and then do the math to see

if it makes sense. Here’s a cost analysis for my 1993 Mustang GT:

Example: 1 bottle of additive to power a tank of gasoline costs about $ 5.00. With a 15-gallon tank, this adds about $ .33 to the cost of each gallon of gas, plus the hassle of going to the auto parts store to buy it and remembering to add it at every fill.

If you really want or need a high octane mix, you can make your own.

Homemade Octane Booster

There are a number of websites and blogs that post the recipes or “homemade”. I’m not going to post it here because I can’t directly endorse the

use or safety to do it yourself. However, if you are looking for a xylene or toluene octane booster recipe, you will find it out there. The chemists

xylene and toluene are of higher “quality” and can produce an increase of more than 100%. Chemical octane alone by definition can never produce more than one

octane rating over 100.

Other ping solutions

If your car continues to ping or bump even though you are using an octane gas with an octane rating equal to or higher than that specified by your car manufacturer, this

it is an indication of engine problems that you should have your mechanic check. There is a well-known problem that you may be able to

try to diagnose yourself and that is the case with a stuck or failing EGR valve. It is beyond the scope of this article to explain how to verify

your EGR valve, but it is something to examine if your car has a chronic ping problem.

Shopping Product Reviews

Classic Cult Movies, The Incredible Mr. Limpet

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So one afternoon I was looking through a TV guide and came across one of the cult classic movies of all time, Incredible Mr. Limpet. Why does that title sound so familiar? Reading more I finally remembered. Although I have not seen this movie in decades, it is one of those that you remember and talk about, but what was it called? One of Don Knotts’ magical movies from the early 1960s, where Mr. Knotts stumbles and dives into the ocean and suddenly turns into an animated fish with glasses. Everyone and everything on the surface is true life. This live action / animation movie got me thinking, “how many of these magical movies are there in movie theater?” And that’s where my research began.

I am not talking about CGI for this article and I hope this is not the end of the world of cartoons in movies as we know it, thanks to computer technology. No, we are looking at the true art of making cartoons and making movies. Since 1927 (long before computers) there were Koko the clown, a cartoon clown in a live action setting. The clip was called ‘Out of the Ink Well’.

More of the cult classic movies of the pre-computer era animation / live action genre are …

1940 – You should be in pictures

Only Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Porky’s car are animated. Daffy and Porky left the studio they worked for to pursue a film career of their own.

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A very nice fantasy musical with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Animated performance by Tom and Jerry. Gene Kelly and Jerry Mouse do a cute tap routine. Basically, the story is about two sailors who leave for Los Angeles to live an experience of life.

1964 – The Incredible Mr. Limpet

In my opinion, one of the best Don Knotts movies. A comic fantasy in the era of WWII (1941) before Pearl Harbor. The shy, fish-loving accountant (Don Knotts) travels and dives deep into the ocean and in that moment becomes an animated fish. He surfaces and talks to the non-cartoon people on the shore, his wife and his friend (Carole Cook and Jack Weston). In the end, he even becomes a war hero.

1964 – Mary Poppins

A fabulous Walt Disney fantasy musical where a magical babysitter takes two young children on a trip.

Starring: Julie Andrews – Mary Poppins

Dick Van Dyke – Bert / Mr. Dawes

‘Chim Chiminy’ good movie!

1971 – Bed knobs and broomsticks

This fantasy musical is very comparable to ‘Mary Poppins’. In 1940, Miss Price took a correspondence course in witchcraft in hopes of helping in the World War II effort against the Nazis. Eglantine Price and three children take you on a path of magical spells, adventure and fun in a bed for the whole family.

STARRING: Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson.

1977 – Pete’s Dragon

A Walt Disney fantasy musical with live action / animation. The story is based on the early 20th century and a boy named Pete (of course) has a friend named Elliott, an animated dragon who can make himself invisible. Lots of fun and action!

Starring: Sean Marshall, Helen Reddy, Red Buttons, Shelly Winters, Mickey Rooney, and Charlie Callas (as the voice of Elliott).

Upcoming selections aren’t considered cult classic movies … yet. They are still hand-drawn cartoons just with a little help from the computer. It’s okay! They are still magical movies and show us that we are NOT at the end of the cartoon world.

Sadly, we seem to have lost some of the fantasy music genre. Ancient musicals have a special aura to feel good around them. But so did ‘Incredible Mr. Limpet’ and ‘Harvey’.

Returning to the cinema we are dealing with, we continue with …

1988 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Produced by Steven Spielberg

A murder mystery set in 1947. Bob Hoskins, as private detective ‘Eddy Valiant’ has an investigation in Toontown where he meets the evil mobster ‘Judge Doom’ played by Christopher Lloyd and his group of henchmen played by animated weasels. Very entertaining movie!

1992 – Fresh world

Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Kim Basinger, and Brad Pitt.

A famous cartoonist finds himself in the animated world that he drew and created. Adult detective type story (13+ rated). A very well done animated / live action movie.

1996 – Space Jam

Starring: Bugs Bunny (voiced by Billy West) and Michael Jordan.

An out of this world story where a basketball game faces a challenge between the evil space creatures Monstars and the hilarious Looney Tunes. Michael Jordan joins the Looney Tune team as a doorbell. Most of the Looney Tune characters are here in this pact action movie.

2000 – Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle

Starring: Moose and Squirrel

Starring: Rene Russo (Natasha), Jason Alexander (Boris), Robert DeNiro (Fearless Leader), Randy Quaid, Jonathan Winters, and John Goodman.

Fearless Leader learns that Rocky and Bullwinkle have returned to Hollywood and sends Natasha and Boris to destroy them in their usual way of killing … bombs. Adapted from the television show that first aired in November 1959.

2003 – Looney Tunes: Back in Action

STARRING: Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, and Steve Martin.

Bugs and Daffy try to save world domination with the help of Brendan and Jenna. Steve Martin is the sinister.

The entire cast of Looney Tune is in this great movie in one way or another. Sam the sheepdog is beating up Ralph the wolf is an example of some of the background antics, which are hilarious.

Amazing Mr. Limpet started this journey of mine in search of what I call the cult classic films of this genre. Integrating cartoons with live action, what a great idea!

Live-action 3D computer animation may be taking over, bringing the end of the cartoon world as we know it … I hope not! However, this genre also made great movies with its computer imaging software (another article). Great movies like these …

Alice in Wonderland;

Chronicles of Narnia

Jumanji;

Jurassic Park

Star Wars;

Gruesome

Casper;

The Mummy

So in conclusion, Twitter is your favorite cartoon production company and push for more live action / cartoon movies.

Thank you, Cinema Serge

Sports

Five current players who could soon join Trammell and Chipper as a Hall of Fame team

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Because six new players were inducted in Cooperstown over the weekend, many baseball broadcasts have included discussions of current members as well as potential future members. During one particular game, one analyst praised the fact that two of the new Hall of Famers spent their entire careers with just one team.

Of course, he was referring to Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones and Detroit Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell. Jones received 410 out of 422 votes during his first year of Hall eligibility, while Trammell was elected by the Veterans Committee.

It was noted that baseball fans may not see even one one-year-old player, let alone two of them, arrive in Cooperstown for at least another decade. The announcer identified two future recruits, Albert Pujols and Adrian Beltre, who have played for several different teams.

However, a cursory glance at other stars approaching retirement seems to indicate that we will indeed be seeing another one-year-old player soon. In fact, there could be two or more.

Here’s a list of likely or highly prospective single-team players who could be enshrined in Cooperstown after they leave the field.

Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals
This guy is a no-brainer for Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility, no matter what his offensive stats are. He has been the top receiver for nearly two decades, has led the Redbirds to multiple World Series appearances, has been selected as a perennial All-Star and remains one of the best decisive hitters in all of baseball.

Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners
As he approaches his fourteenth season, King Felix is ​​likely to rack up two hundred victories when he hangs up, well below the coveted three hundred mark that guarantees consecration. However, his era makes it nearly impossible to get more than fifteen wins per year, so that fact, plus a Cy Young award and six All-Star games, could give him a plaque.

Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds
His long contract almost ensures that the Canadian will end his playing days at Great American Ball Park, and his numbers are close to HOF statistics.

Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota native has declined since winning the Most Valuable Player Award as a catcher for the Twins, which could affect his chances of entering the Hall. Also, because he is at the end of his current contract with his hometown team, Mauer could be fired from this list if he signs elsewhere next year.

Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants
Ten years into his career, the catcher is a six-time All-Star with MVP and Award Rookie, but it could be his three World Series Championships that eventually land him in Cooperstown.

Tours Travel

Things to consider when booking a hotel in Brooklyn

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Brooklyn, the most densely populated district in New York City (NYC) is a favorite tourist destination for many people around the world. The district is hesitant to be overshadowed by neighboring Manhattan, and boasts a lively culture and uniqueness. Brooklyn features a perfect blend of world cultures and world-renowned attractions. From a walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge, a trip to landscaped Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, Coney Island, Green-Wood Cemetery, etc. Brooklyn awaits you with many more attractions.

To ensure a comfortable trip to Brooklyn, you need to select and book a Brooklyn hotel that suits your needs and tastes. This can be a bewildering task as the township is packed with a variety of luxury, boutique and budget hotels to suit your travel needs, be it a leisure trio or a business trip. Even if you are on vacation in Manhattan, you can easily choose to be in Brooklyn, as Brooklyn hotels will be priced less than their Manhattan counterparts. Two of the key factors to consider before booking a Brooklyn hotel are: the hotel’s proximity to major locations and the rates.

Hotel in an easy to explore location

This factor is especially important if you are on a leisure or family trip with the primary intention of exploring the beauty and landmarks of Brooklyn. If the Brooklyn hotel you select is close to the places you want to explore, it will save you a lot of travel time. There are hotels near Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park and they are located in downtown Brooklyn. There are nice boutique and luxury hotels located in the vicinity of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

If you’re planning to explore Manhattan, hotels near the Queens section of Long Island City can be a great option. Although these hotels lack a vibrant location, you’ll be only a few blocks from several subway stations to make your trip to Manhattan easier. There are a multiplicity of hotels that are within walking distance of various restaurants, lounges, shopping venues, government and corporate offices. Corporate travel can be more comfortable if you opt for a hotel that is close to corporate offices.

Hotel that fits your bill

Brooklyn is home to a number of expensive and opulent hotels that lavish luxury and less expensive boutique hotels for budget conscious travelers. High-end luxury hotels in Brooklyn will be less expensive than comparable hotel rooms in Manhattan. The municipality boasts a variety of accommodation facilities ranging from renowned hotel chains, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Most of the high-end hotels are also conveniently located.

With a variety of room options, luxury hotels offer the perfect combination of a comfortable stay with great amenities. The rooms will be designed with touches of class and elegance to evoke a sense of pride in guests. On-site facilities such as restaurants, spa, massage parlors, gym, etc. will also be featured. Most high-end hotels have a 24-hour business center so business travelers can manage their work outside of the office.

If you are a budget conscious customer, you can save a lot on accommodation by dropping a star or two while selecting a Brooklyn hotel. If you think you can avoid a flat-screen TV or hot tub, opt for less expensive boutique hotels that combine sleek, clean, and fresh design with expert service. The Brooklyn hotel you choose, be it an ultra-luxury hotel or a mid-size boutique hotel, Brooklyn will never fail to make your trip a pleasant experience.

Arts Entertainments

Top 10 Excuses NOT to Succeed in the Music Business

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Over the years, I have heard many excuses from aspiring artists as to why they are not successful in the music business. I have compiled a list of “Top 10 Excuses NOT to Succeed in the Music Business”. The difference between winners and losers is that winners act and losers make excuses not to act.

Here is my list of excuses:

1. I am too young

2. I am too old

3. I don’t have enough money

4. I don’t have enough contacts

5. I don’t know what to do

6. I just don’t have the looks

7. Other people are holding me back

8. I don’t live in the right city

9. I have many other obligations (children, marriage, work, etc.)

10. I don’t expose myself enough

Let me attack these excuses one by one.

1. I am too young

There have been many young people who have succeeded in the music business. In fact, most people start when they are young. Currently, there are young people who top the music charts like Justin Bieber. Michael Jackson started when he was 5 years old. Destiny’s Child found success when they were teenagers and look at its members now. Who hasn’t heard of Beyonce? If you are young, I say that you probably have a better chance of being successful than someone in their 70s. We will also dispel the excuse of “old age” in n. 2.

2. I am too old

I remember one of my friends telling me that if I was not successful in my 30s in the music business, I would quit altogether. Well the music business is very strange and instead of focusing on making great music and being a great entertainer, my friend focused on his age. Al Jarreau was in his 30s when he succeeded. More recently, Susan Boyle has become an international success, not because of her age and looks, but because she is talented.

3. I don’t have enough money

I’m sure I’m glad I got over this excuse early. If you don’t have money, then you need to find someone to invest in your music career or learn to advance your career without spending too much money. There are all kinds of guerilla marketing techniques that aspiring artists can use to further their careers. Go to the library and get a book on guerilla marketing and you will see what I mean. Better yet, Google it!

4. I don’t have enough contacts

Once again, let’s remove this excuse for good. We are in the informacion era. There are networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and many others online that will allow you to make all the contacts you need. In the offline world, you can attend music industry conventions to learn about the music business and build lasting relationships. I can’t even remember all the contacts that I have built over the years, but I will never say that I don’t have enough contacts.

5. I don’t know what to do

This is another tired excuse. There are many books in the public library on everything from how to do a show to how to book your own shows and earn money. If you really don’t know what to do, find a mentor and be on your way. Even if you don’t know them personally, success leaves clues. Find out what they did and duplicate it.

6. I just don’t have the looks

Of course there are many great artists in the entertainment industry, but if you don’t think you have “the look,” you should probably quit anyway. I’m serious. There have been some really box office hits that weren’t “bystanders.” Also, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which means that different people are attracted to different things. This is more of a self esteem issue and you should probably work on increasing your self esteem first if you plan to be in the music business. Sometimes people can be mean and if you have thin skin or are easily offended this business is NOT for you.

7. Other people are holding me back

Seriously? Unless you’re in jail or someone is holding you against your will, no one can really stop you from achieving your musical goals. You need to look at the “man in the mirror” and figure out what you need to do to go ahead with your plan.

You have a plan, right?

There may be negative people in your life, but if that’s the case, if you are an adult, you can walk away from their negativity. Many artists hear the words, “I don’t think you can make it in the music industry.” If someone is telling you that, you should stay away from them as much as possible because you will start to doubt yourself and your talent.

8. I don’t live in the right city

Thirty years ago, this might have been true, but once again the Internet shoots this excuse to the heart. There was a time when you had to live in New York City, Los Angeles, or Nashville to succeed in the music business. The internet has leveled the playing field so that no matter where you live, you can earn money and be discovered if that’s your goal.

9. I have many other obligations (children, marriage, work, etc.)

In fact, I struggled with this one for a while. I put my musical dreams on hold to take care of my family and that was a very noble and responsible thing to do. However, I never stopped writing and pursuing my goals. I learned to make rhythms and I learned to market myself on the Internet as I have already told you so many times in this article.

I didn’t make excuses for what I was doing. I just need to find a different way to achieve my goals and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this approach. Even if you have to spend 30 minutes a day doing something to make your musical dreams come true, that’s better than doing nothing at all.

10. I don’t expose myself enough

I can group this excuse with some of the others above, but here is a different point of view on the exhibition. Internet, Internet, Internet! All you need is some basic equipment and you are on your way to massive exposure. You must first take a guerilla marketing course so that you can learn to promote yourself with little to no money.

I would also suggest getting a digital camera and / or a camera that records video. You can post photos and videos on the internet for your fans to see. Do you need to do a live show? Have someone record your presentation live and post it online on sites like YouTube. However, posting on a site is not enough. You need to learn how to drive traffic to your posts and that is why I highly recommend learning internet marketing.

People are gaining ground on the internet and it doesn’t take millions of people or millions of sales for you to be successful.

I’m sure there are more excuses than I’ve listed here, but I think these are the ones I’ve heard the most. If you are using any of these excuses above, I suggest you take a good look at yourself and find out if this business is for you.

Finally, I would like to leave you a budget. I’m not sure who the author is, but when you start making excuses, always remember this:

Excuses are the tools of incompetence. Those who use them build monuments out of nowhere that will come to nothing. Therefore there are no excuses