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<channel>
	<title>Web Articles</title>
	<link>http://www.eliedl.com</link>
	<description>General Web Articles</description>
	<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:48:02 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>10 Practical Tips To Save Money</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/10-practical-tips-to-save-money.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/10-practical-tips-to-save-money.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:48:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Online stores pass their savings from rental costs and warehousing to the online consumer, thus they can afford as much as 70% off their rack price.Try also online bidding:  they offer at least 75% off the original purchase price, for practically new (slightly used!) items.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Paul Hata</P><P>Saving money is not as hard as it seems.  Here are ten practical tips that you can do to begin saving money, without changing your lifestyle.  </p>
<p>1. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.  CFL bulbs consume 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, but give the same illumination.  Make sure to buy only lamps and bulbs that have the Energy Star rating to ensure quality compliance.  </p>
<p>2. Make a list when going to the grocery and stick to it! Anything that is not on the list is not a need, but merely a want, so avoid busting your pockets for unnecessary items. Buy non-perishable consumables in bulk to benefit from bulk discounts.  </p>
<p>3. Use coupons when available.  Take the time and have the patience to clip and organize grocery coupons.  When added together, savings from using all coupons in one grocery trip can be as much as $20-$30.  Purchase dining and shopping coupons online and print them at home.  Doing so can save you at least 50% on the face value of the coupons.  </p>
<p>4. Buy online, whenever possible.  Online stores pass their savings from rental costs and warehousing to the online consumer, thus they can afford as much as 70% off their rack price.  When buying items online, Google it first together with the word, discount code. This can give you further reductions on the item you want to purchase.  Try also online bidding:  they offer at least 75% off the original purchase price, for practically new (slightly used!) items.  </p>
<p>5. Take lunch to work.  Buy potato chips and soda from the grocery and make a homemade sandwich and pack them in a brown bag.  </p>
<p>6. Eat homemade dinners as often as possible.  Plan menus that are practical and easy-to-cook to encourage eating at home.  Save money by dining out only on special occasions.  </p>
<p>7. Use everyday pantry items for skin and body care.  Cucumbers, honey, milk, lemon, salt and baking soda are some items in your home that can also be used to take care of your skin.  </p>
<p>8. Avoid shopping to de-stress.  Try walking around the park or watching a movie instead.  </p>
<p>9. Bring your own sodas and snacks when watching a movie. The cost of sodas and snacks are at least 25% higher in movie houses.  Plus, homemade popcorn tastes much better: you can put on all the salt and butter you want!</p>
<p>10. Pay off your credit card balances each month and avoid finance charges.  Better yet, use cash as much as possible, unless using plastic will give you a better deal (0% interest on appliance purchases, or cash rebates).</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>1000s of Finance,Financing,Financial and Funding Services  -<br />
- http://www.worldfinancepages.com, http://www.worldfinancingpages.com,<br />
http://www.worldfinancialpages.com and http://worldfundingpages.com</P></p>
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		<title>Saving Money - The Best For Last</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/saving-money-the-best-for-last.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/saving-money-the-best-for-last.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:44:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Saving is a way of insulating oneself from the many symptoms of health and natural adversity. While an average youth of yesteryears thinks more about short-term financial goals such as purchasing a new pair of signature shoes, owning a new jet ski or a brand new car, statistics show that more and more are starting to realize the importance of keeping a personal savings.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Paul Hata</P><P>The value of money cannot be underestimated. In a recent national survey, more than 96% Americans agreed that early monetary savings would help one achieve a fruitful and stable life.</p>
<p>Saving is a way of insulating oneself from the many symptoms of health and natural adversity. While an average youth of yesteryears thinks more about short-term financial goals such as purchasing a new pair of signature shoes, owning a new jet ski or a brand new car, statistics show that more and more are starting to realize the importance of keeping a personal savings.</p>
<p>Long terms goals are described as goals that have a lasting effect should a person&#8217;&#8217;s present actions be religiously maintained. </p>
<p>The following statements are outlined to provide information and tips on how you can start up your money-saving gimmicks and ensure a happy and financially stable future and list the reasons as to why saving money should occupy a greater place in our list of priorities in life. </p>
<p>Reasons for Saving:<br />
1.Saving for your Future and Present Needs - Saving today will provide you with flexible financial resources in the future.</p>
<p>Keeping at least 20% of your monthly earnings while using the other for your household, personal and unexpected expenses will surely play a big part in your pursuit for a stable future. </p>
<p>2.Saving for an Investment Need  - Savings can also be a source of your future capital for engaging in business enterprises. </p>
<p>It will provide you more opportunity for venturing on your unexplored talents and earn you a huge potential in increasing your money exponentially. </p>
<p>3.Saving for your Retirement - More than 23% of today&#8217;&#8217;s elderly were shown to have failed in one instance in their lives, to save and strategically used their money for preparing their way to retirement. As a result, these folks extend their entire retirement career working on an equally satisfying job that pays them enough to cover their basic expenses. </p>
<p>Keys to Fulfilling your Saving Goals:<br />
No matter how good our intentions and objectives for saving are, we should also take note that goals can fall and touched the following baselines or characteristics.</p>
<p>Attainability - Goals should be something attainable and one which can be achieved without you doing something extraordinary or illegal. A little amount of patience and hard work are key. </p>
<p>Consistency - Changing your goals from time to time due to incidents that may arise in the near future are sure ways to deterring your intention to save. </p>
<p>While we need to focus on the present incidents, we also need to take hold of our original intention and continue until you have gained enough leads to get it.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>1000s of Finance,Financing,Financial and Funding Services  -<br />
- http://www.worldfinancepages.com, http://www.worldfinancingpages.com,<br />
http://www.worldfinancialpages.com and http://worldfundingpages.com</P></p>
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		<title>How To Save Money on Transportation</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/how-to-save-money-on-transportation.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/how-to-save-money-on-transportation.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:43:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[To save money, you must always check on your vehicle regularly. A well-maintained vehicle can get you out of trouble on repair expenses. You can actually spend only $50 on maintaining your vehicle and save up to $800 on repair costs in a year. You can even save more if you do the maintenance yourself and not bring your car into an auto shop.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Paul Hata</P><P>Prices go higher every year, especially the cost of gas. Transportation is one big factor that makes the household budget difficult to cover all your expenses. Here are some guidelines to help you save money from transportation:</p>
<p>1.To save money, you must always check on your vehicle regularly. A well-maintained vehicle can get you out of trouble on repair expenses. You can actually spend only $50 on maintaining your vehicle and save up to $800 on repair costs in a year. You can even save more if you do the maintenance yourself and not bring your car into an auto shop.</p>
<p>2.If you want to save more money, it is recommended not to buy a new car. The value of a car depreciates automatically when you drive it out off the showroom of the car dealer shop. You may buy a car that is used at least one year. It will save you thousands of dollars to the actual worth of the car when it was new. The owner will then pay all the depreciated value of the car.  </p>
<p>3.Save money on buying used cars by comparing the prices of the car dealer and the actual price on the list of the used car dealer ads. To ensure the car that you buy is well conditioned, you may ask for the help of a mechanic to check if the car is good enough for its price. It is better to buy a used car from a person you know and trust. This will help you make sure that you have a good deal in acquiring a car. </p>
<p>4.Try to compare gasoline rates. You may refuel your car with the gasoline station that offers the lowest price on gasoline. You can even save more by pumping gas yourself and use the lowest octane in your car&#8217;&#8217;s manual. It is also recommended that you pay cash than credit cards that charge extra rates. Do not forget to check the gas cap if it is tightened to ensure no gas is spilled out. </p>
<p>5.Always keep your engine tuned-up and have your tires inflated to their desired pressure to save you more money. A well-maintained engine consumes less gas. Keep your car&#8217;&#8217;s trunk clean to save more fuel. Heavy loads in your vehicle can consume more fuel because of the excess weight it carries.</p>
<p>6.Try to limit the use of your car on your daily route. You may take the bus or the subway to save gasoline. You can also save time by ignoring the traffic that you encounter everyday on the streets.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>1000s of Finance,Financing,Financial and Funding Services  -<br />
- http://www.worldfinancepages.com, http://www.worldfinancingpages.com,<br />
http://www.worldfinancialpages.com and http://worldfundingpages.com</P></p>
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		<title>Timeshare - Checklist Before You Buy</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/timeshare-checklist-before-you-buy.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/timeshare-checklist-before-you-buy.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:39:06 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Many buyers get confused when asked if they have a checklist of things to consider before buying a timeshare. The following paragraphs provide you with a checklist to make sure that you are not missing the important criterions that should be weighed against the timeshare you are buying.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Paul Hata</P><P>Many prospective buyers are stuck when it comes to deciding what important factors that one should consider when buying a timeshare. The buyers today are much more informed than the buyers of few years back. They are more knowledgeable about what they are buying and have done their homework before taking a major step. </p>
<p>But still many buyers get confused when asked if they have a checklist of things to consider before buying a timeshare. The following paragraphs provide you with a checklist to make sure that you are not missing the important criterions that should be weighed against the timeshare you are buying.</p>
<p>If you are buying timeshare through a broker make sure that he is licensed. Also find out his reputation in handling timeshares and the success rate. And do not hesitate to ask any questions related to your timeshare. Some of the good questions to ask are:</p>
<p>* What is the maintenance fee of the resort and do they keep raising it every year, if yes how much?<br />
* What are the chances of getting a best timeshare like in a desired week?<br />
* By what date you should make the reservation at the earliest?<br />
* Are there any extra benefits accompanying your timeshare?<br />
* Do the timeshare company has bonus week program?<br />
* Can you exchange or trade your timeshare without joining an exchange company?</p>
<p>Also try to enquire from the broker about the point system. Some reputable firms sell the timeshares for more if they have points system. Ask him if this is reasonable or you are better of buying a resale. </p>
<p>Also the factors that determine the cost of timeshare units are demand for a particular week may be high so the price may be high, also demand for a particular location may be high. The size of the unit also affects the price, the bigger units are easy to trade in and exchange hence they are in more demand. Also the reputation of the firm owning the timeshare resort is an important factor.</p>
<p>See the unit before you buy, in many cases the descriptions provided by the timeshare company or the re-seller turns out to be misleading like the location, size of the unit etc. If you cannot see it, if your family members or friends lives near the location tell them to go and see the unit. Also try to get references. When you go and see the unit ask the neighbors what they think of the amenities and the management. You can also enquire from them:</p>
<p>* What they think of the resort?<br />
* Time since they have been vacationing in this resort?<br />
* Are dates easy get without much problems?<br />
* Is the management company good and are they satisfied?<br />
* How about the maintenance fees and other fees? Do they have a good record or they raise it too frequently?<br />
* Is it easy to make reservations and exchanges?<br />
* Are developers planning on improving the property in near future?</p>
<p>Do your homework to find out the prices in the area you are buying. Internet can come handy for checking the prices for example auction sites such as eBay and bidshare.</p>
<p>Keep in mid that if you are buying a resale timeshare unit it should be as cheap as half the price of the new timeshare unit that developers sell. If you are buying a new timeshare through a timeshare company read everything carefully in fine print before signing any contracts. </p>
<p>While buying a resale timeshare ask the seller why they are selling it because there can be an underlying problem in their reason to sell like problems with management company or inconvenience. You can get a feel of the potential problems that you may also have to face and can decide whether you may be able to handle it or not. </p>
<p>Also make sure that there are no past dues on maintenance fees and property taxes, it will add up to your cost. If you take care of all these important factors you should be able to make a smarter decision in buying a timeshare.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>1000s of Hotels,Travel,Tourism and Luggage Offers! Click Here -<br />
- http://www.worldhotelpages.com, http://www.worldtravelpages.com,<br />
http://www.worldtourismpages.com and http://worldluggagepages.com</P></p>
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		<title>Retirement - What is the IRA</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/retirement-what-is-the-ira.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/retirement-what-is-the-ira.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:33:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to real life, these three letters will have a greater noticeable affect on people than many of the other three letter names that we here on a regular basis such as the CIA, FBI, NSB, ATF, and countless other abbreviations that are hidden behind three little letters.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Paul Hata</P><P>With all the three letter names floating around our society what is one more? Really? It&#8217;&#8217;s not like we don&#8221;t have enough to worry about without adding this burden. </p>
<p>However, when it comes to real life, these three letters will have a greater noticeable affect on people than many of the other three letter names that we here on a regular basis such as the CIA, FBI, NSB, ATF, and countless other abbreviations that are hidden behind three little letters. </p>
<p>The good news is that an IRA isn&#8221;t nearly as insidious as its name would imply. This is a useful tool to most Americans who hope to someday retire from their life of work and life out a somewhat comfortable existence.There are actually many different IRAs, which is the abbreviation for Individual Retirement Account.</p>
<p>A Traditional IRA is the most common. The only requirement for this particular IRA is that you are employed and that you invest no more than 100% of your income or $4,000 per year, whichever is greater up to the age of 49. </p>
<p>At the age of 50 your maximum investment is 100% of your income or $5,000 whichever happens to be greater. If you meet the requirements of the IRS to their satisfaction your contributions to your traditional IRA will be tax deductible. As a result, the funds are not taxed while in your IRA account but once the funds are withdrawn they are subject to federal income taxes.</p>
<p>This is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly for those who plan to be in a lower tax bracket when the funds are withdrawn. However, there is a growing number of people who are interested in the benefits that Roth IRAs and similar funds present by paying the taxes now when the rates are known rather than risk an even higher rate of taxation in the future, even in a lower tax bracket. The best advice I can give is to discuss the matter thoroughly with your financial planner and listen to their advice. </p>
<p>This is a case where only you can ultimately decide which decision is best for your needs but he or she can provide valuable guidance. You should also keep in mind that though laws favor non-taxation for Roth contributions that could change between now and the time you are ready to withdraw your funds, which will have you paying double taxes on those funds and is the primary reason that many people elect to stick with Traditional IRAs instead.</p>
<p>There are several distinct disadvantages to the traditional IRA funds. One of those would be the requirements in order to qualify for tax deductions. First of all, if you have the opportunity to invest in another retirement option through your employer you must be below a certain income level in order to qualify for the tax deduction. If you do not meet that qualification all the funds that are deposited into your IRA fund are subject to federal income tax. </p>
<p>You will need to seriously discuss your stock buying strategies before determining if this is the best choice for you as those who buy and hold tend to be penalized when it comes to capital gains.</p>
<p>As things are currently, a Roth IRA is often preferable as the money isn&#8221;t immediately tax deductible but not only is the investment not taxed upon withdrawal but neither are the gains that were earned on the investment. Another serious setback when it comes to the traditional IRA is that you are required to begin receiving payments at age 70.5. As we are seeing more and more people work well beyond the traditional retirement age this is becoming more and more of an issue.</p>
<p>There are advantages and disadvantages to traditional IRAs. It is important that you decide which of these you are prepared to live with and which you would rather live without. These differences will matter a great deal when retirement comes. Take the time to discuss your goals for the future with your financial advisor and see what he or she recommends.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>1000s of Equity,Forex,Investment and Fundraising Services -<br />
- http://www.worldequitypages.com, http://www.worldforexpages.com,<br />
http://www.worldinvestmentpages.com and http://worldfundraisingpages.com</P></p>
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		<title>How Personal Revolving Debt Affects Business Credit</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/how-personal-revolving-debt-affects-business-credit.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/how-personal-revolving-debt-affects-business-credit.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:47:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[Many business owners are shocked to find that their personal finances have such a large impact on their business''s ability to access credit.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Scott Letourneau</P><P>Many business owners are shocked to find that their personal finances have such a large impact on their business&#8217;&#8217;s ability to access credit.  Revolving credit, in particular, can have an unexpected affect on any individual&#8217;&#8217;s ability to access new lines of credit or business credit cards for their business.  In fact, your individual FICO score can factor up to fifty percent into a lender&#8217;&#8217;s decision to approve your business for credit or not.</p>
<p>In order to understand how revolving debt impacts your business&#8217;&#8217;s access to credit, it is important first to have a good understanding of what revolving credit is and how it works. </p>
<p>Revolving debt includes all of an individual&#8217;&#8217;s personal credit cards, department store cards, and any home equity lines of credit they may have out.  Revolving debt is the ratio between how much credit is available to the individual from these three sources and how much is actually owed.  This is a reflection of your financial state.  If an individual has all lines of credit maxed out or nearly so, it will appear that something is going on in the person&#8217;&#8217;s financial life, or that they are desperate for more capital, not what a lender wants to see when deciding to grant you access to more money.  For example, if an individual has a total of 10,000 dollars available to them in all his credit cards, department store cards, and home equity lines of credit, but has a total balance owed on all three of only 4,000 dollars, that would be a forty percent ratio.  Anything under fifty percent is generally good.  </p>
<p>After incorporation is a critical time for a business to go to the next level, and this usually requires more capital in the form of loans, credit cards, or other lines of credit.  It is exactly at this time when your personal revolving debt comes into play so crucially for your newly incorporated business.  Your numerical FICO score will play a large role as well.  It is usually ideal to have at least a score of 680 at this time, but this requirement will vary depending on the type of credit being requested.  The requirements to finance a mortgage on a new property, for instance, will be vastly different than the requirements for a new business credit card.  </p>
<p>Particularly in the case of a new business, your personal finances will be key.  This is because as a newly established business, the lender has little to examine other than your personal finances.  Managing your personal debt is one very important way to ensure that lenders will have a positive outlook on giving your business access to credit, but it is not the only factor involved.  Having no credit cards, or only one or two, is not ideal.  Lenders will want to see a fairly diverse and long credit history, so having one or two long-established accounts is great, but three or four total open lines is a much better number.  Also, if you have bankruptcies, judgments against you, this will likely weigh into the bank&#8217;&#8217;s decision.  Make sure your personal finances are in great shape before you risk the success of your business on them.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>Scott Letourneau is the CEO of Fast Business Credit, Inc. and has a valuable free guide to help business owners get access to capital plus a new program to help understand business credit! Go to http://www.fastbusinesscredit.com/businesscreditprogram.html for powerful details!</P></p>
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		<title>Getting Strut Tower Braces For Your Street Racer</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/getting-strut-tower-braces-for-your-street-racer.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.eliedl.com/getting-strut-tower-braces-for-your-street-racer.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:43:30 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Why should you get strut tower braces for your car?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Justina Mathews</P><P>If you have ever used up any time pushing your car hard through the corners, then you know that the hardness of the suspension really makes a difference in how well it holds the road.  To begin with, any kind of lean in a corner can cause your car to loose traction as the tires struggle to keep their contact patch on the ground.  Not only that, but lean can also put a fair amount of strain on the suspension components bearing the brunt of the force.</p>
<p>You have probably changed out your stock factory springs for sport springs with a more aggressive rate that keeps your car from diving too much under braking, creating an overall stiffer ride.  You might have also matched them with heavy-duty shock absorbers which help to keep the car feeling tight over elevation changes and through rapid direction changes.  Even with these kinds of mods, you might still be frustrated with the amount of body roll you feel on the track or even on the street.  What other options are left for you to explore?</p>
<p>One of the best decisions you can make would be to install front and rear strut-tower brace.  What is a strut-tower brace?  Simply put, a strut-tower brace is a solid piece of metal (or carbon fiber, if you are into that exotic, ultra-expensive range of parts), which is used to horizontally brace the frame of the car.  The strut tower is the mounting point for the top of the shock absorber, and it is directly connected to the vehicles chassis.  By using the brace to attach the left and right strut towers together, it&#8217;&#8217;s like you are adding on to the frame, except you are doing it from the top, instead of the bottom as you would with a sway bar.</p>
<p>The strut tower at the front of the car is found in your engine bay.  This means that you need to make sure that any strut tower brace you are considering has enough clearance to make it over the top of your valve cover.  Oh, and keep in mind that once you are done admiring your installation work, you will need to be able to close the hood as well so it cannot be too tall either.</p>
<p>The rear strut tower is a little trickier.  On some cars, it can be found in the trunk, or cargo area if you have a hatchback.  There is usually enough space to easily get hands and tools in and lock the bar down.  However, many sedans have the strut towers hidden under the rear deck or seat meaning that the seat has to come out before they can be accessed.  This extra step can be a pain if space in your car is tight.</p>
<p>One thing is certain about strut tower braces:  once you have one in your car, you will wonder how you ever got along without one.  With the tightened chassis, you will feel like your import is on rails, and corners that used to have your passengers holding onto the door handle will feel a lot calmer and more controlled which is exactly how your car should feel.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>Justina Mathews writes issues that currently affect the performance car enthusiast. She also writes about issues that affect the street tuner industry, as well as import scene lifestyle. She&#8217;&#8217;s a staff writer for http://www.bestperformanceautoparts.com/</P></p>
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		<title>Protecting Your Cooling System</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/protecting-your-cooling-system.htm</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:42:29 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Keep your street car''s cooling system working well, or you might bake your engine alive...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Justina Mathews</P><P>Your cooling system is extremely significant.  Once you start customizing your sports car for speed and horsepower, things can start to get really hot under the hood.  This is because your cars energy only translates about 30 percent of the energy found in gasoline into power.  The rest of it ends up as waste heat, and as any good hot-rodder or tuner knows, heat is one of the biggest enemies of performance.</p>
<p>This is because engines are intended to run inside fairly narrow temperature ranges.  You have probably seen that a motor can be somewhat hesitant in the mornings on a very icy day it needs to warm up to that most advantageous temperature in order to become efficient and make the most horsepower that it can.  Likewise, since the temperatures inside an engine can get scorching and do not forget, you are actually using controlled burns of gasoline to get where you are going  too much heat can melt or damage important engine components.  This is especially true if you are running performance parts such as aluminum cylinder heads.</p>
<p>So how can you maintain things as cool as possible?  It helps to have a cooling system that is up to the mission of keeping your engine from baking alive.  The more power you make, the hotter you engine could start to run.  The first thing to keep in mind is that you should run the type of coolant that the manufacturer recommends for your car.  Now I know a lot of people tell you that all coolant is the same and that you can go down to the local supply shop and buy green, blue or orange coolant and just dump it in there, but this is not true.  Each type of coolant has a different chemical composition, and your engine was designed to run specifically with what it came with from the factory.</p>
<p>Another way you can help your stock cooling system deal with the increased load is by installing a more powerful electric fan.  Most modern cars use electric fans as a stock accessory, but if you are running an older car, then you can use a conversion kit to switch over to an electric from a mechanical fan fairly easily.  The key characteristic of an electric fan is how many cubic feet per minute of air it can move CFM.  You can easily find a fan with a higher CFM than your stock fan, and sometimes, (depending on how much space you have in your engine bay), you can install two fans side by side in the same housing. </p>
<p>Electric fans are very useful if you have a turbo car.   Turbos spin very, very fast sometimes tens of thousands of rpm.  Naturally, they can get extremely hot, and so can their manifolds.  A good trick is to set your electric fan to keep running even after you have shut down the car after a hard run.  It might make you feel a bit weird to walk away from your car with the fan still whirring, but putting the fan on a timer or temperature sensor that shuts it down once your engine and turbo are back down to a reasonable temperature is a great way to prevent component damage and prolong the life of your vehicle.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>Justina Mathews writes issues that currently affect the performance car enthusiast. She also writes about issues that affect the street tuner industry, as well as import scene lifestyle. She&#8217;&#8217;s a staff writer for http://www.bestperformanceautoparts.com/</P></p>
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		<title>Maintaining Your High Performance Fuel System</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/maintaining-your-high-performance-fuel-system.htm</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:38:12 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Want to avoid damaging your engine when racing?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Justina Mathews</P><P>The fuel system is the livelihood of your imports engine.  To put it simply, if at any given time your car becomes starved of gasoline, there is a good chance that damage will occur to your engine, especially if you are using nitrous oxide, forced induction, or running at very high rpms.  So critical is fuel delivery to high performance street machines that most turbocharger kits or nitrous systems provide larger or extra fuel injectors and heavy duty fuel pumps to keep up with the demand.</p>
<p>It is obvious that keeping your fuel system in the best possible shape is critical when it comes to maintaining a healthy engine.  There are a few different areas that you need to keep an eye on in order to make sure that your fuel system is running at the highest level.</p>
<p>The first and easiest step you can take is to regularly replace your fuel filters.  Now, I know this does not sound glamorous, but fuel filters are in all probability the most forgotten serviceable component in the entire system.  This is usually because unlike an air filter, fuel filters can be hidden out of sight anywhere along the fuel line.  They are usually found either near the fuel pump or near the tank.  Some vehicles have an in-tank fuel pump with a filter located nearby, and some even have an additional fuel filter in the engine bay.</p>
<p>Wherever yours are, over time they can clog up due to impurities in fuel or corrosion in the gas lines or tank itself.  This clogging drastically reduces fuel delivery, and can lead to bad news under the hood of your car, not to mention lower fuel economy.  Replacing fuel filters is usually cheap and easy, so it&#8217;&#8217;s worth doing at least once per season.</p>
<p>The injectors themselves can also get dirty or fouled, and this can lead to reduced power and mileage as well.  What usually happens is that carbon or other contaminants coat the tip of the injector and turn the fine spray of gasoline into a trickle or a thicker spurt.  This reduces the atomization of the gas, and is a general performance let-down.  You have got a couple of options if you suspect that your fuel injectors might be dirty.  You can use an in-tank fuel additive that will use chemicals to try to strip away to coating on the injectors, but this is not always effective.  The most surefire way to clean up your act is to remove the injectors and have them sent away to one of the several companies which specialize in cleaning them off.   Sure, you won&#8221;t be able to drive your car while they are away, but when they come back they will be as good as new.</p>
<p>Finally, you should keep an eye on your fuel pump to make sure that it has still got some life left in it.  If your car has an in-tank fuel pump, listen for any strange sounds coming from the rear of your car when you turn the key to the on position.  In-tank pumps use fuel as a lubricant and coolant, and if they are starting to wear out, they can get quite noisy.  It is always better to replace a fuel pump than to have it fail on you out of the blue or in the middle of a quarter mile run.</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>Justina Mathews writes issues that currently affect the performance car enthusiast. She also writes about issues that affect the street tuner industry, as well as import scene lifestyle. She&#8217;&#8217;s a staff writer for http://www.bestperformanceautoparts.com/</P></p>
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		<title>The Real Face of the Beijing Olympics</title>
		<link>http://www.eliedl.com/the-real-face-of-the-beijing-olympics.htm</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:33:14 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[The anticipation of the Beijing Olympics was palpable -and the spectacular opening ceremonies, at the impressive Bird''s Nest, proved it was well worth the wait. Yet the ideals of the summer games are also well represented behind the scenes:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><P>By Phyllis Goldberg</P><P>The anticipation of the Beijing Olympics was palpable -and the spectacular opening ceremonies, at the impressive Bird&#8217;&#8217;s Nest, proved it was well worth the wait. Yet the ideals of the summer games are also well represented behind the scenes: </p>
<p>1. Lopez Lomong was elected by his teammates to be the United States flag bearer. One of the Lost Boys of Sudan rescued from a Kenyan refugee camp by a United Nations program, he qualified for the U.S. team in the 1,500 meter race. What a story - personified in the host country, China, which has been strongly criticized for its record on human rights. One of the key concerns has been the war torn Darfur region of Lomong&#8217;&#8217;s home, Sudan. Lomong joined Team Darfur, a group formed to raise awareness of perceived abuses. As an ambassador of the U.S. and an athlete from Sudan, he&#8217;&#8217;s showing his character as well as sending a message: &#8220;I am worried about the kids who are dying in Darfur, kids who don&#8221;t have the dream they could be good athletes or Olympians or doctors, because they will be running away from their villages separated from their families.&#8221; Lomong&#8217;&#8217;s greatest hope is to inspire young kids around the world.</p>
<p>2. It has been three months since the 7.8 earthquake that devastated the Sichuan province of China, killing 70,000 people, injuring 375,000 and leaving more than 5 million homeless. Over 7,000 classrooms were destroyed and close to 10,000 children died in the tragedy. With the one child rule in China, there was an outpouring of grief as many families lost their only child. In the opening ceremony 9-year old Lin Hao, a student in a primary school at the epicenter, accompanied flag bearer Yao Ming - and represented hope for the Chinese people. After surviving the earthquake and getting out of his classroom, Lin Hao went back to pull two classmates to safety. During his rescue efforts he was hit by falling rubble and suffered a head injury. While waiting for help he encouraged his classmates to sing, keeping their spirits up. When asked why he risked his life, he said that he was the hall monitor and it was his job to look after his classmates. Although Lin Hao is not an Olympian - at least not yet - his heroism makes a grieving country proud and, while still mourning, allows all of China to enjoy the celebration. </p>
<p>3. The power of emotional support is exemplified by the families at the Olympics, watching their emerging adult children spread their wings as they compete. With world records and more gold medals than any other Olympian in history under his belt, everyone is talking about Michael Phelps. His mother and sisters have described the emotional roller coaster ride - the ups and downs, the pressure, the racing hearts, and then the ultimate excitement. His mother sees the aquatic center as Michael&#8217;&#8217;s office and knows that he&#8217;&#8217;s working to perform at his highest level. Just after his most dramatic win, Phelps said: &#8220;I don&#8221;t know what to feel right now. It&#8217;&#8217;s so emotional. All I want to do is go see my mom.&#8221; The Phelps family epitomizes the good in families, as well as their dreams and heroes.</p>
<p>4. Elisabeth McCutcheon, married to the U.S. men&#8217;&#8217;s volleyball coach, Hugh McCutcheon, was a member of the women&#8217;&#8217;s volleyball team in Athens, Her parents, Todd and Barbara Bachman, were great supporters of the sport. The first day of the games, Todd died of a stabbing and Barbara was seriously injured by an attacker who committed suicide by jumping from the ancient Drum Tower. Hugh&#8217;&#8217;s first thought, when hearing the news of his in-laws, was how to get to his wife. As a coach, as well as a son-in-law, there was no question about what to do in the face of such a tragedy. His response was what others expected of him: &#8220;Volleyball is my job, my family is my life.&#8221; He left to support and comfort his wife. McCutcheon phoned his team before the first game, providing leadership from a distance. The volleyball community that loved the Bachman family rallied. The men took the floor for that first match with the victims&#8221; initials written on the backs of their shoes and said a silent prayer in memory of Todd Bachman. In a match that was much tougher than it should have been, the U.S. men&#8217;&#8217;s volleyball team won what turned out to be a bitter-sweet victory.</p>
<p>5. The first time ever, two U.S. women won gold and silver medals in the all-around individual gymnastics competition. For Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson - teammates, competitors and friends - it&#8217;&#8217;s been a long journey to a dream that has finally come true. The pair anchored the U.S. team that took silver behind China&#8217;&#8217;s gold earlier in the week. Liukin said she was not disappointed, but she and Johnson wanted more. They made a calendar, counting the days until they got their next chance for gold. They wanted to go all out and have fun. And the two pals managed to do both. &#8220;I couldn&#8221;t be any prouder of Nastia,&#8221; Johnson said. &#8220;She deserved that gold medal. She&#8217;&#8217;s one of my best friends and we just want the best for each other.&#8221; The silver seemed to whet Johnson&#8217;&#8217;s appetite. She&#8221;d like to try again at the Olympics in London. &#8220;After experiencing the Olympics, I&#8221;d give anything to feel that again. If I can in 2012, I&#8221;ll be there.&#8221; </p>
<p>Competing and winning is important. But don&#8221;t forget about character strength, moral values and the emotional support of those who care about you. What words of wisdom do the athletes share from their personal experiences? Follow your heart, love what you do, work hard and have fun. It&#8217;&#8217;s definitely an excellent exercise for all of us - so stretch into that one. </p>
<p>(C) Her Mentor Center, 2008</P><P><B>About The Author</B></P><P>Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. is co-founder of http://www.HerMentorCenter.com, a website for midlife women and http://www.NourishingRelationships.Blogspot.com, a blog for the Sandwich Generation. She is co-author of a forthcoming book about Boomers&#8221; family relationships.</P></p>
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