Circuit City Installs Satelite Radios

As many companies try to diversify their trade services we are seeing a rather unusual migration to services that one might never think possible in the Oil Change Quick Lube Industry. One company we visited had closed one of it’s bays since it had a Cirbuit City across the street and started to install car stereos, specifically XM Radio. Now we tested the XM Radio ourselves and our gut feeling right away was this: XM Sattelite Radio is great.

I recommend everyone buy a system for their car of Satellite radio. Go to http://www.circuitcity.com and check it out. It is very excellent, inexpensive and impressive, soon it will be offered for your wireless PDA.

It appears that the radio station industry may be the next hit with advertising lost revenue as more and more people go to satellite radio and dump their regular radios. This is going to hurt them because new car buyers are getting the XM and Sirius systems and many are buying gift certificates for loved ones at Best Buy and Circuit City for after Christmas Installations. We know that the trade Journal Industry is tanked and consolidating fast, that Advertising magazines is way down. That companies like Procter and Gamble and Unilever paying for advertising on results only. Advertising firms are going the way side and this is hurting the industry badly and causing empty office spaces in downtown sections of large cities. Satellite TV has also hurt TV stations by adding channels and therefore people flip channels more often some stations disallow flipping on certain commercials for an extra fee.

Gold Star Family License Plates Thanks to The Boules

Leo and Sue Boule of Dracut are among the first families in Massachusetts to receive “Gold Star Family” license plates from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Their son Matthew Boule was the first Massachusetts resident to die in the Iraq conflict. He was killed in the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter in April 2003. He gave his life fighting for the freedom we in America have today.

Governor Romney presented the Boules with the license plate at a Statehouse ceremony today. The governor called it a “fitting way to recognize the families of those who have given everything to protect out freedom.”

The Boules worked with the registry and local lawmakers to create the special license plates.
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Do You Want to Buy this Gift Card?

January’s retail sales strength is reflected in people redeeming their Christmas gift cards. The average adult received 3.2 gift cards this holiday season, up from 2.5 gift cards last year. Gift cards are more popular and this also moves spending into January. Consumers are also interested in receiving gift cards at other times that just at Christmas.

A survey by Deloitte & Touche USA found:

• 80% of adults received at least one gift card to an apparel or food store
• 33% received at least one gift card to a restaurant
• 14% received one gift card to a mall or shopping center
• 10% received a gift card that could be used at a variety of stores (e.g., an American Express gift card)
• 5% received at least one for a personal service such as a manicure or massage
• 5% received at least one gift card for an Internet site (e.g., ebay, Amazon)

Price ranges for gift cards ranged from $78 for an American Express card, while the lowest was for a $32 restaurant card. Bank gift cards are more likely to be used in January. Nearly 74% of these gift cards have been redeemed or partially redeemed by the end of January.
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Screening for Mesothelioma

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you’re staying in proper health. However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who have jobs in industries like construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing are particularly susceptible of contracting these conditions.

Even the best doctors in the world mistake early symptoms of asbestos related diseases with lesser conditions. Detection of mesothelioma relies mostly on associating proper symptoms with proper diagnosis because it is so subtle. If you have had exposure to asbestos, then you should alert your doctor of your medical history so they know what tests to look for and what tests to use.

Usually, the first test run by a doctor will use a device called a thorascope. The procedure is called thorascopy and is done by creating a small incision in the chest, and taking a sample of lung tissue to see if it’s cancerous or not. This procedure is performed at a hospital using local anesthesia and will cause a small amount of pain. There will also be a check for an excess amount of fluid which may be drained to ease the pressure and reduce pain.

If these tests are inconclusive, there will be more advanced test performed such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan to give doctors a 3D X-ray of the tissues. This will allow the doctors to analyze the potentially damaged areas. Another option is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan). An MRI will take cross-section pictures of internal structures to separate healthy tissues from malignant ones. These two scans will allow doctors to be able and see potential dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

Even with the best screening techniques available today mesothelioma often can escape diagnosis. The best thing to do is get screened early and consistently, especially if you had exposure to asbestos. Medical technology has breakthroughs every day and eventually a cure will be found. However, until then, the victims of mesothelioma should take action against those responsible. Contact a lawyer in your state today so you can receive compensation for your suffering.

For more information on Mesothelioma Litigation please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com. This article can be freely reprinted as long as this resource box and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Refinance Your Home with Poor Credit

Applying for a subprime mortgage loan online with poor credit can seem intimidating at first. With so many lenders to choose from, it can appear difficult to find the best mortgage loan. However, online subprime lenders allow you to search for rates, compare financing options, and avoid falling prey to predatory lenders.

What To Expect

Subprime lenders provide mortgage loans to people with adverse credit at slightly higher rates. Depending on your financial situation, you should expect to pay a couple of points higher than the prime loan rate. You will also pay some fees that should add up to no more than 2% of your mortgage.

Online subprime lenders offer all the same services of a traditional bank, but through the convenience of the internet. You can request quotes, ask questions, or apply for your mortgage loan online.
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Did You Hear About the Lemon Law in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin’s lemon law

If the motor vehicle you buy or lease in Wisconsin turns out to be a “lemon,” the manufacturer has to replace it free or refund the price (minus a reasonable amount for mileage).

What is a “lemon”?

A new vehicle–no more than a year old and still under warranty–is a “lemon” if

* it has a serious defect the dealer can’t fix in four tries, or
* it has one or many defects that prevent you from using it for 30 days or more (the 30 days need not be consecutive)

What is a defect?
A defect covered by the Wisconsin Lemon Law must seriously affect the use, value or safety of your vehicle and must be covered by the warranty. An irritating rattle may not be “serious” enough to make your car a lemon. Stalling probably is.

Who can you call for help?

Wisconsin’s Dealer Section licenses and regulates dealers and manufacturers and helps resolve disputes about vehicle sales and warranties. Contact the Dealer Section if you have a complaint against a dealer or manufacturer.

The Dealer Section won’t resolve your Wisconsin Lemon Law complaint for you, but it will give you more information about exercising your rights under the Lemon Law.

America’s Deadliest Disease, Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. This includes general information on the disease, breaking news on the search for a cure and perspective legislation designed to limit you as well as all other news on the subject, links to other sites and online resources that can provide important and in-depth Mesothelioma and cancer related information, and a legal guide to help you with the complex legal issues involved with Mesothelioma. Read more

What was the score of yesterdays RED SOX & YANKEES game?

RED SOX 17, YANKEES 1????? WOW was that a fun blow out to watch or what?

Last night, the Sox pounded out 15 hits, 10 for extra bases (eight doubles, two home runs), and enjoyed nine walks. Thirteen of those hits, and nine of those walks, came in the first six innings.

Johnny Damon lined Redding’s first offering of the night into right field for a single, extending his hitting streak to 27 games, tied for fifth-longest in club history.

The Sox expanded the lead to 9-0 after the third inning, 12-1 after the fourth, and 17-1 after the sixth, when Ortiz launched Buddy Groom’s second pitch of the evening for a grand slam. With that, Ortiz knocked in his fifth run of the night, the most he’s knocked in (he also drove in five at Coors Field in June 2004).

Wells was asked if he’s still motivated by the Yankees disinterest in his services.

”No,” he said. ”They had a reason. I’m not going to hold a grudge about it. I love pitching against them because they’re such a good team.”

Should You Ever Consider an Extended Warranty

You’ve made the decision and you’re ready to check out when the salesperson asks “Would you like the extended warranty with that?”

Your first instinct is to say no, but the salesperson who was so helpful, suddenly begins to detail a litany of things that could go wrong with the product. You break out into a cold sweat and your head starts to spin as you quickly try and decide what to do. DHC decided to investigate.

In a recent Business Week article, the magazine, using numbers from company reports and industry sources, estimated that extended warranties, accounted for all of Circuit City’s profits and 45% of Best Buy’s income. (Best Buy Co. is the largest consumer electronics retailer in Canada and owns the Best Buy and Futureshop chains.)
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Nasa Scrubs Shuttle Mission STS-114

The US space agency has called off the launch of space shuttle Discovery, because of a faulty fuel-tank sensor.

The orbiter was set to make the first flight since the loss of Columbia and its crew of seven in February 2003.

Discovery’s astronauts had all been strapped into the shuttle and were preparing for blast-off when the order came through to stand down.

It is not clear at this stage when Nasa will be able to reschedule the mission to the International Space Station.

Launch control said it would take some time to figure out the problem.

The sensor is one of four in the shuttle’s external tank responsible for making sure the spacecraft’s engines shut down at the proper point during the ascent.

Nasa said it appeared that the sensor was showing a low level on the part of the tank containing the super-cooled hydrogen propellant - even though the tank had been topped up ready for launch.

The sensors “for some reason did not behave today and so we’re going to have to scrub this launch attempt,” launch director Mike Leinbach informed colleagues.

“So appreciate all we’ve been through together, but this one is not going to result in a launch attempt today,” he added.

The current launch window runs until the end of July.

Discovery’s mission is the first for Nasa in two and a half years.

Millions and Millions are Affected by Spyware

A new Pew Internet Project report shows that about 93 million American internet users (68% of them) have had computer trouble in the past year that is consistent with problems caused spyware and viruses, though 60% of those who had problems were not sure where the problem originated.

Some 25% of internet users have seen new programs on their computers that they did not install or new icons on their desktop that seemed to come out of nowhere. One in five internet users (18%) have had their homepage inexplicably changed.

The report, written by PIP’s Associate Director Susannah Fox, says that those who have broadband connections at home and those who range far and wide online are among those most vulnerable to spyware. Some of the most risky online behaviors that seem to attract spyware are downloading peer-to-peer services and swapping files over them, visiting adult Web sites, and playing online games.
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Learn How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home

So, your pearly whites are more of a golden yellow? Time to Learn How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home.

If that dulling appearance gets you down, take heart. Modern techniques can whiten your coffee-stained chompers and put the razzle-dazzle back in your gleaming grin. Of course, you can’t change your tooth color from maize to ivory, but a couple of shades difference is possible.

If discoloration was caused by staining and not from the use of antibiotics. Read on to learn about the different ways to whiten your teeth. Consider cost, convenience, and safety, and choose the best method for you.

At-home tray teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way for a person to bleach their teeth, but it is important for anyone choosing to utilize this type of system to realize that essentially all of their whitening treatments will be performed on their own, with absolutely no direct supervision by a dental professional.

Because of this, anyone bleaching their teeth must be certain that the specific whitener they are using is safe, and that they know how to use this product in an appropriate manner.

Ride The Dragster at Cedar Point

In the time it takes to finish reading this sentence, you and 17 others could have rocketed from 0 to 120 miles per hour, turned at a 90-degree angle and headed straight to the top of a 42-story building, plummeted in a free fall, whipped through a 270-degree corkscrew and traveled almost one-half of a mile.

If you were riding on the Top Thrill Dragster, that is.

The Dragster, which overlooks Lake Erie at the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, is worlds apart from the brain-dead roller coasters of old that relied on a greasy chain to clunk the car up a wooden hill. The Dragster’s operators employ an array of modern technology to create an experience for riders that is the rough equivalent of being launched from an aircraft carrier deck, where jets accelerate from 0 to 165 mph in about 3 seconds.
Inner-workings

For starters, the Dragster is wired with 560,000 feet of copper cable to carry back performance data from 300 redundant pairs of sensors located throughout the track and engine room. The majority of the sensors are proximity switches that can measure the movement of the metal coaster car over the track. There are also thermal temperature and pneumatic sensors. If any one of the sensor pairs fails to match the readout of the other, the Dragster is shut down for a safety check.
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Funny ad

Funniest ad I’ve seen in a while:

http://haacked.com/archive/2005/06/13/4681.aspx

FIOS is coming to Massachusetts

FiOS (Fiber Optic Service) is a fiber to the premises service offered in the United States by Verizon.

Verizon has created considerable stir in the area of broadband Internet, as it is the first major U.S. carrier to offer such a service. FiOS started as a pilot program in Keller, Texas, but is now expanding to other places.

Verizon is constructing a passive optical network. Fiber extends from central offices to unpowered hubs, in which the fiber is optically split up to 32-way.

The active components adhere to the ITU-T G.983 standard, also known as APON or BPON, which provides:

• 622 Mbit/s downstream @ 1490 nm
• 155 Mbit/s upstream @ 1310 nm
• RF video overlay @ 1550 nm

There are three tiers of Internet service:

• 5 Mbit/s Downstream/2 Mbit/s Up Price: $39.95/month
• 15 Mbit/s Downstream/2 Mbit/s Up Price: $49.95/month
• 30 Mbit/s Downstream/5 Mbit/s Up Price: $199.95/month

Prices are lower if bundled with a Verizon calling package. Typically, a consumer with existing Verizon phone service will receive $5 off their monthly FiOS bill. Verizon is planning to offer a cable TV service in 2005.

The Livestrong Bracelet Craze

By now you’ve probably seen more than your fair share of yellow rubbery Live Strong bracelets adorning the wrists of everyone from neighbors to presidential candidates.

As you probably know, they’re $1 totems being sold in a joint partnership between Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation to fund cancer research. But, did you know that 8 million of these have already been sold and there are a million more on backorder?

On top of that, the Wall Street Journal reports that the charity-item-turned-must-have-accessory is being sold on eBay for up to 10-times its face value (and you can bet that money ain’t going to charity).

Two questions:

1. Live Strong bracelets have obviously gone over the tipping point. But how? Why? Is this a feat that can be repeated by other companies working in partnership with worthwhile charitable foundations?
2. What the hell is wrong with the people who sell them for profit on eBay?

Make a Polaroid Out Of Any Image

This Plugin implements the polaroidonizerâ„¢ Script.

With this script one can create images looking like polaroids by every kind of images found in the web. You can create an official mirror polaroidonizer page, where visitors can use the service provided by Polaroidonizerâ„¢. Furthermore you are able to include an polaroidonized verision of an image into your post. See Howto use.

My Review of the Sony PSP

Sony’s anticipated hand held gaming device has officially hit the shelves. However, there has been such a high demand for the units that many retailers, including online ones such as Amazon, are sold out. Despite some talk of problems with dead-pixels and button malfunctions, which some problems will always arise with mass-production, the Sony PSP looks like a solid hand held gaming system. Watch out Nintendo! Read more

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