How to Finish Pressure Treated Wood

CCA (chromated copper arsenate) is used to pressure treat lumber to prevent it from decaying however, this does not prevent the wood from weathering which is why painting or staining is a must. To prevent cracking and splitting, oil or latex stains provide the best results.

1. Apply preservative. After you have completed your project, allow the wood to dry for at least two months. The wood must be very dry to allow the stain or paint to penetrate the pressure treated wood
2.  Sand. Sand the wood by hand to remove any splinters as pressure treated wood tends to have more splintering than non treated wood.
3. Add Fungicide. Pressure treating does not prevent surface infestation of mold and mildew. To prevent these issues, add fungicide to the paint or stain you are going to use.
4. Paint and stain. From this point on, paint or stain the wood as you would ordinary wood by following the directions provided with the product.

Changing Brake Pads on Acura TI

If the breaks are squeaking on your Acura TI, it’s time to replace them. This is a moderately difficult procedure that requires at least a little knowledge about disc breaks. This knowledge can easily be acquired from your local auto-parts store. The specific pads you will need will depend on the year and transmission on your Acura TI.

1. Loosen lug nuts. Put the car in park (1st for manual transmission), make sure the parking break is set, and block the back tires as to prevent the car from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires.
2. Jack the car up. Use a floor jack to jack up the front end of the car and place jack stands on both sides of the car under the front axel. Completely remove the lug nuts.
3. Pivot caliper. Use a ratchet and metric socket to remover the lower caliper mounting bolt allowing the caliper to pivot up over the brake pads and caliper mounts. Tie the caliper up out of the way.
4. Remove pads. Remove the pads and then use a wire brush to clean the surfaces of the caliper and caliper mount.
5. Install new pads. Make sure the wear indicator is located on the upper portion of the inner brake pad.
6. Compress piston. To compress the piston of the caliper, first loosen the bleeder screw on the caliper itself and then compress the piston until there is enough room to move the caliper over the pads, tighten the bleeder screw, and reinstall the caliper.
7. Bleed the brake system. Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid and then have an assistant get into the vehicle and pump the brake pedal five or six times holding it down the final time. Open the bleeder valves by loosening the bleeder screws on both calipers and then close them once air and fluid stop coming out. Repeat this process until there is no more air coming out of the valves.

How to Repair Peeling Clear Coat

Peeling clear coat is not a pretty site. Many things can cause clear coat to peel, such as poor paint materials, poor preparation, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is a serious problem not only for aesthetic reasons but because this issue can lead to rust. The best way to repair this is to strip the entire affected panel and repaint however; there is a temporary fix that can last over a year.

1. Scuff the car. Use either a red scuff pad or 400 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the affected panel removing the clear coat. Be careful not to cut into the base coat.
2. Scuff again. This time use a gray scuff pat or 1000 grit sandpaper to remove the scratches left by the first step. A smooth surface is a must.
3. Protect the car. Protect the areas around the affected panel by using masking tape and clear coat to ensure the areas are completely covered.
4. Spray clear coat. Holding the can about 10 to 12 inches from the car, spray a thin even coat of clear coat starting at the top and working towards the bottom. Apply 3 to 4 coats allowing each coat to dry for about 30 minutes.

How to Paint a Car Without Using an Air Compressor

Don’t feel like you have no hope of painting your vehicle if you don’t own a spray gun or air compressor, as there is another way. Automotive grade paint is now available in aerosol spray cans, which you can purchase at your local auto parts store.

1. Sand the car. Use 120 grit sandpaper either by hand or with a dual action sander to remove all the old paint. The dual action sander will make this task so much easier. Sanding also prepares the surface to be painted by making the surface smooth.
2.  Cover areas. Cover all areas you do not want painted (glass, trim, etc.) with making tape and paper. Make sure to cover all areas.
3. Wipe the car down. Use grease remover to wipe down the entire car to ensure there are no fingerprints or dust particles that can leave imperfections in the finished paint.
4. Spray primer. Spray two thin coats of primer on the entirety of the car and allow each coat to dry at least thirty minutes. Start at the top of the car and work your way down. Hold the can about ten inches from the vehicle as to avoid drips.
5. Paint the car. Use the same method as with the primer to apply the paint except this time you will want to apply at least three or four coats.
6. Apply clear coat. Three coats of clear coat will prevent the new paint from being damaged. Apply using the same method as with the paint and primer.

What Judges Look For in Car Show

Knowing what the judges are looking for before entering your classic car into a classic car show greatly increases your chances of placing. In addition to the specific criterion that has been made clear for your category there are some additional measures you can take and should take to ensure your vehicle winds up in the winner’s circle.

Clean Car

A spotless car should always be a must regardless of the category your car has been entered. No dirt or mud should be visible on the outside and not a spec of dust on the inside.

No Scratches

Touch up any scratches and nicks before even considering entering a car show. A single scratch will distract a judge from the rest of your show car.

Custom Paint

Custom paint will set your car apart from the all the other cars that have been painted to match the original color. Paint it whatever color you like as long as it is custom and original.

New Tires

Tires are one thing most show car owners don’t consider when entering their car. Tires should have minimum wear and should be just as spotless as the rest of the car.

Car Soap

When cleaning a car, it is important to use a soap that will not damage the car. Dish soap, for example, can cause the paint to peel after continued used. To preserve the integrity and look of your vehicle’s paint, be sure to use soap like some of the types described below.

Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo

Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo is designed to remove unwanted dirt and sand without scratching the vehicle. IT leaves the car looking very shiny and clean as it even preserves the protective wax while still getting rid of all the girt and grime.

Simple Green Car Wash

Simple Green Car wash soap is based on the Simple Green All-Purpose cleaner in that it is non-toxic and is safe for the environment as it is biodegradable. When mixed with water, this soap forms a foamy substance that removes all of the dirt without leaving streaks or swirls on waxed surfaces.

Homemade Car Soap

Homemade car soap can be just as effective and half the cost of commercial car soaps.  Start off with a vegetable based soap and then add about a half cup of borax to a few gallons of water. Mix the ingredients and you now have a soap that is safe for your vehicles paint and will leaving it spic and span.

Purchasing a Used Vehicle

Purchasing a used car has benefits such as the greatly reduced purchase price and reduced cost of insurance however, the down sides are the car is not new and usually does not come with a warranty leaving the buyer more vulnerable to having vehicle issues. To reduce this risk, there are sever precautions one can take when shopping for a used car.

Portion of Warranty                 

A vehicle normally comes with a three year or 36,000 mile warranty at the time of initial purchase. Purchasing a used vehicle that still has a portion of the warranty left can give the purchaser time to figure out any glitches or problems the vehicle might have.

CPO                                                 

CPO stands for Certified, Pre-Owned vehicles. These vehicles usually have less than 50,000 miles and have been given a multipoint inspection. These vehicles are the absolute best of the used car market as they often come with a no-cost extended warranty.

Look at Service Records

If there are no service records chances are the car was not well maintained. Ideally a complete set of service records will be available to show that there were no unusual problems.  If no service records can be located, have the car looked over by a good mechanic.

VIN

Get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) off of the plate located on the top of the dashboard and use it to run a CARFAX history report. This report costs about thirty dollars but can save you a ton of money and frustration in the long run.

Dating Agencies

Dating agencies are businesses are matchmaking services designed to place people looking for romance together who share common interests. Dating agencies can be face-to-face, online, speed dating, or an international marriage agency. The Internet and speed dating are the most common and biggest dating agencies.

Face-to-face agencies require men and women to personally go see a matchmaker as to find a potential partner.

Internet dating agencies are a website designed for people to register with a profile containing details about one’s self and a picture with the ability to contact others with similar interests and with a picture appealing to the individual.

Speed dating is when each person has a set time limit to talk to each other person. This is accomplished by having either males or females remain stationary while the opposite set rotates around.

International marriage agencies or agencies introduce men from wealthy countries to potential mail order brides.

The Internet and speed dating agencies are by far the most popular as todays generation is always short on time.

The United States office supplies sales average over fifty million dollars every year however, the market is becoming ever more competitive with over two-thirds of the total sales coming from large wholesalers. If one can get into this market as a sales representative, it can be a very rewarding venture.

1. Education. The majority of employers will require at leas an associate’s degree. However, it is possible to become an office supplies sales rep with a high school diploma and a strong sales background.
2. Educate yourself. Being an office supplies rep requires knowledge of all types of office supplies such as furniture, digital equipment, computers, as well as all of the basic types of office supplies.
3. Nail the interview. Once you get an interview with a office supply company, be ready to undergo multiple interviews both via the phone and in person. Have a very professional appearance taking careful care to make sure all of the details of your appearance are perfect. Sales companies like people who are very observant. When being interviewed, be very outspoken and answer every question with a lot of detail as a sales person should be very outgoing and not shy around new people.

Purchasing a Car Security System

A car security system is an excellent way to protect your vehicle and it’s valuable belongings. A good car security system not only makes it difficult for your vehicle to be stolen but also provides piece of mind and convenience with most having a remote to unlock and lock the car. Some even have remote start.

There are a few aspects to consider before purchasing a new car security system suck as motion sensors, glass-break sensors, driver’s side priority unlock, and remote outputs.

Motion Sensors
Motion sensors will tell you details about your vehicle such as weather or not your car’s windows or top are open and are perfect for cargo areas in vans and trucks. The alarm will go off if someone attempts to get into the vehicle and accidently causes the vehicle to sway.

Glass-Break Sensors
Glass-break sensors work by reacting to the sound of breaking glass. Most thieves believe they can bypass the alarm by breaking a window as to not have to use the door. Glass-break sensors are a perfect solution to this misconception.

Driver’s Side Priority Unlock
Driver’s side priority unlock allows you to unlock only the driver’s side door while keeping the other’s locked. This feature is for those times when you are in a situation warranting panic and can very well keep an intruder from entering your vehicle.

Remote Outputs
Remote outputs are required for expanding your alarm’s compatibilities such as remote start or window controls. The majority of alarms will come equipped with at least one remote output.

Centralizing Office Space

Staplers and rolls of tape always seem to disappear in the majority of office environments. By centralizing office supplies, a business can save a tremendous amount of money. The most effective way to do so is to centralize all of the office supplies and then give out the supplies to employees on a need-to-use basis.

1. Utilize a lockable storage room. First determine if there will be enough room to store all of the excess office supplies. Utilize space efficiently by stacking boxes and using a shelving system for smaller items such as pens, markers, clips, etc.
2. Label. Using labels to distinguish specific areas designated for each set of items is vital in keeping the room organized.
3. Designate employees. No more than two people should have access to the storage room. Choose the two employees wisely as they should have opposite shifts.
4. Notify employees. Notify employees both in paper and via email of the new policies regarding office supplies and how to acquire office supplies if the need to.

Comparing Car Tires

As automobile tires come in a wide array of styles and sizes, it is important to understand what type and size is going to be best for your vehicle and environment. There is also a broad range of companies and prices to consider. Choosing the correct tires for your vehicle can save you time in both gas mileage as well as in the initial cost of the tires.

1. Summer, winter, all-season. If you reside in a place where weather is a factor, consider the differences in summer, winter, and all-season tires. Winter tires are ideal for environments where you will have to be consistently driving in icy conditions but pointless if you will be in dry environments. Summer tires are the least expensive and ideal for dry weather. All-season tires are the best option if you will be subjected to both winter and summer conditions however; they are also the most expensive.
2.  Size matters. Check to see what size tires your car supports by consult your car’s user manual.
3.  Brand. Research reviews by both professionals and users for different tire brands to determine which are more effective. Paying more for tires does not necessarily mean they are of better quality.
4. Driving conditions. Determine weather you will be mainly be traversing muddy, rocky, harsh terrain or just typical streets and highway. If you will be submitted to the harsh terrain mentioned above, consider off-road tires as they provide better traction.

Creating a Layer Mask in Photoshop

A layer mask in Photoshop is very similar to a mask a person wear in that it’s function is to cover up the original image and make it look like something else. By using a mask in Adobe Photoshop, you can isolate specific areas of an image (i.e. foreground or background) and then integrate two images to form the final product.

1. Select images. Decide which two images you would like to combine and then open them up in Photoshop and place the image you would like to take the background image from behind the other by arranging the layers
2.  Layer Mask. In the Layer Window, select the Layer Mask icon, which is located along the bottom edge of the Layer Window and appears as a dark square with a light circle within
3. Select specific parts of the image. Using the paintbrush tool, select the specific parts of the image you want to remain visible. The parts of the image you do not want to remain in the picture will appear black and the parts you wish to remain unchanged will appear white.

General Model of Telecommunications

Telecommunications is a very complicated subject that would normally take a degree to understand. There are 3 main technical layers involved in a Telecommunications network. The Radio Layer, The core Layer and the billing layer.

The Radio Layer
The radio layer is basically, as the name suggests, the radio waves that are beamed out from a base station tower, and picked up by your cell phone. These radio waves are generally broadcast across a certain frequency or spectrum, which your phone is also tuned to. Mobile operators pay large sums of money to government bodies in order to access these spectrum ranges.

The Core Layer
The Core layer consists of a series of "servers" which perform specific functions for you when you make a call. Two core components are:
Switches - These handles the routing of calls from point a to point b.
HLR - This holds specific service information for each customer. For example if I have initiated call forwarding on my phone, this instruction to perform call forwarding when I receive a call is stored in the HLR. It also stores you current location on the radio network, so that the switch knows where to route an incoming call.
The Core network is by far the most complex layer of a telecommunications network, and as services become more complex, such as 3G capabilities, so do the components of the Core Layer.

The Billing Layer
The billing layer is where your calls are timed, charged and/or billed for. For contract services you have call detail records created for each call you make. Within these call detail records you have all the different charging elements of the call i.e. if the call was an international call, the duration of the call, peak or off-peak times. These is all stored centrally in a database until it is time for your carrier to bill you for a months usage, whereby your calls are calculated and summed and a bill is generated. In the case of prepaid services the billing occurs in real time and an account balanced is checked before a call is connected and then debited as the call is being made.

Starting a Used Car Dealership

The used car market is highly unlikely to ever dwindle, as there are two types of people; those who buy used cars and those who buy new cars. Starting a used car dealership is not a guaranteed way to get rich but with hard work and dedication, the possibilities are endless.

1. Get a license. A dealer’s license is required in all states in order to start a used car business. The cost varies by state. Contact the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for specifics.
2. Get liability insurance. Insure not only your business but also the cars on your lot. Without insurance you are in a very dangerous situation, as someone could get hurt while test-driving one of your vehicles or just while meandering around your lot.
3. Find a location. Make sure the lot is the appropriate size for your business not only in the beginning but also later down the road. Ensure that the size is zoned for a car lot.
4.  Find inventory. Acquiring used cars at a good rate is like an Easter egg hunt. Search through your local paper, online as well as online for vehicles you think you can make at least a fifty percent profit on.
5. Hire employees. Hiring professional sales people can make all the difference in the success of your used car lot.

Advertising Sales Rep

Selling ads for publication is the job of an advertising sales representative. To become an advertising sales rep, one must posses a very outgoing personality and the ability to be persuasive in order to convince clients of the potential return on investment they may receive when using the publication. A four year degree is typically required because of the extreme oral and written communication skills required to be a successful advertising sales rep however, a strong sales background may be enough to get one’s foot in the door.

Inside Sales & Outside Sales

In the advertising market, there are two types of sales tactics used by advertising companies: inside and outside sales. Outside sales generally requires cold calling and requires a lot of self discipline as one is required to visit businesses and is expected to follow up until the sale has been closed. Inside sales is when a sales representative handles all of the inquiring customers that come into or call a business.

Building Rapport

It is important to focus on the client’s needs before making a recommendation. This is key to closing any sale. Lots of background research of a business can help the sales representative determine how big the business is and in what areas it can benefit most. Approaching a business owner with a comprehensive, personal plan can make all of the difference.

Job Outlook

Being an advertising sales representative can be a stressful job. As the economy fluctuates, so does the amount of money allotted by companies for advertising. An advertising sales rep may have to try extra hard and put forth much effort however, with hard work and perseverance, a six figure income is not out of reach.