reflections

My Utile Center

July 2nd, 2008 Solar Power is the future

Energy is today’s number one problem and with the increasing oil price, alternative sources of energy are a must and should be obtained and made as efficient as possible. Solar power has always been one of the alternative energies that has captured the interest of many, as it is clean and also cuts the cost dramatically. The downside is that installing the panels and the basic maintenance is expensive, therefore no monthly bill might actually mean a huge out of pocket expense. Solar power is surely good for limited areas, like private residences or small items, such as traffic lights or street garbage disposal devices, but it has not really proved itself to be efficient as an energy replacement for large areas, such as entire cities.

The future will tell us whether or not solar power will ever become our first source of energy, but in the mean time we’ll keep on using it on limited zones, hopefully heating our pools with it, rather than using gas. It would be nice to see it slowly growing, and fully understands its power and all its benefits. Solar power studies are advancing and today, we can have a more educated position on it and hopefully soon, we’ll all live in a better and cleaner world.

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June 13th, 2008 Media Relations for Auto Detailers

If you run a mobile auto detailing business or a mobile car wash, you know how much advertising can cost. One advantage to being a mobile business is that you are out and around the community all day and are an excellent source of human intel and information. You can use this knowledge to your advantage and develop a great Media Relations Strategy.

Not all advertising has to be expensive much can be free thru a little bit of pre-planning on your part. Media relations are essential in larger businesses to maintain a strong image with customers, employees and investors a like. Not all small businesses understand the importance of proper media relations. Fortunately I do and it has served our companies well. www.carwashguys.com . Feel free to tour the “In the Media” section of our website and see just how good things can be even in the smallest of companies. You owe it to your self to have an understanding of these things. Below is an outline, which I have prepared which can help you do the same things we have done in your own community.

Here is what I recommend that you do. Take this outline and modify it slightly to fit your individual small business and then write a paragraph or perhaps two for each item listed, then try to be thinking about these things while you are out and about servicing your clientele on your cleaning route.

MEDIA RELATIONS

I. WASHING CARS

A. At Radio Stations

B. Newspapers

C. Cable Companies

II. TIPS

A. Scoops

B. Accidents

C. Interesting Things

III. PRESS RELEASES

A. Spacing

B. Faxing, Email

C. Drop Of

IV. FRIENDLY

A. Say Hi At Events

B. Remember Names

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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May 12th, 2008 Diesel technician training via Internet

A comparatively high income may be earned in a career as a diesel mechanic or diesel service technician. You can find work throughout the entire country however most jobs are in the most populated areas where the largest trucking companies, bus lines etc. are located. In fact, there are several trade schools that assist graduates in finding a job since they work with other companies.

Keep your current job! You can train as a Diesel Mechanic student online and maintain your current job.

By earning your certification at your online Diesel Mechanic School, you will be capable of fulfilling your goal of working in a high-paying career. You will repair large equipment vehicles, diesel truck engines and buses. Distance learning allows students to chance to repair diesel fuel and ignition systems, and also automotive engines.

The program teaches prospective Diesel Mechanics about:
Hydromechanical diesel fuel injection
Computerized truck and bus systems
Emissions
Suspension
Electronic technology
Diesel powertrains
Truck steering
Brake and transmission systems
Electronic technology fundamentals
Advanced diagnostic systems

Online training classes can last from 6 to 24 months, which will be determined by your chosen institution. Upon completion, students are awarded with certificates, diplomas or degrees as Diesel Mechanics, Diesel Service Technicians, Diesel Truck Service Technicians or Auto-Diesel Mechanic.

Certified Diesel Mechanics can seek employment at automotive repair shops. After just a few years of practical experience, a Diesel Mechanic can gain the skills and confidence necessary so that they can start their own business!
Website design usability versus accessibility

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April 7th, 2008 Powder Coating 101: How Does It Work?

Everybody is talking about the process of powder coating automotive parts. Powder coating has grown in popularity over the past few years for a number of reasons. How many of us see powder coating being used on shows like “American Chopper” or “Overhaulin’”? The general public knows from watching these shows that powder coating is out there. But what is powder coating and how exactly is it done? Anybody know?

Preparation is imperative in achieving a quality finish. The item being coated must be completely bare of any paint, dirt, oil, or any other substance. To achieve this, sandblasting equipment is used. If it is not possible to use this equipment, it must be done with chemicals or by hand. The items are then baked to remove any moisture from the metal. After all materials have been stripped off, the item is treated with a degreasing solution to help prevent corrosion.

Powder coating is a process by which selected items are coated with a fine powder of ground resin and pigment, which is basically ground up paint particles that form a powder-like substance. The items being coated are placed on a rack, which grounds the items. A gun is used to spray the powder onto the items. A large oven is then used to heat and cure the coating. Temperatures used to cure the items typically are between 400 and 450 degrees. Heating the items makes the pigments melt, gel, and then cure to form a durable finish. The finished product is a uniform coating. Powder coating can be used on steel, zinc, and aluminum as well as other materials. The quality of the finished product has the ability to outlast and outperform painted parts. A variety of up to a few hundred different colors are available to choose from. It also exceeds paint in resisting acids, solvents, impact, and abrasions.

Powder coating can be used to coat items such as valve covers, wheels, bumpers, trim parts, engine parts, sway bars, coil springs, strut bars, and many items in between. There are many options as to who does the powder coating for you. There are companies in most metropolitan areas that either exclusively powder coat or companies that offer it along with their other services. Online companies also play into the equation with a number offering services as well. There are normally two systems for purchasing powder coated parts. For popular parts, companies may stock core parts available to be coated in a variety of colors. You order the part and ship yours back for a core. For more custom jobs, you must remove the part and ship it to the powder coater. Companies such as Eastwood also sell do-it-yourself kits. These kits start at $99 and you can use an electric oven or toaster oven to bake and cure the finish. An air compressor capable of a 5-10 PSI output is also required.

So the next time you hear about powder coating on TV or anywhere else, you will now have an idea of how that actual process is performed. Powder coating is superior to normal painting if you want a finish that holds up better and lasts longer. Check it out today!!

Jason Helferich
http://www.streetstylecustoms.com

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