January 16th, 2009
The Volkswagen Jetta, or the VW Jetta is a car that is made by the Volkswagen Company and is basically a sedan variation of the Volkswagen Golf. The name ‘VW Jetta’ was used only in South Africa and North America until 2005. Volkswagen used the names ‘Vento’ and then ‘Bora’ in Europe. The VW Jetta was made because the marketing people at Volkswagen were astute enough to realize that the people in the United States preferred to drive sedan model cars as opposed to hatchback models like VW’s Golf car. South Africa shows similar preferences and so marketing for both America and South Africa remains almost identical. Volkswagen’s marketing team proved that they made advantageous observations as the Jetta eventually became the best selling European car in the United States.
The Jetta first made its debut in North America in 1980. It was available as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. This model had a different version called the Volkswagen Fox that was sold only in South Africa. The original US VW Jetta model was manufactured and sold from 1980 though 1984.
The next generation of VW Jettas proved to be the most successful for Volkswagen and remained in production from 1985 through 1992. In the United States alone, the VW Jetta outsold the VW Golf by almost half. This is the time when the Jetta saw its peak sales and was named the best-selling European car in America. This version of the VW Jetta was also one of the first Volkswagen cars to be made in China. The difference between the first generation of VW Jettas and the second generation was in the body design as the car featured changes with added large, body-colored bumper covers, low side skirts and side-clad and grille alterations.
From 1991 through 1998, the third generation of VW Jetta was dubbed the “poor man’s BMW” as it was loaded with trim features. The exterior of third generation VW Jettas were considered to be ‘boxy’ and had subtle body changes like a new grille, assorted wheel covers and body-colored rub strips. The VW Jetta from this time period was available in the GL, which is the basic trim, and the GLS, which is the luxury model trimmed with leather interior and power windows, locks and sunroof as well as many other features.
The fourth generation of the VW Jetta came out late in 1998 and continued production until 2005. This Jetta shared some of the same styling marks as the larger VW Passat. The body of the fourth generation VW Jetta includes a rounder shape and arched rooflines. This VW Jetta was made in a variety of trim levels as well as in a wagon version. The fourth generation VW Jetta was made in a few different models with the GL being the base model, the GLS a slightly higher model and the GLX being the luxury model.
The fifth generation of the VW Jetta was unveiled at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The latest generation of the VW Jetta is larger than the previous generation with luxury styling and a roomy interior. This model of the VW Jetta is also the first to feature an independent rear suspension system and a new 5 cylinder engine.
Automotive journalist Steven Johnson writes for publications such as www.vw-jetta-performance.com.
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January 15th, 2009
You may not have any experience in changing tyres, so knowing when to do so could be difficult without a proper inspection. If you don’t feel comfortable diagnosing the problem prior to changing tyres, then a professional can help. However, determining how to change a tyre can be quite easy.
One sign that can tell you it’s time to change your tyres is by how well they are performing. One example could be that your car, which usually handles well in poor weather conditions, is suddenly not handling as well. Another is that it takes longer to stop when you brake.
A tyre’s tread should not be worn beyond the legal limit, which is a minimum limit of 1.6 millimeters. Most tyre manufacturers mould T.W.I, or tread wear indicators, right into the tyres tread pattern, usually at 1.6 millimeters. When the tyre is worn to the T.W.I, then it should be replaced.
Tyre wear can be caused by several factors, not just through age and use. Emergency braking, under- or over-inflation, and migalignment can cause them to wear. Once a tyre is worn to, or even past its legal limit, changing tyres is a must.
To avoid wearing out your tyres too early, check to see if your tyres are properly inflated. To do so you will need a few simple tools.
You will need a tyre pressure gauge to check the tyre’s pressure. This can be either mechanical or electronic, or can even use a pump with a gauge built right in. You can also opt to by a small compressor that powers through your car’s cigarette lighter. They are great for saving time and effort, but make sure to avoid buying a cheap one. They don’t work as well, and often break very quickly.
If you’ve done all your checks, but your tyres are still in bad shape, then changing tyres is inevitable. But don’t worry, the process can be done easily and quickly with just a few tips.
Before you begin changing tyres, you should check to see that your car’s jack is there, you have a properly inflated spare tyre, you have a lug wrench that properly fits your wheel, and you also have the correct lug bolts.
Once you have safely parked your car, make sure you put a couple of bricks or large stones beneath the tyres to ensure that it doesn’t roll or move. Bring the jack, spare tyre, and lug wrench to where you will be changing tyres.
Begin byremoving the hubcap/plate and loosening the nuts prior to jacking up the car to prevent the wheels spinning on you. Turn them counterclockwise to loosen until it comes off. Once this is done, you can jack up the car.
Remove the old tyre. Since you have already taken out the lug nuts, pull it with your weight forward in order to prevent you from falling backward.
Now you are ready to put the new tyre on. Adjust the tyre in the threaded shafts so they fit. Then you can replace the lug nuts, tightening them in the proper order.
Once this is done you can lower the jack so that they tyres are once again resting on the ground. Lastly you can replace the hubcap or plate.
Changing tyres can be hard the first time you try, but once you get the hang of it, it will be easier and easier each time you do it.
Tyres: Resources and Information about it
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January 14th, 2009
The price of cars these days is just out of this world. You can figure on spending upwards of $30,000 for a family van. No wonder a lot of people are opting for used cars. Even with prices creeping up and up there are still ways for you to save money if you have your heart set on a new car.
The first advice I’ll offer is to do your homework before you approach a dealership. There is an endless amount of information available on the internet. Every car manufacturer has a website, dealerships have web sites. See what deals they are offering on what models. Check on the edmunds.com website for information on retail prices for new and used cars of any make and model. You should, before you even pull into the dealership, have a ballpark figure of what your new car should cost, including any special packages you may want.
A lot of dealers have taken the haggling and pressure out of new car buying, which many of consumers like. Remember the days when you’d ask what the price of a car is and the salesman would reply “how much can you afford to pay a month?”. You never knew exactly what you were paying for your new car until you were at the desk ready to sign the contract. Today we are educated consumers and those days are gone forever.
You will be able to get a good deal during the end of model year sales. The dealers will make just about any deal to get an older model off the lot to make room for a new one. Also, go into the dealership at the end of the month. Your salesman will be doing his best to sell a few more vehicles to up his commission payment.
Get the bottom line price for that new car before you talk about a trade in. Generally the first thing a salesman will ask is if you have a trade in. Say “no”. If your salesman knows you have a trade in it will affect the price you pay for your new car, no doubt. If he makes you a ridiculously good deal for your trade in you can believe that the price of your new car will reflect this. Make sure you know what the value of your trade in is. Again you can check edmunds.com. Take you car to a variety of dealerships and get an idea of this price from them.
The bottom line is to do your homework. Get a price for the new car from several different dealers. There is nothing wrong with each of them vying to give you the best deal.
Consider your finance charges. Get a quote on the interest rate you’re offered from the dealership, then check with your bank or credit union to see what type of interest rates they offer.
This article courtesy of www.porsche-fanclub.com
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January 12th, 2009
Used car buyers need to get their money’s worth as soon as their purchase has been confirmed. New or not, cars should have warranties. It is a right, not a privilege.
The following are tips to better your chances of getting the best warranty for your money. Know what you are buying
Some people who avail themselves of auto warranty coverage usually have a notion that they are purchasing a special shield that protects their vehicle from unnecessary wear and tear. Though this is true, this idea is primarily bound to a contract that the buyer should read prior to signing anything. There are instances when consumers buy a used car then expect the warranty company to get their cars back in shape for them. Buyers then unnecessarily file a complaint and get angry once their request is denied simply because their understanding of the conditions that constitute the warranty differs from what the warranty company has explicitly stated on their contract. It is advisable therefore to read in order to avoid uncalled for weeping.
See through the “lies.”
Do not believe when auto warranty companies claim that their warranty can not be refunded. One hundred percent of extended car warranties are refundable within thirty days provided no claims have been made. If in any instance you feel that you were in some way forced to purchase or getl a Ford, Hyundai or Honda warranty that you didn’t want, do not hesitate to get your money back.
Sift through their trashing
If a warranty company has a good enough standing, it does not need to trash the competition or badmouth the other company’s warranty contract. You need to see them point out their own warranty company merits, offers and packages and not the competitor’s “worthless” clauses in order to make a sale. Though it is a competitive world out there, the only way to stand out is to offer excellent and ethical service. In this case, action speaks louder than words.
Avoid buying auto warranty from you dealer
Though it is extremely convenient to do so, the effects are short-term. The price car dealers’ offer for extended auto warranty, believe it or not, is usually two to three times higher than the normal rate. Plus, their contracts have far too many limitations and unfair clauses that buying warranties from first-rate warranty companies that provide better service for half the price, is a clearer and - should be - the only option.
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. www.best-car-buying-tips.com
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January 12th, 2009
Donating money and good is a great way to help out worthy causes while still helping yourself out on your taxes. Car donation is no different. Even though some of the car donation tax laws changed a few years back, this is still a great way to help yourself and others. So if you have an old car and just aren’t quite sure what to do with it, then consider a charitable donation of your vehicle.
As of 2005, the laws for car donation changed. For motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes that are valued at more than $500, things are a bit different than before. The allowable amount of the deduction is now limited to whatever amount the charity sells it for. The charity to which your car donation is made is required to provide you with written acknowledgement of your donation within 30 days of you making it. If the charity provides any false or exaggerated acknowledgement, they can be penalized.
As of the first of January in 2005, when you make a car donation, the tax write off is based on how the charity uses your donated car. If it is sold, you can deduct the gross sale price. If, on the other hand, the charity uses the car for what the new law calls “significant” tax-approved work of charity, you would be able to claim the market value of the vehicle. Again, however, there are stiff penalties for falsified documents.
Some of the charities, despite acknowledging that the old laws had problems, are skeptical of the new car donation laws. Many of these organizations are concerned about what will happen when the tax deduction responsibility is put in the hands of the charities rather than the donors. A group of them actually sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary suggesting that people may be discouraged from donating when they are unaware of their deduction amount. Not being able to weigh the cost to the benefit of donation may discourage some auto donations.
If you do choose to make a car donation, you will find that the process is very easy. Most charities that offer to take your vehicle will have information on line or via phone about it. In many cases, in fact, you can fill out the appropriate forms on line to get the process underway. You also will likely not even have to be home and the vehicle may not even need to be in working condition. Many charities will come and toe your car away if you can simply leave the title under a floor mat along with the key and put it somewhere accessible. As soon as the car is sold, you will receive a document in the mail letting you know how much you can write off of your taxes, legally.
Since many charities rely on donations of all sorts: clothing, cars, money, and even appliances, think about what you are doing when you make an auto donation. By donating your vehicle, you are helping out a worthy cause of your choice. In addition, you are helping yourself out. Sure, the tax laws have changed, but you can still benefit from your donation. The car doesn’t have to run to be eligible, so your write off might still be more than selling it for junk. So feel good about yourself, help your tax line, and get rid of that old junker by donating your car.
If you would like the latest car donation secrets, or find more of my articles, please visit my automotive blog. Thank you for your time!
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January 11th, 2009
Want to bring a zing and energize your stale workout routine? Master a trick or two from the following tips and see the results for yourself. Certain tips that can stimulate new techniques to squeeze more muscle-building efficiency out of each exercise that can really make all the difference
Most of the exercise schedules are meant to give you a toned, fit and healthy body. Not aches and pains.
. Choose exercise suitable to your level- if you are a beginner, work up gradually.
. Take things at your own space
. Make sure you drink water before, during and after exercise.
. Do gentle warm-up stretches before and after exercising.
. Wear good footwear and appropriate clothing.
. Enjoy yourself
Random Tip-Try Alpha and Beta exercises: There are two forms of muscle strength. Alpha strength is the momentary strength required to do, for example, one maximum bench press rep. Beta strength is the strength required to perform four sets of 20 reps with the heaviest weight possible. Think of it as a sprint versus marathon. Experiment to discover which form of muscle strength is your forte. Try a workout where you do only one all-out set, and then try a different workout, where you do multiple sets to failure.
Must Visit- Muscle Building Do’s and Dont’s at http://www.weightloss-health.com/muscle_building_do_donts.htm
And Don’t do the following
. Continue with an activity if it makes your back hurt.
. Eat a large meal before exercising
.Do fitness or aerobic exercises on a stone or concrete floor.
. Exercise if you feel ill.
. Do exercise that will put weight or excessive strain on an acutely painful joint or spine
About the Author:
Ashley Green: for Muscle Building Tips/Articles your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.
Check out highly discounted Muscle Building Equipments and a chance to go through free muscle building articles directory at Cardio Exercise on Treadmill
If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.
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January 10th, 2009
Nowadays, car fuel prices are on the rise and consumers are suffering. Gone are the days when you can carelessly drive your car without worrying about burning up too much gas.
There are important procedures that you, as a car owner, can take in order to improve gas mileage. The following are practical tips to conserve gas:
Close Windows - Windows that are open can create air drag that can decrease the fuel consumption by 10%.
Avoid Bumpy Roads - Rough roads should not be taken as much as possible. Dirt, bumps, rough roads and gravels can cause 30% increase in fuel consumption.
Keep Your Car Light - Take out unnecessary baggage. The trunk should be kept clean, any gadget, tools or loads that are not needed should be taken out. 100 pounds of extra baggage can affect fuel economy by two percent.
Drive Efficiently - Just drive reasonably within the speed limit. Remember that speeds of more than 60 miles per hour increase fuel consumption. Do not do sudden starts, accelerations and stops. Acceleration should be done gradually. The gas pedal should not be stepped on more than one fourth of the way down. This will allow the engine to function most efficiently. Gas conservation could reach up to 5 percent if sudden stops, jerks and accelerations are avoided. Make use of gears for overdrive and cruise control as needed.
Check Your Car Regularly - The car should always be maintained. The engine should be given a regular tune up, the tires should always have the right air pressure and efficiently aligned, the oil should be changed when needed and air filters replaced regularly. Clogged filters can affect gas consumption adversely by up to ten percent.
Don’t Burn Gas Unnecessarily - Turn off the engine whenever there is an opportunity. Idle engine wastes fuel. There are instances where the engine could be turned off; stopping for gas, waiting for someone, changing tire pressure, caught in traffic and a lot more.
Don’t Warm Up Too Long - Lengthy warming up of the engine should be avoided. 30 to 45 seconds should be enough time. Also check if the automatic check is removed after warming up the engine. This is usually stuck which could usually cause poor gas and air combination.
By following these simple tips, you will be surprised at how much money you can save on your car fuel. And guess what? The money really adds up if you continue to follow these simple practices for conserving car fuel!
Dr. Drew Henry owns a network of auto-related websites, including Cars And Trucks Secrets, Car Rim Secrets and Car Audio Secrets. Visit his sites today!
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January 8th, 2009
The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It’s not like I’m saying that Santa Claus doesn’t exist (OOPS!).
There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it’s your mouth that’s doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effective communication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself.
1. What you know. Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you’ve learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters’ meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn to keep up and share what we know.
2. Listening. It’s just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction.
3. Humility We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re saying the right word properly and if they’re unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it’ll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well.
4. Eye Contact There’s a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It’s important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous.
5. Kidding around A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you’ll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they’ll feel that you’re just as approachable, and as human to those who listen.
6. Be like the rest of them Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You’ll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are.
7. Me, Myself, and I Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you’re at it you can spruce up as well.
8. With a smile A smile says it all much like eye contact. There’s no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it’s a wake. You can better express what you’re saying when you smile.
9. A Role Model There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they’re at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can help you once you take center stage.
10. Preparation Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.
And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I’ve learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational.
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January 8th, 2009
Rakeback Offers
Many a player has asked me “Why would I require this poker rakeback? I play on the World Wide Web when I have an incentive.” What if you get the opportunity to play poker full time? There are a lot of poker players who are really dissapointed at ignoring Full Tilt Poker rakeback but straight off all of them have now signed up for every last major poker website and skins. Don’t turn into one of them. Anyone that bets up to one or two dollars and only gambles when you are clearing bonus sign-up rewards, you are receiving usually around a hundred percent rakeback considering the bonus payment on the stake. One well known poker site lately removed poker players who logged into the site exclusively for this function. No one knows for sure if this exercise will perhaps start off a more widespread trend. If it happens then a poker rakeback is really critical.
Someday you may just find your best game and find yourself extremely prosperous, if you aren’t by now. I was injured by an accident and found internet poker while I was off work, I have no regrets. That is a couple of years back now and believe me I haven’t required to work in those couple of years because of gaming and rakeback deals. Thinking forwards is a good plan. Look at it as an investment fund, if you don’t think rake back is suitable for you now it surely could be an outstanding idea tomorrow, there’s no way you can lose. Should you be thinking about signing up for a different web sites you must check out rake back deals.
The gamblers’ help service Rakeback Professionals is proud to be associated with such a lot of respectable partners. Opting in is as uncomplicated as logging into a The Rakeback Professionals website affiliate site or as straightforward as sending an e-mail. The associate can effortlessly get you started on the spot. You will be ready to begin playing straightaway. If you sign up with a partner thru Rakeback Professionals you can always rest assured this partner will have been screened and also have agreed to authorize The online poker players’ advice association Rakeback Professionals to arbitrate any complaints you may have. Yet because we evaluate all our affiliates, concerns have been relatively few and we always act straightaway to get to the cause of any concern for the peace of mind of all gamblers.
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January 7th, 2009
Thought of the Week
This week, I’d like to challenge you to try something: Give something to someone that you know can never repay the favor. This could be something simple like opening the door for someone with their hands full, or buying lunch for a complete stranger at your local bistro.
When you’re done, think about how it makes you feel inside. Doesn’t it feel GREAT to help people? I think it does, and if you take this challenge and make it a weekly thing, I promise you’ll start feeling better about the life you’re living if you take the time to notice how you feel after you do this little thing.
Last week, I mentioned the power of networking. What better way to network with someone than by helping them. Remember that networking is not all about you and is really all about others. How better to show this than by helping them with something unexpected. When you help others, they’re much more apt to listen to what you have to say, and you never know when the person you’ve helped might mention your kindness to someone else who can return the favor. Unexpected results, to be sure!
Now something else really cool might happen to you: Someone else might do a favor for you, and you may never be able to repay her/his kindness. Don’t feel badly that you can’t return the favor, just help someone else. If you dig your well before you’re thirsty, then you won’t feel badly about others helping you, and you’ll be encouraged to help others.
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Quotes of the week
“Plant a kernel of wheat and you reap a pint; plant a pint, and you reap a bushel. Always the law works to give you back more than you give.” — Anthony Norvell, author
“If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” - Zig Ziglar, author and speaker
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Book of the Week
Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty - Harvey Mackay (http://www.mackay.com)
The sub-title of this book says it all: “The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need.” Harvey displays in great depth how helping others is the best way to help yourself. He talks about the 10 biggest mistakes you can do when networking, what you can expect when you network, and so much more. While I don’t think this is the only networking book you’ll ever need, I do agree that this is a great read and encourage you to pick it up today!
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Action Items for Your Week
1) Introduce yourself to 2-3 new people.
2) Do a favor for one of these 2-3 people, and know that they may never be able to repay your kindness.
3) Write your results in your attitude journal or send me an e-mail and let me know how this made you feel.
4) Repeat as often as you can!
Until next time…Make it a GREAT day!
Phil Gerbyshak
makeitgreat@gmail.com
http://www.miginstitute.com/
414.640.7445
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