Does anyone else here think that PETA is REALLY annoying? Please share.?

kids electric cars india image

Yondie

Today in the Boston Herald (as well as on the news) PETA wished to redefine the word circus in the Webster dictionary as I quote:

"Historically, a spectacle that relies on captive animals who are torn from their families and friends in savannahs, rainforests, or deserts and transported in chains; tiny barren cages; or train cars from city to city. They are forced to perform painful, confusing, unnatural, and frightening tricks under the constant threat of punishment with whips bullhooks, or electric prods."

What's next after you get the people to convert PETA? Are you going to get the lions to stop hunting zebra? Or I know...get those Macaques to stop stealing from people in India!!!

Please, your thoughts...even from the questionable-love-of-animal-activist know as PETA.

Answer
I agree with the majority of readers that while PETA's intentions are good, their methods are often unscrupulous and make them rather unpopular. Damaging people's private property (as in their flour bomb attacks) is just illegal. And while usuing animals in medical research is regrettable, it is necessary to improve the quality of life of both humans and animals (my hubby's a biochemist; they use rats in their research).

Sometimes they are just weird. For a while on their website they were running a commercial akin to the "Girls Gone Wild" commercial, but when the women lifted their shirts they had udders instead of breasts. Somehow, this was supposed to convey the message that people should not drink milk because it causes the cows unecessary suffering. Nowhere in the commerical was this stated. Also, at the same time on their PETA kids website, they blatently stated that drinking milk causes cancer. There is no scientific evidence of this, it's just plain false. While I love animals and actively work to stop their mistreatment, that lowered them several levels in my estimation.

What history is true and false and unsure as to prove for African American inventions?

Gaming Til

* air conditioning unit: Frederick M. Jones; July 12, 1949
* almanac: Benjamin Banneker; Approx 1791
* auto cut-off switch: Granville T. Woods; January 1,1839
* auto fishing devise: G. Cook; May 30, 1899
* automatic gear shift: Richard Spikes; February 28, 1932
* baby buggy: W.H. Richardson; June 18, 1899
* bicycle frame: L.R. Johnson; Octber 10, 1899
* biscuit cutter: A.P. Ashbourne; November 30, 1875
* blood plasma bag: Charles Drew; Approx. 1945
* cellular phone: Henry T. Sampson; July 6, 1971
* chamber commode: T. Elkins; January 3, 1897
* clothes dryer: G. T. Sampson; June 6, 1862
* curtain rod: S. R. Scratton; November 30, 1889
* curtain rod support: William S. Grant; August 4, 1896
* door knob: O. Dorsey; December 10, 1878
* door stop: O. Dorsey; December 10, 1878
* dust pan: Lawrence P. Ray; August 3, 1897
* egg beater: Willie Johnson; February 5, 1884
* electric lampbulb: Lewis Latimer; March 21, 1882
* elevator: Alexander Miles; October 11, 1867
* eye protector: P. Johnson; November 2, 1880
* fire escape ladder: J. W. Winters; May 7, 1878
* fire extinguisher: T. Marshall; October 26, 1872
* folding bed: L. C. Bailey; July 18, 1899
* folding chair: Brody & Surgwar; June 11, 1889
* fountain pen: W. B. Purvis; January 7, 1890
* furniture caster: O. A. Fisher; 1878
* gas mask: Garrett Morgan; October 13, 1914
* golf tee: T. Grant; December 12, 1899
* guitar: Robert F. Flemming, Jr. March 3, 1886
* hair brush: Lydia O. Newman; November 15,18--
* hand stamp: Walter B. Purvis; February 27, 1883
* horse shoe: J. Ricks; March 30, 1885
* ice cream scooper: A. L. Cralle; February 2, 1897
* improv. sugar making: Norbet Rillieux; December 10, 1846
* insect-destroyer gun: A. C. Richard; February 28, 1899
* ironing board: Sarah Boone; December 30, 1887
* key chain: F. J. Loudin; January 9, 1894
* lantern: Michael C. Harvey; August 19, 1884
* lawn mower: L. A. Burr; May 19, 1889
* lawn sprinkler: J. W. Smith; May 4, 1897
* lemon squeezer: J. Thomas White; December 8, 1893
* lock: W. A. Martin; July 23, 18--
* lubricating cup: Ellijah McCoy; November 15, 1895
* lunch pail: James Robinson; 1887
* mail box: Paul L. Downing; October 27, 1891
* mop: Thomas W. Stewart; June 11, 1893
* motor: Frederick M. Jones; June 27, 1939
* peanut butter: George Washington Carver; 1896
* pencil sharpener: J. L. Love; November 23, 1897
* record player arm: Joseph Hunger Dickenson January 8, 1819
* refrigerator: J. Standard; June 14, 1891
* riding saddles: W. D. Davis; October 6, 1895
* rolling pin: John W. Reed; 1864
* shampoo headrest: C. O. Bailiff; October 11, 1898
* spark plug: Edmond Berger; February 2, 1839
* stethoscope: Imhotep; Ancient Egypt
* stove: T. A. Carrington; July 25, 1876
* straightening comb: Madam C. J. Walker; Approx 1905
* street sweeper: Charles B. Brooks; March 17, 1890
* phone transmitter: Granville T. Woods; December 2, 1884
* thermostat control: Frederick M. Jones; February 23, 1960
* traffic light: Garrett Morgan; November 20, 1923
* tricycle: M. A. Cherry; May 6, 1886
* typewriter: Burridge & Marshman; April 7, 1885

Other things invented by Blacks People
o Break Dancing
o Chess
o Jazz
o Blues
o Rap
o Reggae, Ska
o Rock and Roll
o Super Water Blaster
o Fiber Optics

I am starting to go insane as to what our race started or created in the world. What about friend chicken? XD

Answer
I don't think I have ever seen a longer list of clearly ignorant assertions.

For example: one doesn't 'invent' a door knob. One makes a door and put a handle on it. It's like saying 'someone invented the hammer'! the same goes for tricycle,mop (actually first marketed and sold as a mop by a guy from barcelona), biscuit cutter, hair brush, lemon squeezer etc...
Chess?! are you farking kidding me? it comes from China/India (not exactly the blackest of places)
Stove?! you mean something to heat stuff with?
Stethoscope: if Imhotep was black then so am I
Horse shoes and saddles? are you telling me that medieval knights (who had horses) did not have horse shoes or saddles but africans (who had no horses) did? you really are a funny one...
Guitar?! you seriously think that guitars were invented in the 19th century? Then you have obviously never heard of J.S. Bach, which would make you the greatest fool I have ever had the pleasure of replying to.
Golf Tee: yeah, that was totally invented by a black Scottish golfer in the 1700s.
Motor: so that was not Volta or Watt, or Stirling, or Daimler, or Benz? plus, what was moving cars, trains, ships and aeroplanes before 1939?
Almanac: that is an arabic word my friend, and is about 1300 years old. We have islamic almanacs from over a thousand years ago, so who the fark is bejamin bannekker?!
lantern: a light? we had no light before 1884? that's a real bummer man...!

anyway kid, I won't go through all of them coz i'd be sitting here all day and I have a PhD thesis to write. But thanx for the laugh!
Good luck with your life, you need it.

M

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How are electric cars better for the environment when 95% of electric in the USA is generated by burning coal?

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Obama hood

So a gas powered machines uses gasoline. Electric cars use coal. Both pollute. Is electric pollution better than pollution generated by burning gasoline?
And Obama's new regulations are going to result in 7,000 less coal miners.
My mistakes 57% of electricity in the USA is coal generated. 95% of the power where I live is coal generated.

Answer
Shhhh the greenies will be upset with facts

Just like Obama said, the cost of energy will be going up with his agenda

How much pollution does the production of an electric car cause?

Lesley

I am finding this a difficult question to find the answer to but how much pollution is produced when an electric car is made? I mean the actual in factory production? Any help appreciated.

Answer
lets compare here:

these are the very basic steps on how the electric car is made

1: Lead (essential battery ingredient) is mined in africa (environmentalists scream bloody murder when its mined)

2: Nickel (essential battery ingredient) is mined in Canada (environmentalists scream bloody murder when its mined)

3: Nickel and Lead are turned into car batteries in the USA (fossil fuels were used to ship it there)

4: Batteries are flown to Japan, and put in Toyota's Electric cars

5: Cars are distributed all over the world for purchase

6: buyer purchase's his electric car from his local Toyota dealer, 50 km's from his house.

7: due to the lack of range, he gets 20 km/s from his house, and runs out of electricity

8: He plugs it in an electric socket, and after the 16 hour charge cycle is complete, he goes home. Now, before you say thats a price worth paying, lets not forget that the electricity put in the "tank" is from a coal power plant, which the environmentalists want torn down.

Now, lets see how a gasoline powered car is made

1: engine is designed and built in Japan

2: engine is placed in car, which was made in Japan

3: Cars are distributed all over the world for purchase

4: buyer purchase's his electric car from his local Toyota dealer, 50 km's from his house.

5: he gets home safely, has dinner, then goes and shows off his new car to his friends.

As well, top gear took a toyota prius (granted, its a hybrid, but the technology is very similar) and a BMW 3 series, and drove the prius at its grip limits (which are highway speeds, and put the beamer behind it, at the exact same pace. the prius ran out of gas 15 minutes before the BMW

as well, the best electric car (which is a prototype right now) can only do 100 km's, and as mentioned, needs 16 hours to charge, where the electricity is from the already heavily strained coal powered electricity system.

also, as a side note, the audi quattro won the WRC rally championship in 1984, and gets 30mpg. Most of 2011 electric cars get 34mpg, (if the math is done accurately & precisely) and the people are stunned by the incredible savings, and fuel economy?????? yyyyyeeeeeaaaaah. ok then.

conclusion: not only are electric cars harder on the environment than gas cars will ever be, but they have terrible mileage at the end of the day

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What are some effective but easy ways people can save energy?

kids electric car battery charger image

ksenia

Answer
Monitor your electricity use by buying a Kill-A-Watt or other such monitor.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/review/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review

'An average household uses about 4300kWh of electricity each year. This results in emissions of over 2 tonnes of CO2 per household, or ¾ tonne per person - just for domestic electricity supply. In comparison, total CO2 emissions per person in the UK are around 10 tonnes, and emissions per person in India are about 1 tonne. Luckily, it is possible to cut domestic electricity use in half with simple energy efficiency measures.
'This table shows how electricity use is divided up in an average house (excluding electric heating):

Lighting 19%
Cold Appliances 18%
Wet Appliancs 15%
Cooking 15%
Consumer Electronics 19%
ICT (computers, etc) 9%
Other 5%'
(source Centre for Alternative Technology)
http://www.cat.org.uk/information/catinfo.tmpl?command=search&db=catinfo.db&eqSKUdatarq=InfoSheet_SavingElectricity

EASY WAYS to save energy

â Don't use standby on tv or computer.
â Switch off when not in use.
â Use energy efficient lightbulbs.
â Lower you thermostat.
â Install timers.
â Heat only what is needed.
â Turn down the water heater.
â Insulate your property.
â Turn air conditioning and heating down
â Sign up to a green energy supplier.
â Dress appropriately. When itâs cold put on a jumper rather than turn up the heating, when itâs warm take it off again rather than use the air con.
â Wash full loads.
â Wash at lower temperatures.
â Dry washing outside.
â Avoid dishwashers.
â Reduce draughts.

Use rechargeable batteries..
â Donât leave (re)chargers on for longer than is needed
â Only boil the water you need.
â Buy local produce.
â Reduce reuse and recycle - in that order
â Work from home. If possible work from home, it saves time and fuel travelling.
â Eat less meat and dairy products. Modern farming methods produce large quantities of greenhouse gases.
â Shower instead of bath.
â Conserve Water The less water you use the less energy is needed to pump it to your home or office and to deal with the waste at a sewerage treatment works.

â Drive a fuel efficient vehicle, if you have more than one vehicle use the most economical one more often.
â Walk or cycle to work or when taking the kids to schools, if you have to drive consider car sharing.
â Use public transport where possible
â Take a coach or train instead of using domestic flights.
â When replacing your vehicle look at diesel and liquid petroleum gas models.
â Combine multiple journeys into one and do your weekly shopping in a single trip.
â Stagger journeys where possible to avoid rush hour traffic and hold ups.
â Avoid harsh braking, accelerate gently, drive at a steady speed.
â Keep tyres properly inflated.
â Remove bike and ski and roof racks when not in use.
â Carrying unnecessary weight wastes fuel, declutter your vehicle.
â Use the correct gear, use cruise control if your vehicle has it.
â Keep your vehicle regularly serviced.
â Turn the engine off when stopped or waiting.

Source Trevor a climatologist , who used to be Top Answerer in Global Warming.

What do I need to bring to Disney World, Orlando, Florida next spring?

Q.

Answer
Disney Vacation
ULTIMATE PACKING LIST

Pack For Suitcase:

ï±ï Shirts ï±ï Tennis Shoes ï±ï Toothbrush ï±ï Kids Shampoo
ï±ï Shorts ï±ï Dress Shoes ï±ï Toothpaste ï±ï Kids Bath Wash
ï±ï Pants ï±ï Flip Flops ï±ï Shampoo ï±ï Kids Toothbrushes
ï±ï Underwear ï±ï Pool Shoes ï±ï Cream Rinse ï±ï Kids Combs
ï±ï Bra ï±ï Sandals ï±ï Hair Spray ï±ï Hair Bands/Clips/Bows
ï±ï Belts ï±ï Socks ï±ï Deodorant ï±ï Hair Brush
ï±ï Hats ï±ï Sweat Band ï±ï Q-Tips ï±ï Hair Gel/Mouse
ï±ï Panty Hose ï±ï Makeup ï±ï Face Wash ï±ï Face Lotion
ï±ï Pajamas ï±ï Blow Dryer ï±ï Body Spray ï±ï Body Lotion
ï±ï Suit/Evening Outfits ï±ï Shaving Cream ï±ï Make-up remover ï±ï Nail Polish
ï±ï Foot Spray ï±ï Foot Powder ï±ï Feminine Items ï±ï Cornstarch Baby Powder
ï±ï Nail Clippers ï±ï Nail File ï±ï Jewelry ï±ï Bar Soap
ï±ï Toilet Paper ï±ï Watches ï±ï Sunblock & Face Stick ï±ï Kleenex
ï±ï Perfume/Purse Spray ï±ï Razors ï±ï Tweezers ï±ï _____________________

Pack for Miscellaneous:

ï±ï Address Book ï±ï Batteries ï±ï Film (400sp at Night) ï±ï Emergency/Doctor #âs from home
ï±ï E-Mail Addresses ï±ï Cameras ï±ï Cameras Batteries ï±ï Camcorder/Charger
ï±ï Stationary ï±ï High Lighter Pens ï±ï Pen Flash Lights ï±ï Camcorder Batteries/Tapes
ï±ï Stamps ï±ï Magic Marker ï±ï Note Pad/Pens ï±ï Sharpie Markers
ï±ï Address Labels ï±ï Rubber Bands ï±ï Umbrella ï±ï Plane Tickets (make copies)
ï±ï Cash/Credit Cards ï±ï Sunscreen ï±ï Drivers License/IDâs ï±ï Travelers Checks (make copies)
ï±ï Fanny Packs ï±ï Sweat Band ï±ï Sunglasses w/Strap ï±ï Kids Sunglasses w/straps
ï±ï Sewing Kit ï±ï Insect Repellent ï±ï Chap Stick ï±ï Waterproof Watch
ï±ï Safety Pins ï±ï Earplugs ï±ï First Aid Kit ï±ï Envelops for Maid Tips
ï±ï Baby Wipes ï±ï Guide Books ï±ï Travel Information ï±ï Maps/Directions
ï±ï Blanket ï±ï Anti-Bac Gel ï±ï Plug in Night Light ï±ï Room Key Necklace
ï±ï Pillows ï±ï Nail File ï±ï Beach Bag ï±ï Disposable Camera for Kids
ï±ï Bed Toys/Animals ï±ï Camera Bag ï±ï Discount Coupons ï±ï Spill Proof Kids Cups
ï±ï Credit Cards ï±ï Disney Club Card ï±ï AAA Card ï±ï Theme Park Annual Passes
ï±ï Health Ins Card ï±ï Florida Driverâs Lic ï±ï Discount Coupons ï±ï Deck of Playing Cards
ï±ï Confirmation #âs ï±ï Hotel Phone # ï±ï Water proof Carry Case ï±ï Roll Pennies/Quarters
ï±ï Cell Phones ï±ï Music/CDâs ï±ï Work out Stuff ï±ï CD/Headphones
ï±ï Car Cell Charger ï±ï Check Book ï±ï Bandannas ï±ï Kids ID Cards
ï±ï Wall Cell Charger ï±ï Laptop Computer ï±ï Hand Held Games ï±ï Labels w/Name & Cell #
ï±ï Walkie Talkies ï±ï Cribbage Board ï±ï Yatzee Game ï±ï Kids Board Games
ï±ï Frisbees ï±ï Car Window Screens ï±ï Back Pack ï±ï Disposable Bibs
ï±ï Contacts/Glasses ï±ï _________________ ï±ï ___________________ ï±ï _____________________


Pack for Kitchen:

ï±ï Seasonings ï±ï Dish Soap ï±ï Mini Waters ï±ï Premeasured Coffee
ï±ï Paper Plates ï±ï SOS Pads ï±ï Microwave Popcorn ï±ï Laundry Soap Tablets
ï±ï Juice Boxes ï±ï Stain remover ï±ï Plastic Utensils ï±ï Dryer Sheets
ï±ï Granola Bars ï±ï Chips (Pringles) ï±ï Fruit Snacks ï±ï Small Cereal Boxes
ï±ï Peanut Butter ï±ï Cheese Its ï±ï Crackers ï±ï Tea Bags
ï±ï Instant Soup Mix ï±ï Zip Lock Baggies ï±ï Trash Bags ï±ï Powder Drink Mix Crystal Light
ï±ï Tuna Pouches ï±ï Pop Tarts ï±ï Collapsible Cooler ï±ï Brita Water Filtering Pitcher
ï±ï Straws ï±ï Coffee Creamer ï±ï 4 cup Coffee Maker ï±ï Dixie Cups
ï±ï Sugar/Equal ï±ï Corkscrew ï±ï Wine Stopper ï±ï Chips in Tube Containers
ï±ï Plastic Grocery Bag ï±ï Paper Towels ï±ï Shout Stain Wipes/Stick ï±ï Pop Up Laundry Bag
ï±ï Water Sports Bottle ï±ï Scrubber Sponge ï±ï Disposable Bibs ï±ï Plastic Pool Cups w/Top & Straw
ï±ï Electric Skillet ï±ï Toaster ï±ï Non-Stick Fry Pan ï±ï Citronella Candles(For Patio/Balc) ï±ï Portable High Chair ï±ï Room Intercom ï±ï Crackers ï±ï Travel Salt & Pepper
ï±ï _______________ ï±ï _______________ ï±ï _____________________ ï±ï ______________________


Pack for Emergency:

ï±ï Moleskin ï±ï Band-Aids ï±ï Neosporin ï±ï Aloe Vera Gel
ï±ï Foot Powder ï±ï Antacids ï±ï Kids Headache Med ï±ï Dramamine
ï±ï Health Ins Cards ï±ï Tweezers ï±ï Adult Headache Med ï±ï Tylenol PM
ï±ï Doctor Phone #âs ï±ï Prescription Meds ï±ï Sinus Medicine ï±ï Back Pain Medicine
ï±ï Eye Drops ï±ï Vitamins ï±ï Cough Drops ï±ï Sea Bands (Motion Sickness)
ï±ï Midol ï±ï Anti-Itch Gel ï±ï Bengay ï±ï Pepto Bismal
ï±ï _______________ ï±ï _______________ ï±ï _____________________ ï±ï ______________________

Pack For Car Ride:

ï±ï Pillows ï±ï Blankets ï±ï Movies ï±ï Music - CDâs
ï±ï Handheld Games ï±ï Drawing Boards ï±ï Books ï±ï Maps/Directions
ï±ï Head Phones ï±ï AAA Batteries ï±ï Flash Light ï±ï Proof of Auto Insurance
ï±ï Driverâs License ï±ï Cell Phones ï±ï Cell Phone Car Charger ï±ï Playing Cards/Travel Games
ï±ï Directions to Hotel ï±ï Sunglasses ï±ï Headache Medicine ï±ï Kids Headache Medicine
ï±ï Spill Proof Kids Cups ï±ï Paper Towels ï±ï Collapsible Cooler ï±ï Plastic Grocery Bags for Trash
ï±ï Guide Books ï±ï Itinerary ï±ï Coupons for Road Meals ï±ï Baby Wipes
ï±ï Umbrella ï±ï Snacks ï±ï Drinks ï±ï Disposable Bibs
ï±ï New Surprise Toys ï±ï Breath Mints ï±ï _____________________ ï±ï ______________________

Pack for Theme Parks:

ï±ï Autograph Book ï±ï Fat Pen - Autographs ï±ï Back Pack ï±ï Waterbottle w/Strap
ï±ï Cash/Credit Cards ï±ï Waterproof Camera ï±ï Camcorder ï±ï Glow Sticks/Necklace
ï±ï Disney Club Card ï±ï AAA Card/Offers ï±ï Extra Camcorder Battery ï±ï Stroller w/Storage Basket or Rental
ï±ï Driverâs License ï±ï Cell Phones (2) ï±ï Confirmation #âs for PS ï±ï Pennies/Quarters for Pressers
ï±ï Walkie Talkies ï±ï Moleskin ï±ï Headache Medicine ï±ï Kids Headache Medicine
ï±ï Sunblock ï±ï Sweat Band/Bandana ï±ï Swim Diapers ï±ï Plastic Trash Bags for Rain Poncho
ï±ï Guide Books ï±ï Park Maps ï±ï Disposable Camera for Kids ï±ï Chips in Tube Containers
ï±ï Umbrella ï±ï Snacks ï±ï Frozen Juice Boxes ï±ï Disposable Bibs
ï±ï Water Shoes ï±ï Fanny Packs ï±ï Frozen Water Bottles ï±ï Comfortable Walk Shoes (X- Pair)
ï±ï Hats/Visors ï±ï Room Key Necklace ï±ï Face Sunblock Stick ï±ï Kids Sunglasses w/Straps
ï±ï Camera ï±ï Lots of Film (400Sp) ï±ï Sm Flashlight ï±ï Cheap Sunglasses w/Straps
ï±ï Mister Fan ï±ï Mister Fan Batteries ï±ï Chap Stick ï±ï Theme Park Passes/Tickets
ï±ï Kids ID w/Photo ï±ï Rain Pancho ï±ï Rubber Bands/Hair Type ï±ï Dixie Cups for Sharing Drinks
ï±ï Waterproof Watch ï±ï Ziplock Baggies ï±ï Pins for Trading at WDW ï±ï Insect Repellant
ï±ï Kleenex ï±ï Anti-Bac Hand Gel ï±ï Waterproof Case ï±ï Pen Flashlight
ï±ï Tag Kids w/ID Info ï± Extra Dry Clothes ï±ï Grocery Bag - Wet Clothes ï±ï Kids Clothing Report (If get Lost)
ï±ï Autograph T-Shirt ï±ï Baby Wipes ï±ï Collapsible Cooler ï±ï ______________________

Pack for Pool/Water Parks:

ï±ï Floatation Toys ï±ï Beach Towels ï±ï Back Pack ï±ï Bathing Suits
ï±ï Cash/Credit Cards ï±ï Waterproof Camera ï±ï Camcorder ï±ï Plastic Pool Cups w/Top & Straw
ï±ï Disney Club Card ï±ï AAA Card/Offers ï±ï Extra Camcorder Battery ï±ï Stroller w/Storage Basket or Rental
ï±ï Driverâs License ï±ï Cell Phones (2) ï±ï Beach Bag ï±ï Water Toys
ï±ï Walkie Talkies ï±ï Playing Cards ï±ï Headache Medicine ï±ï Kids Headache Medicine
ï±ï Sunblock ï±ï Cribbage Board ï±ï Collapsible Cooler ï±ï Anti-Bac Hand Gel
ï±ï Books/Magazines ï±ï Park Maps ï±ï Ear Plugs ï±ï Chips in Tube Containers
ï±ï Spray Water Bottle ï±ï Snacks ï±ï Frozen Juice Boxes ï±ï Disposable Bibs
ï±ï Water Shoes ï±ï Fanny Packs ï±ï Frozen Water Bottles ï±ï Tag Kidâs w/Id Info (note in pocket)
ï±ï Hats/Visors ï±ï Room Key Necklace ï±ï Face Sunblock Stick ï±ï Kids Sunglasses w/Straps
ï±ï Camera ï±ï Goggles ï±ï Chap Stick ï±ï Cheap Sunglasses w/Straps
ï±ï Film ï±ï Ziploc Baggies ï±ï Waterproof Carry Case ï±ï Theme Park Passes/Tickets
ï±ï Kids ID w/Photo ï±ï Extra Dry Clothes ï±ï Rubber Bands/Hair Type ï±ï Dixie Cups for Sharing Drinks
ï±ï Waterproof Watch ï±ï Kleenex ï±ï Grocery Bag â Wet Clothes ï±ï Kids Clothing Report (If Get Lost)
ï±ï Baby Wipes ï±ï Swim Diapers ï±ï _____________________ ï±ï ______________________


Before You Go To Do List:

ï±ï Give neighbors your travel Information:
Your Name, Address, Telephone Number
Vacation Dates
Itinerary during trip
Vacation Phone Numbers
Cell Phone Numbers
Local Emergency Call Numbers
Information About House:
Which lights will be left on
Which Cars will be left out
Names of anyone checking/entering the house while youâre away
Alarm Information (if necessary)
ï±ï Make Arrangements for Pet Care
ï±ï Check All Doors and Windows are Locked
ï±ï Reduce Heating and A/C settings
ï±ï Secure all outdoor items
ï±ï Water Plants
ï±ï Unplug Appliances:
TV
Coffee Maker
Toaster
Microwave
Washer
Dryer
Turn off Computer
ï±ï Set Light Timers
ï±ï Stop Newspaper Delivery
ï±ï Stop Mail Delivery
ï±ï Set Alarm

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How to get mom off of wanting to get a bmw?

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DA CHAN MA

Ok well let me tell you guys something. Im 16 and fu#king hate bmws and other luxury cars. Don't get me wrong here there beautiful cars but now some if there modern engineering if full of junk and there really expensive. Mom is telling me she wants a 2013 bmw x5, I keep telling her there full of crap and its going to cost you a lot of money. If u know scottykilmer on youtube he talked about there plastic electric water pump and luxury car parts can be very expensive and hard to fine at the auto parts store. I told her all of that and she still didn't give a crap. Mom is seriously pissing me of lately and she is one of those "woman" that like to spend. Right now when it comes to maintenance on her car its me and dad trying to do all the repairs to save money. Im trying to get her to look into honda or like the new ford escape ecoboost that is such a gas saver compared to the pos bmw suv that uses just as much as a modern v8 truck, no its actually even more! Because it uses premium gas! Now shes telling me she works hard enough to get what ever she wants and I shouldn't be telling her what to do. well shes sort of wrong, she makes my dad pay for most of the stuff and better yet she would probably let my dad help her pay for the bmw and gas. My dad is a money saver and were not rich, but when it comes to mom choices he can't really say anything or ill be arguments and problems. He trys to keep away from that and he even made his own secret bank account for "emergency" money in case we need it but mom is just using the money off her pay check and just spending it all the time and don't know what saving is. I already told her if she gets that bmw I ain't doing don't work on it and she can take it to the dealership to get it done. Heck I might might not even wanting to fix the tire if it was flat too. Me im sticking to the hondas and toyotas I love working on the simple cars like this. I need help on the negatives to changer her mind off of bmw. Me and dad are not done.

Answer
Learn to write proper english before working on cars.

Does Anyone know where to get a hybrid electric cars?

BlueEyedBa

Hey i was wondering about those electric cars they have now that run on a battery for like 12 hours. Gas prices stink!! so I'd like an alternative to gas and i hear they drive really well. thanks!

Answer
As of July 2008, plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles are not yet in production. However, Toyota,[3] General Motors,[4] Ford,[5] Chinese automaker BYD Auto,[6] California startups Fisker Automotive[7] and Aptera Motors,[8] and Volkswagen[9] have announced their intention to introduce production PHEV automobiles. The PHEV-60 BYD F6DM sedan and F3DM hatchback are expected in 2009;[10] the luxury Fisker Karma PHEV-50 sports car is slated for late 2009; and the Toyota Prius, GM's PHEV-40 Chevrolet Volt and Saturn Vue and the Volkswagen Golf PHEV50km plug-ins are expected in 2010.[11][12] Conversion kits and services are available to convert production model hybrid vehicles to plug-ins.[13][14] Most PHEVs on the road in the U.S. are conversions of 2004 or later Toyota Prius models, which have had plug-in charging added and their electric-only range extended.

you can check with your local dealers on these

you can compare the top 5 hybrids here.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?styleid=100920075&maxvehicles=5&op=17&tab=printable

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How much do I need to make to own a Tesla Model S?

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Austin

I've been trying to determine how much I need to make to own a Tesla Model S and have money for other things.

I'm a senior in college, i'm a single man, and will probably be for a while. No gf, no kids, no trouble.

I understand I can't do it now, but when I find a job, what's a reasonable salary to own one?

They cost anywhere from $580-$800/month.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
expect to be earning around 150k per year with no debt to be able to comfortably and intelligently afford one.
they say that a car should never ecer be worth more than half of a years salary. with the tesla model S going up for around 70,000 (the basic one with little options and government rebates) around 150k a year means that you will be spending close to but not more than half your salary on the car. sure you can always finance it. but you will still be paying quite a lot more with interest.

you must realize that the tesla model s is not an entry level car. it competes with the BMW 5 series while providing new technology. early adoption is never cheap and with the added cost of the luxury in the tesla, its not a car for everyone.
I love the model S but honestly i want tesla to make cheaper cars for more people. (when tesla makes an electric to compete with a honda civic i'll buy it right away)

edit. you may want to check out this website
http://www.teslamotors.com/true-cost-of-ownership

When you were a kid what was something you thought?

Patti

only rich people could afford? Did you ever get to have it when you were grown? I was a farm kid and thought only rich people could own color tvs, fur coats, and automatic dishwashers. Got a color tv and dishwasher when I was grown, but never really wanted a fur coat, decided it would make me looker fat and didn't really want fur either.

Answer
Yeah, color TV was one. A car with air conditioning. An SLR camera. A BMW motorcycle. A tape recorder! A refrigerator with a separate door for the freezer and an icemaker! Believe it or not, an electric typewriter. I never believed I'd ever own a house until I was in my 30s. And when I was a kid, I never thought I'd own a computer. 8^)

A few years ago I was lucky enough to get to borrow a little boy, the grandson of a friend, as a sort of adopted nephew. I'd pick him up one Saturday a month and take him to a zoo or a museum or something. He lived in a little apartment all his life and he was shocked to see that we had our own washer and dryer. He thought we must be really rich. He also thought only rich people ate in restaurants.

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Is global warming really bad?

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Q. what happens during global warming? what will happen if we dont stop it?

Answer
Global warming it the biggest negative issue humanity as a whole has to face today.

I asked myself the same questions about a month ago. Then I watched "An Inconvenient Truth" and "To Hot Not To Handle". If you don't like al gore, don't watch the first one, but there is a lot of great information in both of these that will answer a lot of your questions about Global warming. I believe that National Geographic has one out as well about the issue.

In EXTREMELY short: Global warming is the overall average tempurature of the Earth that is on the rise over the years. CO2 acts as a blanket that shields the heat from leaving our atmosphere. The Sun heats the Earth and the excess CO2 in the atmosphere causes the heat waves that bounce off of the Earth's surface to remain in the atmosphere.

1. This causes the melting of snow and ice that otherwise would remain frozen.

2. It also causes more intense huricanes and more desserts.

3. Many more deaths from heat waves have been reported in the last few years than any other time in history. More will follow.

4. If all of the snow melts, the west side of the US would not have fresh drinking water. 75% of their water comes from melting ice (To Hot Not to Handle).

5. If this bad use of our Earth continues, our great grand children will never see a glacier and will never feel snow.

6. They will have a lot more diseases than we have today because it will not get cold enough to kill them off. Maleria has already become a huge issue, when it use to be something noone cared or worried about.

7. India is not the only country that will suffer from flooding. If all of the ice melts, Florida's entire southern tip will be under water. see where the water level is on a map now and then add 20 feet of water to the map. There are a lot more places that will be lost or sunken cities.

8. A lot of the smaller islands that people like to vaccation too will be under water.

9. The Coral reefs will be dead because it will be to hot for the fish to live in.

10. Wales will die, because there will be no planktin to feed on. because the water will be to hot and there will be no sea plants to feed on.

11. Polar bears have already been found drowned, because there was not a mass of ice where their use to be for them to stay on. Polar bears will become extinct (among other plants and animals).

12. We will no longer have fresh water to drink.

CO2 is produced by many things. But the most notable change occured when the industrial age hit. This was when factories were being built and burning fossil fuels. Oil and gas in our cars, coal, etc.

A lot of electric companies offer "green" energy, but you have to request it. Green energy comes from wind, solar and hydro power, there are other sources, like using trash to make fuel, etc. I am using Reliant Energy and they charged 1 cent per kilowatt more when I requested to switch to green energy. I use about 300-400 killowatts per month for my 2 room apartment, so that was only $3.00 - 4.00 more per month. It is worth it. There are also hybrid cars that cut emissions way down. (they will be cheaper when they are used in a couple of years)

Here is a link to some things that you can do to help reduce CO2 emissions.
http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/whatyoucando/

One more thing...
Article titled : UNâs Kyoto treaty against global warming comes into force

On: official UN site: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=13359&Cr=global&Cr1=warm

..."So far 140 countries have ratified the accord."...âWhile the Government of the United States has decided against the Kyoto treaty, many individual states in America are adopting or planning to adopt greenhouse gas reductions in line with the spirit of the Protocol,â...âNever before has the negative impact of climate change been more evident than the recent devastating weather conditions resulting in widespread hurricanes, cyclones, tropical storms, tidal waves, tsunamis in various parts of the world, particularly affecting small island developing states. These small countries are the most vulnerable to global climate change,â

Bush has oil interests in the US and in other countries. That is what made his family wealthy. Of course he does not want people to switch to green energy, then we could not have a war in Iraq over oil and he would loose all of the money from his oil industries. Thank god for a free country! I am looking forward to the next president.

Hope this helps. check out the movies, they are easy to watch and full of information.

China and India are emerging giants.?

iamacarguy

Will the lack of clean water inhibit their growth?

China is going online with a new coal fired electric power plant every two weeks even though people are sick and dieing from polluted water and air in alarming numbers.

Two thirds of India's population does not have fresh water.

Will this hold them back from progress?

Answer
I find it utterly amazing the lack of information about China that is preached here as gospel.

How many of you know that this year China has adopted the most strict Euro car pollution standards?

Or that they are well aware of the massive pollution that they are producing and has made it a top priority to slow it down?

Of that environment and the problems are daily fare on the news? Or that the children are exposed to environmental concerns in school, that every child knows of the problems?

Or that there are vast area's of China that are not polluted?

That most of this has only started 5 years ago, and the lions share of that 3 years ago and that it is going to take a hell of a lot more then the west demanding instant fixes. That when the west decided that the environment was extremely important was 40 years ago and it took us this long just to get where we are and yet the USA is still the largest producer of green house emissions?

Or that the life expectancy of the Chinese are only a few years less then ours --- so where are the massive amount of people that are dying from pollution? If you say there are a few pockets where people are exposed to pollution on a much large scale, then you'd be correct.......the country as a whole, no way on earth is that happening to the degree the west believes. I know, I live here in a pretty pollution free environment in the middle of China.

This is nothing more then more China bashing with India being a close second.

Time to take off the blinders people and get our house in order before we tell others how to live in theirs.

Signed, an ex pat from the USA living in the center of China.

Peace

Jim

.

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how can i make a remote control car go faster?

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warlooker

i brought a small remote control car about less than $20.00 hoping i can make it go faster.
how can i make it go faster i want to put a battery in so the motor can spin faster and oil my gears.
but is there any other way to do it.
thank you guys for helping.

Answer
For $20.00 you can't expect to get much more out of the car. It's not really built for speed at that price. Basically, this is a kids toy. There is a huge difference between remote control cars for kids and remote control cars for adults. The complexities of the cars have a very wide gap. Kids cars will run on just a few AA batteries. RC cars for adults feature full miniature engines. Lots of the popular motor kits run on fuel such as gasoline or nitro. Others run on large battery packs that are essentially beefed up versions of kids toys. These cars require just as much maintenance as a real car, since they have all of the same components (plus all of the radio transmitting gear!) to deal with.

So you may want to save up and get your moneys worth by opting for petrol, nitro or electric models. The fastest engine choice that you can find is a nitro engine. Nitromethane is an alternative to regular gasoline, and runs much better for RC cars. It is usually heavier, and therefore more cumbersome on the handling of the car. However, if you are going to be on a fairly straightforward and tame race course, it is a great choice and will provide a huge speed. The only down side is that nitro engines are known for wearing down faster, and breaking at a higher rate. If you use a nitro engine frequently, you can almost expect it to break after intense usage. It is a good idea to have an electric engine that you can swap it out with when the need arises.

The other parts of the car are equally important when you are aiming for absolute fastness. If you are you going all-out on a project, you should expect to spend quite a bit on components like wheels and axels. Usually you want to get wheels that are extremely firm and light. If you have the opportunity to go out to a hobby store and test out a few different components, you will be able to decide exactly what you want based on experiencing it first-hand. This is the best way to shop for anything, and the same goes for remote control cars. Since the parts are usually highly swappable, you can directly compare one with another by trying them in quick succession.

If you arenât a very technically inclined person, the thought of picking all of these parts might not sound very fun. However, you might not have to go through this process. It is possible to buy kits that include all top of the line parts, and are quite easy to assemble. With these you wonât get the high level of customization that you would get out of building a regular home-made car. Being able to choose all of the parts separately is a great benefit, although 90% of the time you can replace individual parts if you decide that you want to go for something that is of a higher quality or a little bit faster than what you had before.

All of these things really add up. If you have one part of a car that doesnât perform as well, the entire thing will be affected. Therefore you need to choose your parts carefully to have the best remote controlled car possible.

What are some activities you do when babysitting?

Zoey

I babysit alot the activities can be for any age of children. I'm just looking for a really long list of activities that are kind of time consuming and a lot of fun, for both me and the kids thanks!

Answer
-Make play dough! http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Salt-Dough-Recipe.html
You can even take a small food storage container (of yours) to have the kids decorate with stickers, etc. that will hold their play dough it.

-Decorate a pillow case/T-shirt/etc..
Bring your accessory that you are going to color on. Take some permanent markers for them to use, but make sure they don't write on anything else- include themselves.

-Go outside!
Play with chalk.
Blow bubbles. (you can even make them)
Take a walk/bike ride
Visit a park
Have a picnic
Bring some water guns
Do a scavenger hunt: Have them find a pink flower, a blue car, etc.

-Have a dance party!
Put some songs like: The Macerana, the twist, chicken dance, hokey pokey, electric slide, etc. on a CD or a playlist on your ipod. Turn off the lights, expect for some dimmed ones or a lamp. Try to get a diso ball. (glow sticks if the kids are above the age of 7) Freeze dance for the little ones!

-Play games!
Hide and seek
Twister
Go fish
Slap Jack
Candy Land
Bowling (use soup cans as pins, and a ball)

-For girls: Do a pedicure!
Take a large bowl, if you have one and put a towel under it. Fill it up with warm water and bubbles/soap. Let her sit on the coach with her feet in the bowl. Massage her feet, then paint her toes.

-Frost cookies!
Make the cookies at your house and take them with to avoid using their stove! Bring along some frosting and sprinkles. Have them decorate their own. Rice krispies also work but are quite messy!

-ColoIring
You can take big poster boards and stamps, stickers, markers... Or you can print off coloring sheets, and have them make their own coloring book. Drawing contests for older kids are always fun!

-Build a "tent!"
Very fun in my opinion. Put chairs in a circle, and lay a big blanket on top! Crawl in and enjoy.
I love going "camping" with this idea. Set up the tent, roast marshmallows in the microwave, do a scavenger hunt, etc.

- Balloon games..
This is only good for kids older than about 5... The little ones can choke on broken balloon pieces. Play "keep it in the air" or do the game with the balloon tied to your ankle. Make sure to clean up!

-Limbo...

-Movie "theater"
Bring 4-5 movies for them to pick from, make tickets, have a concession stand.
A fun idea with this topic is if you can bring some large cardboard boxes to make fake cars out of and have a pretend drive in movie.

Just be creative!!
For more ideas email me at jaide.babysitting@yahoo.com

This blog is great for babysitting advise!!! alittlebabysitting.blogspot.com

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What was the first automobile built or introduced in Canada?

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jason

I need to know who made the first automobile (car) in Canada, what it was called and when it was made.

And also... did the automobile radically change Canada's way of life, and if so, how has the automobile impacted Canada's way of life?

Answer
The Dixon Carriage Works of Toronto built electric cars starting in 1893.
They were followed by the Canadian Motor Syndicate which also made electric cars starting in 1895.
The Walkerville Motor Works started building model C Ford's in 1904.

Since then there has always been automobile production in Canada.

Most of the production has been from divisions of the American Big Three or for Japanese manufacturers (Honda and Toyota). Over the years, there has also been production for some European makes with Renault and Volvo both having Canadian assembly plants.

As an anecdote, you might like to know that the last generation of the iconic "American" muscle cars, the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, were actually built in Blainville, Québec.

Which is the only province to have legislated this type of vehicle?

bunncat

radio trivia ? today:
Transport Canada recently approved the first 100% electric car. The vehicle, about the size of a Mini Cooper, has a top speed of about 40 km/h and is definitely an urban vehicle. I think this is the new ZENN car and I thought Ontario but its said No wrong answer.

Answer
British Columbia

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I want to move to Toronto, what's the cost of living?

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I plan on finishing my first degree here in my province then by the time I am finished, around 22-23 I want to go to UofT for my graduate studies. I have researched a lot and planned out carefully, or had a rough plan of my education (doing my degree here, graduate in Toronto)

I will be a FT student and looking for a PT job in Toronto (since I want to move there) I know Toronto is expensive, so while I am finishing my degree Iâll be saving up money (looking for a PT job right now) So my questions are as follow,

- How much is a studio/bachelor suite? (I know the price depends on the area, but I am curious about the range of pricing in different areas etc)
- Is it easy to get a job in Toronto? How much is minimum wage?
- How much would transportation (monthly pass, bus/subway etc idk)
- How much are the basics? (Internet, electricity, water etc)
- How much are groceries? (Only feeding me)
- How much is it to eat out? (I don't usually eat out...)

I do plan on visiting Toronto eventually, probably by 21 (itâs lame but my parents wonât let me do anything even if I am legally an adult. They say 21 is the age I can do whatever I want lol)

Btw, I am looking to permanently live in Toronto. So after I get into UofT, I plan not to only study there but move there as well. It's going to be a lot of money since I will be a student paying my expenses and school expenses too... so I am trying my best to prepare myself by knowing roughly the cost of living in Toronto.

Thanks. :D

Answer
I'm in Ontario, but don't live in Toronto, and obviously some things will depend on you and your habits and the particular house.

My costs in an older 1500sq ft 3 bed detached house.

Heating...they want $300 a month next year on our 10 month annual budget payment plan! (Currently an eye watering $1.30 a liter) Our water heater is oil fired too, and with small kids its probably costing a bit to do baths/ laundry all the time. In a modern well insulated place you shouldn't be paying a lot more than $200 a month, maybe $250. If its natural gas it will be a lot less.

Hydro (electric to you) about $100-130 a month on average.

Insurance, $90 a month (wont apply to a rental I guess)

Groceries for 2 adults and 2 kids under 5, about 500-600 a month, shopping at the cheaper stores. If you smoke or drink much it could be a lot more.

Phone $35 a month for the line and $10-20 for long distance

Cable TV $50 a month for pretty basic package. Satellite is much the same.

We have a well and septic, so no monthly water costs...someone else will have to fill that in.

Car costs for me are $300 lease payment, $100 insurance and about $100 a month for gas, but Ive been here a while, you insurance as a newcomer could be several thousand a year.

Question for SAHM: how do you do it?

in wit

Do you work a little on the side? Does your husband pull in loads of $ (totally personal and you dont have to answer that if you dont want to)?

Like I've said before my grandma watches my 13 mo old. And we do butt heads sometimes but she does take good care of her. Well I was talking to my mom this morning and she was saying that gma is getting too old and this is probably the last baby she will be watching. I know I want to have at least one more kid. Right now we live with my in laws and plan to move out and rent in a few months. WE can no way survive on one income. So IDK how we would ever have another baby. I dont think I could have a stranger watch my kids especially when they are newborns. I would love to stay home but we just cant afford that
awww Ashley. thats not nice. Just so you know my grandparents are well off and have giving my daughter loads of money so she will have some by the time college comes. Also, If i was able to stay at home or ideally work at home, I would only do it until my kids are old enough to go to school. I love working but I would like more kids and if no one in my fam can watch them, then fam comes first and I would like to do it myslef
LA, mystic_eye~ you guys rock! and give me hope. My husband brings in about $2400-2600 a month. He has been working at this job for a few months now. before that his old compant was cutting hours, he ended up bringing home about $1400-1600 a month. so we have been doing ALOT better recently . we did have to pay for our daughter's first bday party which was expensive (first bdays are a BIG deal in hawaii). we are slowly saving more now.

Answer
People have a misperception that two income families with kids have more money than those that have only one income.

Unless the person that would stay home makes twice the cost of childcare per hour chances are that you are not coming out ahead after you take into account commuting, convenience foods (for home), coffee/snacks at work, dry cleaning, sick time, blah, blah, blah.

I live in Toronto, one of the most expensive cities in North America, I believe we are still in the top 20 on in the world. My husband makes maybe $34,000 in a good year. And we own a house.

Our weekly expenses (mortgage, electric, gas, insurance, internet, tv, phone, etc) are $440 per week. That's not including gas for the car or food. My husband makes between 350-700 per week. Most weeks its only around $500-550. I get about $300 a month in tax benefits.

We have two kids, but we manage. Its tough, I won't lie. Those unexpected expenses (vet bills, car repair, dental) can be a real kick in the crotch and it seems like its always something. And honestly I'm just not that good at sticking to a budget, I hate to deny my kids or husband anything they want. Especially "little" things that are like $1-10 but a few a week can really add up.

If its important to you you will find a way. Honestly we could cut back more, I could get a free internet provider, we could use VOIP or cut back on features on the phone. I could actually stick to a budget *lol*.

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CONTEST! 10 POINTS! CAN U THINK OF MORE JOKES THAN ME?

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What should I buy for the baby before it's born?

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jonnyjewst

So far, a crib is the only definite purchase I am making. Some unisex outfits here and there. She is only 4 months pregnant, should I be buying the drawers playpen, carseat, booster and all that mess now? Or should I wait?

Answer
I would spread the purchases out over the next few months. There's no need to rush out and buy everything at once, plus it can get financially crippling! You really only need a crib and 2 sheet sets, change table which is sometimes good to get the kind that have the drawers down the bottom and the changer on top. The best car seat you can afford, again sometimes its a good idea to get the infant to toddler reversible kind so it lasts longer. And a pram is usually a good idea too! I would wait with the playpen for now and get an electric baby swing instead and there isn't a need for a booster till the baby is much older. Don't forget a baby bath too and if you buy gender orientated outfits just keep the receipts and return the ones you don't need. That way your baby won't just be dressed in yellow and white for the first couple of weeks!


Something I also did when buying baby accessories was to get one thing a week like a packet of nappies,wipes,dummies, bibs or baby bath when I did the grocery shopping. I waited until something was on special then bought it and spread the cost over 6 mths rather than getting all that stuff at once at the end. You don't notice the cost so much then and the baby's room starts to fill up with all those things really quickly which is nice for mum to be!

best of luck and congrats!

Made an offer: Is this house worth losing over $6k?

Me

My wife and I submitted an offer on a home yesterday afternoon following a second showing yesterday morning. It is a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 2-car garage home in a well-to-do community in Hillsborough county New Hampshire, listed for $269k. It is immaculate beyond belief and completely move-in ready: Granite counters, electric cooktop, double convection ovens, hardwood throughout the ground level and a beautiful built-in. It also has central AC and a generator. There are 1,200ish sq ft on the ground level and another 500ish sq ft of finished space in the basement (that cannot legally be a 3rd bedroom) including a finished laundry room and closet and a mostly-finished room that is plumbed to be a future 3/4 bath.

Eight hours after offering full asking price with $8k in concessions, we received a counteroffer stating that the sellers "needed and wanted" to walk away with $267k, meaning we'd need to up our offer by $6k to $275k if we wanted our concession. They also rejected paying for a $385 home warranty plan (no big deal - our agent writes them standard into all her offers).

Even though we're only talking about $6,000 or $35/month, it feels like it would put us in dangerous financial territory in terms of us overpaying and potentially being "stuck" in this house later on. $269k already felt like a stretch but we were willing to do it because it is completely move-in ready. As nice as the house is, though, it is a 2 bedroom house selling for $269k in a neighborhood with 2 other houses having 3 or 4 bedrooms both selling for $279k. The 3 bed house is absolutely out of the question (it's a "flip" and we found evidence of water damage and mold), but the 4 bedroom is in very nice condition, has over 2,000 sq ft and a pool. It would just need heavy decor updates because the lady who owns it is about 50 years older than us.

We also find it fishy that the sellers just happen to need the exact amount on my mortgage pre-approval letter, not to mention the fact that the seller's agent is telling us there were multiple showings yesterday when the sellers left only one "information sheet" on the desk and 4 pairs of shoe booties in the entryway (they're a little OCD, I think). and seemingly left with no diaper bag or anything else for their infant and young toddler when they were likely to be gone at least 4 or hours for these 11am and 1pm showings (we arrived early and they were leaving when we got there). The home has been on the market since June/July and there has been no recent price change.

So with all this said, we have made peace with the likelihood that we will not be buying this house. Before we pass on their counteroffer, though, it would be nice to get some opinions. Is this house worth losing over $6k?
We have only "officially" been in the market for a week but have been monitoring listings for a couple years. During that time a handful of really great houses have come and gone but we weren't in a position to buy. This is not our dream house. Just a nice one that needs little to no work. We were not intending in buying a 2 bedroom.
Thank you very much Equality. Just FYI and everyone else's, we will not be growing our family. We have a teenage daughter (who has her eye on the basement) and that's all we're planning on.

Answer
Lovely as it sounds - 2 bedroom homes are hard sells. Keep that in mind for if and when you decide to sell in the future. You don't say if you plan on having children - but if you do - a 2 bedroom house is going to get "too small" very soon after. And even if you don't have children - 1200 square feet seems a bit small anyway. Any buyer looking that has children looking to buy a house will not consider a 2 bedroom.

As it does sound lovely with all the upgrades - 1200 square feet, 2 bedroom - with children - will become too small for you - if you do have children in the future. As evidenced if - as you say - they are a young couple with an infant and a toddler. 1200 square feet becomes too small for a single person after awhile - Much less all the toys and paraphernalia that children have. And will be too small for any buyers - with children - should you decide to sell in the future.

Also, sellers should have never seen or been told what your pre-approved limit was. Their agent told you what they "needed and wanted". Which should make no difference to you. It's what you guys "need and want" that matters as this is the biggest, most important - and spendy - decision you will ever make.

Did they come back with a counter in writing? Or are you just being told this? Your offer stands if they did not counter in writing. Do not agree to anything verbally. Whether it's them saying it verbally - or you. And if they counter in writing - then you either sign/agree to it or you walk away. That's how it works.

As a former real estate agent and buyer of about 7 houses over the years - I can tell you that you should never spend at the top of the pre-approved amount. That makes one what is called "house poor". Just as you should never max out a credit card. One should not spend all one has to spend. Sure you will own a lovely home - but with all the expenses of owning a home - it gets to be just a lovely burden.

If this is your first home buying experience - my suggestion would be to lower your sights a bit. Don't go for the top of the pre-approved amount. That is an amount that the bank thinks you can afford - based on numbers, ratios and all that - but it's what I call Monopoly money. Looks good on paper but reality will show that it can - and will be - a stretch financially month after month after month. As well as my experience has shown 2 bedrooms can be a liability when one wants to sell in the future. As evidenced by what you said that they have an infant and a toddler. So this house is too small for them already - they are sorry they bought a 2 bedroom and if young - likely need more money to get into something bigger. Most buyers - these days - want an office or a den or a bedroom for each child or a guest room or TV room or whatever... so keep that in mind in your long term plans. One may think they will never sell - apparently this couple thought so. But circumstances change. And possibly yours will too - in 5 or 10 years.

But bottom line - remember - what they "need or want" is no concern of yours. Don't let any emotions like that take over common sense. Spend what you are comfortable with - and I say again - that should not be the top of your credit limit.

Buying a less expensive - easier to sell in the future - and doing your own upgrades - even gradually over time - can be fun and may be best for you right now.

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How does the electric race track toy work?

make kids electric car go faster image

TenMan

You know, you probably got one when you were a kid or your child asked for one (depending on our age). So its a hard plastic race track that you plug into the wall, with normally two grooves in it to place the cars that have little needles coming out the bottom. I have no clue where to place this question, if you have a better idea let me know.

Answer
The cars have little electric motors. The power for the motors comes from the track. On either side of the guide slot in the track are metal strips that carry the electric current. The car has a pin that goes in the slot, but that is just to guide the car. There are a pair of metal tabs or brushes on either side of the pin. These tabs come in contact with the metal strip in the track and pull the power from the track to run the motor. The amount of power going to the track is controlled by a hand-held throttle control. The more power the faster the car will go. If the car loses contact with the metal strips in the track, the motor stops.

All of this power is low voltage DC current so is harmless if you touch the metal track strips.

What are some good foods to bring for a long road trip?

Q. My kids and I are moving permanently to San Diego from Alaska and driving the whole way as non-stop as possible. I just want to know what are some good foods to bring or cook and bring for the move to San Diego because I don't want to spend too much money at restaurants. Do you have any suggestions or recipes? My four kids are all teenagers.

Answer
Your getting great ideas here, let me add one.
We refer to some types of food as JAW food, just add water. And they include everything from instant soups and oatmeal, cous cous, hot drinks, cup 'o' noodles. gather up all your JAW food, usually it doesn't need refridgeration and won't go bad. then invest in one of those super fast teapot water heaters that plug into your car lighter. or you could splurge and get an inverter for your car and then you could run electric applicances off your car battery (yup, like a coffee pot, hot plate and laptop) they aren't too expenisve and being able to use electric applicaes on a long trip can be great!

Some of my other favorites are jiffy pop on a campfire. I carry V8 in cans cause I know I don;t tend to eat enough veggies on a road trip. Drinks like ensure can help a lot and again don;t have to be refidgerated, but you'll want at least one cooler with ice to chill them before you drink. Dry meat, salmon strips and crachers are filling. And although its not 'real' cheese it travels great, velveta. Nuts and trail mix are filling and take up less space then bags of chips. Also scam a supply of little ketchup, mayo, mustard, soy sauce, whatever condimnets you use from restruants before you go, they travel better then the big full jars.

Also for cheap eats, roadside farmers markets and food stall can be great finds. Avoid gas stations, they are over priced and carry junk. And with a little time online you might be able to find fairs and festivals along your way, they would make a nice rest stop and usally have all kinds of interesting, cheaper the restaraunt foods. And in a pinch you can always eat for free on Sundays at any Hari Krishna temple.

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How do I make an electric 4-wheeler faster?

electric cars for kids to drive image

dgreen7550

My kids have battery-driven cars. I've seen a video where some guys rigged theirs to go a LOT faster than what the delivered speed is (around 5 mph). Any hints on how to make this type of machine go faster?

Answer
try putting in a bigger/better motor combo. If you have the money to spare buy them gas powered ones, theyre the best.

How much is Cost of Living Allowance in EdinBurgh, Scotland for a Family with 2 Kids?

andres bon

Hello, I would like to have an idea to assess how much will be the best offer, living decently and at least to have savings in Edinburgh, Scotland. I plan to take my wife and 2 kids with me.
I read that tax will be around 20%.
Can someone please help me lay out as follows? On a monthly basis.
Groceries, school bus, transportation (Bus), Utilities(water,electricity,etc.) , Education ( elementary and pre school), Gasoline, health care, dining out like 2x a month and any other cost I am not aware of in Edinburgh?
I know it is quite detailed, sorry.

Answer
I lived in Edinburgh. But only as a university student so my take on things will be slightly biased.

VAT (value added tax): 20% on most goods and services -- https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates
Groceries: I spent about 30 a week on myself. I do not eat meat or dairy but do eat a lot of fruit and fresh vegetables. So that would be 120 a week for one person.
School Bus: If you are from the states the school bus system is not the same. Kids are expected to make their own way to school by walking, driving, or taking the public bus. The bus each way is 70p for children.
Bus: You can buy one way fair for an adult for 1.50. A day ticket for 3.50. A week's unlimited pass for 17 (13 for uni student and 9 for children). A month's unlimited for 51 (40, 39). A year's for 612 (468,324). more information at: http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/fares-and-tickets
Utilities: I was a student so I did not have to pay for water or council tax. but in a three person flat the gas/electric was about 60 pounds a month total (and their was a set payment. you you obviously used less in the summer and more than that amount in the winter but it evened out in the end).
education: free school and university-> (for those living in scotland for 4+ years). private schooling available. Most public and all private schools wear a uniform.
Gasonline: expensive. 3.65 per litre. use an automatic and only drive when needed as filling your car will probably cost 60 quid. http://www.indianagasprices.com/Edinburgh/index.aspx
health care: free as long as you are a resident. but you can pay for it if you want. www.bupa.co.uk
eating out: I was a student so i obviously ate cheap. But I would say a main at an average restaurant (not a pub meal) would be 15-20 pounds and a fiver for a drink. So one main, one appetizer, one drink each for two people would be about 65 pounds.

check out this website for more information on cost of living. http://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living

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What is the one thing you couldn't live without when your baby was born?

best electric cars for toddlers image

VillageGir

I'd love to hear what one (or more) thing (or things) you parents absolutely loved during your child's newborn weeks and the first year. I'm thinking about my baby list and registry. Thanks!
@Andrew: what exactly do you mean? Like, earplugs for dad? Yeah, um, that's not gonna work in our family. We're taking turns getting the baby.

Answer
My twins nursing pillow. I only use it for them one at a time, but if I was stuck on a desert island with them and could only bring one thing... that would be it.

Although without diapers it would get pretty stinky.

You can't take them home without a car seat of course.

For toys the doorway jumper KILLS SLAUGHTERS DESTROYS and ANNIHALATES all other toys. My guys are 5 months and been rocking out on them for 2 months.

ONLY the Graco is worth getting. I got the Evenflo - SUCKS. Worthless in comparison.

Graco doorway jumper cost $30, but worth $300 for fun.

I have all the stuff, all the toys, everything. For toys, Graco doorway jumper. I feel sorry for babies who don't have them.

I got the slings, I got the baby bjorns, I have the infant swings, bumbos, boppys, activity mat (okay, that one is IMPORTANT), I have 3 strollers, I have lots of bottles, pacifiers etc. gotta go with nursing pillow for feeding and for toys that doorway jumper.

I use prefolds and thirsties cloth diapers to. Much Much cheaper than disposables. For cloth get those, but if not using cloth that's fine to.

I change my guys on a waterproof mat on the floor. It is 1000 times better than a changing table. Because we do naked tummy time, play with them before and after changing... we do tons of floor time, and just change a diaper while we are down there.

I didn't have much help with the cleaning. Would have been great, but everyone who came to help me wanted to give them a bottle instead of helping me clean but I was breastfeeding so had to constantly tell them (my mom mostly) no. *sigh* Yes, help cleaning would have been nice.

Oh wait, an infant scale. I found that reduced my worries when breastfeeding. If you start to doubt your supply etc. you just weigh the baby and make sure they are gaining properly. Well worth the money. Pillow trumps it, but it is still a great thing to have for $30 from amazon.com. It also is a standing toddler scale for when they get bigger. Regular scales don't weight things less than 50 pounds very accurately, and infants not at all!

The best gift I got was my double electric breast pump... and the Kiddopotamus swaddlers! That is a tie actually. No, swaddlers win. Those velcro swaddlers will give you an extra couple hours of sleep or so a night. You want those very very much. Just 1 is fine. Costs about $12.

How do parents feel about spanking the kids?

Whitie

I was raised with parents that spanked I feel some situations call for it but what do you guys think?

Answer
I think it depends entirely on the child and situation.

For instance, if you have a toddler, who really likes to test you, by doing dangerous things like sticking keys in electric outlets, playing with wires, trying to touch the hot stove, running into traffic, etc..spanking can be a good tool.
To a toddler, doing those things is not dangerous, its a fun game to play with mummy. They do not understand the consequence of being electrocuted, or hit by a car. A toddler needs to learn that those things bring pain, and a swift smack to the bottom, will teach them that.
I would rather smack my child's bottom, then have to rush them to the ER or possibly watch them die.

As they get older, spanking become so much less effective. At that stage, you can reason with them. Make them understand there are consequences for being naughty. Take away something special to them, and they will understand why.

If I have a child like myself, spanking will be a useless tool. I was stubbourn and spanking me only made me angry and more likely to do what I shouldn't.

So, as I said. It depends entirely upon the child and situation. Every child is different and the way you punish one, may not work on the other. As a parent, you are constantly learning. lol

I will end this by saying, I do not believe in using spanking as a way to take out frustration with the child, or in anger. I also do not believe in spanking for every thing. If you overuse it, it becomes moot. The punishment should fit the crime and everything is not spank worthy.

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Get my three years old nephew an electric kids car as a Christmas gift?

little kids electric cars image

Vannessa

I'm planning to get my three years old nephew an electric kids car as a Christmas gift. I saw one on Lavadeals.co.uk and I think it's really cool. But I need to know is it safe enough for a kid to drive? Anyone knows?

Answer
I think your nephew will like the kids car because my little brother really likes his. Usually it's safe for kids to drive these cars but there should always be an adult nearby.

Why are people so against being a little more environmentally friendly?

Q. I'm not a hippy, or a full on Environmentalist but I do understand that at our rate we're going to drain this Earth dry. Yeah Oil may last another 100 - 200 years, but that alone is well into our Kid's generation or our grand kids and the fact we're just wasting and polluting this Earth like there are no consequences.

Then when you even mention that people should be a little kinder to this Earth they all automatically go into what I call redneck mode and start screaming about "Find something that works and I'll do it, but until then I'll stick with my 4x4 Chevy with a 383 stroker super charged" and getting mad when cars like Tesla Model S reach car of the year. I believe their new supercharger (Charging station) is solar powered. and that car has gotten 430+ miles on a charge and cost 79,000 dollars. That is not bad for an Electric car that good and as they go on they'll get cheaper and cheaper. That IS a good alternative.

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT one of those people that preach going green. But I do see that in the long run we're going to end up f**king ourselves big time so I am wondering, why are people so against just being a little more conscious about this Earth?
It's funny you say that.

I actually live in the home of Rednecks, where rednecks flourish.

I live a Country life style. Non like you. and sorry, but around here we hate Rednecks that come in and ruin the place.

Answer
redneck mode huh? you pretty much take yourself out any possibility of being taken seriously.... so any dissent to your point of view makes anyone else a redneck? yeah..you are a cliched wannabe hippy liberal.

when you mention how people "should" be doing anything....you are imposing your views.

are you willing to never turn on the ac again? do you really need a pc, ipod, ipad, cellphone etc. how about you stop using toilet paper? do we have to keep killing trees because youre to good to wash and reuse cloth rags?

on and on it goes... why does your particular level of comfort become what other people "should" do?

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