Whether it’s the downturn in the economy or the increasing popularity of DIY television shows, one thing is certain; homeowners are tackling more home projects themselves. A lot of first-timers are learning new skills and using new tools so they can finish projects ranging from simple maintenance and crafts to room renovation.
Most DIYers will begin with the basics — a hammer, screwdriver and measuring tape — and will move onto air-powered tools and electric tools once they feel comfortable. For those looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to get the most from their tool purchases, the first step is to buy an air compressor.
The compressor is the heart of any air-powered system. Air compressors are available in a wide range of sizes and different air delivery capacities. It is important to match the size of the compressor to the types of tools and projects to ensure optimal performance.
While inflating tires, sports balls and air mattresses are the most common tasks performed with a compressor, this piece of equipment can help with so much more. An air compressor is so versatile because it powers a wide array of air tools that operate more quickly and less expensively than traditional power tools. Nailers, blow guns, spray guns, ratchets, impact wrenches and chisels are common air tools. They allow DIYers to more efficiently sharpen mower blades, remove lug nuts to rotate tires, paint furniture, build a deck or fence, install chair rail and crown molding, perform engine repair and more; the possibilities are almost limitless.
Campbell Hausfeld, a manufacturer and marketer of air-powered tools and compressors, has several models available designed for simple applications in the home, garage or workshop. They also offer units for more frequent use such as automotive, lawn equipment and small engine repair.
Air compressors require very little maintenance — users only need to drain the tank after each use to prevent condensation buildup. Discharging the compressed air from the tank is as simple as loosening a valve.
Regardless of the experience level or type of project, homeowners interested in getting more bang for their buck on their next home project should visit www.chpower.com to get started.
Make the Most of Your Next Home Improvement Project
Tips to Keep Packed Food Cold This Summer
For millions of families, the coming summer season means activities — and lots of them. From the beach, to the pool, to games, camping, picnics and backyard barbecues, it’s often a mad dash from one adventure to the next with no break in between. Coolers have become the must-have summer accessory for busy families, helping to keep food and drinks cold as they travel from place to place. And under the current economic conditions, more people are relying on coolers to keep their meal costs down.
Publish a Book to Support Your Cause
It’s common for celebrities who experience tragedy and want to help others to have a book published by a traditional publisher. But now, “everyday people” can do the same thing. The power of publishing has truly gone public.
Thanks to continuing advancements in digital technology and print-on-demand resources, more people who want to make others aware of a worthy cause can have a professionally published book.
Unique Gifts to Celebrate Your Love
 NewsUSA) – Couples who stay together deserve to celebrate their enduring commitment, but anniversary gifts can be difficult to choose. Sure, there are traditional gifts. But what modern couple really wants wool or copper for their seventh anniversary? And what would you do with the silver plates traditionally given on a couple’s 23rd?
Today’s young couples prefer more personalized gifts. For some some unique gift ideas, consider the following list provided by PlaqueMakerPlus.com, maker of customized awards and recognition products: * Make a video showcasing your life together. Contact friends and families for home videos, then edit them together to show your story as a couple, from childhood to wedding to current day. * Give the picture frame a modern spin. Framing a nice photo may seem like a no-brainer, but there are ways to make that idea seem more special. For example, PlaqueMakerPlus.com offers a “Clear Memories” line of heirloom-quality acrylics, which can be etched with a personalized message, such as part of a poem or the anniversary date, as well as an embedded photograph. For an especially enduring gift, consider ordering a laser-engraved photograph plaque. The plaque will last far longer than a photograph in a frame and will become a cherished family mantelpiece and heirloom. At PlaqueMakerPlus.com, you can easily personalize and design your custom gifts online. * Choose gifts that can be used. Gifts that are both functional and decorative are sure to be hits. For example, wooden bookends carved with names and dates will remind you of your anniversary while also neatening your shelves. Wood is a traditional gift for fifth and sixth-year anniversaries. You might also want to consider pen holders or paperweights. * Choose something heartfelt. Not all gifts have to be high-tech or expensive. For example, you could write down 365 things that you love about your partner on individual pieces of paper, then put the notes in a nice vase, so your partner can read a loving message from you every day until you’re next anniversary. |
Disfrute de los Tratamientos de Spa Sin Pagar Altos Precios
 NewsUSA) – A medida que la recesión estira los bolsillos, los pequeños lujos se van cayendo en el olvido. Los estadounidenses están moliendo café en su casa, aprendiendo a cocinar, haciendo lo mejor posible con los jeans de la temporada pasada y dejando atrás los días en el spa.
Pero los estadounidenses no tienen que hacer a un lado las pequeñas auto indulgencias o el alivio de estrés que estas provocan. Muchos de los tratamientos de alto precio que proporcionan los spa pueden ser hechos en casa por una fracción de su precio regular. Por ejemplo, las envolturas corporales. Un elemento básico en la experiencia en un día de spa, estas involucran la exfoliación de la piel, aplicando una mezcla especifica de ingredientes, como hierbas, barro o minerales y luego envolviendo el cuerpo en telas para sellar el calor. Las personas que van al spa pueden optar por envolturas corporales de cuerpo entero o parciales, las que tienen como objetivo ciertas partes del cuerpo. Las dietas saludables y ejercicio, juegan un papel importante en el enfoque holístico del peso y perdida de pulgadas y aunque esta no se la cura total, puede jugar un papel significativo en el proceso. Las envolturas expulsan las toxinas atrapadas entre el cuerpo y las células grasosas desintoxicando el cuerpo. Los beneficios pueden incluir la perdida de pulgadas, la reducción aparente de celulitis, piel más suave y firme y mejora de los contornos del cuerpo así como definición de curvas. Y sin lugar a duda es una alternativa más segura que la cirugía y liposucción. ¿Suena excelente no? Así es – hasta que llega la hora de pagar. Una envoltura de unos 45 minutos en el spa cuesta entre $100 a $150, mientras que una sesión de 60 minutos puede costar unos $250-$300. Pero algunas compañías han creado un estuche para auto envoltura que ofrece los mismos beneficios de un tratamiento en spa sin los altos precios. Por ejemplo, Slimmer Silhouette ofrece un estuche con suficientes mezcla mineral y vendajes reusables para 12 envolturas completas o 24 parciales – a un precio mucho más razonables de $250. Lo que se puede desglosar en $21 por cada banda. El estuche también incluye un DVD de instrucciones, un manual y una grafica de diagrama de cuerpo, cinta métrica y botella de hidratación. La mezcla mineral proporcionada contiene ingredientes naturales que promueven la sanación. El uso de las tiras también tiene como resultado la perdida de pulgadas, y no de la deshidratación, pero por medio de la perdida de impurezas. “No podía creer que tan rápido y fácil fue utilizarlo en mi propia casa,” escribe un cliente, Brittany, de British Columbia, Canadá. “También me sentí completamente refrescada y rejuvenecida el día siguiente.” Agrega que perdió 12 pulgada la primera vez que utilizo las tiras. Para aquellos que tienen un presupuesto un poco ajustado, puede que quieran ordenar las tiras con un amigo. De hecho, las fiestas de vendaje se están volviendo muy populares entre las amigas y prueban ser relajantes, adelgazantes y una alternativa barata para un spa de todos los días. Para mayor información, visite www.slimmersilhouette.com. |
Learn How to Set a Goal
 NewsUSA) – To paraphrase Mark Twain, “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.” Setting a goal, whether it be to lose weight, earn a promotion or spend more time with your family, is easy — it’s carrying through that proves problematic.
And yet, the world’s most successful people are intensely goal-orientated. They know what they want, and they focus on achieving it every day. So what’s the difference between a top executive and everybody else? “The fact is that successful people fail far more than unsuccessful people,” says Brian Tracy, a top management consultant, in a recent Q&A with SUCCESS Magazine. “Successful people try more things, fall down, pick themselves up and try again — over and over before they finally win.” So how can you learn to quit giving up on your goals? SUCCESS Magazine offers the following tips for more successful goal-setting: - Write down a list of goals. Cynthia Kersey, author of “Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You,” suggests focusing on how you want to be remembered. “List the qualities, deeds and characteristics for which you would like to be remembered by your friends, spouse, children, co-workers, the community and even the world.” - Set out a plan to accomplish your goals. Tracy suggests listing what little steps will take you to your goal, then organizing them by priority and sequence. Figure out how much time and money you will need to accomplish your goals, and revisit and revise your plan accordingly. - Manage your mindset. Keep your focus by surrounding yourself with people who will help you accomplish your goals. Arrange your workspace and home so you’ll be reminded of your commitments. “When you form the habit of starting your productivity earlier in the day, associating with more positive people, managing the news and information you feed your mind, controlling the language you use — especially the ways in which you describe yourself — you will find it easier to succeed,” says Jim Cathcart, professional speaker and founder of the Cathcart Institute Inc. “Become the person who would achieve your goals and who would deserve them.” For more information, visit www.SUCCESS.com. |
Learn to Think Without Limitations
 NewsUSA) – “If you’ve ever been around someone with a no-limitation mentality, you are sure to remember them,” says Paul J. Meyer, author of “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks.” “They don’t know the word ‘can’t.’ It’s not in their vocabulary. They simply expect things to work out in the best way possible.”
Meyer emphasizes that adopting a no-limitation mentality can help you succeed in life and work. You attract what you think about. Negative thoughts bring hardships, while positive thoughts open doors. “Positive thoughts are the basis for success attitudes and success habits, both leading to positive expectancy in everything we do,” says Meyer. How can you adopt positive expectancy and a no-limitations mindset? Meyer suggests the following: - Wake up every day trying to find solutions. Always assume the problems can be solved, then figure out how to get the job done. - Concentrate on your strengths. Capitalize on what you can do, rather than your weaknesses. For example, if you struggle to speak to large groups, but are personable one-to-one, arrange private meetings rather than group presentations. - Begin to see new potential and possibilities. Don’t restrict yourself to methods just because that’s the way “things have always been done.” Think creatively. Push the limits. - Make plans.Working with a goal in mind can help you stay focused. Write detailed plans, outlining how you think your goals will be accomplished. “Success is not some random event or accident,” says Meyer. “Success is the progressive realization of worthwhile, predetermined, personal goals.” - Be willing to become a leader. You can’t realize your vision unless you take some responsibility for its accomplishment — and that means guiding others towards a common goal. For more tips from Paul Meyer, read his book “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks” or visit www.pauljmeyer.com. |
Jazz Up Your Gifts On a Dime
 NewsUSA) – Half the gift is in the packaging. Few things do more to set the atmosphere than shiny, bow-wrapped presents spilling from beneath a sparkling tree. But tight budgets leave little room for professional gift-wrapping, and not all of us can wrap gifts like Martha Stewart.
Luckily, it doesn’t take a fine arts degree to produce packages that win oohs and aahs. - Plan Ahead. Stock up on gift wrap and other accessories. Check out discount stores, such as Dollar General, for everyday value on wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows and gift bags. Always be on the lookout for sales on these items. Post-holiday sales provide great opportunities to stock up on wrapping essentials. Pick neutral colors, and you’ll be ready for birthdays and other events as well as the winter holidays. - Get Crafty. Make your own gift wrap from old newspapers or brown wrapping paper, and dress the gift up with colorful ribbon and bows. - Gift Baskets. Gift baskets or care packages allow you to put an extra special touch on your gift. Ideas for creative gift packages include candy, food, free samples you’ve collected throughout the year or a gift card assortment for favorite restaurants or shops. Arrange your items in a basket, bowl or another type of container, and adorn with ribbon, ornaments or candy to create a festive gift. - Scrapbooking. Use your knack for scrapbooking to wrap a gift, or give a scrapbook as a gift. Easily adorn a photo with scrapbooking photo corners, and paste the picture onto the package. This will create a personalized gift the recipient will always treasure. - Theme Gifts. Create a theme for your gift. For example, give a movie lover a popcorn bucket filled with a bag of microwavable popcorn, a DVD and some candy for an easy gift under $20. Or, for the baker in the family, fill a mixing bowl with a bag of brownie mix, a can of frosting and a spatula, and you have a delicious gift for under $10. |
Answering an Enduring Call, Americas Toughest and Brightest Become Americas Few
 NewsUSA) – In cities and towns across America, from major metro areas to small farming communities, young men and women are heeding their nation’s call to service and challenging themselves to see if they have what it takes to become a United States Marine. Marine Corps recruiting has recently experienced an increase in “walk-in” office traffic, as well as online requests for more information about opportunities in the Marine Corps and increased interest in their officer programs.
The increase is in response to a 2007 President-approved recommendation by the Secretary of Defense for a permanent increase to the end strength of the U.S. Marine Corps from 175,000 to 202,000 over the next five years. Currently, the Corps is set to reach this goal in fiscal year 2009, two years ahead of schedule. This outcome is a combination of recruiting efforts, high retention and re-enlistment among Marines, and low attrition among first-term enlistments. So, what does it take to become a Marine? Answering the call to serve is just the beginning. All who respond must prove themselves in the most demanding 12 weeks of their lives. Marine Corps recruit training is an unwavering, relentless and uncompromising process of transformation. The process instills in all recruits the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Collectively, it is an epic test of mind, body and character. “There is only one reason to put yourself through the toughest 12 weeks of your life — and that is to become a United States Marine,” said Lieutenant Corporal Oscar Franquez, Jr., of Canyon Country, Calif., one of three Marines featured in an advertisement in support of recent recruiting efforts. “Becoming a Marine has allowed me to defend my country and become part of a centuries old tradition of service and sacrifice.” The call to become a Marine is answered by the best and the brightest of each generation. This has been the case since 1775, when the Second Continental Congress requested that the first Marine battalions be formed. For generations, the Marine Corps has taken young Americans who have answered the call and forged them into Marines through a time-tested crucible known as recruit training. “By earning the title, Marines take their place in a 233-year old brotherhood of smart, tough, elite warriors who are ready to win our nation’s battles and serve their communities as quality citizens,” said Major General Robert E. Milstead, Jr., Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. The Corps’ rigorous training process is featured in America’s Few, a new advertising campaign launched September 19 by the Marine Corps. America’s Few demonstrates what it really takes for young men and women to earn the title of Marine and take their place in the impenetrable line of warriors stretching back 233 years. The ads can be viewed at Marines.com. |
Hone Your Ability to Bounce Back
 NewsUSA) – Maybe you’ve lost your job or your home. Maybe you’re struggling to get by. But tough times are what you make of them — you can’t allow any setback, big or small, to keep you from trying again.
In his new book, “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks,” businessman and author Paul J. Meyer stresses that Americans need to cultivate negative capability, or “the ability to bounce back from failure, to overcome obstacles and to take calculated risks.” People with negative capability do not allow bad times to get them down. They face every day as a new opportunity to succeed. Sure, it might be easier said than done, but developing negative capability is hardly impossible. Meyer offers the following advice to Americans looking to bounce back from current hardships: - Learn to expect obstacles. While many people repeat stories about entrepreneurs who find instant success, most endeavors require persistence. You are going to face objections, hang-ups and last-minute disasters — they are parts of life. Know to expect them. - Don’t give up. Even if you acknowledge that you’re going to face some sort of obstacle, that doesn’t mean you can anticipate every possible bad outcome. Unexpected obstacles can put a hitch in your plans — but you can’t ever give up on your goal. “Unfortunately, when many people encounter strong unanticipated obstacles, they become frustrated and overwhelmed, begin to question the validity of their goals and often decide to quit,” says Meyer. “They just needed to dig a little and remain persistent. The fact is, 90 percent of all failure comes from quitting.” - Learn to see obstacles as opportunities. You know to expect obstacles, so learn to see them as normal. Don’t allow negative emotions to dictate your reactions. Instead, learn to see hindrances as opportunities to learn the lessons that will take you to the next level. Rocks in the road aren’t impossible barriers, but hurdles that you, with a little creativity, can learn to leap over. As Meyer says,”When you cease to view obstacles as threatening or even inconvenient, you become unstoppable.” For more information about Paul J. Meyer or his new book, “Pink Slip Proof: How to Control All Future Paychecks,” visit www.pauljmeyer.com. |
