I recently came across a couple website that show you how to apply a simple and affordable technology to doule or even triple your current MPG. This is something that is easy to install. It will save you hundreds of dollars on gasoline. Besides, here’s your chance to do something great for the environment and save a ton of money in the process.

Convert Your Car To Burn Water

Run Your Car on Water

Both web sites above are informative and are definitely worth taking a look at.  With oil soaring above $140 barrel today, this is the perfect opportunity to make the conversion to a water-hybrid.

“The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a sweeping ban on handguns in the nation’s capital violated the Second Amendment right to bear arms.  The justices struck down the ban in a 5-4 decision, with Justice Antonin Scalia writing the opinion for the majority. ”

The majority opinion  (Scalia, Thomas, Alito, Roberts and Kennedy) stated what we already know:  The Constitution provides certain rights to individuals, one of those being the right to keep and bear arms.

It is a bloody shame that the other four judges (Breyer, Ginsburg, Souter, and Stevens) do not even know their own Constitution.  How in the hell did they ever get to the position of a supreme court justice.

The issue is whether the 2nd amendment applies to individuals or to militia (government).   Use some common sense here people.  How can the militia (government) have their right to keep and bear arms infringed by the government??? 

Supposedly, the supreme court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791. The amendment reads: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

This is a court decision that should have been unamimous 9-0.  But no, we have justices on the supreme court who want to make new laws that contradict the Constitution.  What is next, the 1st amendment does not really mean that we have free speech???  Give me a break!  These justices obviously have a loss of memory.  The American Revolution was where armed citizens fought a tyrannical government and gun confiscation.  If these justices keep up with their mis-interpretation of the Constitution, another revolution is what will take place.

Since a couple months ago when I wrote the article on Things That Steal Your Time, I found easist ways to get started in time management is time allocation.

Any good financial counselor will tell you the best way to control your finances is through money allocation. Dave Ramsey really endorses this principle. It works like this: for every dollar of income you allocate where that dollar will be spent (where spent can also mean savings or investments).

Likewise, with time allocation, you and everyon else are given the exact same 24 hours each and every day. Everyone is equally wealthy in regards to time. I hear people tell me occasionally that they don’t have time to do something. That is nonsense! It is because you don’t have your priorities straight and because you haven’t allocated your time.

Yes, this does take some planning initially, but you will find that when you allocated your time beforehand (AND STICK TO THE PLAN), that you will be able to accomplish many more tasks that you had before. Time is our most valuable resource. Some people squander it away, others know the value and become very productive and successful.

A simple way to determine how you are using your time is to break it up into 30 minute intervals. You can then keep a log and see how effectively (or not so effectively) you have utilizing your time.

Then prepare your To Do List, prioritize the your tasks or projects, and allocate them using a chart showing where each half hour will be spent.

Here are 5 additional tips to ponder:

1. Make sure that you have not over-committed yourself, which will probably cause you feel rushed and tense as well as fall behind schedule.

2. Generously add about 25% more time than you allocated. This will give you breathing room. In addition, if you find that you didn’t use all the allocated time, move on to the next item in your list. You will be able to accomplish much more.

3. Prioritize your list of tasks and events. When you put first things first, other things easily fall into place. People tend to procrastinate the one or two items on their list that they least like to do or are less enjoyable or more difficult. However, those one or two items may be the most important! When you have them done (and finished ahead of schedule), you will remove a lot of stress.

4. Delegate as much as is reasonably possible. We are limited to 24 hours a day. You can’t do everything yourself. You may be the only one that can do the task the way you want it done, but it doesn’t allow others the opportunity to learn and grow.

5. Allocate time exclusively for planning, pondering, and recording your daily activities, even if only for 30 minutes a day. You must have an active plan in place; if you don’t use it, you will not achieve effective time management.

To help evaluate whether a small solar electric system will work for you, you should consider the following:

Your available solar resource - do you have clear and unobstructed access to sunlight for most or all of the day, throughout the year?

The solar resource across the U.S. is ample for solar electric systems—also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems—because they can use both direct and scattered sunlight.However, the amount of electricity generated at a particular site depends on how much of the sun’s energy reaches it. Thus, PV systems function most efficiently in the southwestern United States, which receives the greatest amount of solar energy. Before you buy a PV system, you’ll want to be sure your site has enough solar energy to meet your electricity needs efficiently and economically. Your local system supplier can perform a solar site analysis for you or show you how to do so on your own. When evaluating your site, you’ll also need to consider both the geographic orientation and the titl of your solar panels as both can affect your system’s performance.

The sytem size - do you have a roof or area large enough to accomodate it?

Accurately sizing the components of your solar electric system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, helps ensure that your system will produce the amount of power you want it to produce. This is especially important for stand-alone systems, which are not connected to the electricity grid. However, because PV is modular, you can always add to your solar energy collector should you need more power down the road.

First, consider what portion of your current electricity needs you would like your PV system to meet. For example, suppose that you would like to meet a certain percentage of your electricity needs with your PV system. You could work with your PV provider to examine past electric bills and determine the size of the PV system needed to achieve that goal. You can contact your utility company and request the total electricity usage, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), for your household or business over the past 12 months or consult your electric bills if you save them.

If you reduce your electricity loads through using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, you can generally buy a smaller, less expensive PV system.

In addition to how much electricity you’d like to generate, the size of your system also depends on these factors:

PV systems are classified by their rated power output (the peak power they produce when exposed to solar radiation of 1000 watts per square meter at a module temperature of 25°C). Systems rated between 1 and 5 kilowatts are generally sufficient to meet most of the needs of home and small business owners.

The economics - is it worth the investment?

The economics of the small solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system are determined by both the capital and operating costs. Capital costs include the initial costs of designing and installing a PV system. Operating costs include the costs associated with maintaining and operating the PV system over its useful life. The factors that affect both capital and operating costs include: system components, system size, whether or not connected to grid, and solar resource (amount of sunlight).

Before selecting system components and sizing a PV system for an existing home, you should evaluate your energy consumption patterns and try to reduce your home’s electricity use. You can start by performing a load analysis, which includes these tasks: (1) Looking at your utility bills over the past year (2) Calculating energy consumption (3) Recognizing consumption trends

By understanding your “energy habits” and becoming more energy efficient, you can reduce the size of the PV system you’ll need, lowering both your capital and operating costs. If you’re designing a new home, you should work with the builder and the solar professional to incorporate your PV system into your whole-house system design - an approach for building an energy-efficient home.

Ask your PV provider how much electricity your new PV system will produce per year (measured in kilowatt-hours) and compare that number to your annual electricity usage (called demand) to get an idea of how much you will save. As a rule, the cost per kilowatt-hour goes down as you increase the size of the system. You should also compare the purchase price of utility-generated electricity to the higher costs of smaller PV systems. PV-generated electricity is usually more expensive than conventional, utility-supplied electricity. However, these costs will vary by geographic location.

Solar rebate programs, subsidies, and other incentives can help make PV more affordable. Tax incentives may include a sales tax exemption on the PV system purchase, a property tax exemption, or state personal income tax credits, all of which provide an economic benefit to consumers by lowering high capital costs. Many homeowners use PV systems because other considerations—such as environmental benefits and energy independence—tip the balance in their favor.

Local permits and covenants - are there any issues with installing a system?

Before purchasing a small solar electric system, you should research your local permit and neighborhood covenant requirements. Some city or county jurisdictions might require a permit. If you live where a homeowners association must approve a solar electric system, you or your PV provider will likely need to submit your plans and get approval before you begin installing your PV system. However, some state laws stipulate that you have the right to install a solar electric system on your home.

I recently re-wired my entire house using Insteon light switches.  These things are awesome.  They are similar to X10 controlled devices, but even better.  I can control any light in my house from any location in my house.  For more details about the type of product in the picture, you can visit:  http://www.smarthome.com 

SmartHome has tons of really cool products to help save time, energy, and to simply your life.  It is really nice to be able to just push one button and turn off all the lights in the house prior to leaving.

Overall, a wind turbine is practical in the alternative energy setup, for typically during storms there is a surge of wind and little or no sunlight. The combination of both solar panels and wind turbines is ideal since one generates energy when the other can not, and vice versa.

Department of Energy Wind Powering America has some great resources to check out:
Sate and Local Resources
Detailed State Wind Resource Maps
Free State Wind Guides
Wind Consumer FAQ
Small Wind Electric Systems Consumer Guide

Some other resources for wind energy from the Wind Energy Association:
Wind Energy Association
Getting Started With a Home-Scale Wind Turbine
Evaluating Your Homestead For a Wind Turbine
Wind Turbine Manufactures and Suppliers

Windindustry.org is a non-profit organization that provides information on wind energy.
General Information on Small-Scale Wind
Planning a Small Wind Project
Wind Energy Companies

Choosing the option to produce your own electricty through solar panels is sustainable and it can save you money too. Renewable energy from the sun is completely free. Once you purchase and install the initial compenents of such a system, you won’t have to spend additional money on fuel to keep them running. Imagine not getting utility bills every month!

Recently I came across a calculator that estimates the solar and wind resources in your area: http://www.chooserenewables.com While it is easy to put in your address and zip code to get information on what kind of wind or solar energy your particular area may produce, this is only a rough estimate. Another great site to check out is http://www.mysolar.com Just click on the My Solar Estimator link and enter your electricity usage information.

The price of conversion to solar energy panels could cost $25,000 to $50,000, and based on current electricity prices would be able to break even after 20 to 40 years. Although with a battery configured system (where the solar energy is stored in batteries for later use during night or extensive cloud cover), the amount of solar panels need would be reduced. If you are serious about being self-sufficient, the cost to install solar energy panel could be small compared to what it would cost for the utility companies to put in lines and connect you to the grid.

10 Key Gears Inside the Head of a Good Manager

1) They spend very little time with recurring problems.

They probably have as many problems as anyone else, however they do something about htem, so they don’t have to go back and deal with them again and again. Good managers fix what is broken, one way or another, so it doesn’t come back to haunt them and they don’t have to come back to it.

2) They know the difference between running a tight ship and a slave ship.

They know the difference between demanding and expecting and inspiring people to get the chores done or to obey the rules.

3) They know when to stop and take the rock out of their shoe, and when not to break stride (and just tolerate the hurt until later.

We have a goal and a direction and are going for it, and then along comes a snag. An interruption, a pebble in our boot, a cut finger, a bit of bad news, a change or cancellation that’s going to make things a lot tougher than they were. Poor managers will immediately yield to the distraction, focus on it, and stop to relieve the pressure and the hurt. But now they’ve lost not just time but momentum. Hurts can heal, but times and positions and opportunities don’t always come around again.

4) They don’t worry about failure.

Good managers rarely think about failure. They go for what has to be done and let the chips fall (and then gather and sell the chips afterward).

5) They never get lost in the daily chores and duties.

Good managers work constantly to do the regular, the set, the routine, and the inescapable more efficiently, and squeeze it down to an ever smaller part of our schedule, so we have more time to do new and more forward-looking things. Chores are great for discipline, but freshness and risk are what keep us alive.

6) They avoid the unnecessary…period.

Life is full of unnecessary things, things that take time and money and space and spirit and really give us back very little. Such as status symbols or luxurious items, for example.

7) They’re always in the middle of what’s going on.

When and where there’s lots going on, you need to be in the middle of it. You need to be able to mow better and faster than anyone you hire to do it, and do it yourself once in a while to keep the scent of grass in your sensitivities.

8) They stay in the game.

They stick with a project or idea, bad or good, until it works or they discard it, but they don’t just start something and leave it. You just can’t win in the game of life if you don’t stay at the table and keep playing your hand. You leave when you’ve made a real decision to do so, not because you’re uncomfortable for a minute or two, or something is briefly unpleasant.

9) They’re not afraid of “overload.”

They work with both hands at once, and will almost always take on more than others do, more than they’re asked to do, more even than they at first believe they can do. And most of the time, they’ll not only do it, but only be stronger and more respected as a result.

10) They live by the rule: “Because you’re doing 40 things now, it doesn’t mean you can’t do 50 more.”

Accomplishment has no limits, limits are established by you only, not the opinions of others, the weather, or the norm.

Home Remedies

I recently came across this list of “Home Remedies That Work.” I haven’t personally tried any of them, but it’s worth a shot.

Milk of Magnesia immediately stops the itch from mosquito bites, poison ivy and poison oak. It’s wonderful, try it.

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to he drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes,then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore Throat?? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 Tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with alka-seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes…..All you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.

Honey remedy for Skin Blemishes……Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus….Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection….To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust…Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer….If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover…..just pour a drop of Elmers Glue-all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt’s tomato paste boil cure….Cover the boil with Hunt’s tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters…..To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine….a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises…Soak a cotton ball in white

vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor….Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites….All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat’s ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hairballs…..To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a dollop of vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat’s nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief….It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

That man is truly great who is most Christ-like. What you sincerely think in your heart of Jesus Christ will determine what you are and will largely determine what your acts will be. By choosing Jesus Christ as our ideal, we create within ourselves a fellowship with Him. If you think about Him long enough, you will begin to act like Him. And if you act like Him long enough, you will become like Him. — David O. McKay

When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. The Lord works from the inside out; the world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums; Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment; Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature. Christ changes men, and changed men can change the world. — Ezra Taft Benson

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a school, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one thing we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. — Charles Swindoll

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are often more dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey: delays, side tracks, smoke, dust cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride. — Gordon B. Hinckley

10 Reasons Why Online Businesses Succeed:

1. Customer-friendly Web site

2. Viable Product niche

3. Competitive customer service policy

4. Quality merchandise

5. Timely shipping

6. Ability to understand target audience

7. Attractive Web site

8. Flexible to changing markets and customer demands

9. Use of cutting-edge technology

10. Competitive pricing

10 Reasons Why Online Businesses Fail:

1. Unattractive Web site

2. Failure to understand target audience

3. Failure to understand the competition

4. Failure to adapt to market change

5. Poor business and financial planning

6. Non-competitive pricing

7. Failure to establish customer trust

8. Poor customer service policy

9. Failure to establish a product niche

10. Poor-quality merchandise

Ever keep newspaper clippings for Family History, only to find out that over time the paper becomes brittle and turns dark yellow? That is part of the “aging” process of newspaper. To slow (or almost stop) this aging process, use the following solution:

Dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in one quart of club soda and leave overnight. Pour solution in a large shallow pan and soak the clippings for one hour. Carefully remove the clippings and pat dry (or hang up to air dry). This process will stretch the life expectancy of the clippings up to 200 years (supposedly). Note that this process is only for printed matter
or papers written in permanent ink. Colored inks may fade. Test a small portion first before submerging entire sheet.

Personally, I just either make a copy of the newspaper or scan it into a PDF document.  The above formula works if you MUST keep the original.