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Matthew C. Keegan Profile and Articles
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51). Welcome to Cyber Monday!
Well, I learned something new this past weekend. Specifically, the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest days for online retailers. Dubbed “Cyber Monday” by some, online merchants track one of the largest one day spikes in sales on this particular day much like “brick and mortar” purveyors experience with “Black Friday” the day that follows Thanksgiving.
52). Buick’s Fabulous Five
The Buick Motor Division of the General Motors Corporation is in transition, much like the rest of the venerable auto company. Old models have been canceled, new models added, and the current line up is radically different from just three years earlier. Now down to five models, the remaining vehicles in the Buick line up are all winners. Let’s take a look at each model and what they have to offer to you, the consumer.
53). Cargo Liner Essentials and Information
The proliferation of available pick up trucks on the market has yielded quite a few useful aftermarket accessories to enhance the ownership experience. Trucks from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are all being marketed to businesses as well as to individuals who prize the versality of these types of vehicles. If you own a pick up truck, more than likely you extensively use the cargo bed as you transport wood, gravel, home supplies, or other heavy duty items.
54). 4 Smart [and Free] Programs For Your Computer
One of the fun parts of owning a computer is, of course, access to the internet. The worldwide web is chock full of useful information, readily available at your fingertips! It is also home to potentially lethal viruses, many of which can wreak havoc on your system within moments. The following four programs can help you avoid trouble; best of all they are absolutely free.
55). Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Calculator
Calculators have shrunk in size and increased in price as consumers have sought out devices that do much more than simple arithmetic. Texas Instruments has their TI-83 Plus model which helps students with their Physics, Biology, Algebra, and Pre-Calculus classes. We'll examine why this model is so popular with today's classroom students.
Back in the 1970s, the slide rule gave way to calculators in many classrooms across the nation.
56). Flight Safety: Ensuring That Your Next Flight is a Safe One
If you have ever flown you likely are aware of several government organizations dedicated to the oversight of the aviation industry. Alphabet soup sounding names such as the FAA, DOT, and NSTB are often mentioned, but each organization has a distinct role in ensuring passenger safety. Let’s take a look at three federal agencies tasked with ensuring that your next flight is a safe one.
57). Teaching Student Drivers: 9 Tips To Keep Everyone Safe And Sane
I have had the experience of teaching several people how to drive. Some were youngsters, but I have also taught a few adults how to drive too. Let’s just say that I am more than glad to have “retired” from this practice as teaching someone how to drive can be taxing mentally as well as physically. Still, not everyone has the funds to go to driving school or an available friend to help out.
58). Resume Updating Time
Do you feel as if you are in a R.U.T.? No, I don't mean that you are stuck in a ditch somewhere, rather is it Resume Updating Time?
If you haven't updated your resume once over the past year, now is a good time to take a fresh look at your copy. Beginning with the header, is all of your information correct? How many times have I seen an old cell number or former email address listed? Plenty! You want someone to contact you, don't you? Make sure your contact information is up to date.
59). West Nile Virus Remains A Persistent Threat
West Nile Virus, the disease transported by infected mosquitos, continues to remain a threat to the American populace. Already this year, California has recorded over 200 cases resulting in the deaths of five of her residents. With August and September being peak months for this ailment, people across the country are being encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
60). 25 Fat, Juicy Keywords
With the holiday season fast approaching and the all important new year sales blitz just around the corner, webmasters are preparing to cash in like never before to capture the greater part of the pay per click revenue spoils. AdSense has some new competition in Chitika and Yahoo’s Publishing Network is really taking off. The following 25 keywords I have identified as giving exceptionally larger than life payouts; adjust your site accordingly to pull in the greatest amount of cash over the next few months.
61). 3 Free Credit Reports For You
If you were to tell someone that they can have a certain item for free, more than likely their response would be, “what’s the catch?” In the case of credit reports there is no catch, you can now get a free copy of this report through the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnions, and Experian. Let’s take a look at the law and how you can benefit from it.
62). Volkswagen Parts: Getting the Real Deal
The growth of the counterfeits parts industry is causing problems for motorists, suppliers, manufacturers, and governments from around the world. Just how bad is the problem? For starters, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit car parts is a multi billion dollar per year business. Car owners from the Kia to the Camaro and from the Geo to the Golf, and every make and model in between are all susceptible to getting hooked with fake parts.
63). Is America Ready For A Tiny BMW?
I wrote previously about Mercedes’ foray into the small car market. As strange as that may seem to many Americans, both Mercedes and BMW have long produced smaller and less costly models for the European market. Now, it appears that BMW is considering doing the same: introducing to the North American market a truly compact car, smaller than any BMW that has ever graced our highways and back streets.
64). Rewards Cards: Redeem Your Points!
I wrote previously urging anyone who still has a credit card that does not give them a “reward” for using that card to convert to a rewards card or switch to a credit card provider that has a rewards program. The reason? If you are going to use a credit card you might as well get something out of the experience. Of course, a rewards card makes no sense for the person who doesn’t pay off their card every month as the interest on the card will likely offset any points accumulated.
65). Diesel Engines: Tap the Advantage!
If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy.
66). Ford Super Chips: Are They Worth It?
Your Ford Mustang is a true pony car. A coupe with class and no other car on the road is like it. Heck, GM abandoned the Camaro and Firebird while Mustang sales continue to surge. Could it be that Mustang owners know a good thing when they drive it? You bet! Still, maybe you have considered ways to ratchet up the performance. Even with a V8 installed, perhaps you could squeeze out more power from an already potent engine? If that is the case for you a superchip may be right.
67). The Rise Of The Dollar Stores
Sheryl Huenster is a self proclaimed dollar store junkie. The Clifton mother of four makes the trek to various fixed price stores within a ten mile radius of her white clapboard home two or three times per week.
“I’m an addict. I admit it. I can’t go more than a week without visiting the stores, unless I’m on vacation. You better believe that when I go to the Jersey Shore I know where the all the stores are in the Toms River area,” she laughed.
68). GM Death Watch: It Ain’t Gonna Happen!
I have been enjoying reading the news these past few days, perhaps in a perverse sort of way. Pundits and prognosticators are all forecasting the pending doom of the world’s largest automaker as if the approaching layoffs and restructuring are signaling the venerable automaker’s end. Certainly, GM has some problems – big ones – but the company isn’t likely to go away or even file for bankruptcy.
69). Sound Wealth Building Tactics
Have you noticed that everyone wants to be rich, but few people seem to want to build wealth the old fashioned way: step by step? If you have tried the “lottery method” and it hasn’t worked out, read on for some tips on how you can build wealth for a better future.
Save Sooner, Rather Than Later. Attention, procrastinators: listen up! One thing you don’t want to put off is saving for the future.
70). DaimlerChrysler: Merger or Acquisition?
In 1998 Daimler-Benz and the Chrysler Corporation tied the knot. The newly created DaimlerChrysler [DCX] conglomerate was touted in the business world as a merger of equals with both companies retaining their unique and distinct identities. Soon after the merger the honeymoon period abruptly ended and the rancor began. Diametrically opposite management and cultural differences contributed to deep divisions which nearly scuttled the new relationship.
71). Knock Sensor Failure: Now What?
Bella Miller skillfully navigated her BMW 735i onto the expressway, dodging a semi that was quickly barreling down on her. Darting over to the left lane she eased up on the accelerator just enough to give herself a little bit of extra room between her car and the Blazer she was now following. Traffic was fairly heavy at this hour of the afternoon, but one kilometer down the road Bella would be able to take the left fork and follow the outer beltway for seven kilometers.
72). Additional Start Up Airlines Are Looming
Several months ago, in a related article, I made mention of two start up air carriers for the US market. Since then, both EOS Airlines and Maxjet Airways have taken flight and are successfully serving their passengers and making plans for future expansion. Beyond these two carriers, additional carriers are waiting to take their first flights. Let's take a look at some leading contenders.
73). Why not a cold air intake?
Squeezing more power out of your engine is not as difficult or as expensive a task as you might think. Performance chips, performance exhausts, and sport air filters are all easy to install parts that can help your car achieve greater horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel economy. In addition, a cold air intake can go a long way toward helping your engine perform better without costing you a mint to install.
74). Edit or Rewrite: Either Way it is Work for You!
As a freelance writer, some of my least favorite projects are those where the client wants me to rewrite an existing article. I have since learned that this type of statement, “It’ll only involve a little editing,” usually really means, “You’ll have to rewrite the entire article in order for it to make sense.” My advice to you, the freelancer, is try to determine in advance just how much “editing” you will have to do, otherwise be prepared to initiate a time consuming rewrite that won’t pay for itself.
75). Traveling Abroad: Heeding U.S. Travel Warnings
Traveling abroad presents certain risks for Americans, especially in light of the recent bombings in London, England. For the most part, terrorists are the problem, although drug, gang, and criminal activities can also be a factor. In addition, local health conditions can be a separate problem. Thankfully, the U.S. State Department regularly issues and updates Consular Information Sheets for every country in the world.
76). Wonderful Wildwood, New Jersey
The Jersey Shore boasts some of the most crowded vacation destinations going. However, one popular resort, The Wildwoods, is truly a happening place and well worth the trip despite the crowds.
Much of this venerable beach community took off in the 1950s with the opening up of the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway. Many of the hotels still gracing the area still reflect that fifties look: tail fins, big hair, Elvis, and more.
77). The Source, Of Course
Writing “net friendly” articles does not mean we can automatically leave out any mention of our sources. There is a tendency for many writers to simply write their material and not cite their sources, particularly when it is obvious that a source has been quoted somewhere within the body of the article.
Generally, what I do when it comes time to mentioning sources for an internet article, I attempt to first find that information on the internet and, if it is there, I simply provide anchor links in my article back to that source.
78). GM: Solutions For Effective Change
I, like so many people who have been following General Motors’ fortunes for some time, am wondering what the company’s long term plan of action is in the face of historic losses, plant closings, and unrelenting and widening competition. No, I am not talking about GM’s global operations, rather I am talking about the North American fortunes of the world’s largest automaker.
79). A Non-Routine Day
As Miriam rushed through the hangar door and whisked herself over to the operations desk she requested from the equally busy coordinator the flight itinerary/report for her trip that afternoon. She glanced at the paperwork and paused to reflect on what was ahead of her for the day and then indulged herself to look back on the events of the day earlier.
80). Corporate Flight Attendant Job Hunting Tips
I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic to write about. In fact, my knowledge of how one finds work as a private flight attendant is based chiefly on what others have shared with me. You can find some useful tips within the many threads written on the Corporate Flight Attendant Community forum, but to save you from culling through hundreds of threads I will highlight various standout points and include others that have been shared with me over the past several years by industry insiders:
Cold calling.
81). You Can Examine Your Brakes
Regular brake inspections are an essential part of good automotive maintenance that can save you money and keep your car from wrapping itself around the first tree out of your driveway. Make sure that your brakes and rotors are receiving the proper maintenance by following the steps outlined. Your safety as well as that of your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers is at stake.
82). Keep Your Truck Bed Clean
It was bound to happen. You lend your truck to a “friend” who says they have a couple of pieces of furniture to move and it comes back to you with scratches in the bed area of your truck. It wouldn’t have been so bad had they apologized, but now you have to deal with unsightly scratches that can only make your truck’s value deteriorate quicker. Had you thought about it, you would have stuck a bed liner in your truck ahead of time to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
83). Hurricane Katrina Recovery: The Price of Rebuilding
President Bush and a number of other politicians are pushing for a huge rebuilding campaign for the devastated gulf coast region. Bottom figure estimates have the rebuilding costs pegged at 200 billion dollars while some have said that when it is all said and done the project will exceed one trillion dollars. Certainly, this will be the most massive renewal project ever undertaken in the history of the world.
84). Mercedes E-Class: Harnessing The Wow Factor
Mercedes is about to release its all new E-Class to the European market this spring, with its North American debut scheduled for some time in the fall. Fresh on the heels of its successful launch of the all new S-Class, Mercedes is pinning much on these two lines to help turn their fortunes around. Indeed, Mercedes has found itself in the uncomfortable position of being in BMW’s rear view mirror, something that DaimlerChrysler is working hard on reversing by way of releasing new models.
85). Easy Ways to Save on Car Expenses
For some drivers, their cars have become money pits. Higher fuel prices have been the monkey wrench that has spoiled many a motorists driving experience. No longer can any of us count on cheap fuel, high gasoline prices are here to stay. However, you can save money on your overall car expenses and restore your driving pleasure quickly. Here are some tips to guide you along the way:
Regular Gas v.
86). Windex and Food: Imperfect Together!
As tempting as it may be to use, Windex or any similar type product can be a hazard to use in the vicinity of food products, particularly cutting boards. If you do not have the proper sanitizer available, a certain “secret” common household item will suffice. Please read on to find out how you can keep your guests safe!
Our web community for business flight attendants can be frequently found discussing proper food handling and food safety tips.
87). The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
It has taken me decades – literally – to finally pick up another C.S. Lewis book and read it. In high school I read Lewis’ book, “That Hideous Strength” and completely missed Lewis’ message. One decade later I read Lewis’ “Mere Christianity” and fully understood what Lewis was saying. With The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, part of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, the gospel message is clearly made evident in an allegorical/mystical style.
88). 7 Tips To Help You Select Your Custom Car Cover
You lovingly wash and wax your vehicle on most sunny weekends, spending time detailing every single blotch, nick, scrape, or other damaging mark on your car's exterior. Part of the deal with owning any vehicle is making certain that it looks its best week in and week out. Still, you may not be doing all that you can to protect the finish. Other enemies including bird excrement, acid rain, and even harmful UV rays can thwart the best efforts of even the most diligent car owner.
89). 2010 Dodge Challenger: Back to the Future!
Blogs, car sites, and auto shows have been hyping up the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where you would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of a DCX assembly line. To say that the prototype is being well received is an understatement -- quite frankly if the Challenger was available for sale today the waiting list would be many months long.
90). New Year’s Writing Resolutions: Steps to Success!
Don’t you just love it when people make resolutions for the new year? How many people that you know give up on a resolution once they break it? Really, whoever said that if you fail [or fall] once that you must quit altogether? Well, the good news for article writers is that the measure of your success is not weighed by one article or even by article writing itself.
91). 2009 Buick Enclave: From Concept to Reality
General Motors has been taking a beating for over a year now due to sales dips, make/model image problems, and labor and legacy issues. Truly, if there was a better time to jumpstart the company, I don’t know what it would be. Fortunately, someone in GM’s walnut-trimmed boardroom is getting the message: build what we want and we will buy it. The Buick Enclave, a luxury SUV making the rounds of the U.
92). 2006 Jaguar X Type: Luxury for the Commoner
Prices for top selling luxury cars can easily top $50,000 when taxes, destination charges, and dealer prep fees are factored in. Generally, this isn’t a problem as the customer who purchases a vehicle of this renown can afford the big price tag. However, automakers have learned that there is a market for “entry level” luxury cars for up and coming buyers who want the name without paying the steep price.
93). Guide To Good Writing
Every writer has a favorite book or author to help them in their quest to be a better writer. For myself, it is Mitchell Ivers' Random House Guide to Good Writing which has inspired me to write and write well.
Ivers' book identifies what is good writing, voice and tone of the writing, structure and plot, grammar, and more. What I like about the book is that Ivers writes in a style that is easy to follow and not overflowing with verbosity: Ivers goes straight to the point when giving examples.
94). Should You, VoIP?
My friend in Florida, Samuel, called me last week and immediately I noticed a difference in the sound quality compared to our usual conversations. At first, I dismissed it, thinking he was calling me from his cell phone. Five minutes into the conversation when the call suddenly dropped off I "knew" for sure he was calling on his cell. Until he called me back from his cell that is.
95). Air Deflectors For Your Vehicle
Placing a new air deflector on your car is a wise decision. Bugs, road debris, and rocks can all macerate your hood or even break your windshield. Within moments your trip upstate has come to a screeching halt because of what was tossed up in the air by the vehicle in front of you while you were cruising down the highway. An air deflector might have sent that stone harmlessly to the side or up and over the roof of your car.
96). Jet Chips and Your Car
One of several questions car enthusiasts ask about jet chips and other performance chips is whether they are legal in all states, provinces, etc. Well, I can’t answer that question for the rest of the world, but in the U.S. jet chips are legal even in California, home of some of the strictest automotive emission regulations in the world. As the saying goes, “As goes California, so goes the rest of the country,” or some variation on that theme! There is much more to jet chips than the name implies.
97). Black Friday Is Coming!
A day is soon coming that some folks are looking at with dread, for others in eager anticipation, while the rest of us are scratching our heads not knowing what to make of it. So, what am I talking about? Why, Black Friday, the day immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the US.
So, why so black and why on a Friday? Traditionally, the day after.
98). Low Interest Credit Cards: A Thing of the Past?
With interest rates rising, low or zero percent credit cards may soon become a thing of the past. However, the wise shopper can still secure a low rate by carefully shopping around. Here are some ways you still get a bargain rate card:
Contact Your Current Provider. Chances are the interest rate with your current credit card provider has been inching up for the better part of the past year.
99). Securing A North Carolina Farm Loan
If you live in the state of North Carolina, you know that farming plays a valuable role in the North Carolina economy. With nearly 9 million residents, the state has farms producing a wide variety of products. Indeed, North Carolina is a leader in the production of tobacco, sweet potatoes, and turkeys and the state is second in hogs and Christmas trees.
100). Grier's Almanac: 200 Years of Service
One of my favorite "reads" are almanacs. From the formerly named Information Please almanac to the Old Farmer's Almanac, these handy paperback books contain a wealth of information on virtually any subject, particularly the more generalized tomes such as Information Please.
In November 2005, I visited my locally owned drugstore and found that they had free copies of Grier's Almanac available for customers.
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