http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/alignments-and-tires-and-brakes-oh-my.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/alignments-and-tires-and-brakes-oh-my.html Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
One of the easiest things a driver can do to decrease their chances of a flat tire and other incidents (such as accidents) is to frequently check their tires. By inspecting your tires at least once a month and ensuring that they are properly inflated and free of stones, glass, metal, and any other foreign objects, you help prevent air loss and accumulating moisture that degrades tire structure which inevitably leads to tire failure.
Checking your tires also allows you to determine certain aspects about the cars performance depending on wear patterns. These wear patterns can be indicators of more severe problems that generally go unnoticed by the average driver. Incorrect tire pressures, tire and steering misalignment, improper balancing, heat excessive buildup, and even suspension neglect can result in issues with your vehicle. By ignoring these warning signs, tires can become bald and excessively worn, causing sluggish driving, skidding, and even the unnecessary accident.

For example, if your tires are not balanced properly, you may experience constant vibrations as you drive, which can lead to wheel misalignments, bent wheels, and inadequately operating brakes in addition to the rapid and uneven wear of tires and loss of air pressure. In addition, by checking the suspension you are able to identify early problems with joints, bad brakes, shock absorbers, springs, which can drastically improve weight transfer, spring rate and damping as well as correcting other issues so new parts are not needed as frequently.

In short, by having your tires, brakes, shock absorbers, drive train, steering, and suspension systems regular inspected by a qualified professional, problems can be diagnosed and corrected so you can have a safe and pleasant driving experience.

There are things that you too can do to prevent problems with your car such as checking cold tire pressure with a gauge once a month, inspecting the tires, and following the owner’s manual and a tire safety handbook. However, if you do start experiencing problems, it is important to consult a professional or get your vehicle to a service center as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage.

Many people feel that the cost of spending more money on better tires or paying for professional services is far more than is necessary for the upkeep of their vehicle, but is that really the case? For a wheel alignment you will generally spend around $60 (and many times come with special offers or additional warranties). While this may seem like a lot, the results include improved tire wear for longer lasting tires, reduced strain on suspension, and better gas mileage, all of which will increase the amount you spend for maintenance on your car over time.

The cost of tires is one of the largest areas that people would prefer not to pay for frequently, and when they do buy, they often buy cheaper tires with the goal of saving money. The problem is that this takes into account only the total cost of the tire and not the cost per mile, tire mileage, or warranty. For example, by spending only $40 per tire on a 40,000 mile tire you are essentially paying $1 per 1,000 miles as opposed to spending $75 on a, 80,000 mile tire and only pay $.94 per 1,000 miles and end up paying less by not having to replace the tire as frequently. So in theory, when some people believe they are paying less for their cars by buying cheaper parts or reducing the frequency of inspections, it is actually costing more in the long run, merely sacrificing paying less over time for paying less in the moment.

The car is often seen as the lifeblood of the working person, and to many an extension of themselves, so it is natural for a driver to want to guarantee that they keep their vehicle a “well-oiled machine” for as long as possible. Regardless of the trouble your vehicle is having whether it is with the alignment, balance, tires, brakes, suspension or even something as simple as an oil change, trained professionals like those at Tire Kingdom are ready, able, and willing to help you with whatever problem you may have. If you want to keep your car in good condition without paying too much, they will make certain that you receive the highest quality work without the high prices. Check out their website for information and pricing for brand name tires, wheels, batteries. Then come visit Tire Kingdom’s experienced staff and the world’s best tire brands at their local auto service centers. Drive home safely with Tire Kingdom!





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Tire Kingdom is the US’s largest independent Tire, Wheel and auto repair service with over 650 retail stores.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/sexuality/love-drugs-is-a-long-lasting-erection-really-a-prescription-for-better-sex.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/sexuality/love-drugs-is-a-long-lasting-erection-really-a-prescription-for-better-sex.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
All three drugs have been shown to work in the majority of users, restoring erectile ability in men who previously could not achieve – or maintain – an erection during lovemaking. With the new ED drugs, most men no longer have to worry about getting and keeping an erection. In fact, in rare instances, men using these drugs may even experience a condition known as priapism, a painful, abnormally prolonged erection, lasting four hours or more – and possibly causing permanent damage to the penis if untreated. You’ve probably seen the television ads for these drugs, warning users to seek immediate medical help if they experience a four-hour erection.

But priapism is a relatively rare side effect. And as the advertising for ED drugs emphasizes, most men who take these drugs can look forward to having a normal, healthy erection that lasts plenty long enough for intercourse. That’s good news. But is it enough to guarantee a fulfilling sexual experience? We would have to say no.

A long-standing and still-prevalent myth is that a strong erection is all that’s really needed for good sex – or, as the late sexologist Bernie Zilbergeld, Ph.D. described the myth in his book The New Male Sexuality, “Sex is centered on a hard penis and what’s done with it.” But in reality, mutually pleasurable lovemaking involves a lot more than a hard penis thrusting in a vagina. While the new erection drugs are undoubtedly a boon to ED sufferers and their partners, many couples have nonetheless found that a firm, lasting erection doesn’t necessarily result in a happy sex life or increased intimacy. Solving one problem - erectile dysfunction – can sometimes lead to other difficulties, like unsatisfying sex and relationship conflicts.

Difficulties like these can surface when a couple isn’t well prepared to make the transition to being sexually active again, say therapists. But problems can often be minimized if you and your partner have realistic expectations and respect each other’s needs and desires.

This article will cover some common “problem” scenarios that can occur when an erection drug is introduced into a relationship – along with expert advice on how couples can resolve or avoid common problems and concerns.

Too much sex, not enough intimacy
For many men who have started taking an erection drug, the resulting erection is like having a new toy – a toy they want to share with their partner. But problems can occur when the man suddenly wants to have a lot of sex and the woman is physically or emotionally unprepared for this change in routine.

“Many women feel pressured when their partner wants to rush into lovemaking after a long abstinence,” says Stanley Althof, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Marital and Sexual Health in Beechwood , Ohio and urology professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland . “Sometimes the man doesn’t even tell his partner he took a pill, and then he comes home wanting to make love. It can be jarring for the woman, even if she’s missed having sex.”

What’s more, continues Althof, there are men who feel that “having this hard erection” will be thrill enough for their partner – but actually, it’s not enough. While most women enjoy vaginal penetration, other aspects of sexual connection as just as important: kissing, caressing, foreplay, and intimate, affectionate talk. In the rush to experience intercourse once again, some men might neglect these other intimacies. They shouldn’t.
Susan C. Vaughan, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of Viagra: A Guide to the Phenomenal Potency Promoting Drug (Pocket Books, 1998) advises: "I encourage couples to take it slowly and plan intimate time together before the man takes the drug. It's important for partners to get back in touch with feeling excited about each other and not just jump into intercourse right away."

“Is he turned on by me – or is it the drug?”
Some female partners of men taking erection drugs worry that their mate’s renewed potency has nothing to do with them: “He's responding to the drug, not to me.” This common complaint stems from an equally common misconception about erection drugs: The belief that these drugs not only facilitate erection (which they do), but also trigger sexual desire (which they do not).

"Both partners need to understand that in order for these drugs to work, the man has to feel some mental arousal in the first place,” says Althof. “Otherwise, his penis won’t get hard despite his taking the pill.”

Indeed, in any troubled relationship, the introduction of an erection drug can focus attention on conflicts that were previously swept under the rug. Dagmar O'Connor, Ph.D., a sex therapist and author of How to Make Love to the Same Person the Rest of Your Life and Still Love It!. (Virgin Publishing, 2003) recalls a male client who, at his wife's urging, started taking Viagra, but soon became resentful. "He said that he felt obligated to 'service' his partner, that he was being used. He stopped taking the drug."
"Couples who have significant marital problems would probably benefit from seeing a therapist before the husband starts on an erection drug,” advises Althof.

Is that all there is?
The hype about erection drugs is that every man who takes one will have a rock-hard erection lasting for hours – but that is not necessarily the reality. Author and psychiatrist Vaughan, who interviewed Viagra users during clinical trials of the drug, reports that "some men said it didn't work the way they wanted it to. They got only a partial erection or lost their erection fairly quickly." In a minority of men, such as those who had nerve damage from prostate surgery, the drug did not work at all. (While Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are safe and effective for most men, there is still a significant minority who don’t experience any benefit from these drugs or cannot take them for health reasons. For information on other options for treating erectile dysfunction, talk to a physician who specializes in ED.)

To avoid unrealistic expectations and possible disappointment, it is a good idea for a couple to educate themselves about an erection drug before the man starts taking it – including basic information about how the drug works and what sort of results they might expect.

And even if the drug does produce a hard, long-lasting erection, remember - that in itself is not a sexual panacea. As Vaughan sums it up, “There’s a lot more to good sex than mere erectile function.”




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For more information on Adult Sex Education and Adult Relationship Advice , click on link text to visit BetterSex.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/management/business-software-and-customer-relationship-management-systems-why-your-business-needs-them.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/management/business-software-and-customer-relationship-management-systems-why-your-business-needs-them.html Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
CRM programs enable businesses to centrally access and manage customer information. Whether information is being shared amongst a large group, such as in a call center or simply between a few employees in a small business, it has to be accurate and reliable. In order to retain customers, their information needs to be recorded securely and correctly. Most people have encountered the reverse of this scenario and know how infuriating it can be when companies have poor organization and communication among their workers. To ensure your customers are satisfied, you need to stand above the rest and have an information hub where all workers have access to vital information about customers. This will help you achieve proper customer service, sales, marketing, and to unite all departments of your business. CRM’s make Workforce Collaboration easier than ever!
Of course, not all team members should have access to the same information, and that’s why certain CRM applications enable you to share information with your team members securely and with necessary territorial controls. That means team leaders can view more information and each department will see all relevant information. This ensures excellent Project Management for any organization, which is vital to your success.
CRM applications help all companies reduce the time and complexity it takes to report individual sales activities. Without a CRM, your workers will require an extra 64 to 70 hours per week! For instance, it will take 4-6 hours to consolidate, view, and analyze information about all customer contacts and engagements, current opportunities, probability of success, etc. Another 8-10 hours to get accurate activity reports from staff (not including the time it takes them to create those reports). Add 2-4 hours to find key potential prospects so that you target the right customers, or weed out the poor prospects. Finally, add on another 1/2 hour or so to research each customer regarding past history, needs, etc.
Any company that needs Process Improvement will find that in order to be more effective and cost efficient, a system of Sales Force Automation must be implemented. Certain CRM systems can significantly reduce wasted time and increase sales. Not only is Sales Force Automation important to sales teams, companies are increasingly required to automate common practices and processes. Sending emails to clients, entering vital information, and other crucial steps are automated with popular CRM applications to reduce wasted time of manually performing mundane tasks.
CRM applications make Project Management easier for company leaders with simple ways to monitor and measure individual and team success. Workers perform best when they have a clear-cut way to measure their success and see improvement. Of course, by measuring success, rewards can be given to enhance team morale! Employees that are struggling to perform can be encouraged and further trained to boost productivity. Everyone in the business world is competitive, especially salespeople; that's the point of quotas and commissions. When reps see how their doing against their quota, or even against other reps, that is encouragement to do better.
With handy tools in CRM applications, your company can effectively improve Workflow by targeting a) prospects for new business and b) existing customers for repeat business. This is a crucial tool to reduce wasted time and eliminate bothering the wrong customers. Your team will be able to quickly divide lead lists into groups that you create such as by ZIP code or last date of purchase. This enables your sales team to slice and dice their customer data to find the best approach. Creating “data policies” is a great way to do that. For example, if a new prospect is introduced and there is data indicating their interest in "Trucks," a completely different selling process can start for that prospect.
As times have changed, a simple phone call or visit isn’t always enough. CRM applications will provide you with multiple ways to communicate to customers such as email marketing campaigns. By combining CRM Sales Force Automation data management and email campaigning in one application, you can specify your lead, prospect, and account targets, embedded personal information into each email, and measure results across your sales cycle.
Your CRM will make it easier to target the right customers with email lists and to make sure your message isn’t viewed as spam by filters or customers! Newsletters make excellent campaigns to provide your reader with information that will help them improve their situation in an unobtrusive way. Meanwhile, it positions you as a reputable source of useful information. The better your content is, the better your chance that they will forward the newsletter to colleagues and peers or look forward to the next email from you. Your CRM will assist you in your email campaign efforts by offering simple templates in HTML form and providing you with statistics such as: who opened the email, who clicked on your link from the email, who unsubscribed, etc. Creating automated callback lists for customers who appeared to be interested (clicked on links, opened email, etc.) is a highly successful tool.
A CRM application will enable your organization to build on customer data with information relating to: opportunities, products, services, projects, customer feedback, referrals, accounting, and more. A Sales Force Automation CRM will automate processes that used to take days and will simplify it!
The answer to the problems associated with the expanding global workforce is through Web Collaboration technologies. This means operating a successful CRM and Business Software system for your company. You can be sure to:

- Win Customers: Nothing will be left to chance. From the first contact through first sale, everything is tracked.
- Work Together: It doesn’t matter where you employees are in the office, state, country, or world, they will have the information they need to close more deals.
- Work Smarter: Working smarter is better than harder. It helps cut wasted time, efforts, and money! You have the reporting data you need to make great decisions.




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For more information on Business Software and Customer Relationship Management applications CRM, click on link texts to visit longjump.com and let them guide you to success!


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/buying-unique-fitness-equipment-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/buying-unique-fitness-equipment-online.html Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Time, simplicity, and price are all factors when making a fitness equipment purchase. More and more consumers are relying on online shopping for all types of purchases to cut down on needless time spent wandering through stores, getting pushy sales spiels, and missing out on things they would rather be doing. Online fitness equipment is no exception, and that’s why some companies have created convenient sites that make it quick and easy to shop for health and fitness equipment. They are making waves by providing the best brands at low prices, and by offering free delivery and set up!

Some people forget that health includes not only exercise; it also includes: nutrition, air and water purification, massage and relaxation, sexual health, sleep aids, allergy relief, etc. Luckily, there are a few online fitness distributors who not only focus on the importance of exercise and fitness, they emphasize all aspects health. Products such as jogging strollers, vitamin supplements, electronics like pedometers, unique fitness tools, body fat analyzers, and iPod accessories, can make the world of difference in not only getting in shape, buy maintaining overall health, motivation, and peace of mind! Finding health and fitness products all in one convenient place means that becoming healthier just got a lot easier!

Some of the more popular new products for this year include:

Kangoo Jumps
If you want a more unique fitness experience, this is what you're looking for. A fun rebound shoe (if you can really call it a shoe) that will have you hopping from point A to B with enthusiasm! They are the lowest impact shoe available on the market and are safe, effective, and very fun!

Xtreme biking
Say goodbye to traditional stationary bicycles. Xtreme Biking is quickly gaining recognition as the ultimate full body workout. This bike moves from side to side, as well as using the pedals to mimic the balance needed and workout you would get from outdoor mountain biking.

Inversion Tables
By gently being tilted upside down, your own body weight acts as a natural form of traction to elongate the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae, relieving the pressure on discs, ligaments and nerve roots. Less pressure means less: back pain, stress, muscle tension, affects of aging and better: posture, flexibility, circulation, and more! Inversion tables are quickly gaining recognition by doctors, physical therapists, and sports trainers.

The Perfect Push-up tool
Makeover your push-up routine with this simple, yet highly effective push-up tool - just like the Navy Seals! The strategically placed handles provide optimal precision in toning and strengthening key upper body and abdominal muscles.

Check out online fitness equipment and home gym websites today and discover the healthier you!




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J. M. Leander
Senior Editor
Prime Interactive, Inc
Full Service Interactive Marketing Firm
For more information on Online Fitness Products, visit httm//www.fitzz.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/biodegradable-products-online-the-green-business-that-helps-other-businesses-go-green.html http://www.articletrader.com/science/environment/biodegradable-products-online-the-green-business-that-helps-other-businesses-go-green.html Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
‘Eco-friendly’ or ‘Environmentally friendly’ means that SunTerra products pose no harmful effects on the environment or its inhabitants. This includes the methods being used to produce merchandise. Unlike petroleum-based (traditional) plastics, biodegradable plastic does not produce greenhouse gases as it is formed because it is made from plant fibers. Since the aim to have as little affect on the earth as possible, SunTerra ensures that all products are made in a way that avoids clear-cutting forests, wasting water, using insecticides, burning fossil fuels, etc. They support the use of eco friendly products and encourage others to pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future.

Did you know that a plastic beverage bottle takes roughly 450 years to decompose? Take a look at the numbers found by the U.S. National Park Service:

Time it takes for garbage to decompose in the environment:
Glass Bottle_______________1 million years
Monofilament Fishing Line___600 years
Plastic Beverage Bottles______450 years
Disposable Diapers__________450 years
Aluminum Can_____________80-200 years
Foamed Plastic Buoy________80 years
Foamed Plastic Cups________50 years
Rubber-Boot Sole___________50-80 years
Tin Cans__________________50 years
Leather___________________50 years
Nylon Fabric_______________30-40 years
Plastic Film Container________20-30 years
Plastic Bag_________________10-20 years
Cigarette Butt_______________1-5 years
Wool Sock_________________1-5 years
Plywood __________________1-3 years
Waxed Milk Carton__________3 months
Apple Core_________________2 months
Newspaper_________________6 weeks
Orange or Banana Peel________2-5 weeks
Paper Towel________________2-4 weeks

Information Source: U.S. National Park Service; Mote Marine Lab, Sarasota, FL.

Humans are producing more garbage than the earth can handle. Waste has gotten harder, and harder to decompose since the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to modern science, a new type of plant-based plastic has been formulated that quickly and completely decomposes. Biodegradable plastics are the solution for environmentally-conscience homes and businesses to reduce landfill waste, and reduce green house gas emissions. In the right conditions, they decompose like fruits and vegetables because they are derived from raw renewable materials. With the same reliability, look, and feel as traditional plastics, corn fiber products can decompose in less than 2 months in the right conditions.

Composting is a vital part of maintaining our environment’s balance. Now that scientists have formulated biodegradable materials, almost anything can be made from it such as biodegradable: trash bags, cups, cutlery, deli containers, packaging and more. Starch and limestone have also become popular replacements for traditional paper plate products and soup bowls. These products look and feel just like old non-biodegradable products, but reduce your negative impact on the earth.

SunTerra offers the following Biodegradable Products: Biodegradable clear plastic cup, biodegradable plastic bag, biodegradable plate, biodegradable trash bag, biodegradable packaging, biodegradable plastic deli container, biodegradable leaf bags, biodegradable garbage bags, biodegradable cleaner, biodegradable solo cups. Check out SunTerra's full supply of environmentally friendly products and go GREEN now!

SunTerra offers the following Biodegradable Products: Biodegradable clear plastic cup, biodegradable plastic bags, biodegradable plate, biodegradable trash bag, biodegradable packaging, biodegradable plastic deli container, biodegradable leaf bags, biodegradable garbage bags, biodegradable cleaner, biodegradable solo cups. Check out SunTerra's full supply of environmentally friendly products and go GREEN now!


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J. M. Leander
Senior Editor
Prime Interactive, Inc
Full Service Interactive Marketing Firm
http://www.primeinteractive.com

For more information on biodegradable products visit: http://www.sunterra.us


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/corporate-gift-ideas-for-the-holiday-season.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/corporate-gift-ideas-for-the-holiday-season.html Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Personalized gifts is a favorite way to make sure your gift stands out and represents your company the way you want it to. Practically any gift can be engraved or imprinted with company logos to help promote brand awareness.

Fortunately, there are many online companies which specialized promotional products and custom corporate gifts. They provide thousands of items from clothing, electronics, desk accessories, party supplies, and much more. When buying gifts for a large company, it may not be practical to buy specific gifts for each person, and that’s why online promotional product companies provide many promotional and personalized gifts in one place. They make it easy for you to simply provide the logo for your company. They will do the rest. With options to buy in bulk at great prices, buying numerous gifts is made easy.

Popular promotional gifts for this Christmas include:

• Bar and wine sets- These gifts are great for entertaining during the holiday season and can include martini shakers, elegant wine openers, and beautiful ice buckets.
• Coffee sets- Customized mugs, carafes, insulated carriers, espresso makers, and practical stainless steel travel mugs are great gifts during the cold weather.
• Totes and Bags- Emblemized backpacks, duffle bags, luggage, briefcases, and computer bags are practical and will give you great exposure.
• iPod accessories- Personalized portable speakers, docking stations, and mp3 car adapters are unique presents that have become huge hits.
• Poker chip sets- Poker has experienced a re-surge in popularity. Each chip can be personalized and comes in a custom, slick metal carrier.
• Golf products- It’s not hard to find golf lovers in the corporate world. Golf products can range in any budget and are perfect gifts for the passionate golfer.
• Tool sets- They can be as small as a mini screwdriver set, or a hefty 49- piece tool set. Adding your company’s logo will make it a personalized and practical gift.
• Desk accessory sets- Specialized pens, picture frames, calculators, mouse pads and calendars will help with employee retention by beautifying the work area and showing appreciation.

With thousands of products to choose from, cross everyone off your corporate wish list by making use of online promotional products shopping.


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J. M. Leander
Senior Interactive Marketing Analyst
PrimeInteractive.com
InkHead.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>