Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Weekly Tally #3: How I Got Around Last Week

I kept track again this week.  We rented a zipcar on Sunday to take the kids down to the beach to stay with Grandma (Tracy and I get some time to ourselves!).

So, last week, here's how I got around:

Monday:
walking:  2 miles  
bike:  9 miles

Tuesday:
walking: 1 mile
bike:  15 miles  (I was kinda tired after this day of multiple trips)

Wednesday:
walking:  1 mile
bike:  5 miles

Thursday:
walking: 2 miles
bike:  4 miles

Friday:
walking:  4 miles
bike:  5.2 miles

Saturday:
walking: 2 miles
bike:  2 miles

Sunday:
walking:  2 miles 
bike:  0 miles
car (zipcar):  200 miles




Totals:
walking:  14 miles
bike:  40.2 miles
T: 0 miles
Car:  200 miles


This week, it seems like the trick is going to be surviving the heat.  Walking and biking mile after mile get a little tougher in the 90 degree temps.

Weekly Tally #3: How I Got Around Last Week

I kept track again this week.  We rented a zipcar on Sunday to take the kids down to the beach to stay with Grandma (Tracy and I get some time to ourselves!).

So, last week, here's how I got around:

Monday:
walking:  2 miles  
bike:  9 miles

Tuesday:
walking: 1 mile
bike:  15 miles  (I was kinda tired after this day of multiple trips)

Wednesday:
walking:  1 mile
bike:  5 miles

Thursday:
walking: 2 miles
bike:  4 miles

Friday:
walking:  4 miles
bike:  5.2 miles

Saturday:
walking: 2 miles
bike:  2 miles

Sunday:
walking:  2 miles 
bike:  0 miles
car (zipcar):  200 miles




Totals:
walking:  14 miles
bike:  40.2 miles
T: 0 miles
Car:  200 miles


This week, it seems like the trick is going to be surviving the heat.  Walking and biking mile after mile get a little tougher in the 90 degree temps.

2010 Audi Quattro


The new 2010 Quattro from Audi comes with all new designs and features and will be versatile enough to tackle any kind of road conditions, particularly the snow covered roads. In addition to capability to handle all the road situations, the new Quattro model will also provide enhanced drive comfort and safety features.

The 2010 Quattro from Audi is a luxury touring vehicle with the features similar to that of a sport utility model. Performance will be the key feature for the new Quattro variant. Beyond the car's valuable engines, the other standard features in the next generation Quattro include, electronic brake force distribution, pneumatic suspension that provides good ground clearance for all the driving conditions, electronic stabilization program technology, five valves per cylinder in the engine block, electronic differential locks, all road Quattro technology that supplies equal power to all the wheels and electronic brake force distribution.

The next generation Quattro model is expected to be released in the last season of 2010. The new 2010 Quattro comes powered with 4.2 liter V8 engine and is also expected to offer bi-turbo 2.7 liter V6 engine as an option for the coupe model. The features in the new Quattro include Audi symphony stereo, power memory seats, leather wrapped seats, driver information system, high strength roof, xenon head lights, and skid plates.

With the powerful engine, the new Quattro is expected to achieve the mileage of 12 miles per gallon in the city premises, while it can achieve 19 miles per gallon on the highway roads. The new model will be provided with all wheel drive and comes mated with 6-speed manual transmission with double plate clutch.

How to Modify Your Car?

Modifying your car will provide you an opportunity to make your vehicle unique from others. However, there are different types of modifications you can do to your vehicle these days. There are mainly two types of automotive modifications, interior modifications and exterior modifications. The interior modification involves fixing of high quality leather seat covers, upgraded music system, LCD monitors etc. and the exterior modifications include replacing you normal rims with alloys, fitting projector headlights, skirts etc. People make such common modifications these days.
Modifying a car has become very cheap nowadays when compared with the past. In the past, customizing a vehicle was considered a luxury statement. However, today majority of the people prefer to do some modifications in their car according to their whims and fancies. Several companies are specially launched to provide car modification parts for the people.

There are even racing kits provided for the cars these days. This is mainly because most of the people will not be able to afford racing cars. Therefore, racing kits are produced for those people who want to feel more power in their vehicles. Fitting skirts for your automobile will provide a sporty look for them. This will allow you to get the look of your favorite sports car by only spending a less amount of money. Therefore, you can also make these car modifications to give your car the desired look. Are you modifying your car very soon? You better modify your car soon with all custom parts, equipments and accessories to make everyone to wonder at your car. This is the best thing that one can do for his car modification.

Modified Cars

It's common practice for motoring enthusiasts to be penalised by their car insurer for modifying their vehicle. Whether its alloy wheels, an upgraded exhaust system, a performance enhancing engine chip or even privacy glass, the end result equates to higher risk, and in turn this leads to higher premiums.

However, with a little research you can make vehicle modifications work for you - and secure reasonably priced car insurance.

Most insurance companies enforce higher premiums on modified cars because they carry a higher risk. For example, a car with expensive alloy wheels is more likely to be a target for theft than a conventional vehicle.

Many young drivers, dubbed 'boy racers', have also given custom car owners a bad name by fitting induction kits, upgraded exhaust systems and powerful ICE (in-car entertainment) systems before cruising the streets in what can best be described as an anti-social manner.

So the emphasis is on the driver to prove their 'risk' is low to the insurer.

One method is to agree to a mileage limit. Many modified cars are driven occasionally rather than everyday, and the majority are rarely on the road during rush hour. If you prove to your insurer that you only drive the car for social or pleasure use, rather than commuting, you can reduce your premiums.

Another tip is to reduce the risk of theft by parking your car in a sceure garage overnight. Also ensure that you fit locking nuts on to alloy wheels. Fitting a tracker is also an insurer-friendly option, and although it may cost around £700, you will recoup the cost in your next few years worth of car insurance premiums.

Approach specialist car insurance companies too - there are many that cater specifically for modified vehicles and that may be able to offer quotes to motorists who may not find deals elsewhere.

Monday, July 5, 2010

BMW Car Accessories Enhance Your BMW Car Experience

One of the leading manufacturers of automobiles is without a doubt the manufacturers of BMW cars. Driving a BMW implies a certain status in society and definitely draws attention. It's a sign of success and prominence in life, so being seen in a BMW highlights a person's importance.




Usually, consumers who can afford the status of a BMW aren't just interested in purchasing the car with its features. They're purchasing the car with other desires and needs in the back of their mind, wanting to upgrade it by also owning the most up-to-date BMW car accessories.

Of course, there is a very broad range of car accessories and other items custom designed for the BMW. Some of these are exhaust pipes, tires and rims, engine upgrades, car lights, brake lights, body kits, and so much more. And of course, these accessories are in hot demand because they also carry the BMW brand name and are manufactured by the same creators of the BMW car. So the quality is dependable, with a long life span, carefully thought out design and look. They continue to communicate elegance, success, and personal flair that is associated with owning a BMW and all its accessories.

These accessories can be purchased at the same place you can buy BMWs. Alternatively, you can find them online. Some places such as the eBay, which sells a wide variety of products, will also sell BMW car accessories at cutthroat prices.

Always Check the Authenticity of the Product

You need to have your consumer watchdog radar on when searching for BMW car accessories so you aren't duped. The very brand name of BMW is linked with the elite, and so the accessories and other items carrying that brand name also carry the same status. There are always going to be people trying to sell imitations. One way to cover yourself is to thoroughly check the paperwork coming with your purchase, and don't make that final purchase until you're 100% sure of the authenticity of what you are buying.

If you find yourself in the fortunate position of owning a BMW, don't let your BMW experience finish there. You are going to want to kit it out with the newest and most up-to-date BMW accessories. It's these extra items that will set you apart from everyone else, as well as help you define your own personality and flair through your vehicle. Then you'll really enjoy the prestige of being seen in public cruising down the freeway in your BMW.

Chase Loan Modification Success

If you are facing foreclosure with Chase there are some rules you will need to follow in order to get a workout that you can afford. First and foremost you need to determine whether or not you really want to save your home. In this market home values have plummeted and a loan modification will increase your unpaid principal balance. In other words you will owe even more than you did before, the upside is that in many instances your interest rate will be fixed and your rate will be dropped.


Your first step to successful Chase loan modification assistance is to sit down and go over your financial position and determine if you can afford your home. You will need to go over expenses and the best bet is to do it with your family so you get a picture of your overall expenses. It will also be a good opportunity to have your family understand the situation and explain the budget and the extras you had will have to stop for a while.

Once you determine your expenses you may have to cut things such as cell phone usage, changing your diet to stop eating out for a while. in some instances getting rid of a car that has a high payment makes sense and it is up to you to determine how deep you cut. You will always have food expenses, car insurance, gas for car, electricity for your home, water and a few other essentials. Some non-essential that seem like essentials that can be cut are cable, high speed internet, and even your Starbucks coffee.

During your workout which can take as long as 5 months to get worked out you will need to continue to save money because in many instances you will be required to have a contribution (down payment) to get started on a loan modification.