Top 10 Principles for Positive Business Ethics
February 21, 2012 | 
Author This morning, I read about a company using on-line auctions to defraud customers. Last week, I consulted on an ethics complaint where a business coach betrayed a client’s confidentiality. And, recently a Physician was convicted of insider trading based on information from a patient, a violation of both business ethics and her professional ethics.
Business ethics are the key to profits. If clients and customers don’t trust you, and your business ethics, they will not do business with you. Would you buy from a company you didn’t trust? Of course not!
Business ethics have become a hot-button topic. There are often ethical conflicts between making money, and doing what is right. There can be dilemmas about doing what is best for your employer, what’s best for your own career, and what’s best for the customer. Business ethics is about negotiating these mine-fields. Here are my Top 10 Principles for Positive Business Ethics:
1. Business Ethics are built on Personal Ethics. There is no real separation between doing what is right in business, and playing fair, telling the truth and being ethical in your personal life.
2. Business Ethics are based on Fairness. Would a dis-interested observer agree that both sides are being treated fairly? Are both sides negotiating in good faith? Does each transaction take place on a “level playing field”? If so, the basic principles of ethics are being met.
3. Business Ethics require Integrity. Integrity refers to whole-ness, reliability and consistency. Ethical businesses treat people with respect, honesty and integrity. They back up their promises, and they keep their commitments.
4. Business Ethics require Truth-telling. The days when a business could sell a defective product and hide behind the “buyer beware” defense are long gone. You can sell products or services that have limitations, defects or are out-dated, but not as first-class, new merchandise. Truth in advertising is not only the law, business ethics require it.
5. Business Ethics require Dependability. If your company is new, unstable, about to be sold, or going out of business, ethics requires that you let clients and customers know this. Ethical businesses can be relied upon to be available to solve problems, answer questions and provide support.
6. Business Ethics require a Business Plan. A company’s ethics are built on its image of itself and its vision of the future and its role in the community. Business ethics do not happen in a vacuum. The clearer the company’s plan for growth, stability, profits and service, the stronger its commitment to ethical business practices.
7. Business Ethics apply Internally and Externally. Ethical businesses treat both customers and employees with respect and fairness. Ethics is about respect in the conference room, negotiating in good faith, keeping promises and meeting obligations to staff, employers, vendors and customers. The scope is universal.
8. Business Ethics require a Profit. Ethical businesses are well-run, well-managed, have effective internal controls, and clear expectations of growth. Ethics is about how we live in the present to prepare for the future, and a business without profits (or a plan to create them) is not meeting its ethical obligations to prepare for the future well-being of the company, its employees and customers.
9. Business Ethics are values-based. The law, and professional organizations, must produce written standards that are inflexible and universal. While they may talk about “ethics”, these documents are usually prescriptive and refer to minimal standards. Ethics are about values, ideals and aspirations. Ethical businesses may not always live up to their ideals, but they are clear about their intent.
10. Business Ethics come from the Boss. Leadership sets the tone, in every area of a business. Ethics are either central to the way a company functions, or they are not. The executives and managers either lead the way, or they communicate that cutting corners, deception and dis-respect are acceptable. Line staff will always rise, or sink, to the level of performance they see modeled above them. Business ethics starts at the top.
Ethics is about the quality of our lives, the quality of our service, and ultimately, about the bottom line. An unhappy customer complains to an average of 16 people. Treating employees, customers, vendors and the public in an ethical, fair and open way is not only the right thing, in the long run, it’s the only way to stay in business.
Best Laptop Computers for College Students
1. Overview
Before we look at the laptops most suitable for college students, we should understand what makes a good student laptop. Typically, a student would want a laptop that’s lightweight and comfortable enough to lug to and from their various classes. In addition, the laptop has to have great battery life and performance. And price is sometimes a concern, so the above features need to be packed into an affordable package.
After considering the types of laptops suitable for college students, I’ve decided to split them into three categories: budget, thin and light and ultraportable. So let’s take a look at them now …
2. Budget Laptops
For a college student who is short on cash, a budget laptop is a good buy. Some of the best budget laptops include those from Dell, Toshiba and HP. I personally find the Toshiba Satellite A215-S4747 to be a great budget laptop. You get an AMD based dual core CPU, which perfroms very well with most applications. You also get a huge 200GB hard drive and a large number of peripheral ports.
There’s also a nice Sony VGN-NR160E/S model that is (surprisingly) within the budget category. Out of the box, this machine gives you the Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 processor, 1 GB of RAM and a large 160GB hard drive – that’s a lot of computing power at budget price.
3. Thin and Light Laptops
If you prefer a more powerful laptop and don’t mind a little bit of weight, then try going for a thin and light laptop. Some of the models I can think of include those from Lenovo, HP and Sony.
The Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E is a pretty good choice for a thin and light notebook. This system comes with a Bluray compatible writer that can also burn CDs and DVDs. You also get an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz CPU, 2GB RAM and a very large 250GB hard drive.
Another model I’d consider is the HP Pavilion dv6675us. You will get an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz CPU, 4GB RAM and 250GB of hard drive space. The 4GB of RAM is a great feature which will come in handy if you’re a student of finance or science and need to run intensive computational applications.
4. Ultraportable Laptops
If the size and weight of the laptop is of high importance to you, then go for an ultraportable laptop. These laptops give very good computing performance in a very small, compact package.
In this category, I think the Lenovo ThinkPad X61 is a great choice for students. It is slightly pricey (but not outrageously so) but it is one of the best performing laptops around. It weighs only about 3 pounds and is hence an extremely portable piece of hardware. You also get an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz CPU, 2GB RAM and an ample 100GB hard drive. You don’t get a built-in DVD writer though – that unit is external to the laptop.
Another good choice is the Toshiba Portege R500-S5001X. It weights 2.4 pounds and is less than an inch thick. This is one of the thinnest and lightest notebooks you will find in the market. It’s also very reasonably priced.
Conclusion
Well! I hope this article has shown you the various types of laptops which are suitable for college students. Regardless of your needs and budget, make sure that you do proper research before shelling out any cash. Until next time, best of luck and happy shopping!
What’s the Best GPS to Buy?
So, what’s the best GPS to buy? Fortunately, that question’s a little easier to answer than it was a year ago. You see, a year ago, Garmin was the market leader, but they were still facing a lot of competition from TomTom and Magellan, especially TomTom. They’re still facing competition, but Garmin’s made so many technical innovations with their new Garmin nuvi’s and also they’ve lowered prices to the point that Garmin’s about the run away with the whole show. So, this year, there’s an answer to the question of what’s the best GPS to buy. A Garmin. Only question is which kind. To answer that, let’s talk about the various models and what to look for.
If you’re interested in the best GPS to buy, you’ll need to understand the market a little. For one thing, you need to be aware of what maps you want. If you’re a US buyer, then all Garmins sold through someone like Amazon have continental US maps. If you want maps for Canada, Hawaii, or Mexico, then you have to look a little more closely at the product. You can get this, it will just be another model. Ditto for European maps. So, in your search for the best GPS to buy, be aware of the map that your model comes with.
Another issue are basic features. All GPS’s have millions of points of interest and all that stuff we used to worry about a couple of years ago. Virtually all Garmins have what’s called “text to speech”, or the ability to actually say the name of the street you’re to turn on. It’s kind of like power windows. They used to be a luxury, now they’re standard equipment.
What’s should make the decision for you about the best GPS to buy will be added features like real time traffic, Bluetooth, so you can do “hands-free” calling, and other features like multi-point routing. There’s where you have to do a little research to make sure your model supports all of this. This isn’t going to cost you nearly as much as it would have even a year ago. Your best GPS to buy can have all of this and cost less than $200.
Since we’re talking about the best GPS to buy, and since I’ve hopefully convinced you that that has to be a Garmin, I want you to consider one of their newer nuvi models, especially the 1200 series and up. Recently, Garmin’s made some significant improvements in their maps. They’ve got pedestrian friendly maps for selected cities, called cityXplorer, and they’ve got maps geared towards public transportation. Both would be crucial in a city like New York, for instance.
Hopefully, now you have the information you need to choose the best GPS to buy.
The Best Powerlifting Routines
If you’re looking to get as strong as possible, or even if you’re using weight training as a means to an end of a great physique, powerlifting training is extremely beneficial. There are tons of weight lifting programs out there, but all of the successful things have one thing in common – they focus on gaining lots of strength! Here is what you should look for in the best powerlifting routines:
1. Focus on the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift
If you’ve been in the powerlifting game for long, or even if you’re researched the sport itself, this will be a no-brainer to you. However, it’s surprising how many people (don’t be ashamed if this is you!) are unaware that they should be doing the basic power exercises in their powerlifting routines.
These important exercises are the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Even if you are not training specifically for powerlifting, and many of you probably are not, you should always focus on variations of these movements for maximum muscle growth.
All good powerlifting routines (or bodybuilding routines, for that matter) will have you performing various squats, presses, and deadlifts to build most of your muscle mass. Gaining strength on these basic movements will take you further than any other supposed “bodybuilding” technique when it comes to building lots of muscle mass.
2. Use Many Methods of Weight Lifting
You have probably heard about using low reps, high reps, medium reps, etc. These are often referred to as the different “methods” of weight training. Though people often try to categorize these methods as “powerlifting training” or “bodybuilding training,” successful lifters and physique builders of any type use a combination, not just one.
Using very heavy weights with which you can only perform 1-3 (and sometimes up to 5) reps is referred to as the maximal effort method. This is what most people think of when they think powerlifting routines – heavy weights, very few reps.
Using light or moderate weights for sets of 8, 10, 12, or even more reps is usually referred to as the repetition, or repeated effort method. This is what people traditionally think of as “bodybuilding” training. However, powerlifters, competitive and recreational, use this method to build up their muscle mass, as well.
The third method of importance is called the dynamic effort method. This is when you use a weight that is around 50-60 percent of your max for a given movement and perform sets of 1-3 very fast reps. Though this method can be great for building speed, it is best left to very advanced lifters.
3. Eat to Grow
The most important piece to the muscle-building puzzle is eating. You must eat more food than your body expends each day, so that your body can use the surplus to build NEW muscle tissue, and not just repair what you already have.
Eating enough food is one area in which competitive powerlifters tend to outdo bodybuilders and other fitness enthusiasts. Many trainees, even advanced ones, will often avoid eating enough to gain muscle for fear of fat gain, as well. While this is a legitimate concern, you can’t be worried about it so much that it inhibits your muscle gains.
You should be eating 2 times your bodyweight in protein grams per day (that’s a lot!), as well as enough carbs and fats to supply the additional energy to train and grow. Focus mainly on “clean” sources of food such lean meats, fish, grains, oils, nuts, and produce. However, don’t be afraid to cheat on your diet every once in a while. You’re already going for a calorie surplus, it’s not like a few hundred extra at one meal is really going to hurt you in the long run.
RV Water Leaks
If there is a way to get in your RV, water will find it. Water leaks on an RV can cause extensive damage and can be extremely costly to repair. When I worked at an RV dealership I saw the damaging effects that water can cause to an RV time and time again. I learned the lesson the hard way. I appraised a unit that was being traded in and didn’t identify the extensive water damage, which resulted in a thousand dollars worth of repairs. Hindsight is 20/20 and I quickly learned how to inspect for, and identify potential water damage on RVs. My recommendation is that you inspect for potential water leaks twice a year at a minimum, once in the fall and again in the spring.
Every seam on your RV and anywhere the manufacturer cut a hole in your RV has the potential to allow water in. To protect your investment and your wallet take the time to REALLY inspect all of these seams and sealants. Water damage on an RV is similar to progressive damage to a tire. The outside of the tire looks fine, but the internal damage over a long period of time causes the tire to fail without any warning. The outside of your RV looks fine but the internal damage caused by water over a long period of time can result in the entire roof, floor or wall rotting away without you knowing it. Here are a few things to look for during your inspections.
Always keep safety on your mind when you are working on the roof of your RV You can be seriously injured from a fall! A reader of mine suggested that you use 2 pieces of 1/2″
plywood, 2 foot by 4 foot, to move around on and spread your weight out over the
roof rafters.
* To stop a leak before it starts, thoroughly inspect all roof and body seams. Consult with your RV dealer for sealants compatible with different types of roofing materials.
* Look for any discoloration and feel for any soft spots on the ceiling around roof vents, air conditioners, TV antennas, plumbing vents, and any other openings that were cut in the roof.
* Look for any discoloration or wrinkles in the wallpaper, and feel for any soft spots on the walls around all windows, doors, vents, slide outs, or any other openings that were cut in the side walls.
* Identify the location of items like the water heater, furnace, outside shower, potable water fill and city water inlet on the outside of the RV and then access those areas from the inside of the RV and look for any indications of water damage around these openings.
* Open all overhead cabinets and look in the top corner where the walls meet the ceiling for any discoloration or feel for any soft spots. This would indicate a leak at the seam where the sidewall and the roof attach.
* Check in all outside storage compartments for any indications of water leaks or water damage.
* Check for any soft spots on the roof itself especially around the roof seams at the front and rear of the RV. Thoroughly inspect all sealants on the roof around every opening.
* Some Class C motor homes are notorious for leaks in the cab over bed area. Look for any signs of discoloration and feel for soft spots. Reach under the mattress and feel for water.
* Look and feel on the outside of the RV for any signs of delaminating. Delaminating is caused by water getting between the exterior fiberglass and the sidewall. When this happens the exterior fiberglass separates from the sidewall of the RV. You can stand at the front or rear of the RV and look down the side for any noticeable ripples or what looks like a bubble. You can also press on the sidewalls. If you feel the exterior fiberglass move it is delaminating. Often times delaminating starts around where an opening that was made in the sidewall.
Don’t just inspect your RV for water damage; REALLY inspect your RV for water damage. If you do this on a regular basis you can locate and repair the source of any water damage before it has a chance to do a great deal of damage. I think I’ll start checking our motor home more than twice a year.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101
Snowmobile Power Valves – Polaris, Ski-Doo & Arctic Cat Variable Exhaust Valve System Basics
They can be called “APV” by Arctic Cat, “RAVE” by Ski-Doo or “VES” by Polaris. If you own a 2-stroke snowmobile made in the last 15 years, the engine is likely equipped with “variable exhaust power valves”. If that is the case, you probably know that you have to be quite diligent about their cleanliness and operation. This is one engine component that has to be monitored regularly to maintain peak performance.
Variable exhaust power valves are moving devices located at the engine’s exhaust port. Every brand’s variation is there to provide the same essential service and that is to vary the height and width of the exhaust port according to engine RPM. This vastly broadens the power band. At low RPM, the valves are in a closed position which promotes more complete combustion. This improves low-end torque and minimizes unburned gases in the exhaust stream. At high RPM, the valves are wide open which allows for optimum exhaust flow. This enables the engine to rev freely and produce maximum top end horsepower. Older systems were actuated by a mechanical linkage which opened and closed the valves based on engine RPM. Modern systems are actuated by electronic servo motors which precisely position the valves throughout the RPM range. Before the advent of the power valve, engine builders had to determine one size and shape of the exhaust port and exhaust pipe. This predetermined whether the engine would provide its optimum power delivery at either the high, mid or low RPM range. The power valve allows the two-cycle engine to provide usable horsepower throughout its operating RPM range.
The modern power valve system has evolved from a number of different variations over the last 30 years. Yamaha was the first company to find success with this concept when they integrated a variable exhaust power valve system in their 2-stroke Grand Prix road-racing motorcycles in the late 1970′s. The technology then made its way to Yamaha’s production road and motocross bikes the early 1980′s. Other motorcycle manufacturers soon came up with their own systems. By the early 1990′s, virtually all high-performance two-cycle motorcycles, ATV’s, personal water-crafts and snowmobiles were equipped with variable exhaust power valve systems.
Keeping the power valve system clean is of paramount importance. As power valves are located directly in the stream of the exhaust flow, carbon deposits can accumulate on the valves over time. The deposit build-up can alter the shape of the valves and change the engine’s exhaust flow characteristics. In extreme cases, the exhaust port can become completely clogged and expensive damage can occur. Deposits can also can hinder the valve movement or leave them stuck in one spot. Any of these scenarios will drastically impair the power delivery and output of your engine.
The task of maintaining your snowmobile’s power valve system is not complicated. Your service or owner’s manual will give specific instructions on how to remove and clean the system. Be careful when cleaning the valves, as you do not want to scratch or roughen the surfaces. Your manual will also offer a specific service interval and it should be followed religiously.
Once your valves are clean, there are ways to prevent premature valve depositing. First and foremost is to make sure that your machine is tuned correctly. Overly rich carburetor jetting is a major contributor to this malady. Rich jetting will allow too much fuel into the combustion chamber and this promotes carbon formation. If your sled is fuel injected, make sure that the system is operating correctly. Also make sure that your oil injection system is delivering the proper amount of oil. Perform regular spark plug readings as described in your manual. If your plug readings are off and you cannot determine the cause, contact your dealer.
Another major contributor to power valve depositing is the use of poor quality 2-cycle oil. The cheaper base stocks and additives used in lower grade oils can be cooked into carbon deposits very quickly. High quality synthetic two-cycle oil is notorious for its clean burning characteristics and will dramatically lower the rate of deposit formation. Good quality synthetic oils use sophisticated base stocks and high temperature additives which are engineered to avoid power valve depositing. They also have an effective detergent/dispersant package which will allow for much cleaner operation. When it comes to two-stroke injector oil, you definitely get what you pay for. Spending a little more on an oil that is specifically engineered to provide clean power valve operation will not only improve your engine’s performance, it will save the headaches and expense that come with premature power valve depositing.
Snowmobiles operated at low speed and steady RPM over extended periods can also promote deposit build up. During this type of operation, the valves maintain a stationary position and this allows deposits to form. If the valves are constantly changing positions, there is less chance of deposits forming and increasing in size.
Variable exhaust power valves have revolutionized the capabilities of 2-cycle engines. With a little bit of maintenance and care, they will offer trouble-free performance.
Posted in Power Buy Articles | 
Tags: Arctic, Basics, Exhaust, Polaris, SkiDoo, Snowmobile, System, Valves, Variable | 
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Common Cold Weather Snow Blower Problems
Snow blowers are made to run in the cold weather but when it gets REALLY cold outside, funny (or not so funny things) can develop. Same goes for a snow blower that is stored outside or in an enclosure where the temperature is at or near the same temperature as outside. If you have a heated garage, or a way to heat your garage or shed or wherever you store your snow blower, then you are way ahead of the game.
I don’t know how winter is in other parts of the country but, here in the Northeast, when there is a snow storm the temperature is generally in the twenties or low thirties. But sometimes it snows when the temperature is in the single digits or close to zero and that is when some new and not so nifty things start happening to snow blowers stored in the cold. Handles won’t depress. Impellers won’t engage. Engines that were running fine won’t start. Belts start to smoke and squeal when engaged. Cables break and starters won’t engage.
A lot of that has to do with putting away a recently used “hot” snow blower without cleaning off the snow. The snow now melts and freezes in the strangest places. Let’s address most of these problems assuming we have a two stage wheel propelled snow blower. But first, a brief explanation of the types of snow blowers out there.
A two stage snow blower has the large steel auger up front that turns at a fairly slow rate of speed and scoops in the snow. The second stage is the smaller, faster turning fan below the chute that actually throws the snow. A single stage snow blower has a fast turning impeller / auger that turns at a fast rate of speed and both scoops and throws the snow. The wheel propelled single stage snow blower is becoming rare as the rubber-paddled units have taken their place. They are lighter and less expensive to make and they throw the snow just as far or farther.
1) Let’s take the smoking belt or impeller won’t engage scenarios (usually related) first. You grab the auger engagement handle and no snow comes out of the chute but the belt starts squealing or smoking. Let go of that handle RIGHT NOW and shut down your snow blower. Tip it back on it’s handle bars if possible. If the gas tank is full, put some plastic from a grocery bag under the filler cap to keep the gas from pissing out of the cap vent. Reach in back to the second stage impeller. That’s the 3 or 4 bladed fan that throws the snow out of the chute on a 2 stage snow blower. See if you can turn it by hand. If not, it is probably frozen to the bottom of the drum it is housed in. There is usually a drain hole at the bottom of the drum to prevent this but it is not always sufficient. Occasionally the impeller blade coasts to a stop with one of the blades straight down. This makes it easier to freeze.
2) How to repair: Drag or drive your snow blower into an area where you can turn on some heat to thaw out the snow blower. If you don’t have this luxury, use a hair dryer. I’ve also seen people make a tent with a tarp over the snow blower and using a space heater to thaw out the unit. Be careful how close you set up the heater and the direction you point it. A space heater can melt or start a plastic tarp on fire. You could just direct the space heater into the auger area and hope for the best. It doesn’t usually take too much to melt the ice. Using a propane torch is the least desirable and most unsafe option, as an open flame is dangerous near any outdoor power equipment. Just a little bit of gas spilled nearby can be a potential disaster waiting to happen. You’ve read about it in the newspaper so don’t even go there or you’ll end up in the newspaper too. I can’t tell you how many times, back in the business, when we just dragged a bunch of frozen snow blowers into our warm shop prior to entering the “triage unit” and that was all that was needed to cure the problem.
3) How to prevent: Clean the snow off the snow blower and inside the impeller /auger housing when done snow blowing. Then make sure that none of the impeller blades is pointing straight down where the melted snow can puddle and freeze.
4) Auger or wheel drive handle won’t engage: This generally occurs on models with cables rather than linkage. The cable gets moisture inside and freezes. If you don’t have cables, follow the linkage to a pivot point that is frozen. This may require removing an access cover. Thaw out cables or linkage using same method as frozen impeller; safely applied heat.
5) How to prevent: Remove both ends of the cable and apply low temperature or white lithium grease. Work the cable back and forth to coat the entire inner length. WD40 or any rust penetrant may do the trick but the grease is more permanent. PLEASE NOTE: If you have a grease gun or use grease out of the tube or tub on your snow blower, make sure it is LOW TEMPERATURE GREASE. It will say so on the container. If unsure, ask the sales person – if you can find a knowledgeable one these days. The grease is usually blue in color. Don’t use regular ball bearing or general use grease on your snow blower. It will gum up when it is cold out and make parts stick or harder to use. On units that have linkage instead of cables, thaw out and spray or apply low temp lubricants on all pivoting parts.
6) Manual or electric starter won’t engage: This is why it is a good investment to buy the optional electric starter for your snow blower. If one starter doesn’t work the other one might. Again, safe heat applied in the proper location may solve the problem temporarily but it will probably happen again when the weather temperature drops. If your manual starter won’t engage or the rope stays out, it should be removed. There is generally a metal “dog” that freezes. It should be fairly obvious when the starter is removed where the “dog” or metal tab that engages into the starter cup is located. You shouldn’t have to remove the pulley but you should remove the center screw so the lube gets down into the pivot area. In this case, any sort of grease is usually NOT recommended. Use WD40 or similar liquid lubricant. Grease just gets gummy in cold weather, especially on a smaller gadget such as the starter dog.
If your electric starter sounds like it is spinning but it is not turning the engine over, then chances are the starter gear is frozen to it’s shaft. Thaw with safe heat. To help prevent freezing, a light lubricant on the gear shaft is recommended. On some machines you may be able to use a spray lube with the plastic nozzle extension on the shaft without removing the starter – but removal of the starter may be required. That way you can slide the gear all the way out and spray the shaft with low temp lube underneath where the gear slides or parks when not in use.
7) No start: A snow blower that ran fine the last snow storm but now won’t start, especially if it is very cold out, might just have a small amount of moisture in the tank, fuel line or carb that is frozen. Thawing out safely and adding gas line anti-freeze should do the trick but, if there is too much water in the fuel, you may have to remove the fuel line and drain the tank. But that doesn’t remove water in the carb. Some older snow blowers have a spring loaded drain on the bottom for that purpose. If not, you can crack the high speed adjustment screw or jet (as the case may be) open a few turns to drain the float bowl. This a messy job as the fuel usually goes in all directions or down your arm so have a coffee can and some rags ready.
Removing the carburetor or bowl itself is best left to a trained technician. But if you feel confident enough to try it yourself, be warned that if removing the float bowl (assuming it has a float type carburetor) is done in the horizontal position, the float and /or float needle can fall out. It is best to prop the unit up safely on it’s nose with an empty or near empty fuel tank. With clean rags and coffee can at the ready, the bowl can then be carefully removed and cleaned out. Carefully remove the float and check by shake it to determine if it has water or ice inside. If it does, replace with a new one and consider a carburetor rebuild kit while you are at the parts store.
Note: Some snow blowers have a diaphragm carburetor, and regardless of design, should have a carburetor kit installed if you are disassembling. Older Briggs engines with diaphragms have the carburetor bolted to the top of the gas tank and have to be removed as a unit.
As you can see, some preventative maintenance can go a long way towards avoiding cold weather freeze ups. If you are mechanically inclined but, can’t afford a mechanic, purchase a repair manual to help you with your project. It’s a good investment towards doing the job right the first time and it will feel good to do the job yourself.
Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages
Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Therefore, I compiled a comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU.
Solar Energy Advantages
1. Saves you money
After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost.
If your system produce more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This is called net metering.
It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
Solar energy does not require any fuel.
It’s not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.
2. Environmentally friendly
Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generations does.
Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
It’s generated where it is needed.
By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.
3. Independent/ semi-independent
Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independent, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.
4. Low/ no maintenance
Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family’s needs grow.
Solar Energy Disadvantages
The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.
The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See http://www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
As far as solar powered cars go – their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today’s rat race.
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their Meanings
You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.
Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.
Cherry Blossoms In China
The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.
It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.
Cherry Blossoms In Japan
In Japanese culture there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry tress and the Buddhist concept of “mono no aware” which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on tress for short times before they fall to the ground.
This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may however make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth, while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.
Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo
While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.
Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.
You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.
Getting Your Tattoo Done
If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.
So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you’ve been after.
Rose Petals – Where to Buy & How Much You’ll Need
Fresh rose petals are a wonderfully romantic touch to any event, especially weddings. Petals are readily available and affordable. There are three types of petals to choose from; fresh, freeze-dried and silk. All three are readily available from local growers, florists, and the internet. Fresh and freeze-dried are both fragrant and cost about the same. The count in a pound of petals and the coverage area will depend on the size and variety of rose, humidity, weather and thickness of spread you want.
Fresh Petals
There are a few disadvantages to using fresh however. Fresh petals will leave stains on carpeting and linens and are not allowed in most churches or carpeted facilities for that reason. Also fresh petals have a very short shelf life which means they must be shipped overnight or next day so the shipping fees may be costly.
Fresh petals are available from florists, nurseries and occasionally from commercial rose growers. Many commercial nurseries and rose growers are wholesale and will sell only to licensed florists and businesses.If you have a nursery or grower in your local area give them a call, you may get lucky, especially if you are willing to go with mixed colors. I have found that a great number of growers are willing to sell petals to the public at a retail price.
Petals purchased directly from a local grower usually come in a 5-gallon bucket and you will have to arrange to pick them up. Most wholesale growers close by 3 in the afternoon and are not open on weekends. You can also check with your local wholesale flower market, some like the San Francisco Flower Market are open to the public for a few hours after the wholesale trade is finished for the day.
Petals ordered online can vary greatly in price. Check several different sites and always pay close attention to the shipping time and charges. You may find a great low price but the shipping and handling may be outrageous.
Freeze-Dried Petals
Freeze-dried petals last considerably longer will not stain linens or carpeting. Another advantage is that they do not require overnight shipping, so fees are normally pretty reasonable. Since they can be delivered well in advance preparation time is not left to the last moment which is very nice for the bride.
The disadvantage to freeze-dried is the petals are not as soft and the colors are not as bright as the fresh. Freeze-dried petals may be “re-hydrated” if you want a softer petal and you have the time. To re-hydrate place the petals in a steamy room for 30-60 minutes or until the petals become soft but still dry to the touch. Check on the petals about every 10-15 minutes and remove when they have reached the desired softness. Never let the petals get wet, any water whatsoever will ruin them and you will find yourself with nothing but a big slimy mess.
Silk Petals
The advantage to silk petals are many. Petals are available at most stores; they last forever; come in any number of colors and need no particular care or storage. You do have to watch the packaging. You may find for decorating projects that require a large amount of petals it is more cost effective to go with fresh or freeze-dried.
Here is a simple guide for how much you will need for tables, walkways and tossing.
Quantity Guide
Pathway – 1 Pound Rose Petals = 900 to 1200 petals = 15 square feet for light spread or 15 inches 12 feet
Rose Petal Pathway – One bag will lightly cover approximately a 3 feet x 10 feet.
Flower Girls – One bag of rose petals can easily fill one large basket or two small baskets.
Bridal Toss – One bag will fill 20-30 petal cones or 30-40 guests if asked to take a handful.
Round Tables – One bag will decorate 5 or 6, 60 inch round tables with a light scatter
Banquet Tables – 200 rose petals for every 3 feet of table runner.
Petal Storage
In a perfect world, you would store petals at 65-80 degrees, with 30-35% humidity. For the imperfect world, avoid storing petals in high heat & humidity. Store your fresh petals in a cool, dark place like a bedroom closet or a cool basement until your wedding day. Many places recommend you order at least 3 months in advance to guarantee availability, however last minute orders are often accepted. Shipping is usually overnight and runs about $30 – $40.
You may be tempted to use petals from your own garden but I strongly advise against it unless used as an aisle runner. Roses from your garden may have very tiny bugs about the size of a grain of pepper that cannot be seen until they are moving around on your table. I have tried washing petals from the garden and it eliminates the bugs but drying can be a problem and if the petals are not thoroughly dry you will end up with a slimy mess. Do not refrigerate or freeze petals.