Do it Yourself Emergency Power

As we look toward the future, the ever looming signs of the failure of the electrical grid are becoming more and more irrelevant. The failure of the grid will cause widespread outages and will leave you in the dark without you have a plan. Remember the Northeast blackout of 2003?

A plan to circumvent the dark is priceless. Imagine for a moment what you could do with the barest of equipment. A household with a Deep Cycle battery, Inverter and a power strip has the makings of their own Power Plant. These items will allow you to have the light you will most respectfully seek when the lights go out and you do not know where your flashlights are. You do have a flashlight do not you? These 3 items are the beginnings of your own electrical grid.

Imagine the feeling you will have when you connect your inverter to your Deep Cycle battery and plug in your lamp and you produce light. You now have this convenience without the noise and smell of an external generator. You have now become your own electric company. The satisfaction of making your own electricity is akin to making fire for the first time.

Now that you have a small alternate power system you need a way to recharge your battery. Now add to your system a battery charger in the form of a small "Amorphous" solar panel and you have a renewable source of energy that is FREE! A 15 watt "Amorphous" solar panel will last for years without any upkeep other than brushing them off every now and then.

The process of making your own electricity is easy and you do not have to be a "techie" or a "geek" to understand it. A few simple pieces of equipment and you have the tools to make renewable energy. Now that IS a great feeling! You are helping the environment by offsetting your carbon footprint by a small amount and doing your share to bring forth light when you are in the Dark.

The Easiest Way to Get Criminal Background Records

If you are considering hiring a new employee for your business, a contractor to do some work on your home, or a nanny to watch your kids, you may want to run a criminal background records check. Are you thinking about renting out a room in your house, or meeting face-to-face with someone you met on an online dating service? It may be in your best interest to check out the criminal background records.

Criminal background records are public information, and it is very easy to perform a check online. Why not take the time and find peace of mind with your decisions? You hear the horror stories all the time-an employee who is stealing from the cash drawer, or stealing merchandise. You have heard about the painting crew that was left alone in the house, and valuables disappear. You do not want to put your loved ones at risk, not knowing a piece of information about your babysitter-information that you could have found easily online.

We all know someone who lived with a stranger, and regretted it after their favorite CD's were missing. You can never be sure about anyone today, and a background check can put your mind at ease about that date you have this weekend. You can avoid danger to yourself, your family, and your business by taking a look at the criminal background records of the people you will put your trust in. Because this information is in the public sphere and can be easily accessed on the Internet, take the extra precaution and give yourself peace of mind.

Bible of Vehicle MOT Test - Your Complete Handy Guide

You must have heard about these - "Annual Examinations", "Annual Maintenance" and "Annual Program"? Have you also heard about "Annual Inspection"? Just as the above associate with Studies, Buildings and Events, the latter relates to cars. For an annual car inspection, you need to take the MOT test. This test checks whether a vehicle is road-worthy. It also looks into other parameters like safety, car emission level, tires and so on. The vehicles need to abide by these environment and road safety standards. The organization that oversees the entire MOT test is known as Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. You can take up MOT at those garages which this agency has authorized. In case you have a diesel vehicle instead of a petrol one, then there are specific set of rules that you need to follow to carry out that test.

If you have taken a MOT test in the past, then you can also access the details of the past inspections. It is possible that the certificate might not remain valid. In such a case, you can go back or contact the garage where you had taken the test. This is about what MOT tests are.

Moving on, let us discuss about the critical aspects that a MOT test includes:

1. Primarily technicians examine the body of the car. They check where there is any corrosion or damage. This inspection assures that there is no pointed or sharp edge on the car body.

2. The team checks the speedometer's condition, tow bars, the electric sockets and other repairs. It is important for you to check the fuel pipes and the entire system for leaks.

3. Do you know why you need skilled technicians to check the exhaust emissions? This is to make sure environmental safety. It is important for the car owner to pay attention to any abnormal noise that the exhaust might make.

4. The seat belts of the car ensure safety. If the auto mechanics detect any malfunction in the seat belts and the seats, they alert you and resolve the problem.

5. The car doors are also crucial. The rear doors and the hinges must have a safety catch. You must pay attention to the mirrors as well.

6. You need to pay attention to car-brakes. They are vital for passenger safety. The examining body scrutinizes the car-brakes very closely. Some of the elements you need to focus on are its fluid and flexibility.

Beside the above, the other things you need to analyze are: tailgate, tires, wheels, headlamps, registration plate, washer and wiper, bonnet, steering, horn and the windscreen.

How to Become a Supplier Or a Distributor!

A lot of people make a good earning by buying the product directly from the manufacturer and selling it to the retailer or direct market. Especially, in the internet, a lot of people run the same business without even setting up a warehouse to store the products from the manufacturer. They almost work like a broker.

This method is commonly called drop shipping. In this situation, the seller attracts prospective customers via different 'community online stores' or via their website and once the deal is closed, they ask the distributor to ship the product directly to the consumer. Thus you save a lot of money as you do not need to spend on storage, carrying or transportation, showroom and storefront employees. All you need is to promote the product online via advertisement or your website and channel the sale via you.

If you want to start an online business, this business model is fine as long as the target market is accustomed to buying these products online (all products do not have a good market online that you can rely on).

But what if you want to start the business in real world? A lot of manufacturers have the option so that you can contact prospective retailers and sell the product directly to them without having your warehouse in between. However, the profit margin is often less than what you could have earned by selling the product directly to the target market. However, the business volume always works for you.

Do you want to start a real business as a supplier or distributor with your own warehouse? Here is a step by step guide to start the business.

Ok, there are some legal issues that you must consider before you really invest into the business. You mainly need two documents - Tax ID and Vendor's License if you want to sell the products directly to the target market like a fair.

You can apply for the Tax ID at IRS (US Department of Treasury). This is important as most of the manufacturers also require Tax ID. Apart from that if you have a tax ID it would also help you in banking and you can keep your business income and personal income separate while filing for tax return. You can get the vendor's license from your state's official website.

Now, when you have got both the papers, you are ready to dive into the market. You can now directly contact the manufacturers to sell their product. A lot of manufacturers will be happy to offer you distributorship but some of them would definitely look for your previous experience. As you do not have any prior experience, you should start developing a network or retailers who would be interested in selling your product. Do not forget that your success depends on the network.

There are other places apart from the direct market where you can look for retailers. For example, there are different distributor's forums or directory of wholesale distributors and wholesale suppliers. You should participate there to get more buyers interested in your product. A lot of people also use telephone directories to find related distributors. You can enlist your business information there to get prospective clients.

TLC for Mobility Vehicles

Every vehicle requires some tender loving care to ensure optimum efficiency and to ensure longerer usage. For those differently -abled users, their mobility vehicles are blessings for them and are strictly necessities. Taking care of these vehicles does not require as much time or effort as perceived by some.

Depending on the model and manufacturer, electronic mobility vehicles require an average of 12 hours continuous charging for optimum use. It is, therefore, important that these vehicles are charged overnight at the end of each day of use to maximize battery life.

For those battery-operated models, battery acid levels should be checked at least every two weeks. If done correctly and with moderate use, these batteries should last for, on average, a year or 18 months. Again, this depends on the vehicle's model.

For some people, there are instances when their mobility vehicles will not be in use everyday. In these cases, it is, therefore, advisable that batteries are always fully charged. Ensure that batteries are charges at least every two weeks when not in use.

Similar to other vehicles, these mobility vehicles also requires regular checks and maintenance. Have the vehicles serviced by a qualified technician at least every six month to ensure optimum performance and to avoid unnecessary accidents while in use.

Checking the tire pressure is also advisable. For moderate users, tires should be checked at least every three months. This practice ensures the avoidance of unnecessary accidents like punctures and the other similar mishaps.

Mobility vehicles are first and foremost means of transportation, making them very susceptible to the elements and the harm they bring about unattended vehicles. Storing them in a secure, roofed or shaded area minimizes weather damage. One should not also discount the possibility of theft; hence, parking them in secure areas can also dishearten would-be thieves.

Showing some good old tender loving care to one's mobility vehicles ensures longer usage. Show some love to one's vehicle, and it will return the love back.

More Creative Ideas to Make Extra Money

You are reading this article because you want to know the different ways of making money. Extra money making ideas come in many different ways. Money can be generated from almost anything. What you need in just some imagination, creativity and the passion to earn more. You do not need professional experience for this matter. As long as you have the interest and willingness to gain extra cash, you will find creative ways to make extra money. Here are some ways that you can practice to generate extra money.

Tutor students

Parents are always willing to do almost anything to see their children succeed. Why not take this opportunity? These parents are willing to pay big bucks. So if you are good in math, science, writing skills or even a second language you can make money imparting your knowledge to children forhaps $ 20 to $ 30 an hour. You can advertise your service through flyers, local newspaper or Craigslist.

Return the bottles

Returning empty soda bottles to sellers can also earn you some extra money. Other than helping to save the environment, you get extra money as well. So, the next time you drink sodas do not get rid of the bottles. Put them aside, clean them and return them to your sellers.

Sell ​​Your Unwanted Gold Jewelry

This is rather interesting. Can you depart from your 'no longer wearing' gold jewelery? If you can, sell it to the local gold shops as the price of this precious commodity is approximately $ 890 an ounce. Bear in mind that, you are paid based on the weight of the gold only and gold dealers do not pay for gemstones. Gold in good shape can reach a higher price.

Sell ​​photos online

If you are good in photography, selling photos on the net is another option in making money. Even if you are just an amateur photographer, there is always the photo editing software to do some editing for you.

For more information on make money ideas, please visit http://www.hotmakemoneyideas.com

Are Your Managers Ready for Generation Y Employees?

Generation Y or the "Internet Generation" will dramatically change every aspect of your business in the next five years!

Change will be constant, rapid and revolutionary. Want proof?

First, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is putting all of their 1,500 courses on the Internet. MIT believes that the "disclosure of knowledge and information can open new doors to the powerful benefits of education for humanity around the world." That means students, educators and self-learners will be able to audit these courses when and where they want.

Second, Bob Lutz, General Motors Vice Chairman, has a blog to communicate directly with his customers. It is an invaluable way to get important information out to the market. It is also a vehicle for timely and accurate feedback. Other GM executives are setting up blogs to talk directly to and get information from their employees. By comparison, Microsoft has over 1,500 customer and employee blogs.

Third, YouTube is an Internet overnight success story. It allows people to upload and share videos over the Internet. To date they have 100 million videos on their site and receive another 65,000 per day. The company was founded in February 2005, and was never profitable. Yet, Google understands the potential of their technology and purchased the company nineteen months later for $ 1.65 billion.

While Gen X employees understand Internet, multitasking and instant communications, Generation Y members excels at use of these three tools, and they will use them to transform business. They will challenge every aspect of the workplace.

How do the different generational employees look managers?

B oomers: The boss is not always right, but the boss is always the boss. I will put in long hours to get ahead. If necessary, I will do so at the expense of my family.

Generation X: The boss is not always right, but I'm not going to be here very long. I watched my parent's jobs being downsized or outsourced so I do not have the same loyalty to a company they did. I'm not married to the company; I value my life outside of work.

Generation Y: The boss is not always right, but are they open to new ways to do business? Events like 9/11 and the Columbine High School shooting have taught us that life can be fleeting. The Internet as exposed us to new ways of approaching life and work. I want to flexibility, to be valued for my ideas and my work and I want time off to volunteer.

They are called Generation Y, as in "why," because they are constantly questioning the status quo. They are almost as large as the Boomer generation and are over 65% larger than the Generation X group. In the next twenty-five years 80 million Boomers will be retiring. As the Boomers retire, the Gen X employees will become the Gen Y's managers. However, because of their sheer size Generation Y will be the overwhelming influence in the workplace for the next fifty years.

Generation Y fully embraces technology. Today's twenty-year-old college graduate was only five years old when the Internet was developed in 1992. They have always had the world at their finger tips. They grow up with instant messaging, text messaging, cell phones, iPods, PDAs, MySpace, YouTube, multitasking and blogging. They think, and act, in terms of instant communications. While Gen X employees understand and used these vehicles, Generation Y is totally immersed in them.

Baby Boomers changed the culture on civil rights, woman's rights, and gay rights. Their world was shaped by the Cold War. The members of Generation Y were born after the Civil Rights Act was passed (1964), the gay rights movement started (1969), the first woman sat on the US Supreme Court (1975), and the Berlin Wall came down (1990). The struggles many of us remember are accepted facts in their world. Generation Y individuals overlap diversity as an accepted norm and until recently knew nothing about war. Their world has always included diversity.

Each of us has memories of some recent tragic events: the Oklahoma bombing, the Columbine High school shooting, the World Trade Center bombing, and three wars-Iraq, Afghanistan and the War on Terror. If you were a thirteen to fifteen year old, how would these events shape your thoughts about the future? In a practical way These Generation Y's remain optimistic.

Generation Y members are group-oriented, confident, goal-oriented and civic-minded. They have a more worldly view than Generation X'ers. These new employees have been coddled by their parents. As children they received trophies for simply participating on a team. Parents told them were special and capable of doing anything. Their non-school activities were scheduled (eg, karate, soccer, etc.), and their parents were not afraid to call a teacher, coach or boy Scout leader if they did not think their child was being treated fairly.

Generation Y kids have been raised with instant communication, unrealistic feedback and rapid decision making as the norm. They believe they have the world in the palm of their hand. And, with their knowledge of today's technology they do.

So what can your managers do to get ready for Generation Y employees? Generation Y employees want to be heard and valued by their company when they start with your company. They place a high value on family and flexibility and will volunteer their time to cause them feel are important. They are fearless and not intimidated by titles or corporate organizational charts.

They love variety and are not afraid of change. If they think they have a good suggestion they will take ownership of the idea. And, they will not be afraid to take the idea up the corporate ladder to be heard.

Successful companies must find ways to harness the new employee's talents, integrate them into the company and turn ideas into a competitive advantage. Progressive companies understand that learning is a two-way street. Generation Y employees will revolutionize internal and external communications. Companies have a lot to teach the Gen Y's, but they have a lot to learn from them also. That will be difficult in rigid, highly structured companies.

Jack Welsh, former CEO of General Electric, stated that "... ebusiness knowledge is usually inversely proportional to age and rank." Hiring, challenging and retaining good employees have always been the hallmark of successful companies.

Successful companies today must develop a culture of learning, sharing and embracing change. They will employ two-way mentoring, blogging, new training platforms, and new ways of hiring and promoting people.

Training Generation Y employees will change. Boring, all-day seminars will become less frequent. Generation Y employees will text message their friends during those seminars. They need the information in the seminar, but companies will have the training available in different platforms and in smaller "bite-sized" portions. These training modules will be downloadable to an employees' Blackberry, iPod or computer. The employee will view the sessions at home, or on a plane or listen to them in the car driving to an appointment.

This is an exciting and dynamic time for business! Change will be constant, rapid and revolutionary.

Generation Y employees will change how we look at hiring, turnover, mentoring, performance reviews, employee orientation, retention issues, and how we communicate with our employees and customers. Are your managers ready for this new employee?

Questions for Discussion:

1. A new employee takes approximately six months to "learn the routes," and they will probably leave the company within four years. How will your managers take full advantage of the Generation Y employee's creative energies?

1. What systems within your company need to be reviewed to take advantage of these upcoming changes?

1. How can you dramatically change the way you communicate with your customers and your employees?