Category Archive : Auto

Have you ever wondered how some people have gotten rich and rich while most people barely make a living? What do millionaires do that most don’t? Whatever they’re doing seems to work.

Millionaires have made money because they made the decision to do the things that would make them money. Becoming rich and successful in life is as simple as finding a plan and putting your feet into action. Many people will look for something complicated and never find it and will remain poor.

If you wanted to go somewhere that was a thousand miles from where you are now but you had never been there, then you would need a map and directions. Without a map, you could spend your whole life going around in circles and never get there. You need to find someone who has already found where you want to go and follow the same map as them. Don’t try to do it yourself and reinvent the wheel. ego and arrogance will get you nowhere.

Remember the song ‘I did it my way’ by Frank Sinatra. Your best thinking has gotten you to where you are now. I assume you are not reading this article from your poolside mansion. If you are already wealthy and wealthy and living in a mansion, then that’s fine, carry on as usual. If not, then if you don’t change your mindset and put some action on the chances that you’ll still be where you are now 10 years from now.

This is what you need to do:

1. You need a must-have or get-up-and-go attitude. The mental attitude or way of thinking must be correct. Be positive and enthusiastic.

2. A vehicle or system that will help you achieve it: your car.

3. Put the action and that means you have to start now.

You have to decide that your life is going to change for the better, now. If you have always put off until tomorrow what you can do today, then wealth and success will always be tomorrow and never today. Have you noticed that tomorrow never seems to come and it is always tomorrow when you will get this or that?

When you learn the millionaire wealth building secrets that the rich have used for hundreds of years you can attract and manifest what you want in life, people, relationships, money, riches. You choose what you want to manifest. The techniques that the rich have used are very simple. Most of them are not exactly intellectuals, they see things very simply in black and white. Some of them are actually quite silly.

You have to take action now and find a system that works. Look at successful people. What are they doing that you’re not? They have a plan/map, they take action and in doing so they create and manifest their own luck. They focus on what they want and are not distracted.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I decided that we were going to travel to the US in a semi-retired state. We kicked out the kids (all over 21), sold our house, and bought an RV. Well, live situations change and we don’t hit the road, at least not yet. We ended up staying in the area and taking full time jobs. But we decided at that point to stay in the RV as full-time workers.

The purpose of the article is to give an idea of ​​the possibilities of using RVs instead of apartments and the advantages of Rving. First, a little information for those who are not familiar with recreational vehicle (RV) terms. Recreational vehicles fall into several different categories.

Class A are the bus type vehicles you see traveling down the road. These are also called motorhomes and for good reason. Class A’s are the cream of the crop, so to speak. They are the most expensive in terms of cost, but have the most storage and amenities. I’ve seen some really nice A-Classes and when it’s time to upgrade or trade in our current RV, we’ll consider the A-Class again. However, my likes start in the $250,000 range, which is a little hard for me to justify.

The following are Class B, these are mini motorhomes. They are built on a light to medium truck chassis and can be identified by the appearance of the vehicle’s cab. In my opinion these will not be suitable for full time use unless you really like small places. Some newer Class Bs include what are called slides, which are sections of the RV that ‘slide out’ of the body giving you more room to live inside. Living space is what you will be looking for long term.

After Class B comes Fifth Wheels. Fifth wheels are trailers pulled by trucks. So to get a fifth wheel, you’ll also need a properly sized pickup truck. I would figure at least a ¾ ton truck. Fifth wheels offer an advantage over Class A and Class B in that once you have the fifth wheel installed at a campsite, the truck detaches and can be used for transportation. With Class A and B RVs, you will need to tow or bring another vehicle to get around. Fifth wheels come close to the Class A RV in amenities and in some cases have more room. Dollar for dollar you will get more living space in a fifth wheel than in a Class A.

However, you need an expensive tow vehicle (truck) which should be considered as part of the purchase. The fifth wheel is also part of a class considered to be ‘Towables’. The next ‘towable’ is the travel trailer (TT). They are similar to the fifth wheel except for the connections to the tow vehicle. With TT you connect to a hitch that is located near the bumper of the vehicle. So just about any vehicle has the ability to tow a TT based on size and weight of course. Class A, fifth wheels, and travel trailers are the top 3 RVs you’ll find people living in full time. After the TT comes the camper class. These are light RVs that really aren’t suitable for full time, however I have known people who work full time in pop ups, vans and even tents. The top of the line for the RV class is probably the truck RVs.

These are units that slide into the bed of a truck. In general, the maximum length does not exceed 12 feet from front to back and maybe 10 feet from side to side. They are very compact. These offer the ultimate in freedom as they are quick to set up and take down so you can quickly move from one location to another. However, just like Class A and B, your home is also your means of transportation, unless you bring another vehicle with you. The last group of trailers are pop-up or tent trailers. These have a studio box frame and, as the name implies, they open or lift to raise the roof over the frame. This class of motorhomes usually have soft sides made of fabric. I have used popups for years as an alternative to hotels while on assignments across the country. Even camped in the dead of winter with snow on the ground in a popup. Needless to say, a heater was required and it worked all day and night. At night I couldn’t stand the cold, so in the morning it was kind of fun to get out of bed. It was 20 degrees outside and about 50 inside.

That’s a basic overview of the types of RVs available. As mentioned above, Class A, Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailers are the units that most people will find suitable for full-time living.

Our experiences of living full time in an RV.

We currently have a fifth wheel. Ours is from Jayco and is 38 feet long with 3 slides. One slide is in the bedroom, the other two slides are in the living room, one on each side of the trailer. After almost 3 years in the RV as full time workers, we both love it. My wife likes to say that it takes less than an hour to clean front to back, floor to ceiling.

Let’s start with the financial aspect of living in an RV. You have the cost of the RV. These should be treated like cars. If you buy new, you’ll take a beating in depreciation. However, like a house, the interest is tax deductible. So the best deal seems to be a unit that is a year or two old and financed. If you want to buy a new one, calculate a discount of around 25-30% from the list price. Our unit was a 2003 still on the lot in 2005 with the 2006 units being delivered. The tag price was over $65,000. We paid $40,000 saving about 38 percent. Now, at the time we didn’t have a towing vehicle, so the dealer delivered the fifth wheel to a nearby campground.

Oak Grove in Hatfield, PA is a year-round camp. This is important. You want to find a campground that offers year-round operations. You don’t want to have to move in the winter. Many campgrounds are closed from November through March or early April. When we started there, our rent was $375 a month and that included water and electricity. Our only other expense was propane for heat and hot water. Oak Grove supplied 2 100 pound propane tanks and automatically changed tanks for us. This is really cool, kind of like automatic oil delivery when you own a house. During the warmer months we barely use propane, maybe a bottle every other month if that. However, in winter we will use 3-4 bottles a month due to the heater. Propane currently costs about $50 a bottle. So, from the point of view of renting an apartment to living in an RV, the expenses are usually cheaper. My daughter pays $750 a month for an apartment near us and we pay an average of $425-450.

Other benefits of living in an RV: people! The people you meet camping are the most wonderful people you have ever met. They are friendly, helpful, young at heart and just nice to be around. We have been avid campers since before we got married. I used to sneak out to DE where my wife (girlfriend at the time) and her family would camp and pitch a tent, then I would become part of the family. In the nearly 40 years we have been together and camping, we have never met anyone who was rude, a thief, or unwilling to lend a hand if asked. In fact, we’ve received more offers of help without asking than at any time we live in a house or apartment.

It’s funny, but when I traveled and stayed in hotels, you almost felt like a ghost or a leopard or something. God forbid if he said ‘hello’ to someone in the elevator or hallway. But when you camp, everyone waves as you pass, some offering you drinks or making you sit by the fire and chat for hours. It’s like we’re all family.

Speaking of fires, what’s in a campfire? Sitting around a good fire at night is very relaxing. No need to say anything, just look at the flames and all the stress seems to float away. But campfires have another benefit, food. Nothing tastes better than food cooked over an open fire. Try doing that in an apartment.

Rving has another benefit, vacations. If you live in an apartment, your vacation consists of going to a destination, finding a hotel/motel, going out to eat every meal and taking enough clothes with you during the vacation. When you live in an RV, your home goes with you. 30-40 minutes to pack up the RV, turn off the utilities and hook up to the truck and you’re on the road. When you arrive at your vacation destination, another 30-40 minutes and you’ll be ready to enjoy the sites. Meals are not a problem, you have a full kitchen already stocked just like home as it is home. Do we have a special diet? No problem, your normal routine is uninterrupted. Clothes get dirty, many RVs come with washers and dryers, so you can do laundry while relaxing in the evenings or before starting your day. Rving is usually cheaper too. When you compare costs, you will find that motorhome travel is much cheaper than hotel/restaurant travel.

These are just a few of the things to consider when considering apartment living vs. RV living. I hope you have found the information useful.

Unpublished and hungry for a book deal? Introduce yourself to literary agents and book publishers so that it sticks in their minds. To be told: “Send me your manuscript. I want to read it.”

1: Create and refine the delivery aloud of a 3-minute speech for your unpublished book project.

Fiction tone sampler (thanks to New York Times Book Review and author’s website): “An Afghan-American returns to Kabul to find out how his friend has fared under the Taliban” is the story of my first novel. I was a skinny, skinny 11-year-old seventh grader when I left Afghanistan with my family. I recently returned to Kabul after completing my manuscript, traveling as a 38-year-old Northern California-based physician, writer, husband, and father of two. My name is Khaled Hosseini. Can I send you a synopsis and 50 initial pages for my manuscript entitled The kite flyer? Here is my business card.”

Nonfiction Speech Sample: “I am 80 years old, an accomplished painter working with studios in Paris and New York, as well as a published writer and poet, and a feminist. From the age of 22 in the 1940s, I lived for a decade .with Picasso, I left him and then raised two of his children. Since then I have been married to the painter Luc Simon and to Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine. My name is Françoise Gilot. Can I send you a book proposal? with sample chapters for my memoirs? Here’s my business card.”

To practice, visit online the New York Times Book Review‘s and other best-seller lists, study the one-sentence commercials, come up with one that features your own work. Practice your presentation at home in front of a mirror, with other writers, with friends and family, with strangers you meet in bookstores. Practice your speech until your speech is confident, short, sweet, and perfect.

2: Create a DIY website and start blogging. Launch an ezine, develop a following, and capture visitor data. Keep writing your book.

3. Design author business cards and an email signature that includes your 3-minute pitch and all your contact information, your blog, your website, your ezine. Keep these taped and tacked cards on your person, at work, in your car at all times. Give your card to everyone everywhere. Post your cards in coffee shops, library bulletin boards, online in writing communities.

4. Build an author platform database using the information and cards you collect from people you know who visit your website. Reach out in person and meet the managers and buyers of your local chain and independent bookstores.

5. Reach out to book review publishers across the country, from very local to very national, and start reviewing books for them online and offline using a line with the title of your “next” book, its URL , ezine and blog. Add these names to your platform’s database. Keep writing your book.

6. Write personal essays, short stories, and 250-500 word articles on your book topic using one line with the title of your “upcoming” book, its URL, ezine, and blog. Send copies to agents and publishers you’ve targeted, other bloggers, eziners, webmavens, your local booksellers.

7. Join writing and publishing groups and volunteer. Write for newsletters and insert your signature. Agree to help out at events and escort speakers to and from conferences. Exchange business cards with everyone you meet. Add everything to your platform database.

8. Look for author readings and writer’s conferences within walking distance of your home and attend them. Become a regular. Go have a coffee with the people you meet there; exchange business cards; Write print and online reviews of published books by authors you know to spread the word about your signature. Add more entries to your database. Attend conferences and post trade events and shows further and further from home. The net. The net. Collect business cards. Add to your database. Keep writing your book.

9. Find your way online for bloggers and writers interested in book publishing. Link websites and expand your database with addresses and links to people who read, write, sell and publish books. Keep writing your book.

10. Give a talk on your topic at local libraries, in elementary and middle school language arts or other classes. Teach adult education workshops on writing, blogging, ezine, and book reviews. Make sure your full signature appears in course catalogs and websites. Hand out your business cards to students. Collect the addresses of each attendee and add them to your database. Keep writing your book.

11. Expand your website with new pages to download your online or print byline pieces, your writer’s activities and schedule (volunteer events count!). Offer free teleseminars and workshops online. Keep writing your book.

12. Cheer up, so we can buy your book when it’s published and find you on Oprah. Good luck!

A Mexican clay fireplace is a beautiful and practical addition to any garden or backyard. Clay fireplaces are a beautiful and affordable way to enjoy your outdoor space, even when the air is cool. By learning how to care for your fireplace correctly, you can ensure that it will have a long and trouble-free life with your family.

Transportation of a clay fireplace

A fireplace is made up of two parts: the bowl, where the fire is made, and the chimney-shaped neck. The stack of a clay fireplace is usually attached to the bowl with only a thin layer of clay, which means you should never lift the fireplace from the top. You can easily snap your chimney in half that way. Instead, make sure you always carry the fireplace around the base, or better yet, use a hand truck or cart to have it move for you.

Spice up your Mexican Chiminea

If you just bought a new clay fireplace, your first reaction might be to run home, make a big fire and start enjoying it. However, your Mexican chimney pot requires seasoning to prepare it for a long cooking life.

To season a new fireplace, start a small fire with fat wood and let it burn itself out and cool completely before starting another fire. This gradually hardens the clay, sealing the inside of the fireplace and preventing cracks and hot spots. Use this process for the first five to ten fires you light.

Protecting your Chiminea from the Elements

Chiminea clay is usually not fired, but simply painted. This means that, in its naked state, it is vulnerable to water. To prevent rain damage to your Mexican fireplace, apply a caulking to the exterior of your fireplace as soon as possible after purchase. Acrylic floor finishes and wood sealers are good options that will protect both the clay and the paint on your fireplace.

Clay fireplaces can also crack or break if left outdoors. Unless you live in a temperate climate, it’s a good idea to store your fireplace in a garage or free closet whenever there is danger of freezing.

By properly caring for your Mexican fireplace, you can ensure the longest life and the highest possible value for your money.

You’ve seen them: pickup trucks or cars driving in front of a tractor-trailer pulling a very wide load. These are called pilot cars, and the people who drive them are professionals who specialize in that form of driving. He may have thought those cars and trucks were part of a team, but in fact, the pilot car driver is usually someone hired to haul cargo through a particular state. So what does it take to be a pilot driver? Read on and find out.

There is a certain amount of equipment that your vehicle will require. For example, you will need a fire extinguisher, a CB radio, flags, and a large cargo sign. It goes without saying that you need a highly reliable vehicle capable of handling long trips. Equipment requirements may vary from state to state, so it is important to have the equipment required by the states in which you work.

Gathering the equipment you need is the easy part. The hard part is living the lifestyle necessary to be successful in the industry. The life of a pilot car is very similar to that of a truck driver in that it requires many hours of driving with limited breaks. Just like truck drivers, they are paid by the mile. So the more miles you can drive in a day, the more you can earn.

There is one area where these drivers are at a disadvantage relative to the accompanying truck drivers: the pilot car driver has nowhere to sleep! When the day is done, the driver of a pilot car must find a hotel. This adds to his time on the road and is an additional expense to consider.

There is also a certain level of danger associated with driving a pilot car. There may be times when quick lane changes or other position changes are required to accommodate the needs of the wide load vehicle. Aggressive driving is sometimes required, so shyness is not a trait that leads to success in this field.

This type of riding is not something you should decide to do without training. The best thing you can do to get into the field is to find an experienced driver who will let you ride, and later on, maybe even drive the vehicle yourself. The greater the load and the more difficult the situation, the higher the level of training that will be required to drive safely and effectively.

Driving a race car is not an easy life, and it definitely requires a high level of focus and determination. But if driving is what you enjoy and you are willing to live a lifestyle similar to that of a truck driver, then it is a profession that you may find very fulfilling.

I love to start trips on weekends. Traffic to escape Nairobi is clear and we don’t have to start a safari in a traffic jam. Emily and Lee conveniently started their journey to Mombasa on a Saturday morning, meeting up bright and early at Wildebeest Eco-Camp in Karen. It was a reasonably normal trip, therefore, to Amboseli. The only potential for disaster came when I shoved my foot firmly in my mouth with a cynical comment about the aid industry… only after I spoke the words did I remember that Lee works as a fundraiser for an NGO.

But his humor remained intact, even after the 22km of undulating road on the last stretch to the park (it’s nothing compared to the drive to the Maasai Mara, but without that as a comparison, 22km can be tiring too).

Our arrival at Kibo Camp was like a homecoming for Francis and me. First Charles, the supervisor, flashed a big welcoming smile when he saw us get out of the truck. Francis had only been there a few days before, but he was pleasantly surprised that they remembered me after several months.

We checked in and Charles generously gave us a new guest tent. The shops are paved with stone and covered with cowhide rugs. The four-poster bed in the center of the room is surrounded by a mosquito net that is installed during nightly turndown service while we dine. At the back of the tent is the bathroom with toilet and hot shower. The water is heated by solar energy, part of Kibo’s eco-friendly efforts. However, there is no time to stay in our luxurious tent; it was lunch time

When Francis and I entered the dining room, our old friend Gona was setting the table. When she turned and saw us, it was like meeting a long-lost friend. “Mama and Papa Overland” she yelled and shook hands with both of us vigorously. Nothing is too much trouble for Gona – as he says “my name is Gona and I am anger serve you.” Gona had christened us Mama and Papa Overland on my first visit to Kibo in 2013. The name tickled our tongues silently and we’re glad it’s stuck.

Safari in Amboseli

Emily and Lee had their first game drive that afternoon. They got lucky with an early lion sighting! Even better, it was a pair of lions on their honeymoon. Of course, they also saw many elephants and a hippopotamus with her baby out of the water.

Leaving our tents at sunrise the next morning, we were greeted by a perfect view of a bare Kilimanjaro. Generally covered in clouds during the day, early morning is the best time to see the mountain and Amboseli is the best place for those views. Francis took Emily and Lee to the park for a morning game drive. Over breakfast, Lee marveled at the incredible variety of birds they had seen during the trip, many of which they had never heard of, including the secretary bird. We all laugh at Francis’ impression of Secretary Bird as he hunts. The Amboseli National Park comprises a large swamp in the middle of a massive arid zone and therefore attracts many waterfowl including water rail, egrets, herons, ibis, kingfishers and plovers.

After breakfast we say goodbye to the amazing staff and drive back to Mombasa Road. The road between East Africa’s main port and the rest of the region is a single lane in each direction, with some trucks hurtling along at hair-raising speeds, while others barely make it over the gentler inclines. It seems that the side mirrors are an unnecessary accessory and are rarely used. It’s not my favorite road to travel, so I like to turn around to talk to the people behind or pretend to sleep, anything to not stare at my impending doom over and over again! However, Francis is masterful and handles the madness of the other drivers with cool calm.

leopards and elephants

Our destination was Taita Hills and Lumo Sanctuary. It took us about six hours from Kibo to Taita Hills, but it was worth it when Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge turned up. A herd of elephants made their way across the lodge’s pilings as they made their way to the watering hole. I had tried to describe what the water hole in the reception area is like, but it’s hard to understand that the elephants can be only a few meters away when you check in, until you get there!

Once you’re there, it’s even harder to get away from the incredible proximity you have with these beautiful creatures. However, after enjoying the sunrise over Kilimanjaro that morning, we felt it was a fitting end to a drink watching the sun go down over the mountain. The only problem was that we were distracted by a couple of lionesses feasting on a zebra on our way. By the time we got to Lion’s Bluff, the sun was almost gone. The thing about being so close to the equator is that sunset happens in about five minutes, not the two hours of romance we have in Melbourne! But Lion’s Bluff still has one of the best balcony bars in Africa, so we treated ourselves to a glass of wine anyway.

There is a rocky outcrop at Lumo Sanctuary where, on one of my first visits, another driver-guide told us he had just seen a leopard. We scoured the outcrop, circling it completely, looking for the leopard with no luck. On each subsequent visit I look for that outcropping desperately for the leopard. I look between the branches of the trees and in the cracks and crevices of the rocks, always suspecting that the leopard will be in the most difficult place to see and very much wanting to be the first intelligent cat to find it.

So the third day of the safari saw us on a morning game drive near this outcropping and I desperately craned my head to find the elusive leopard. As he carefully searched for the branches of a particularly large dachshund tree (a leopard’s favourite), everyone began to talk about something more remarkable: the large elephant that almost seemed to be trapped under the same tree. if I had Really Did you miss that? He was perched somewhat tenuously on a ledge and chewing on the leaves of the sausage tree. As he backed away, his side rubbed against the rock giving an audible demonstration of how thick his skin must be. After watching him for some time and making sure he wasn’t really stuck, we continued our Leopard Rock loop.

I went back to looking in all the hiding places when, a minute later, Francis suddenly slammed on the brakes and said, “Leopard!” And there, resting in plain sight in a Pride Rock-style arrangement, was a leopard! Lucky! And we were the only ones there to enjoy this magnificent sighting. However, after several minutes, another truck approached, but too fast and too loud. The leopard jumped lightly from its rock hall and disappeared into the grass. (Note: Suggest to your driver-guides that they drive slowly in the parks, especially when approaching another vehicle that is obviously looking at something, so they don’t miss out on exciting sightings.)

Anyway, we were happy with our sighting and headed back to the lodge for breakfast. This morning the zebras were having their turn at the watering hole, but not before having a little chase with the elephants.

the kenyan coast

Then it was time to drive to Mombasa. To avoid driving through the city center, we took a detour at Mariakani and drove through rolling green hills. It turned into a bumpy road but the scenery was quite beautiful (apart from the large dumpster in one part). We finally made it to Nyali, where Francis and I got our bearings from the dentist’s office I had visited in 2013. As he had been under the influence of strong painkillers at the time, I suggested that he trust my instructions… and we finally got there. .

We had a great time with Emily and Lee and can’t wait to welcome them back in 8-10 years when they bring their little girl on safari!

For us, we found a place to camp and sat down with a cold Tusker and chatted about how long we were going to enjoy our beach vacation. The positive side of the decline in tourism in Kenya is that we didn’t have to rush back to Nairobi for the next safari… How lucky have we been?!!

After a quiet morning, we drive 11 kilometers north to Jumba la Mtwana, the ruins of an Arab trading port. It was very interesting; the guide taught us a lot. And it was so beautiful: ruins of stone and coral buildings among trees in so many shades of green. The port was active between 1350 and 1450 and has three mosques and many houses, including a kind of hotel for merchants who sailed.

In the morning before leaving for Nairobi, we visit the Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Center. Established in 1969, Bombolulu is a craft workshop that employs people with disabilities. They design and produce jewelry, bags, clothing, wood carvings, and many other handicrafts. It’s a fantastic project that employs about 100 people (that number used to be 350 before the global financial crisis). Accommodation is provided for staff if they wish and there is a school and nursery for their children. Well worth a visit if you’re staying on the north shore.

Moving across the country can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and preparation you can make it a fun and exciting adventure. Follow these simple moving tips to make your move as stress-free as possible:

1. Organize your belongings and form a budget

The most important part of planning a move is determining exactly how far you need to move. It’s hard to budget for your move when you’re not sure what you’re moving and how it needs to be transported. Start by taking an inventory of your belongings. Once you’ve identified what you don’t need, consider holding a garage sale or making a donation to your local thrift store. When you’ve determined how much you’re moving, you can make an informed decision about the best way to move. Common moving options include renting a truck, renting a container, or hiring a professional moving company. Moving companies are usually the most expensive option, as you will have to pay for transportation and labor. You’ll need to decide if the hassle of loading your own vehicle and the expense of tolls and gas is worth the cost savings of renting a truck instead of hiring a mover.

2. Pack smart

If you are renting a truck or container, you will normally be responsible for packing your own belongings. Fortunately, it’s easy to purchase packaging materials cheaply or even for free. Consider asking local supermarkets for their extra boxes. Old newspapers and magazines are an inexpensive alternative to tissue paper when packing dishes and other breakable items. Hire your friends to help you with the move and make sure you provide them with enough food and drinks or a small stipend. Consider packing your bedding, toiletries, and other essentials separately so they are immediately available when you arrive at your destination.

3. Enjoy the ride

Your long distance move should be an adventure to remember with funds. It is a great opportunity to see new places and meet new people. If you’re driving, make sure you get plenty of rest and change drivers often. It’s often cheaper (and healthier) to pack a cooler and have a picnic at rest areas or your hotel than eating out every meal.

Remember, with proper planning, any long-distance move can be successful. Following these simple moving tips will set you up for success.

Before or after you buy your log home, there are certain things every log home owner should know. Some things may be open for discussion, but one thing is for sure, your login will require attention. This doesn’t mean you’ll spend all your waking hours staining, caulking, sealing, caulking, caulking, caulking, and sealing. It means that he will have to pay attention to his log house as he would to his car. Below are some helpful tips and information to guide you through log home ownership.

  1. Have realistic expectations for your log home maintenance. There will be some.
  2. Establish a routine log home maintenance schedule.
  3. Follow a routine log home maintenance schedule.
  4. Apply log stain when your log home needs it. Remember that you get what you pay for most of the time. Good home wood stains don’t come cheap, but they will save you money in the long run.
  5. Good log home stains will offer about 3 years of protection on the southern exposure of your log home and 4 years of protection on the other sides of your home. These figures are estimates only and will vary depending on a number of factors.
  6. Expect to caulk or tear down your log home at some point.
  7. Some log homes require more grinding, caulking, and staining than others.
  8. Almost all log homes require some caulking or caulking, either at the horizontal log joints, the corners of the logs, or around the window frames.
  9. As we mentioned earlier, the better the log dye material, the less maintenance your logs will require.
  10. Design your log home with maintenance in mind. Remember that the less exposure your records have, the less maintenance they will require.
  11. Square logs resist better than round ones.
  12. Log house chinking can be used for aesthetic purposes or as a weather barrier.
  13. Log house caulking should normally be mixed with your logs. Sashco Concealed Caulking sets itself apart from all competitors.
  14. Some water-based log staining materials are very good, while others are very bad.
  15. Some oil-based log staining materials are very bad, while others are very good.
  16. Your log home stains should be compatible with your log cracks and your log home caulking materials.
  17. The preferred time to maintain your log frame is usually during the summer.
  18. Remember that your log house is a dream house. Don’t forget to treat it as such.

New York City is said to have a certain unusual quality. New York can devastate an individual or elevate their game level, desire or purpose in an exciting way. As they say, if you can get there, you can get anywhere… or you can walk away with your tail between your legs.

As a native of New York, born in East Harlem, I know that it is unique and I must say that it deserves the attention it receives as one of the most spectacular cities in the world for the following reasons.

It is a fact that New York City is the commercial center of the United States, as well as the heart of American advertising, fashion, publishing, and radio and television broadcasting. It is the distillation of industry, commerce, communication, entertainment, sports and the arts, and has a generous representation of various ethnic and religious groups. Simply put, it is the melting pot America is famous for. It has a positive effect on the creative abilities of its inhabitants. I want to mention that the five main boroughs that make up and add to the fame of New York City are Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Each municipality deserves recognition for its magnificent monuments, treasured historic sites, rich history and achievements. Yes, this diversity and non-stop electric action is what New York City is all about, and where millions visit each year to witness the riches and results of people’s creative power.

As for the residents and non-residents of this huge metropolis known as the “Big Apple,” there are several groups of people: First, we have the native New Yorker. These are the people whose place of birth is New York City. Regardless of where they must go, there will always be some emotional attachment to their roots. Second, we have the foreigners born elsewhere who seem to gravitate towards the big city. They take up residence enthusiastically, either because of the many opportunities the city presents, or simply because they feel lucky to live near others of their own kind. The adventurous and productive type. Third, let’s not forget the millions of frustrated commuters who commute to and from the city to work. Finally, with all the attractions and entertainment the city has to offer, there is the endless flow of millions of day trippers and tourists out of the city.

Although New York City can have many positive features, there is also a strong negative side to living in a metropolis of this magnitude. As the city becomes progressively more populated, there is increased worry, irritability, and outright hostility caused by the fact that the city is overcrowded with people. It is almost impossible to find an empty taxi, a parking spot or even a seat on the bus or train. This has hardened New Yorkers.

People call New Yorkers offensive because of their verbal qualities. To some extent, that may be true, but portraying all New Yorkers as vulgar is a mistake. There is a significant number of civilized and sophisticated New Yorkers. However, we do have some people who speak their minds when they are upset, not all of them, but some. But let’s not forget the tremendous sense of humor that characterizes most New Yorkers. Colloquialisms are part of their daily life, which can also be interpreted as rudeness, such as: “That could grow potatoes with those dirty ears”, “Why don’t you take a long walk on a short pier”, “Hey, don’t spit in the air, it can land on your nose; “Don’t let your mouth run until your brain is in gear”; “Oy Vey! With those bags, he needs a pair of pairs of shoes”; “He couldn’t make a noun and a verb agree even if his life depended on it”; “I hope he lives to be 150 and looks like it”, and so on.

Some people have been ridiculed for his unique ‘Noo Yawker’ accent. Here are some examples: “Gedoutahea, you’re turning me on!” “Yes, I smoke Noo Yawk.” “I would have ha ged a hold!” “Did’ju or did’ja”, “Would’ju or would’ja”, “Soopah (Super)”, “Fur sure I’m ohn the fawth floor”, “Wawda” (water), “I’ll eat a samwidge tooner”, (tuna sandwich), “It would be very hard to tell you if my brudda wasn’t here”, “Fugheddaboudit! I’m not saying nuttin”, and, “My mudda and fodda are going down ohn Lawnguylund”.

Accustomed to social, political and economic upheavals, crime, overcrowding, blighted neighborhoods, intolerable housing, exorbitant rents and high taxes, native New Yorkers accept the turbulence associated with everyday life as a way of life normal and unavoidable. However, that does not stop them from openly expressing their frustrations and tensions with expressions such as: “Apartments are very expensive, unless you live in a hotel with cockroaches infested with rats”, “Those street vendors will rob you blind, selling hot things “. merchandise no less”, “There is no place to park unless you stack the cars on top of each other”, “Oy Vey! Some of the neighborhoods look like a war zone”, “I have doors on my windows and three locks on my door, doesn’t that tell you something?” “I hate the summer, it smells like last year’s garbage is still lying around. ..” and so on.

However, despite all the discomforts, horrible tragedies and miseries, miraculously, the majority of those who crowd the streets of the city choose to stay. New York, New York, without a doubt is an amazing city.

For the millions of commuters, who travel daily to access business and investment opportunities, rush hour is a terrifying scenario, as key highways and bridges are packed with cars, trucks, motorcycles and buses weaving their way between a bumper-to-bumper traffic. The overwhelming congestion of vehicles and passengers is everywhere. Spending an annoying hour or two traveling to a place in a single district is quite common. Let’s not forget to mention the subway. Train after train rumble and make its way into the station, to be greeted by an endless barrage of waiting commuters, lined up on the platform. The crush of travelers rushes toward the train, jostling and elbowing each other along the way. After a few seconds, the train doors slam shut, leaving the unlucky ones behind. Some frustrated passengers fly to open the doors enough to squeeze their way inside before the train starts moving, hoping their arm, leg, purse or briefcase won’t get caught outside. If the train is local, it will continue to stop and pick up more passengers along the way, thus intensifying the unbearable crowding. Cranky standing passengers are crushed like sardines in a can with no room to fall if the train stops.

This situation exists year-round as New Yorkers and tourists alike swarm to beaches, parks, and other recreational areas looking for a way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the week. Here and there, motorists stranded along the highway stand by their cars in the sweltering, giddy heat, adding to the weekend’s clog of thrill-seekers. Once the transfer of the vehicles takes place, desperate motorists frantically fly away in search of a gas station, only to find themselves once again trapped in a huge column of 50 to 100 cars inching towards the pumps. , hoping that the gas does not run. outside.

New York, New York is an amazing city. Hundreds of thousands of neighborhoods just a few blocks long and a couple of blocks wide, filled with a huge selection of independently operated shops and businesses. Despite their public knowledge of American traditions, multi-ethnic groups continue to practice within their neighborhoods, their own traditions, customs, religious holidays, and cuisines. The obvious presence of this difference is what makes America’s city so remarkable. Whether one lives in the neighborhoods of Park Slope, the Jewish Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Italian Harlem, Chinatown, El Barrio, Little Italy, or Yorktown, lifelong relationships are continually formed. Is this neighborhood value so strong that many families, as well as their descendants, spend their entire lives living within its boundaries?

If one wishes to be entertained, there is always something to do.

It is home to an impressive collection of museums large and small, primarily devoted to the arts and natural history. For example, because the Metropolitan Museum of Art is so extensive and visual, one should plan to spend an entire day there. As for burning off some of that pent-up energy built up during the work week or satisfying your taste buds, there are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants one can go to at all hours of the day and night. New York, New York is “A city that never sleeps”. It is a place where history and the present diverge. Experienced historians and lecturers from leading walking tours take locals and visitors on exciting and unforgettable walks through the Big Apple’s ethnic neighborhoods, places of history, tradition and craftsmanship, creating lasting memories of an amazing past.

Speaking of unforgettable memories; this reminds me of my visit several years ago to the theater district in Manhattan, which is the most famous theater district in the world. I went to attend a “Hairspray” matinee. Seeing that I had arrived too early, I decided to take a walk around the district to familiarize myself with everything once more. There were the usual young aspiring actors, dancers, and singers, briefcase in hand, swarming the area rushing to audition in hopes of securing fame and fortune. The transport situation remained unchanged. Cars continued to force their way down the streets aggressively, without a thought for pedestrians or other vehicles. I desperately wanted to cross the avenue, but the traffic congestion and chaos of honking horns, screeching brakes, hostile pedestrians yelling and shaking their fists only added to my state of confusion. After living several years in the suburbs of New Jersey, unaccustomed to this endless hustle and bustle of people and vehicles, I decided to return to the theater to wait in line. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a loud singing voice accompanied by musical instruments penetrated the air. How exciting, a free performance was being put on by striking amateur sidewalk artists, showcasing their musical talents for meager donations. Once inside the theater, my attention was drawn to the stage throughout the performance of “Hairspray” as I absorbed the elements of music, theater and dance, working together as a whole in artistic creativity. This first viewing of a live Broadway musical became a memorable experience for me. There were so many people that I assumed every other theater on and off Broadway was unloading at the same time. Like a swarm of bees, the famous theatergoers, including his, scurried here, there, everywhere, looking for the nearest restaurant. Satisfied with my steaming cup of coffee, delicious onion burger, and a slice of New York cheesecake, I reluctantly returned to New Jersey, promising myself another exciting trip to my hometown.

All this and much more continues to add to the colorful and exciting atmosphere of the Big Apple. So if you ask me if I’m glad I was a New Yorker. Proudly, he would reply, “I bet so!” Without a doubt, “It’s an amazing city.”

Home improvement referral services are springing up from New York to California. They are taking the time to do the legwork to find trustworthy and reputable contractors and these companies are making a profit from good work.

It really doesn’t take much to get started. A home improvement referral service business takes only a little money and no more time than a regular 40-hour-a-week job. In fact, they can start making money within the first year of business.

The first thing to consider is what types of home improvement businesses you will be referring to. This can include gutter cleaning and replacement, remodeling, building additions, fencing, lawn maintenance, and many others. Remember, even if you like to paint, a client may not like it or may not have the time. Therefore, no business should be overlooked.

Once you have an idea of ​​the types of contractors for your referral service business, you will need to call your local, county, and state government offices. Know the rules and requirements regarding licenses, bonds, commercial registration and insurance for each type of contractor. This is the first step in building your list. Any contractor that does not comply with government regulations should not be on your reference list.

By knowing these requirements and using them, your home improvement referral business will gain credibility with your customers. They will know that if the contractor does not meet these requirements, they will not be on their list. It makes the client feel more confident that the job will be completed professionally and correctly.

Another way to ensure the credibility of your referral service business is to only look at contractors recommended by your previous satisfied customers. But this is not the end of the selection process. Recommendations are not enough.

Once a contractor is recommended for your home improvement referral business, you need to check out their service. Talk to them, explaining your referral service business. Many contractors will be happy to give you the necessary information. Ask to see your licenses, bonding information, and insurance to make sure they are up to date. Ask for a list of the services they provide and the cost of these services. Finally, ask for references you can talk to.

You have now started your list of referral contractors. While working on creating this list, she should have started thinking of a name for her referral service business, advertising, office area, office equipment, and ordered a phone line for the business. She may want to use a computer right away, but a card or file system could work just as well, and for a fraction of the cost, until her business grows. Keep in mind that as your business grows, your office space, office equipment, and reference list system will likely need to be computerized to save time and money.

Since your referral business will start locally, check with local newspapers and periodicals to see if they would be interested in doing an article about your business. Make some flyers and ask local hardware stores if you can drop some off to advertise your service. You may also want to send letters to real estate agents advertising your business, they can be great advertisers for you.

Make your services free to people who call your business looking for referrals. Many home improvement referral companies charge the contractor between 6% and 15%, depending on the size of the project. You put clients in touch with the contractor, and upon completion of the project, the contractor pays you a fee.

Advertise that no contractor pays you to get on your referral list. If clients or contractors ask how they got on the list, explain that the only way a contractor can get on the list is if a client recommends them. You may want to explain the entire selection process so the person knows the exact qualifications contractors must have before being accepted.

A referral service business can easily and quickly expand. Once your business starts to grow, create a business plan to set goals. Decide how far you want to expand and consider starting franchises elsewhere or expanding the list to include contractors not originally included. This is your home improvement referral service business and you can take it anywhere you want.