In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace, the stakes are higher than ever. A bad decision can prove fatal to the business aspirations of the ill-prepared entrepreneur. Careful planning and meticulous attention to detail are requirements for success. Nowhere is this more true than in the world of the independent contractor. Without the large cash reserves associated with the corporate world, the success of the individual Owner-Operator is in constant jeopardy. This article is the first in a series aimed at explaining some lesser-known facts that can help you make better business decisions early on and build a more secure foundation for your business.

For an owner operator looking to enter the trucking business, it is often more economically feasible to start operating under the operating authority of a larger motor carrier. Please note that not all motor carriers operate in the same manner, and not all motor carriers may operate with your best financial interest in mind. If you get sucked into “just signing up somewhere” and forget to read the fine print, you may be setting yourself up for failure.

When negotiating your mileage rate and reviewing your lease with a motor carrier, there are a few things to keep in mind to better manage your exposure to financial threats and ensure your overall profitability.

What expenses are happening to you? Do you use an escrow?

It is not uncommon for a motor carrier to share some or even all of its cargo and liability insurance deductibles with you, the owner operator. They can do this in one of two ways. They may transfer responsibility for deductibles directly to you through your lease, or they may hold money from your settlement in an escrow account. This means that, in addition to the standard $1,000 deductible you already have on your physical damage policy, you could also be liable for up to $2,500 each, or more, on your motor carrier’s liability and cargo policies. They can also deposit money above and beyond deductible amounts for a variety of other purposes, including taxes, permits, or even fuel advances.

You can minimize the risk of incurring insurance-related expenses by using deductible buyback coverage. Deductible buyback allows you to combine all the deductibles you are responsible for and reduce them to one smaller amount, typically $500. Otherwise, pay attention to the use of escrow accounts and be sure to monitor how much they have withheld. If and when you terminate your lease, you will likely have to ask for that money back or risk losing it entirely.

What insurance can they really require you to carry and what should you bring?

The simple answer here is that they can require you to carry whatever coverage their risk managers deem appropriate. While the state you live in may not specifically require you to have certain coverages, the motor carrier may make those requirements a provision of signing a lease. You are an independent contractor picking out enter into a mutual agreement with the motor carrier. By signing the lease, you are saying that you understand and choose to agree to its requirements, whatever they may be. The most common insurance they will require will be some form of personal injury protection.

However, any insurance coverage they require of you is most likely intended to reduce their exposure to the risk of you passing expenses on to them. Since these expenses would initially be yours, it is in your best interest to have the coverage.

The most common and inexpensive form of personal injury protection is called a Worker’s Compensation or Occ Acc. Occ Acc is similar to Workers’ Compensation in that it covers you or your driver for medical expenses resulting from related injuries. with work. A typical Occ Acc plan will also include some amount of disability coverage. The main difference between Occ Acc and Work Comp is that an Occ Acc policy has a specific default limit of coverage ($500K, $1M, etc.). Work Comp limits are determined by individual state statutes.

What kind of liability coverage are you required to carry on yourself?

When you are leased from a motor carrier and operate your truck “in the business of trucking,” you are covered by your auto liability coverage. Also known as primary liability, this coverage insures you and the motor carrier for property damage and bodily injury that you cause to a third party and for which you are responsible. Since your truck is a commercial vehicle designed for the business of hauling cargo, primary liability covers you most of the time. However, since you own the truck, there will be times when you can use it for things other than “trucking business.” Because of this, it is important to have a secondary form of liability coverage.

Usually referred to as “bobtail” coverage, there are actually several different forms of secondary liability coverage that can be used. Your motor carrier may require a specific form, so it is important to understand the difference.

Non-Trucking Liability, NTL – Covers you when you’re “not in the business of trucking.” You don’t specify if you are pulling a trailer or a bobtail.

Bobtail Liability: Covers you when you are bobtail. It does not specify whether or not you are in the trucking business.

No-Load Liability – Covers you when you are not loaded. It doesn’t specify if you’re bobtail or deadhead or if you’re “in the trucking business” or not.

Please note that these are all liability coverages. This is only coverage for you to pay others for bodily injury and property damage that you may have caused. This coverage will never pay you for damage to your own equipment. Damage to your equipment is covered by physical damage coverage. Most motor carriers don’t have requirements on their physical damage coverage, but it’s still a good business decision to have it.

Understanding these different forms of coverage is extremely important for an Owner Operator when entering into a lease. Before you sign your name on the dotted line, ask yourself the questions presented in this article and consider which of the different forms of insurance might apply to you. Investing in the right types of coverage early on can help you minimize the risk of financial catastrophic events in the future. As is evident in today’s business economy, it is better to be financially proactive and prepared than to wait for disaster to strike.

The introduction of the interchangeable zoom lens known as the Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm and the F4. 0-5.8ASPH/MEGA 0.1.5 are certainly exceptional tools on the market when you realize that the company is taking giant steps to ensure that this product remains the best when it comes to lens production.

With the introduction of this set of lenses, photography and movie shooting will become an easy and enjoyable experience because the contrast system now works faster and more accurately. At the same time, it will give you a wide and long zoom range of up to 14-140mm, which will be ideal for shooting landscapes to portraits or telephotos using the standard micro four thirds system.

Furthermore, the new lumix lens They are known to have four spherical lenses that come with two ED lenses that help reduce the size of production efficiently. An important feature worth mentioning is the optical image stabilizer known as Mega 0.1.5 which efficiently reduces blur effects caused by shaky snapshots taken on the move or by non-professional hands.

In addition, the DMC-GHI Lumix G micro camera system is notable for its ability to work efficiently with the advanced contrast AF system that has a facial recognition function for the best quality when taking memorable photos. The camera also features multi-coated lens elements, allowing the lens to hide ghosts and other foreign objects during production.

For professionals who may be interested in shooting at larger aperture settings, the Panasonic Lumix lens has a provision for seven blades that allows the aperture to develop a rounded shape which in turn can be used to reproduce smooth effects from out of focus areas.

The new image stabilizer introduced to the market by Panasonic as one of its flagship products, is made up of a micro four thirds super zoom lens. This step is a continuation of their efforts to enhance technological advancement in the industry.

The newly released Lumix lens was designed to work in conjunction with the DMC-GHI mainframe to be useful for video and photography functions. In the course of shooting multimedia photography, the Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm and the FA 0-5.8ASPH megapixel are invaluable equipment with the new silent focus system, which ensures continuous AF without impeding aperture control. the Staples.

This new range of digital cameras from Panasonic has also ensured that you can now achieve a 28-280mm equivalent focal length range on both the Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm and the smaller FA 0-5.8ASPH megapixel. in percentage and even lighter than previous equivalents produced by the company. From the above it is evident that the panasonic lumix digital camera it is a state-of-the-art digital equipment comparable to very few on the market, a device worth having to capture your memorable events.

Auto auctions in Japan are a great way for car importers around the world to get good quality, low mileage cars and other used vehicles at great prices.

However, to take full advantage of the opportunities that these Japanese auto auctions provide you as a car dealer, you need to make sure that you understand car inspection reports. As a knowledgeable buyer, you can ensure your gold selection and avoid costly mistakes.

In this article, we’ll take a look at who makes these auction inspection reports and what you can find in them.

If you’re serious about buying cars at auto auctions in Japan, you should keep reading.

Quick Intro: What Are These Japanese Car Auctions?

There are around 86 different auction venues in Japan. On a typical day, between 7,000 and more than 40,000 used cars and other vehicles will be sold at these auctions across the country.

A good Japanese car exporter will give their customers access to all these auctions through an online system. You might be a continent or two away from Japan and yet sit down at your computer and jump right into this huge selection of right hand drive and left hand drive cars right away.

Enter an offer with a mouse click and let the car exporter in Japan take care of the rest. A few weeks later, the car will arrive at the port for you to pick it up.

Used Car Inspections at Japanese Car Auctions

Auto auctions in Japan employ experienced mechanics to inspect all the vehicles they sell. These inspectors work on-site in the case of most auctions, or off-site at car dealerships in the rare case of Aucnet.

The auction inspection covers all aspects of the car, from the mechanical areas and chassis to the exterior and interior condition. Auto auction inspectors are thorough in their approach, the only caveat being that they don’t drive the car faster than parking lot speed and obviously can’t dismantle the vehicle to check really hard-to-reach places.

The auction inspector’s report

The car auction inspector writes his notes on the o-kushon hyo (auction sheet). He will use a combination of scoring systems, written descriptions, and an exterior diagram to give readers a good idea of ​​the used car’s condition.

Overall Auction Rating

Auto auctions in Japan assign an overall grade to each of the cars entered into the weekly auction.

I do not recommend that you rely solely on this rating when considering whether or not to bid. You will also need to verify the other detailed information that the inspector has written on the auction sheet.

(A good Japanese car exporter will be able to provide you with a professional translation of these details.)

That being said, the overall auction rating does have a role to play in helping you narrow the field of potential bidders. Here is a brief overview of the different grades:

Grades 7, 8, 9 or S – They refer to new cars with only delivery mileage.

Grade 6 – This grade can sometimes be equivalent to previous grades, but cars with this auction grade will usually have a bit more than just delivery mileage.

grade 5 – These are vehicles in excellent condition, very close to new standard, but with several thousand kilometers on the odometer.

Grade 4.5 – A car in excellent condition, but with up to a few tens of thousands of kilometers on the clock.

Grade 4 – A good, solid car that normally has less than 100,000 km on the clock.

Grade 3.5 – A vehicle with higher mileage or one that will need some work to clean.

3rd grade – Either a car with very high mileage or one that is generally rough around the edges.

Grade 2 – Very rough vehicles, usually with corrosion holes, being the reason for this low rating.

Grade 1 – Typically a heavily modified car that has had a different engine or transmission installed, or has an aftermarket turbocharger. Other possibilities are used cars with flood or fire extinguisher damage.

Grade R, RA, A and 0 (zero) – They are cars that have had some type of repair by accident. At one end of the scale, the repairs will be the replacement of a single panel due to a minor parking lot dent, while at the other end are vehicles that must have been rolled in an accident that had almost all of the panels replaced.

unclassified vehicles – These are being sold as-is at auction with little or no condition information. As such, they are very risky and can lead to increasing additional costs if you are unable to drive or get around.

Some of these grades are more common than others. For example, Grade 3.5 and 4 used cars will make up about 50% of the auction on any given day, while there will only be a handful of Grade 1 cars on the same day.

interior and exterior grades

Letters are assigned by Japanese auto auction inspectors to indicate the interior and (sometimes) exterior condition of the car. Again, these are very broad designations, as is the overall auction grade, and it is very important to read the details of the inspectors’ comments to get a full picture of the condition.

Essentially, “B” is considered “average condition, considering the age and mileage of the car.” So an interior rating of “A” means the interior is above average, and if it’s “C” then it’s below average.

The “car map”

This is a diagram of the exterior of the car and is usually found in the lower right hand corner of the auction sheet.

The auction inspector will mark this with a combination of letters and numbers to indicate damage to the exterior of the vehicle.

Here are some basic designations:

A = zero

U = tooth

S = rust (from the Japanese word sabi)

C = corrosion

W = irregularity in the panel (usually caused by the impact of the panel)

These letters are also often followed by a number to indicate severity. So “1” is the least severe and “4” is the most severe. In practice, the Japanese are so tedious with these things that something like “A1”, which stands for the smallest scratch, is barely visible to the naked eye.

Feedback from Japanese Auto Auction Inspectors

In addition to the above, the inspector will also write comments about the used car while reviewing it. Obviously, the higher the grade of the car, the less likely it is to have additional information written on it. So a grade 3 car will have much more feedback than a grade 5 car.

The exception to this may be cars that have a large number of aftermarket modifications and parts installed that the inspector then lists on the auction sheet.

While it may seem like the overall rating, interior and exterior ratings, and car map provide enough information to make an offer, I strongly recommend buyers make sure they get these comments professionally translated before making their final decision. tender.

A grade 5 or higher because you may have no surprises, but anything below that the inspector may have written something that could influence your decision to go ahead with an offer or not. That is why it is very important to look for a Japanese car exporter that offers professional quality translations of auction sheets.

concluding remarks

Auto auctions in Japan offer a great selection of used cars at good prices, and the auction’s inspection regime means you can get a good, detailed picture of any vehicle’s condition before you bid.

While it may seem daunting to buy used cars from the other side of the world, these Japanese auto auction inspection reports make the process of finding good vehicles easier and more reliable.

For the millions of drivers who have a strong sense of responsibility but slightly less financial clout when it comes to driving a vehicle on UK roads, car insurance is one area that leaves little room for manoeuvre. Third-party coverage is often the only option available to those on a budget, as the cost of a premium at this level is often the cheapest available, even on days when it’s possible to find a large selection of deals. cheap auto insurance online.

Young drivers or those who are new to motoring are the most likely to receive third party cover, or cannot afford anything more than that, as most UK motor insurance companies cover them. would consider a significant risk due to factors such as: age and/or inexperience. A vehicle that is over thirty years old will surely attract nothing more than third party insurance quotes from most major high street and direct insurers unless it is of great value, in which case the appropriate level can be obtained. of coverage from specialized companies that deal mainly with classic car insurance.

It is a legal requirement to provide at least Third Party Cover (TPO) for any car on UK roads.

Anything less than that would mean no insurance at all which, in addition to being illegal, is also selfish, unfair and immoral and could leave uninsured passengers and other road users extremely vulnerable. Getting caught driving without insurance would not only lead to a criminal record and a financial nightmare, it could also make it difficult, if not impossible, to find an auto insurance company willing to offer coverage again.

Simply put, if you were involved in an accident that was found to be your fault, the other vehicle and its driver would be protected by your third-party insurance, even though your policy would not allow you to claim for any damage caused to your own car. Third-party death or injury would be covered, as would the policyholder’s legal costs in the event of such claims, but such a basic level of insurance should only be considered if budget constraints or the car’s declining value preclude otherwise. stuff.

The Honda CRZ is an impressive car in the Honda lineup, and the abbreviation CRZ stands for Compact Renaissance Zero. It is a gasoline hybrid electric car, which was planned and developed for production by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda. The body style of the car is hatchback. Initially, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui launched the CRZ as a concept car on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. Fukui later announced that a production model is under development and that the car must be incredibly efficient. , cheap and sporty. The Honda CRZ was first produced in the United States at the 2008 Detroit International Auto Show in North America. It uses Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist System.

Two hybrid concept cars were introduced after the production of the CRZ. One is the Honda Remix, which was unveiled at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The other was the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, which was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The four-seat CRZ is considered as the spiritual vehicle Heir to the second generation of the Honda CRX both in design and name.

According to reports from Automotive News Europe, Honda plans to flatten CRZ production in 2009 or 2010, initially in Europe, before working out distribution and production to other nations around the world. The approximate cost of the Honda CRZ is 25,000 euros and is intended mainly for the European markets. The cost of the car will be 28,000 euros along with the most equipped models. Due to the importance of the Honda CRZ on the European continent, Honda UK’s Mark Turner says there will be a lot of influence from Europe in the final stage of the car’s design.

Many reports made by Edmunds inside-line suggest that the arrival of the Honda CRZ in North America will follow the launch of the Honda Insight in early 2009, which is a five-door hybrid vehicle. Confirmation about the production of the Honda CRZ was obtained in the 2008 year-end speech, which was delivered by Takeo Fukui. According to the speech, the production of the CRZ will start at the end of the year 2010. After the production of the car, it will become a model that brings a new value of driving pleasure, which only a hybrid vehicle can bring. .

The Madison Ave lifestyle is everywhere we look. You know what I’m talking about… Fast paced… Beautiful homes, beautiful new cars, two new motorcycles in the garage, a hot tub by the pool, fancy restaurants every night… Everything you ever want right there at your entire disposal. Advertisers are experts at tapping into our dreams of having the ability to live like this. (The glamor of a shiny new car on wet pavement at night is a sure sell.) But there is one group of advertisers that is especially good at making us believe that the Madison Ave. lifestyle is possible for everyone… The credit card companies.

Let’s take a look at some of their ads. There is a major credit card that everyone is familiar with. The catchphrase from his TV ad? “Be where you want to be!” And it usually shows people who are traveling the world, enjoying all that life (with credit cards) has to offer. Now what is this company trying to say here? They are trying to make you believe that this credit card will take you where you want to go in life.

I just received a pre-approved credit card application in the mail. The headline read “Get the credit you deserve!” It makes you feel great, doesn’t it? …Knowing that you deserve something. It makes you want to get up and fight, because it implies that you are not getting what you deserve right now. After all, credit is a constitutional right, isn’t it?

Here is an excerpt from another one I received in the mail the other day. Part of the sales letter read: “Only a select group of people will carry the gold card. It instantly identifies you as someone special, someone who has achieved a higher degree of financial freedom (emphasis added), and who expects higher levels of financial flexibility, convenience and service in all your dealings”.

Sounds great, right? Especially the financial freedom part. After all, isn’t financial freedom what we all want?

All of these advertising campaigns are based on one premise: “You can achieve a better lifestyle by using credit than by spending cash.”

Here’s a problem… This premise is a lie!

Here’s the reality: You can live better for a few years using credit, but then you’ll spend the rest of your life living below your means trying to pay it all off. It’s all an illusion.

Credit makes you believe that you’re doing well (or at least doing pretty well) because you have all these “stuff.” But here are the facts: If you make a credit card purchase of $2,000 at 19.8% and only make the minimum payments, it will take you 31 years to pay it off and you’ll pay $8,202 in interest! That means that when you use credit, you’re paying five times more than if you used cash.

Forward. I bought all that nice stuff on credit, and I’ll only use cash. Let’s see what happens. In the beginning, you will have one or two nice cars, a nice boat, nice furniture, and a great stereo, etc. And I will drive older cars. I will have “first American garage sale” furniture and clothing. And I’ll probably go without that bike that I would really love to have, because I don’t have the money to buy it.

From all appearances, it will seem that you are much more successful than me… At first. But what is really going on here? In a few short years I will not only catch up with you, but pass you by and leave you in the dust financially. This is because when you paid $10,000 for a $2,000 purchase with your credit card, I saved until I had the $2,000 to pay in cash. So I was able to invest the extra $8,000 you spent on interest. You had compound interest working against you, but I had compound interest working for me! (And that’s where you want to be!)

Ten or twenty years from now, you’ll be up to your earlobes in debt and still trying to live the illusionary lifestyle of Madison Ave. But I’ll be driving 4- or 5-year-old cars instead of new ones, while calmly watching my investment portfolio grows by millions, literally!

By then, I’ll be working because I want to, not because I have to. And I will be able to afford to buy almost anything I want… Cash! …While you’re sweating the economy and the next cut or looking for that next $50 raise, just so you can stay on top of all those credit card payments you’re making for things you bought years ago and probably have forgotten for now anyway.

Are you starting to get the idea? Credit is not good for you. It promises (and offers) short-term gains. But it always brings long-term pain. By pursuing the Madison Ave lifestyle using credit, she’s actually drifting further away from it. Rich people understand this principle. That is why they are rich. There is a fascinating book called “The Millionaire Next Door” written by Thomas Stanley and William Danko. (Published by Paperbacks, a division of Simon & Schuster Inc.) The authors spent many years interviewing the wealthy. (Those with a net worth between $1-5 million). And some very interesting things have emerged from their study.

Let’s look at the car buying habits of the rich. What kind of car would you expect a millionaire to drive? An expensive, luxury car or an attractive foreign sports car? Well, Stanley and Danko have discovered that this is not the case at all. They have discovered that the most popular brand driven by the rich is Ford. And the most popular models are f-150 pickups and scouts!

Here’s what Stanley and Danko have to say: “How do millionaires buy cars? About 81 percent buy their cars. The balance is leased. Only 23.5 percent of millionaires own new cars. Most have not bought a car in the last two years In fact, 25.2 percent have not bought a motor vehicle in four or more years How much do millionaires pay for these vehicles The typical millionaire (those in the 50th percentile) paid $24,800 for their most recent purchase Note that 30 percent spent $19,500 or less.

Also keep in mind that the average American buyer of a new motor vehicle paid more than $21,000 for their most recent purchase. This is not much less than the $24,800 millionaires pay! Also, not all of these millionaires bought new vehicles. How many indicated that their most recent vehicles were used? Almost 37 percent. In addition, many millionaires indicated that they recently dropped in price, that is, they bought vehicles at a lower price than before.” (pp. 112-113)

In other words, millionaires drive average vehicles! Why do they drive average and old cars instead of new and luxurious cars?

1. They are rich *because* they drive average old cars, and they know that if they bought new luxury cars all the time, they wouldn’t be rich.

2. They don’t feel like they have to maintain a status symbol or “keep up with the neighbors” because they know they are worth much more than the neighbors could ever dream of.

My wife recently spoke with a mechanic who dreamed of purchasing his own facility for his auto repair business. But, for him, it was just a dream. He could never afford it. However, in his driveway sat a beautiful new turbocharged 4×4 diesel truck with king cab and etc etc. In fact, he even joked about “mortgaging” his truck. But what he didn’t realize was that if he hadn’t bought the charm of that nice new truck, he could have bought his garage and owned his own business.

If she had driven an older truck and bought her own business, she would have finally had the freedom to drive whatever she wanted! Reaching the allure of the Madison Ave lifestyle prevented her from reaching the Madison Ave lifestyle.

To live the Madison Avenue lifestyle, you must first avoid the Madison Avenue lifestyle. Don’t spend $10,000 on a $2,000 purchase because you bought it using a credit card! Instead, save $2,000, buy it for cash, and invest the $8,000. Eliminate all your debt, including your mortgage, and then invest the money you’re now wasting paying interest.

If you do this consistently, you’ll have compound interest working for you instead of against you, and twenty years from now you’ll discover that you have a new address on Madison Avenue.

With the Sole E95 elliptical trainer (2009-2010 model), you’ll be able to get the fullest, most complete body workout you could have gotten on your own. There’s the 30-pound flywheel and the double-action functionality. This allows you to be able to work your upper and lower body as well. The Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009-2010 model) comes with several new features that you may not be able to find on any other trainer.

The Sole E95 elliptical trainer (2009-2010 model) has a grip pulse monitor and a heart rate chest strap that can be attached and monitor pulse rate and heartbeat. The oversized pedals and adjustable pedals ensure that you can get a perfect grip and exercise at optimal levels.

The twenty levels of resistance you get with the ten preset programs give you one of the most challenging workouts ever. The kind of training that allows you to get the best out of your body!

The machine can effortlessly support a weight of approximately 400 pounds and the measurements are adequate enough to allow you to place the machine anywhere and start your workout.

The pack for the trainer comes loose and you need to put it together and put it together. All instructions are given right there for you to assemble the trainer. Go ahead and enjoy one of the most effective and efficient full body workouts that will ensure you don’t need to hit the gym all the time to get the body type you’ve always dreamed of. From the comfort of your own home, you can sculpt your body the way you’d like.

The high-end, advanced features are the kind you can’t find anywhere else but on this particular trainer. You’ve got the 30-pound flywheel and the high gear ratio. All of this ensures that you will be able to get the most coveted results in the shortest possible time. If you are a person who loves a gentle upper and lower body workout, then that is exactly what you will get with this particular brand of trainer. The pedals are adjustable to allow you to get the correct size. This will ensure that you do not have to suffer from numb toes or Achilles heel.

The trainer comes with a two-year warranty period. This is really reassuring for the buyer, as he will not have to worry about concerns, if any, that he may face with the trainer. So, go ahead and get the best of the trainers for you and you will love working out every day of the week.

In a world facing depletion of fossil fuels, buying an electric scooter can be a great idea. There are plenty of options available now, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Electric scooters use a battery, which needs to be charged, and electricity, as we all know, can also come from renewable and sustainable sources. Here are some quick advantages, or pros, at a glance.

1. Ideal for on the go. If you are looking for an alternative means of transport, this is by far the best option. An affordable electric vehicle can be easy on the pocket, and while they aren’t as fast as regular cars, they are great for shorter distances. For example, if you’re moving to the grocery store, you don’t want to call a cab for such a short distance.

2. Tired of the licensing requirements for a new car or motorcycle? This is not the case with electric ones, which are slow and have little speed. These are also great for old and young alike. You can buy one for your mom, get one for the kid, or you can even ride one to the nearest town. An electric scooter is ideal to be included in any home.

3. Security and portability are great features to have. If your electric scooter ran into trouble in the middle of the road, you don’t need a charger to take it to the repair shop. Most of the best designs are actually very light and therefore you can easily carry it around. Some of the better brands have considered safety features, and you can even get a light or other proprietary items.

4. No more pollution. Electric scooters use a chain-powered motor and therefore there is no noise or smoke pollution. This can be a great advantage if people in cities and crowded places start using them, because we can simply eliminate some of the honking. As mentioned at the beginning, you are using a product that is not dependent on fossil fuels, and by now we all know that it is important to reduce dependence on these fuels.

5. Economic. Granted, electric scooters are cheap, and what’s even better is the fact that you don’t have to spend a lot on maintenance. Just pick a brand or manufacturer you can trust, and you should be good. Repair needs are infrequent, and you don’t have to spend a lot on parts either, should they need to be replaced.

All in all, electric scooters are ideal for most people. If you’re trying to buy something expensive, go for an e-charging vehicle, which is short, compact, and can be used in a variety of ways. Also, take your time to evaluate the features and make sure the product is well known. After all, you don’t want to replace it any time soon.

(1) The 2007 Hyundai Sonata

The 2007 Sonata is the smaller of Hyundai’s two midsize sedans. It comes in three models: a) The Sonata Limited trim is the top-of-the-line model and has a 235-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission, as well as heated front seats, automatic climate control, and fine leather upholstery. b) The Sonata SE also has a 235-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. c) The Sonata GLS has a 162-hp 4-cylinder engine and a choice of 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All models are equipped with ABS and skid/traction control, as well as front side and curtain airbags.

While the previous version reminded many car bosses of a Jaguar in terms of styling, the 2007 version looks even better, with a headlight that looks like an Audi and a rear end that looks like an Accord. The slim roof pillars and the upright driver’s position also contribute to its aesthetic value. The 2007 Sonata is also a larger, sharper, and more technologically advanced version of the 2006 model. Overall, the Sonata’s advantage over other cars in its class like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima is that it combines comfort , spaciousness, sophisticated design and reliable performance, plus a reasonable price.

(2) The Hyundai Accent

The new, completely redesigned Hyundai Accent 3-door hatchback is a welcome addition to the 4-door sedan introduced in 2006. Compared to the sedan, the Accent is sportier in terms of looks and performance. It also features side-curtain airbags, which are a rare feature in vehicles of this size and price range.

The 2007 Accent has excellent handling, an attractive Euro-style hatch and strong safety equipment. Sold in GE and SE trims, the Accent looks small on the outside but is surprisingly roomy on the inside, both front and rear. Its excellent fuel economy makes it an ideal choice for urban drivers, especially in places where gasoline costs up to $6 per gallon. Many have commented that the 2007 Accent 3-door model is even more attractive than the 2006 Accent 4-door sedan introduced last year. The 2007 model brings back memories of the mid-nineties Honda Civic CX 3-door hatchback or General Motors’ Opel Corsa, so popular these days in Europe.

(3) The Hyundai Elantra

Many auto industry observers consider the 2007 Hyundai Elantra a worthy contender in the field of subcompact sedans, which features models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. It is competitive in terms of safety, spaciousness, and overall driving experience, and may have a slight advantage in value and warranty coverage. However, his conservative style needs to catch up with the rest in this field.

The 2007 Elantra has plenty of airbags in both the roof-mounted and front-seat side curtains in both the front and rear seats. It also has anti-lock brakes and four-wheel disc brakes that are much better than the disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear of its competitors.

(4) The Hyundai Shark

The Tiburon has been redesigned for 2007 and now features lowered headlights, a hallmark of more conventional Japanese models, as well as revised taillights and chrome exhaust tips. It also has a new conventional-looking, more wedge-like sheet metal frame that’s a far cry from the odd-looking, curvy Tiburon model first introduced in the US in 1997.

The top-of-the-line Tiburon SE’s handling has also been streamlined to make it smoother and more engaging for enthusiasts.

(5) The Hyundai Santa Fe

With the unibody construction of a car rather than the traditional body-on-frame construction of a normal truck, the Hyundai Santa Fe looks more like a “crossover SUV.” The 2007 version has been completely redesigned and is now bigger and better, with more power, more legroom and more sophisticated styling.

Unlike last year’s model, the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe blends naturally into the suburbs. Its brand new third row of seats allows the 2007 Santa Fe to accommodate up to seven passengers. It also offers improved fuel economy and power, whether in GLS, SE or Limited trims.

(6) The Hyundai Azera

This year’s Azera has benefited from minor interior detail changes to increase its aesthetic value. It’s actually a carryover from last year’s model and features the standard 263-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan is available in 4 trims, ranging from SE to Limited XM.

(7) The Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is another of Hyundai’s highly regarded cars for 2007, especially since the 2006 Tucson captured the prestigious JD Power and Associates award for “Top Rated Multi-Activity Vehicle in Initial Quality” despite only being in its second Year of production.

Based on a study of more than 63,000 new car owners, the Tucson, on average, outperformed its competitors in the multi-activity vehicle (MAV) segment in six of eight categories. Overall, Tucson posted scores that were 23 percent better than the category average. It also received high marks for its safety technology, electronic stability control, curtain airbags, and for offering a choice between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

(8) The Hyundai Entourage

In terms of standard safety features, the Hyundai Entourage is head and shoulders above the other minivans available on the market today. Not surprisingly, the 2007 Entourage earned the highest and best crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for a minivan.

Safety and comfort features in the Entourage include six airbags, standard ABS, standard electronic stability control and standard active head restraints. Plus, the Entourage has plenty of room to spare, including seating for seven and enormous cargo space.

The dreams of the young, what can they be? In a world filled with storms of despair, the only luxury now is our ability to dream. The jokes of our existence are nil, leaving so many languishing in despair waiting for some of their dreams to come true. But, in reality, their hopes and dreams are too often simply dashed.

The recurring nightmares of the transvestites who are everywhere have always erased any hope they had. Now, we are in the twilight of man’s existence, although some still think that humanity will survive. Even from time to time there are fleeting moments of joy that can give hope that not everything is useless.

How can we be sure in a world that is constantly changing that whatever hopes and dreams we have will not evaporate into thin air? Inflationary trends that have only exasperated life today have left behind the livelihoods of millions. For years, the public has been defenseless against the overly powerful union that our government has become.

As the pages of time pass, the weariness that prevents frustration has taken its toll. The enormity of bewildering human events has always upset the desired results that we always try to achieve. The results continue to favor a select few who tip the scales of society. It is the result that has destabilized and profoundly determines one’s ability to reach that ladder of upward mobility.

The United States is full of spineless political stances, while the country is in the tailspin of prolonged decline. For decades the country has watched the opportunity levels for millions of people wither and die on the vines of corruption that has been allowed to spread. Where once there was hope and opportunity, all that remains today is a barren land where dreams are lost and hopes have died.

The giant of political convenience continues to ignore the plight of millions. Where there is so little hope of salvation from the powers that be stands as a testament to the growing subservience of the government. A wall of indifference from governments that by virtue of their position continue to be selfish. Self-service in a bureaucracy that doesn’t care about the general public welfare. This is what we face today as a nation.

The harsh reality now is that many are looking for ways to recapture some semblance of a quality of life that somehow equates to a time gone by. A time when inflation was kept in check and disposable income eased the financial burdens of many. A time when trespass and government mandates were rarely enforced. Far away from today.

Can we as a society recover from the further erosion of our basic core tenets of our founding? Justice, liberty, morality and education have succumbed to political correctness and government corruption. To save this nation there must be a unified effort to first realize how far we have fallen and then implement a management plan for long-term stability and progress. A leadership plan for this nation is something this country has not had since John F. Kennedy. The future is in our hands. We must not remain complacent and allow this nation to fall apart. We owe it to our forefathers and to our Founding Fathers to act.