Love Your Hybrid Car and it Will Love You Back

Your hybrid car works a little differently than a conventional, fuel-powered engine car. You'll still need to pay the same amount of attention to its needs in order to ensure that it runs for a long time though. Like any other car, leaving your hybrid car unattended without any maintenance can lead to car break downs or other problems. The first thing you need to know about a hybrid car is that its parts are different from that of a regular fuel powered car. The most important of these differences is the hybrid battery. Most hybrid batteries are made to run for the entire lifetime of the vehicle - typically 150,000 miles, or more. The warranty on these hybrid batteries usually lasts around 8 years but this varies depending on the manufacturer.

When servicing your car, make sure to visit a reputable mechanic who knows how to deal with hybrid cars. They require different servicing when compared to fuel powered cars and a mechanic who does not know what he doing with a hybrid car can bring a lot of damage to the car. Maintenance costs for hybrid cars are about the same as their fuel-powered counterparts. Sometimes, you might even end up spending less because the wear and tear that a hybrid car experiences is much less than that of a gasoline powered car.

As with all vehicles, regular service and preventative maintenance is required in order to ensure that the car lasts a long time. If you ignore getting it serviced, it will in all probability break down and cause you many more troubles and more cost than it would if it was regularly serviced. Leaving the car unattended is not recommended. The car needs to be started and driven for at least an hour every 90 days. If you have to leave the car dormant, then try not to do so for more than three months. Leaving the car idle for more than 3 months might require you to get the hybrid battery charged by a professional mechanic.

When driving a hybrid car, try to maintain the car at a constant speed. The more you use the accelerator, the more fuel is consumed. Keeping the car at a constant speed will only use up the energy saved up in the hybrid batteries. In addition to this, when you are going at a high speed and need to slow down, fuel will be used up for this also. So, maintaining a constant speed while driving a hybrid will not only save on fuel but also reduce emissions into the atmosphere. It's also good to avoid braking the car suddenly because this can use up a lot of fuel too. By giving the engine time to brake, you give the electric motor some time to recover and save some energy in the process of slowing the car down. This gives the hybrid batteries more power to be used when the car starts moving again.

Ninety-nine Years Of Fiscal (cliff) Policy

The Senate spent an intense and grueling 3 whole minutes pouring over the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012 before voting and passing the bill, 89-8. Our Senators are truly amazing as they must have read one page per second and still spent 26 seconds discussing it. Congratulations are certainly in order as both parties came together in a collegial spirit of compromise and goodwill to do the work of the people. Now we can all expect tremendous financial recovery since our politicians have saved us all from the ‘fiscal cliff’…a dreadful combination of porkless spending cuts and tax increases. The proverbial can has been kicked merrily into the distant future. We can all breathe easy and forget about it until March. No doubt, by that time, our servant-leaders in Washington D.C. will then spell out specific cuts and increases, agree on a new debt ceiling and good times will be here again. Historians will be writing about the miraculous recovery implemented by the most brilliant and responsible economic geniuses to grace humanity in 6,000 years.

Specific numbers are coming out and the spin doctors are now explaining to us who the winners and losers are from the bill. But we only need look at two numbers and compare them to know we have all lost again. The annual tax increase is projected to be $62 billion. Last year’s budget deficit was $1.1 trillion (or $1,100 billion). This leaves our politicians with only two choices. Government can take a massive pay-cut, essentially bankrupting itself. Or it can arbitrarily raise the debt ceiling one more time.

The truth is, America has been on this losing streak for a century. Ninety-nine years ago, the powers that be created the fiscal cliff. In December of 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that gave away control of America’s money supply to the largest privately owned banks in the world. We call it the Federal Reserve System but there is nothing federal or reservist about it. Created to eliminate recessions and depressions, the exact opposite has occurred over and over again. Instead, the Federal Reserve marked the beginning of fiscal cliff policy—the monetization of debt.

This is how fiscal cliff monetary policy works. When the government needs more money (and when does it not?) it must raise taxes. But raising taxes is usually not politically expedient. So instead, the government goes to the Federal Reserve, hat in hand. In the hat are treasury debt certificates, or T-bills. The Federal Reserve purchases these notes of indebtedness. They create money out of nothing, pass it on to the government, and then proceeds to charge the government interest on this money that does not exist. The government uses the counterfeit dollars to buy votes. This counterfeit money makes its way into the money supply and the government’s back-door tax increases begin to take effect. We call it inflation. The American people get higher prices, higher interest rates, higher unemployment, economic slow-down—a recession. This creates a boom-bust cycle that intensifies in pain on a regular cycle or is delayed by more debt purchasing. This cannot go on forever. The real cliff will eventually be reached and Biblical laws of cause and effect that exist in the realm of finance MUST push us over.

Our fiscal cliff monetary policy violates biblical principles concerning debt, just weights and measures, stealing, coveting, partiality, rules on collateral, multiple indebtedness and the insanity of fractional reserve banking to name a few. All of these will be dealt with in more detail in future articles. Needless to say, it will take massive national repentance from the top down to avoid our coming fiscal cliff. I’m talking the kind we read about in the book of Jonah. But I don’t see our president sitting in sack-cloth and ashes and that goes for your neighbors too.

I can’t help but be reminded from a scene in the movie, Dumb and Dumber every time I think or write about debt monetization. Lloyd and Harry recover a million dollars that was supposed to be used as ransom money to recover a kidnapped man. While working their way to the rightful owner of the money, they decide it would be okay to spend some of the money along the way. When the kidnapper finally catches up with Lloyd and Harry, pistol in hand, he demands they open the case. What falls out of the case are dozens of slips of paper. The kidnapper is furious but Lloyd confidently assures him that, ‘the slips of paper are better than cash…they are IOU’s.’ Needless to say, the guy with the gun wasn’t buying it.

Finding Custom Car Accessories and Parts

When you're a car enthusiast, you know how important it is to find just the right accessory or car part that will make your car stand out from the crowd. Some people find it absolutely impossible to find just what it is their looking for. This usually doesn't deter those who are into restoring and caring for their autos.

Most people are proud of the fact that certain parts are difficult to find; they even tend to brag about costs and adventures of finding that one special part because in the end they know that all of the trouble they went through was worth it. Many people enjoy the thrill of the hunt because that is all part of the car restoration process.

There are all types of car enthusiasts interested in car accessories and parts shopping. One example are street racers. These guys like to take an ordinary auto and turn it into a muscle car that has no limits on the road. They take custom parts and add them to the body or the engine to create an unbeatable and unstoppable force to be reckoned with. They add things like specialized air filters, mufflers, chromed parts and accessories to give their car that added flash and much more. There are parts to make their car faster, stronger, safer, and better looking. They are always on the hunt for better and more efficient parts; the hunt never ends because the craving for power never ends.

Another enthusiast is the classic car owner and collector. These guys take their autos seriously and can spend years trying to make it perfect. The addition of a simple original ashtray or lighter can have these guys excited for months on end. Some will travel the countryside searching, researching, and looking for their specialty parts. Classic car collectors make it their job to know where to find custom parts and accessories.

Finding parts and accessories has never been easier thanks to the Internet. Now enthusiasts have a chance to sit down for a few minutes every day and search the thousands of sites that offer parts and accessories for their cars. It makes buying easier because they can compare prices in real time, which allows them to take full advantage of finding the best deals. There are sites that offer forums and discussion groups so enthusiasts from around the world can communicate, and even offer parts or accessories they have available for resale. Taking care of your car has never been so easy.

Professional Liability Insurance Costs for New Architectural Firms

A ubiquitous concern among architects who wish to start their own practice is "How much will my professional liability insurance cost?" Coverage costs vary by:

· State in which the practice is located,

· The limits of coverage purchased,

· Project types being designed, and

· The experience loss history of the Architect applying for coverage.

The cost of insurance also varies annually as the insurance market hardens or softens.

What should an architect expect upon applying for PLI (professional liability insurance) for the first time? Professional liability insurance protects firms against claims and/or allegations of negligence, errors or omissions in delivery of professional services. In order for an insurance company to evaluate and price their risk in insuring a firm, they require completion of an application. The application captures information about business locale, annual revenue, the discipline and project mix of the firm, and the risk management protocols implemented to help minimize exposure to claims. They will also inquire regarding claims history.

When in the process of starting a new firm, the underwriter will expect estimates of anticipated business. A solid business plan goes a long way in terms of providing underwriters comfort, so submitting a brief narrative stating goals and direction for the new firm is crucial. Previous project experience will also be highly relevant. In order to qualify for Architects Professional Liability insurance, you must hold a registered and/or licensed architectural license.

To get a quote, one must submit:

· A complete application. Be judicious, as submissions compiled hastily tend to be priced higher or declined by underwriters.

· A resume showing representative projects, education and any Society/Association affiliations held. Associations convey professional commitment to the insurer. Engagement in continuing education has a similar effect.

· A mission statement including the direction intended for the business goals for growth.

Once committed to purchasing a policy, annual renewal will be necessary to maintain coverage on work performed under the new firm. Professional liability insurance is written on a "claims-made" basis. This means a policy must be in force at the time a claim is made in order for coverage to apply. Also all policies contain a "retroactive date", which is the inception date of the initial professional liability insurance policy.

It is not possible to get coverage for work that you performed before applying for professional liability insurance. In essence, the key to covering architectural professional liability is to purchase from a trustworthy provider, and to do so immediately upon inception of a practice.

Ladies Car Care Clinic - Common Wear Items on Your Car and What to Watch Out For

Here is a list of the items that we see and look for every day at our shop. These things are normal wear parts, and almost every vehicle will need replacement at some point.

Steering and Suspension Components:

1. Ball Joints
2. Tie Rod Ends (Inner and Outer)
3. Shocks & Struts
4. Control Arm Bushings
5. Coil Springs
6. Sway Bar Links
7. Power Steering Lines
8. Rack and Pinion Unit

If you are told any of the above parts need replacement, ask to see the bad parts. Fact is, no matter what, you should always ask to see the old parts. And if you aren't sure the part is bad or if it's even your part, ask to take it with you. That way you have the opportunity to have it inspected. You should notice a visible looseness in the wheels when these components are worn. Looseness may also be accompanied by a 'rattle' clunk or metal on metal sound over bumps. Noise is a very good indicator that these components are worn out.

Cooling System Components:

1. Radiator
2. Water pump
3. Thermostat
4. Hoses and Belts
5. Heater Core

Except for the thermostat, most of these components will last well over 100,000 miles, given proper maintenance. If your vehicle is not providing good heat in the winter, chances are your thermostat needs changing. This is normal at around 50,000 miles. If you are not seeing a green or pink watery fluid under your car and someone tells you one of these components needs replacement, get a 2nd opinion.

Engine Components:

1. Timing Belt
2. Water Pump
3. Oil Pan
4. Valve Cover Gasket
5. Cylinder Head Gasket

With the exception of the timing belt and possibly the water pump, your engine should not need any of the above parts on a regular basis. These are only replaced on a vehicle that has a serious problem, and not part of everyday wear items. If you're told that you have a bad head gasket, ask to see the test results. There are several good tests that will prove or disprove a head gasket leak diagnosis. If you are still not convinced, get a 2nd opinion. This is one of the most common miss-diagnosed problems in our industry.

Brake System Components:

1. Brake Pads
2. Brake Rotors
3. Calipers
4. Brake Hoses
5. Brake Shoes
6. Brake Drum Hardware
7. Brake Drums
8. Master Cylinder
9. Brake Lines
10. ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
11. ABS Pump Motor
12. Wheel Bearings

Of all these components, the most common wear items are in the brake category. Brakes are exposed to the road conditions (Salt, water, grime) and extreme temperatures, hot and cold. Brakes can easily get to over 400 degrees when used to stop a fully loaded vehicle. 'Riding' the brake or 'panic' stopping are the best ways to insure brake problems and added vehicle expense.

What to watch out for:

Be on the lookout for anyone that tells you your brakes are 'shot', even if they feel soft to you, this does not mean they need replacement. Often times a simple cleaning and adjustment of the brakes will restore proper operation. If your brakes are worn they still should stop the vehicle efficiently. If you are experiencing long stops then most likely there is something else wrong. The most common brake repair of all is replacement of the brake pads, and rotors. If someone tries to tell you that your calipers should be replaced too, ask them to show you why. And again, if you are not convinced they need replacing, get a second opinion. This is the 'red' flag that and inexperienced technician is working on your vehicle. Unless your vehicle has well over 100,000 miles on it, it's not likely that your calipers need replacement.

Next time we'll talk about how to change your tire the easy way. Thanks for reading.

Professional Indemnity Insurance - Why Is It Necessary for Professional Service Providers?

Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance is associated with providing protection for professionals who sell their skill or knowledge. At times, in course of professional work, errors are prone to occur which attract a liability. PI insurance is meant to protect you against such liabilities.

Professionals like architects, chartered accountants, software consultants and the like are at risk. Some of the causes which can lead to liability are inadvertent disclosure/loss of data, malfeasance, infringement of copy rights and professional negligence. Howsoever expert you are in the area of specialization, you are at risk because of the reasons just stated. It is for this reason that you, as a professional, should buy PI insurance of appropriate cover.

Things covered under the policy
• Professional negligence: PI insurance offers you protection against law suits because of your professional negligence which entails some loss to your client. It covers problems arising from accidental mistakes, which are not within the purview of your personal control; say, your employee inadvertently deletes data from the database while in course of work, which leads to the loss of crucial data. The insurance provides the needed financial indemnity that ensues in the event of a legal liability.

• Circumstances unforeseen: Many of the faults that take place are not done by the professional intentionally. They are very much unexpected, but may lead to huge financial loss. As one is not prepared to face this unforeseen financial burden, having professional indemnity insurance can be of great help.

Apart from the financial compensation that you have to pay in case of litigation, professional indemnity insurance will also take care of precautionary advice which you, as a professional, deserve. These differ widely across professions. It will point to the remotest possible error on your part that may cause you to suffer a lawsuit.

• Lawsuits with malicious intent: At times, businesses or people with a malicious intent might drop you in trouble by suing you. In such cases, you can neither ignore the severity of the case, nor do you have the competency given the manoeuvring tactics at court of law. PI insurance would play the role of a lifebuoy at such predicament.

Who needs PI insurance?
PI insurance is meant for professionals who offer their knowledge, experience or skills as a paid service. Architects, engineers, brokers, solicitor, financial advisers, accountants are a few professionals who can take advantage of PI insurance. Above all, self-employed professionals should buy it at any cost, as they are solely responsible for their profession.

The clients can sue you because of your professional negligence of any sort.

Other benefits offered by the policy
Note that the law suits raised because of negligence on your part are difficult to handle in terms of time, resources and professional expertise. Sometimes, these legal claims might be too big to pay yourself, unless you have enough financial strength. Further, it may go to the extent to bring disrepute to you as also to your profession.

PI insurance is hence advisable for you, as it covers all the accidental mistakes which are potential enough to give rise to legal suits and claims for compensation. It avoids financial crippling in case of claims, saves reputation and enables smooth run of business.

Professional indemnity insurance may prevent you from having needless strain and your business from having a debilitating effect. Buying this insurance might cost a little, but the benefits thereof are manifold which you take into account.

5 Things To Ask Yourself Before You Buy Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed to protect you when a problem arises with any professional work you have done. In today's litigation culture, this form of insurance is becoming increasingly relevant for a range of professions. Are you thinking about Professional Indemnity Insurance? Before you buy, it pays to consider the crucial 5 questions:

What exactly is Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance is designed to protect you in the case of professional error. In the course of your working life an instance may occur where unfortunately, the professional skill you exhibit is deemed inadequate. In this situation, a dissatisfied client may seek some form of compensation, resulting in financial implications for you and your business. This is where PI Insurance comes in: it provides financial support for defense costs, withheld fees and any compensation which may be awarded against you. In simple terms, Professional Indemnity Insurance is financial protection against professional error.

Why do I require PI Insurance?

This type of insurance is typically relevant for professionals who regularly give advice to their customers, and/or who are responsible for customers' data and other intellectual property. It can loosely be regarded as protection against non-physical but nonetheless detectable damages. PI Insurance can be voluntary, but it is mandatory for some professions, such as Architecture, Accountancy and some IT Consultancy.

How does PI Insurance benefit me?

If you are at all liable to be challenged in the competency of your work, or there is scope for your services failing to meet the expectations of your client, then PI Insurance will certainly benefit you. PI Insurance will provide you with financial support if you are accused of professional negligence, misuse of intellectual property, loss of data, dishonesty and defamation incurred by your business. Despite best intentions, no one is immune to mistakes or accusations of mistakes - PI Insurance tackles the consequences of these errors.

When does the cover come into action?

Most forms of PI Insurance work on a claims-made basis. This means that the insurance only covers the claims made during the policy period. If an incident occurs whilst you hold the policy, but the claim is made after you have discontinued the insurance, then the claim will not be covered. On the flip-side, if an incident occurred before the time of holding the policy, but the claim is made once you have the insurance, then you can be protected. Each claim is treated individually - as the policyholder, you can usually select your own limit of indemnity.

Where are there exemptions and conditions?

To ensure the most comprehensive insurance, it is advisable to thoroughly research the policy options available. Many providers of PI Insurance offer industry-specific policies. Requirements are different for each sector: for some, cover is restricted to business carried out within the EU, for example. The policyholder will usually be required to pay an excess for each claim, and the amount varies according to policy. Suitability of Professional Indemnity Insurance can be achieved by the varying levels of cover available. This suitability can be further tightened by bespoke policies which can be continually amended.

It is important to tailor Professional Indemnity Insurance to the requirements of your individual business. The insurance is ultimately designed to protect you in the case of professional mistakes - choosing the right Professional Indemnity policy is the first step towards annulling these errors.