Tuesday, July 22, 2008
WV in the news
West Virginia has another benefit to it. With the failing economy and money troubles all over the news, our banks here at home are doing just fine. Read the article appearing in the Charleston Gazette today by visiting http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200807210642
Monday, July 14, 2008
Smart Ways to Save on Gas
Here are some helpful ways to save money on gas while travelling around West Virginia and seeing the beautiful scenery.
With gas prices around $4 a gallon, a 20-gallon fill up will set you back 80 big ones! Instead of squeezing dollar bills out of your wallet, here are a few tips to help you squeeze more miles out of every tank of gas.
Drive Intelligently
Avoid aggressive driving. I read in a magazine that you should drive as if there was a hard-boiled egg between your foot and the gas pedal. By observing speed limits and avoiding abrupt starts and stops, you can increase mileage by 5% on city streets and up to 33% on the highway.
Control your speed. Using cruise control automatically reduces the amount of fuel you burn on the highway. When you set your speed, remember that gas mileage dramatically decreases when you exceed 60 mph.
Don't idle. If traffic is at a standstill, turn off the engine. An hour of idling can swallow a gallon of gas. Also, avoid long lines at drive-through windows - you'll save money by going inside.
Get your car in shape
Tune up. Keep your spark plugs clean, your engine tuned, and your wheels aligned. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage by 10% saving up to 40 cents per gallon.
Use the right motor oil. If the oil is too thick, your engine will have to work harder, burning more fuel as it does. To thin, and your car won't get the right protection. Stick with the type recommended by your owner's manual.
Take care of your tires. Keep tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your owner's manual. Soft tires use more gas, but over inflating your tires (as some mileage savers suggest) will mess with your car's handling.
Cheat the wind
Roll up your windows. It may seem odd, but you'll get better summer mileage by cranking the A/C on the highway, since open windows create drag at high speeds. If you're just running errands around town, fresh air is best.
Maintain a sleek profile. Avoid accessories like luggage racks, which increase drag, and keep your tailgate upright. Fix any dents, especially to the front of the car.
Hopefully these tips will help you save a little green. Be sure to take advantage of the gas saving tips while touring around West Virginia's scenic beauty or even taking in one of the many summer fairs and festivals!
With gas prices around $4 a gallon, a 20-gallon fill up will set you back 80 big ones! Instead of squeezing dollar bills out of your wallet, here are a few tips to help you squeeze more miles out of every tank of gas.
Drive Intelligently
Avoid aggressive driving. I read in a magazine that you should drive as if there was a hard-boiled egg between your foot and the gas pedal. By observing speed limits and avoiding abrupt starts and stops, you can increase mileage by 5% on city streets and up to 33% on the highway.
Control your speed. Using cruise control automatically reduces the amount of fuel you burn on the highway. When you set your speed, remember that gas mileage dramatically decreases when you exceed 60 mph.
Don't idle. If traffic is at a standstill, turn off the engine. An hour of idling can swallow a gallon of gas. Also, avoid long lines at drive-through windows - you'll save money by going inside.
Get your car in shape
Tune up. Keep your spark plugs clean, your engine tuned, and your wheels aligned. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your gas mileage by 10% saving up to 40 cents per gallon.
Use the right motor oil. If the oil is too thick, your engine will have to work harder, burning more fuel as it does. To thin, and your car won't get the right protection. Stick with the type recommended by your owner's manual.
Take care of your tires. Keep tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your owner's manual. Soft tires use more gas, but over inflating your tires (as some mileage savers suggest) will mess with your car's handling.
Cheat the wind
Roll up your windows. It may seem odd, but you'll get better summer mileage by cranking the A/C on the highway, since open windows create drag at high speeds. If you're just running errands around town, fresh air is best.
Maintain a sleek profile. Avoid accessories like luggage racks, which increase drag, and keep your tailgate upright. Fix any dents, especially to the front of the car.
Hopefully these tips will help you save a little green. Be sure to take advantage of the gas saving tips while touring around West Virginia's scenic beauty or even taking in one of the many summer fairs and festivals!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Education vs. Creativity = Chicken or the Egg
I am in no way knocking education. It is of the utmost importance in today's competitive world. I have a Bachelors degree and will be embarking on a masters program soon.
But, when talking about revitalizing a community, people always argue what needs to be in place first. One argument is schools should be built and are needed first to educate individuals and then those people will redevelop the community. Another argument is a community needs to attract the creatives first to have new ideas in moving the community forward and education will then follow.
I feel that the creative individuals are more important to lay the groundwork for building new restaurants and new attractions. This will in turn attract visitors and create a draw of people to the city, who once there, finds that it has so many wonderful offerings (from the creatives) that they move there. As more people follow, there is a need to build more schools for educating the community citizens. This will then spark more economic development and the community will be on its way to revitalization.
As we all know, it takes money to do anything. The creative new community attractions (restaurants, shops, retail) will bring increased economic development and supply money for the schools that will be needed to be built.
What do you think? Chicken or the egg - Education or Creativity
But, when talking about revitalizing a community, people always argue what needs to be in place first. One argument is schools should be built and are needed first to educate individuals and then those people will redevelop the community. Another argument is a community needs to attract the creatives first to have new ideas in moving the community forward and education will then follow.
I feel that the creative individuals are more important to lay the groundwork for building new restaurants and new attractions. This will in turn attract visitors and create a draw of people to the city, who once there, finds that it has so many wonderful offerings (from the creatives) that they move there. As more people follow, there is a need to build more schools for educating the community citizens. This will then spark more economic development and the community will be on its way to revitalization.
As we all know, it takes money to do anything. The creative new community attractions (restaurants, shops, retail) will bring increased economic development and supply money for the schools that will be needed to be built.
What do you think? Chicken or the egg - Education or Creativity
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Independence Day!!
I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Enjoy your holiday and celebrate with friends and family!
Instead of traveling to relax, check out this great idea and maybe you can have a "staycation." A term shared by Marketing Genius Skip Lineburg at Maple Creative.
What better place to celebrate than right here in West Virginia!!
http://marketinggenius.blogspot.com/2008/07/staycation.html#comments
Instead of traveling to relax, check out this great idea and maybe you can have a "staycation." A term shared by Marketing Genius Skip Lineburg at Maple Creative.
What better place to celebrate than right here in West Virginia!!
http://marketinggenius.blogspot.com/2008/07/staycation.html#comments
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