Thursday, September 11, 2008

Gearing Your Pontiac up for Summer

Summer has finally come. Bright sunny days, warm weather, and clear blue skies: This is the perfect season to go for long leisurely drives to your vacation destination or travel along the countryside with your family. But, before you head off down that road, you should make sure that your car is geared up for summer. The dust, hot weather, traffic jams and bad road conditions can wreak havoc to your car. Thus, you have to prepare your car to lessen the likelihood of a mechanical breakdown that could really dampen your summer trips. In addition, the effects of last winter can still lead to potential failure if not fixed on time. Here are some of the important parts you should check and fix before traveling.

In the warm weather, your car is extremely prone to overheating. Thus, you should check out the condition of your cooling system. It should be completely flushed and refilled regularly every two years. You should also check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant every so often. Have your mechanic check your cooling system for the condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses. As the engine needs cooling, so do the car's occupants, so have your air-conditioning system checked by a pro. A defective A/C system can break down in hot weather, leaving you uncomfortable in your car.

If you are going on an extended trip or planning to tow a trailer, you should change your oil and your oil filter. Dirty or clogged oil filters can drastically diminish the performance of your engine. You should also replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, and others) as dust, grime and other debris can lead to poor engine performance and potential breakdowns. If you are experiencing problems with your engine's drivability such as hard starts, diminished power and rough idling, have it checked and fixed right away.

Have your Pontiac wheels and tires checked too. Check tire pressures and wheel alignment. You should also have your tires rotated after every 5,000 miles. Look out cuts, nicks, uneven wearing and cupping that could lead to more serious tire troubles. Do not forget your spare tire and jack. Brakes should be checked if it is still in good working condition. You should have your brakes fixed at the first signs of trouble such as pulsation, unusual noises and longer stopping distances.

Replace defective or damaged auto parts as soon as possible. You should not let car troubles spoil your family's fun whenever going on a summer road trip. You can get excellent quality Pontiac parts from various auto parts stores, but it is better to stick with a trusted and reliable auto parts wholesaler. If you need to gear up your Pontiac for the summer, visit your trusted online auto parts store now. Pontiac parts are now available at Inner Auto Parts, a renowned source of automotive information that has garnered many accolades through the years. At http://www.innerautoparts.com, you will find millions of Pontiac auto parts ranging from Pontiac catalytic converters to Pontiac window regulators. They even have an extensive array of Pontiac hoods and hubcaps. A visit to this excellent auto parts store is the solution to your problems if you need Pontiac parts that are affordable, durable and top quality.

Russia in Winter

Are you in search of your Russian woman? Impatient to see the pretty Russian girl you have met online? Now you know for sure you are ready to set out in search of your best relationship ever...

To make a long story short, you have decided to go to Russia in winter whether or not you are corresponding with anyone. You will have a great trip: the country is very special and unforgettable. You probably feel excited by future socials and frustrated by Russian winter.

Don't get frustrated. This article will help you and give some tips on how to survive Russian winter and what to wear in order to survive it.

The winter weather.

First off, check out in the Internet: you have the easiest and the quickest way to search the winter weather in the city you plan on visiting.

Usually, it's rather cold, freezing or below, in the majority areas in Russia in January and February. December is milder. Be prepared to slip on ice and be dusted with snow. Ukraine is warmer.

It can get down to -15 degrees Celsius, give or take 10 degrees during most of the time. And this is considered warm compared to Siberia where you can experience bitter cold.

The way you will survive Russian winter depends on where you are from and what temps you are used to.

Ah!! Monsoon Season

“As dark gray clouds gather in the sky, it reminds me of eternal gifts that our Mother Nature has presented to us.”

Truly, nature has her own subtle way of expressing love and affection to us. During monsoon season, when tiny rain droplets fall to the ground, the sky gives an impression of an estranged mother who is shedding tears in joy on meeting her beloved children. Though, it seems like a philosophical illusion, yet portrays the kindness that nature has showered on us by creating monsoon season to enjoy.

If someone denies its desire to get wet in the rain, probably he or she is lying. A little kid in us who is lost in ages of maturity suddenly pops out when it sees tiny droplets falling on to the earth. The temptation to get wet and enjoy the raindrops falling on our body is irresistible.

In metros and cities, we can see the joy of monsoon on everyone faces. Kids dancing on streets, elders enjoying rain in the balcony of their house and women preparing hot pakoras and coffee for everyone in the family are hallmark of first monsoon rain. And what else the romantic lovers want better than the rainy season to spend some intimate moments with each other. We can see them sharing a common umbrella on a local bus stand or going for a long drive to invoke those romantic moments that were kept in backseat thanks to scotching summer heat. In its own elusive way, it somehow justifies the renowned MasterCard advertisement that says “There are some things that money can’t buy, for everything else use MasterCard.” Truly, these moments of happiness and sense of togetherness are priceless and cannot be bought, rather felt and loved. Ah!! Monsoon Season.

In rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of income, the season of rains bears a special significance. Faces of hope gazing at sky towards smallest of cloud spread, anxious look of farmers at their fields on which their future depends and community prayers in villages for timely rains are traits of anxiety of people in rural areas just before the monsoon season. In some manner, this ambience is explained rhythmically in a song from Aamir Khan’s internationally acclaimed movie ‘Lagaan’ that goes like “Kaale Megha Kaale Megha, Paani to Barsaao”.

And why not so when two-third of our population is directly or indirectly related to agriculture for its livelihood and nearly a quarter of country’s economy is dependent upon agriculture. For them, good monsoon not only brings the bumper harvest but consequently also improved standards of living.

Indian Culture has a long tradition of using festivals as medium to mark the beginning and conclusion of any season. Consequently, there are many festivals associated with the onset of monsoon too. In Rajasthan, ‘Teej festival’ is held every year in July and August months to mark the advent of monsoon. During this festival, women pray to almighty for good production and buy new clothes and jewellery in anticipation of good monsoon this year. People in Meghalaya also organize a festival called “Behdienkhlam” to invoke the blessings of god for bumper harvest. This festival features religious ceremonies and dancing around a water pool called “eit nar”.

One of the prominent Hindu festivals that mark the beginning of rainy season is ‘Naga Panchami’. This popular Hindu festival is dedicated to Ananta, the serpent upon whose coils Vishnu (The Rain God) rested between universes. People offer milk and worship snake images in temples on this day to protect them from snakebites that are common in areas near to the riverbed.

But, the biggest of all festivals is ‘Sri Jagannath Yatra’ that is celebrated all over the country with much delight. During this festival, the chariot processions of Sri Jagannath are taken throughout the main streets. The biggest of the processions is held in Puri, Orissa where people from all over the world come to this small city to participate in the mega event.

The significance of Monsoon season is much more than giving us enjoyment. In India, rivers are the major life lines on which the country’s population is heavily dependent The rainfall occurs during the Monsoon season fill these rivers and its tributaries with enough water to feed people all through the year. This rainwater is used primarily for drinking and other essential purposes and any shortage of it can create severe problems like drought for us.

Also, good monsoons are a big necessity in our country where farmers rely more on divine help rather than government authorities to bring water to their fields. Timely rains not only solve their water woes but also help them raising a good food production that is so essential to feed such a huge population like of us. With good monsoons, the level of groundwater also increases in urban areas and consequently solving water problems that occur during summer season. Though we are still very much ignorant about water management techniques. With strategic planning like proper canalization, creation of man made reservoirs and water management techniques, we can utilize the natural rainwater in much more efficient manner to boost our agricultural growth as well as solving urban water problems.

The romance of the Indian monsoon, with its abundant rains and lush green landscape that has been rhapsodized down the ages in verse and song, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Monsoon in India are exquisite and to fillip the tourist activities during monsoon season, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has mooted the idea of providing tourists “a unique experience” in the form of “Special Tourism Packages”. A CII study paper has recommended states like Kerela, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttranchal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh to promote themselves as Monsoon tourism destinations by introducing special schemes to attract tourists within the country and all over the world. These schemes will generate new employment avenues and also help government earn precious foreign exchange that International tourists will spend during their stay in India

Monsoons in Kerala are the most enchanting in India. With green pastures at its best, it is the most sought after destination during rainy season. The state is promoting itself extensively in the field of health tourism especially Ayurveda. The equable climate during Monsoon and natural abundance of herbs and medicinal plants in its flora, Kerala is fast capturing the attention of International tourists as a prime destination to visit during the Monsoon Season. With its abundant water reservoir of waterfalls and natural lakes, Northeastern region is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination among local as well as International tourists.

The phrase “Expressions of love and happiness cannot be taught. They come to you naturally,” says it all. Every living entity shows its love for the rains in its own magical way. Immediately, after the rain plants seem to be thrilled and grow much faster and greener with new branches shot up. We can also see peacock dancing in the rain or scurrying of partridge on green fields to show their happiness on arrival of monsoons. In true sense, rains symbolize the life itself. When dark clouds cover the sky and start showering raindrops on us, I heard everyone around me saying “Ah!! Its Monsoon Season.”

Toy American weather Eskimo Dog

The Toy American Eskimo or "Eskies" dog breed is a companion dog. They are a charming and affectionate little dog with an intelligent expression.

There are two other types of American Eskimo dogs - standard and miniature. The only main difference between them is their size and weight.

Eskies have a snowy white double coat that can have biscuit or cream markings. Both the outer coat and undercoat are thick and soft. They have a very distinctive ruff, compact body; wedge shaped fairly small head with erect triangular shipped ears. Their eyes are oval shaped, dark brown with dark brown or black rims. Their tail is plumed and curled over their back.

The Toy American Eskimo is strong, swift and agile with a flowing gait. These dogs are also very loveable and high-spirited.


The American Eskimo is loving, playful, willing to please, alert, loyal, strong willed but easy to train with a quick wit and obedient.

Weight and Height

TOY
9 - 11 inches
6 - 10 pounds

MINIATURE
12 - 15 inches
10 - 20 pounds

STANDARD
15 - 19 inches
18 - 35 pounds

LIFE SPAN
15 years

These dogs are a good choice for a family. They get along well with children if given sufficient exposure and interaction early. They are also good with other pets. Eskies are considered a good breed for the first time owner if purchased from a good breeder.

They are wary of strangers until they get to know them then they are instant friends. They make excellent watchdogs - they will bark to announce a stranger.

Eskies do need to be socialized and are very trainable but need kindness and consistency. They seem to take longer to mature than other breeds. They can behave like a puppy until two years of age.

They need exercise so they do not gain weight. Toy Eskimo's just need a few laps around the house or outside but the rest need more and they love long walks.

They are a fairly healthy breed but are prone to :

hip dysplasia
progressive retional atrophy
eye and eye duct problems

They like cold weather better than warm.

Brush these dog daily when shedding, otherwise twice a week will do. They
are an average shedder. Only bath every 2 or 3 months because of dry skin problems. This is a very clean breed and grooms themselves.

The American Eskimo is part of the Spitz family of dogs. The German Spitz was brought to the U.S. and the American Eskimo was created. This breed was recognized by the AKC in 1995.

The Weather Forecast on Your Computer

I use the Internet to find just about every type of information. Even the weather.

Sure, I could just stick my head out the window and call out, "Hello. What's the weather forecast today?" But if the response is "hurricanes, hail and meteor storms", I don't want my head to be on the wrong side of the window when the answer comes down.

Plus, that won't help me fine-tune my last minute travel plans.

So I turn to the Internet. There are three really easy ways to get a good weather forecast over the Internet:

Weather forecast websites:

There are some good weather forecast websites. The one I use most often, because I am in Canada, is The Weather Network http://www.theweathernetwork.com ), and I also like CNN ( http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ ).

CNN gives current conditions and a five day forecast. The Weather Network provides more detail, with a short term forecast ( this evening, tonight, tomorrow morning, etc.) and a longer term forecast over the next six days. The Weather Network provides the most detail of all the options, but it takes longer to download than the progress of climate change (so don't do it on a 26K modem!) Both offer forecasts for cities worldwide.

Weather forecast software:

A second way, which does not even require going to a website, is to get current conditions right on your desktop. There are free weather forecast software downloads, such as http://www.weather4you.info that display key data right on your desktop, and even provide a text summary one click away.

Weather forecasts on the desktop are probably the fastest way to get local weather information, and the data is updated every five minutes. The display can be set up for local weather, but a couple clicks allows for a quick check of conditions form almost every weather monitoring station in the world – ideal for making last minute travel plans

Weather forecasts by Google:

A third way to access the weather forecast is through Google. Yes, the find-everything search engine has added weather to its repertoire. For instance, search Google for "weather Orlando", without the quotation marks, and see what you get.

At the time of writing, this service is available only to cities in the USA (I presume Americans get more weather than other people.). However, it will hopefully be available everywhere by the time you read this article.

Google's is the least precise weather forecast of the options, but fairly quick and simple to reach if you are looking for information on a city in the USA.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Things to Bring When Camping in the Heat

Camping without the proper equipment isn't the best idea. Those that have already learned the lesson will tell you this, but why go through the pain yourself?

Check out the weather

If you know that you're going to be heading to a warmer camping site, then it's time to investigate the weather conditions and what kinds of temperatures you can expect. Many places are warmer in particular times of the year, so you may want to avoid such months.

Needless to add, no amount of research will prepare you if the weather takes an out of the ordinary turn. However, do plan, in as far as possible, for worst-case scenarios.

Water-The Camper's best friend.

Don't'tcompromise on the quantity of water that you carry, as many greenhorns tend to do. The benefits of carrying enough water far outweigh the inconvenience of lugging the extra weight.

And that's a fact!

You want to bring at least a gallon of water per person per day that you will be camping. Yes, this will be heavy, but it's a lot heavier to carry someone to safety should they get dehydrated.

Carry a reasonable supply of electrolyte salts with you. These salts come in powder form, which can be dissolved in the water you are carrying. Or carry sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Your body needs to regularly replenish these essential salts in hot, humid conditions.

Mmm! Tastes good too!

Eating smart

While you may not feel like eating in the heat, you need to balance your liquids with food. This helps to keep your body in balance. The human body is a delicate system of electrolytes that can fall out of balance easily in extreme weather conditions.

Nibble on something every time you take a swig of water. A couple of nuts or pretzels will suffice. A salty or sugary snack is best.

The right gear

Keep you head protected from the sun with a hat or visor. Try and wear light colored clothes and apply sunscreen on parts of your body that are bare.

While the heat might feel bad, the heat with a sunburn feels even worse.

Make sure that you can bring first aid equipment as well as a way to signal for help if you need a rescue.

Two's company

Of course, camping with someone else is best, especially in more extreme weather conditions.

Warm Up Your Car In Winter

Common questions in the winter. Should I warm up the car before driving? And for how long?

If you use your car infrequently let the car run for a few minutes before moving. This warms up the cold, thick oil and protects your engine from damage.

When starting a vehicle in cold weather allow the engine to idle for no more than 30 seconds before driving off to insure proper oil flow and lubrication. Older vehicles may need a little longer warming up time. Only warm long enough to prevent stalling when driving and that the windshield is defogged.

A cold engine will warm up faster when the vehicle is being driven than when idling. In unusually cold temperatures drive at a slower speed for a few miles to give the car time to warm up.

Use a block heater when the winter temperature drops to -5°F or below. A block heater helps to keep oil and coolant warm, makes the vehicle easier to start and reduces gas use by as much as ten percent. Turn the timer on one to two hours before planning to start vehicle. Use a timer for convenience.

Never warm car in a closed garage. Drive car out of garage as soon as motor starts. There is not enough ventilation to remove carbon monoxide in even an open garage.

Never leave a car running alone. Car thieves watch for these cars that they call puffers.

Warming up the vehicle before driving off reduces moisture condensation on the inside windows.

At low temperatures the battery's starting power drops. Turn off the heater, radio, lights, etc. before starting the car so all the power can be directed to the engine to start. Be prepared with jumper cables in your trunk for a jump start if necessary. Even better, a self-charge auto jumper that plugs directly into the lighter can be a lifesaver.