Does the American government see its citizens as its children?

In Americas 230 year history the government seems to have forgotten that there job is to run the government as the people see as best and not the government telling the people what is best for them.

The most recent example is the Internet gambling Ban signed into law last week by President Bush. The bill makes it illegal for banks and credit card companies to transfer money to casinos for the purpose of wagering on sports or games of chance, like roulette, blackjack and poker.

These games are harmlessly enjoyed regularly by millions of Americans everyday, but some people become addicted to these games so the government is telling all of its citizens that no one is allowed to play these games in an online casino.

This is not the first case of the government going against the wishes of the people, in the early 1900’s the government decided that the consumption of Alcohol should be banned, because some people were developing health and mental problems related to drinking too much. So rather then educating the people on the ill effects of prolonged Alcohol abuse the American government banned Alcohol.

But instead of reducing the consumption of Alcoholic beverages it increased, and because the government was not allowing the production or importing of Alcohol, organized grime got into the moonshine business, and eventually the Government saw the error of their decision and repealed the law.

Another great example of a failed policy to protect the people is the war on drugs that the government has been aging since the early 1980’s Billions of tax dollars a year goes into the war on drugs, but what are the results?

The price of drugs has risen, and to support their habits many drug addicts have had to commit acts of robbery and murder to get their drugs.

The American prisons are packed full of people whose only crime was possession of these illegal drugs.

Instead of being an industry that is regulated and controlled you have people selling these drugs to kids in school playgrounds, and shooting each other to protect their territory.

Had the government decided not to criminalize drugs but make it a heavily controlled industry, they could use the tax money for social programs like schools ad to give Americans universal health care.

Please do not misunderstand me I am not in favor for legalizing hard drugs, but the current system is not working at all, but I am all in favor for legalizing online casino gambling.

If I choose to play some hands of blackjack or poker from the comfort of my home what rights does the government have to tell me not to, and what sense does it make that I can not play in a casino over the internet, but I can drive down the street to the local casino and play there.

To enforce this ban millions if not billions of dollars of software and computer hardware will be needed to monitor all of the banks transactions and that money will come from taxes instead of the government taxing online casinos or even having all the online casinos government controlled then they get all the profits to be used to improve the lives of the American citizens, millions of which are bellow the poverty line if not homeless.

The American government needs to start re-thinking its policy of treating its citizens like small children, or the American people need to demand a new government.

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Does dynamometer testing damage the car?

There is no actual proof that dynamometer testing might damage the car in any certain way.

While performing tests, dynos don’t interfere with the engines performance and more importantly, don’t do any damage to it.
Some of the things that may cause damage to engines are over-revving, excessive heating, shock loading or incorrect fuel or ignition settings.
If however your engine malfunctions after performing a dynamometer test, it’s almost certain that the testing, if properly done, wasn’t the cause of the damage.

It is more likely to damage your engine when you drive your car on the road than when you test it by the means of a dynamometer under controlled artificial conditions. You should always make sure that the dyno operator is a trained professional and that the dynamometer has an appropriate cooling system.
A 60 centimeter diameter fan is appropriate for a power run. It will prevent the vehicle from overheating.

However, you should keep in mind that dynamometer testing and setting up race cars and bikes require more controlled testing conditions. A bike or car that heats up after a few hours testing suffers from heat soak into the transmission, bodywork, engine block, oil, and so on. This interferes with the amount of power produced, and influences the accuracy and the objectivity of the performance test.
To make sure everything will go smoothly while performing your tests on engines, you actually need a wind tunnel in which you should manipulate your dynamometer. When you are driving on the road at full power there is a lot of fresh air that surrounds and cools the entire vehicle, and you should do your best to recreate some of these natural conditions when you perform your tests.

If your dynamometer or the place you go to in order to get your car or bike dyno tested does not have suitable working conditions or lacks an appropriate cooling system, it is not advised to perform any tests.
The problem concerning the damage done by dynamometers on the tires is more debatable. Tire manufacturers recommend dynamometer owners to replace tires after every test performed. They claim that the tires design is not intended for purposes like dynamometer testing and say that the heat or tire deformation could damage the interior structure. Due to these facts, they strongly recommend replacing the tires after testing.

However, this should be done more as a precaution, and if the tires are rather new, well designed dynamometers should not damage them. Just to make sure that everything is in order, remember to always check the tires condition after every test you perform.

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Dodge Buzz: Upcoming Models

DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge division has certainly been making a name for itself over the past decade. No longer in the shadow of Chrysler or a carbon copy of Plymouth, Dodge has its own vehicles stamped with its own unique personality. The Charger is Dodge’s latest hot model; what can Dodge do for an encore? Read on for all the exciting details!

Caliber – The compact Neon is dead and a replacement vehicle is waiting in the wings by the name of Caliber. Sporting Dodge’s signature crosshair grille, the Caliber resembles a Chrysler Pacifica but it is in the Chrysler PT Cruiser’s size range. This five door wagon-like vehicle features jacked up wheel arches and a sloped roofline that tapers off to a rear hatch spoiler. On demand all wheel drive is expected to be one of the car’s options. Built on a Mitsubishi Lancer platform, the Caliber has been planned to go toe-to-toe with the VW Golf and Mazda 3. The Caliber is expected to debut in early 2006 as a 2007 model.

Nitro – Dodge gets a small SUV, the Nitro which is a rebadged and slightly reworked Jeep Liberty. As is customary with all contemporary Dodges, the Nitro sports the Dodge crosshair grille and unique wheel arches. Everything else about the Nitro is expected to be virtually the same as the Liberty including engine and transmission choices. The Nitro is expected to debut late in 2006.

Charger Coupe – Okay, I am dreaming. So are a lot of other people who are just itching for Dodge to release a two door version of the awesome Charger. The word about Charger is this: half the people like the sedan and the other half are disappointed it wasn’t developed as a coupe. No confirmation has been made, but a coupe may show up in late 2007 joining with [not replacing] the current sedan.

Love Those Vans – Chrysler is nearing the end of the life cycle for the current crop of minivans which still outsells any competitor on the market. Stow ‘N Go has been such a popular hit that any redesign will be built around this nifty feature. Expect the newest rendition of the Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country to show up some time in 2008.

So, there you have it. The division that at one time gave us the Aries K and Omni now features the Viper, Ram, Dakota, Durango, and a host of other exciting vehicles. Dodge fans are pinching themselves hoping that it isn’t all a dream. Well, it isn’t and the upcoming models promise to uphold Dodge's new found place in The Chrysler Group.

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Do Not Drink And Drive – If You Do, At Least Consider This

Drinking and driving is not only dangerous for the other guy but also the driver and the passengers of the car itself. You should refrain from drinking and driving as there is a significantly increased risk of car accidents, damage to property and injury to people. Prevention is always better than cure. Hence, drinking and driving should not go together … in fact it is stupid. Heavy penalties can be impounded on the accused, like suspension of driver’s license, fines, a term in jail and confiscation of vehicle registration plates.

Every year there are thousands of people getting hurt or dying due to the drinking and driving. About 20% of the traffic fatalities all over the world take place due to drunk driving. We, like responsible citizens, should understand the ill effects of drunk driving and refrain from doing it. DUI or Drinking under the Influence of Intoxicants may cause problems in the present and in the future. The police should carry random checks on drunk drivers, especially at night to catch the offenders and reduce the menace. A breath analyzer test is the most common test used to catch the offenders.

Also, studies show that half of the offenders caught were not under the influence of alcohol but other banned substances like drugs. Parents should warn their children against drunk driving and show their own daily lives to their children by example. They should make their children understand the importance of being a responsible citizen. And, they should do nothing to bring any harm or any injury to people including something as irresponsible as drunk driving.

There are certain measures that can be implemented to curb drunk driving. Regular checks for drunk drivers on the road can be carried out by the law. Offenders should be severely punished in the form of levying heavy fines and penalties. Licenses of regular offenders should be suspended or terminated. Rehabilitation programs should be conducted for those people who can’t kiss the habit goodbye. Every state should provide adequate information on the bad effects of DUI at the time of the driver’s exams.

Many cars will have technological devices available like alarm systems in case the driver inside falls asleep. They will soon be fitted with anti collision devices so that the car brakes automatically if it is about to crash with another object in the front or the back.

Remember by being a responsible citizen you set an example to other people as well. Do not unnecessarily force others to drink at your parties. See to it that the party gets over well within time so that people can leave early. And also provide alternate means of transportation for those that do drink.

If you are arrested for DUI, then hiring a DUI lawyer proves to be the best decision. Driving under the influence can have serious consequences on you if you are involved in a car accident. You may face consequences like jail or prison, penalties or fines, vehicle impoundment, etc. The DUI lawyer is familiar with the intricacies and procedures involved with DUI charges and are your best bet if you find yourself in such a predicament.

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Do You Need a 4x4

Sooner or later, most serious campers get to thinking about the "need" to own a four-wheel drive. So, right up front, here’s my answer: A definite "maybe"!

You see, it’s all to do with your personal outdoor lifestyle. Many outdoorsy types mistakenly believe that, since camping takes place in "the bush", they obviously need the off-road ability of a four-wheel drive. Not true. Well, not necessarily true anyway.

Confused? Let’s go back a step or two.

Firstly, there are a few relevant questions that only you can answer. For example: Will you and your family be camping alone in fairly remote areas? If so, how often?

But don’t rush it; answers need to be honest. I mean, we all start out believing that we’ll frequently head off on hairy-chested expeditions. The reality is, though, because of family or economic considerations -- or genuine lack of experience -- things rarely turn out that way. That’s the main reason you see all those late model 4WDs in the used car lots. After all, there’s little point tying up maybe $15,000 more than the equivalent 2WD would cost, only to find later that you just don’t need a vehicle with all-wheel traction.

On the other hand, if you prefer to get well away from the tourists and holiday hordes, or prefer camping with your family in splendid isolation, then for you a 4WD might be essential.

The answer can only be found in an honest appraisal of your camping history, the highs and lows throughout that history, and the direction in which you and your family really would like your outdoor activities to go.

Mind you, a 4X4 can certainly extend your horizons considerably. Whether alone or with another family or two, the extra wilderness areas that become available make additional investment much easier to justify. With their higher ground clearance, significantly increased traction for those tricky access trails (particularly after rain or snow), and improved load carrying and towing abilities, the average 4WD won’t be beaten for serious -- or mildly adventurous -- camping.

That’s not all. These days a 4X4 does not have to be your "second car" since levels of comfort in most models are now on a par with conventional -- even luxurious! -- family station wagons. Reliability, ruggedness and resale value of the 4WD also help ensure that any cost premium becomes purely academic.

But, having said all that, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that, scattered across the country there are thousands of superb campsites, including national and state parks, reserves, and commercial campgrounds. The vast majority of these are easily accessible, which is more reason still to be absolutely certain, up front, that you’ll get reasonable return for your higher dollar investment.

For my family and I, that has definitely been the case. Maybe.

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Do Not Buy Flood Damaged Cars

There are many flood damaged cars being sold on the market. Usually, flood damaged cars, SUVs and trucks are placed in salvage yards. Some though, are made spick and span and put into the car market and they will be up for sale. But the problem is, there really are no tell tale signs of flood damage that would give them away. This is because the cars will be restored so they would look almost like new. The damages caused by the flood would be erased or covered. After the changes, the cars will then be sold to unsuspecting buyers who thinks they are getting a good bargain.

Fact is flood damaged cars are being moved by unscrupulous merchants. Consumers can and should protect themselves against being taken advantage of in the auto market. Luckily, there are several things consumers can do to protect themselves from buying flood damaged cars.

The best things a consumer can do to be sure if a car is flood damaged or not is to get the history of the vehicle. You can do this by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a car to a website which provides vehicle history information. What these websites do is search a nationwide database of car information then gathers research on the car's title, maintenance record, registration, and odometer. You will instantaneously know if the vehicle has been stolen, has had a troubled past, or has had its odometer rolled back through the report that the website will return. Just a little research on a car's history will reveal if it has been salvaged, flooded, rebuilt, or is basically a "lemon."

Prospective car buyers should be aware of flood damaged vehicles being sold on the car market. Why shouldn't you buy flood damaged cars? Well simply because water leaves a lasting damage. Even if the devices and machines requiring electricity will restore it, it will probably fail sooner or later because mold and mildew aren't' easy to remove. And when a car is flood damaged any warranty warrant is voided.

Below are several things you can do to check if a car is flood damaged:

Check for moisture and dirt.
Flood damaged cars usually have moisture trapped and dirt inside the lights. Dampness can also be seen inside the compartment with glovesF, console and trunk so you better inspect these spots. Dirt, which can also be a sign of flood damage, can also accumulate under the hood. Moisture can also accumulate under the seat. Of course, rust is another telltale sign of flood damage.

Smell the car
Mildew can be easily detected by smelling. Mildew often forms on soaked fabrics so sharpen your sense of smell when you're on the lookout for a new vehicle. Also try to detect other smells that could be caused by flood damage like spilled oil or fuel.

Check if components match
Mismatched component could mean that the component are changed hurriedly after the car has been salvaged from a flood. So try to see if the carpet, seats and stereo components looks too new for the car.

Also try to check if the car has been titled several times from different states, which is usually a hint that its owners are trying to erase the questionable and negative history of the car by looking for spots where disclosing defects is not required or is easily evaded. Cars that are titled several times are usually salvaged or totaled.

Test drive
Of course the best way to check the performance of a car is to take it for a test drive. Check the electrical system including all the lights and the sound system.

Ask an expert
Have an expert mechanic or technician check the car. Have a second opinion if you may. Expert mechanics and car technician can detect flood damaged cars easily than ordinary people.

Remember that in buying a vehicle, never ever take a chance. Buying a damaged vehicle can cost you more than your money. It could also bring serious accident even death. If you suspect that someone is selling you a car that has been flood damaged immediately say no then walk away. The dough you will save in buying a flood damaged car will quickly go away by the headache it will bring.

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Discount Car Audio

Sell Your Used Discount Car Audio Items Online

When you decide to sell your car after having a new audio system installed in it, some sellers decide to remove the system and put the factory version back into the car before selling it. When you do this, you can often sell the car faster. The question of what to do with the audio you took out can be left unanswered. One of the best things to do is to sell your items to people online as discount car audio. There are several options when it comes to how and where to sell your items online. Take a look at these options and get paid for that used audio equipment you no longer need.

Online Auctions

Online auctions are one of the easiest ways to sell anything online. All you must do is list your item for the lowest price you would accept and let the software do the rest for you. These selling platforms have become more and more popular lately and can help you get the most from your items. You can try any of them, but be sure to understand that if someone wins your bid on your item and pays for it, then you are obligated to ship it to them. The great thing is that the buyer is required to pay shipping as well for any items you sell, unless you note otherwise.

Local Classifieds Online

If you are interested in trying to sell your items online but would rather keep the buyers to the locals in your area, try local classifieds online. The truth is that more people are looking online for items to purchase than they are in the newspaper that is delivered to their home. Adding your classified to the online sites is the best way to reach the most people in the least amount of time. Many online classified sites are free; so take advantage of these great selling arenas.

When selling your discount car audio online, you should choose a selling arena that works best for you. If you would rather not have people call you at home, an online auction forum may be best. If you would rather not have to worry about shipping something and want to only offer pickup for anything sold, online local classifieds will be the place to start. No matter which one you choose, you will likely be very satisfied with your selling experience.

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