Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Free Starbucks Coupon
It is easy - all you need is a "loaded" Starbucks Gift Card. If you already have one with a balance on it you are set - if you don't - simply purchase a $5.00 gift card that you can use at any time.... then visit the Starbucks website at www.starbucks.com - register your card with the gift card number and pin - create a profile and you will recieve a coupon for a FREE hot or cold Starbucks drink of your choice. I received my coupon in less than 2 weeks! WOW - Free is always GOOD! I think this offer is only good until July 14th - so GET IT NOW!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How often do you change your oil?
I have been a long time user of this theory - since I don't change my oil until 8,000 - 10,000 miles on my vehicles - but this article made me feel better about doing just that - AND it saves my money along with the environment!!!
It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions.
Greatly improved oils, including synthetic oils, coupled with better engines mean longer spans between oil changes without harming an engine. The 3000 mile interval is a carryover from days when engines used single-grade, non-detergent oils.
For several years, automakers like General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have installed computerized systems that alert drivers via an instrument panel light when it’s time to change oil. As an example, the General Motor Oil Life System (GMOLS) analyzes the engine temperature, rpms, vehicle speeds, and other driving conditions to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation. Then, software calculates when the oil needs to be changed. Other systems work similarly.
Because of the many external conditions and parameters that have to be taken into account, calculating the precise maximum service interval using mathematical models alone is difficult. Now, Daimler AG has developed a more direct and precise way to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle.
Daimler uses a special sensor integrated into the oil circuit to monitor engine oil directly. Oil doesn’t wear out, but rather dirt and impurities cause oil to lose its ability to lubricate properly, dictating the need for a change. Daimler uses the oil’s “permittivity,” that is, the ability to polarize in response to the electric field. If the engine oil is contaminated by water or soot particles, it polarizes to a greater extent and its permittivity increases.
To evaluate the quality of the oil, permittivity is measured by applying an AC potential between the interior and exterior pipes of an oil-filled sensor to determine how well the oil transmits the applied electric field.
Because not all impurities can be measured with sufficient precision via the electric field method, Daimler also measures the oil’s viscosity to detect any fuel that may have seeped into the oil. Daimler researchers measure viscosity while the vehicle is in motion by observing the oil's side-to-side motion in the oil sump. The slower the oil moves, the higher its viscosity. This movement is registered by a sensor and the viscosity is calculated on this basis.
A single sensor, along with the information already monitored by on-board computers, is sufficient to determine the various parameters of the engine oil. Daimler will likely use the technology first on its commercial vehicles. Here, large oil reservoirs mean larger quantities of oil can be saved. Plus, a predicted 25 percent increase between service intervals and reduced downtime will be of interest to fleets, and thus justify the added cost of installation.
I took this article from Yahoo.com - read on
It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions.
Greatly improved oils, including synthetic oils, coupled with better engines mean longer spans between oil changes without harming an engine. The 3000 mile interval is a carryover from days when engines used single-grade, non-detergent oils.
For several years, automakers like General Motors, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have installed computerized systems that alert drivers via an instrument panel light when it’s time to change oil. As an example, the General Motor Oil Life System (GMOLS) analyzes the engine temperature, rpms, vehicle speeds, and other driving conditions to calculate the rate of engine oil degradation. Then, software calculates when the oil needs to be changed. Other systems work similarly.
Because of the many external conditions and parameters that have to be taken into account, calculating the precise maximum service interval using mathematical models alone is difficult. Now, Daimler AG has developed a more direct and precise way to monitor oil quality directly on board a vehicle.
Daimler uses a special sensor integrated into the oil circuit to monitor engine oil directly. Oil doesn’t wear out, but rather dirt and impurities cause oil to lose its ability to lubricate properly, dictating the need for a change. Daimler uses the oil’s “permittivity,” that is, the ability to polarize in response to the electric field. If the engine oil is contaminated by water or soot particles, it polarizes to a greater extent and its permittivity increases.
To evaluate the quality of the oil, permittivity is measured by applying an AC potential between the interior and exterior pipes of an oil-filled sensor to determine how well the oil transmits the applied electric field.
Because not all impurities can be measured with sufficient precision via the electric field method, Daimler also measures the oil’s viscosity to detect any fuel that may have seeped into the oil. Daimler researchers measure viscosity while the vehicle is in motion by observing the oil's side-to-side motion in the oil sump. The slower the oil moves, the higher its viscosity. This movement is registered by a sensor and the viscosity is calculated on this basis.
A single sensor, along with the information already monitored by on-board computers, is sufficient to determine the various parameters of the engine oil. Daimler will likely use the technology first on its commercial vehicles. Here, large oil reservoirs mean larger quantities of oil can be saved. Plus, a predicted 25 percent increase between service intervals and reduced downtime will be of interest to fleets, and thus justify the added cost of installation.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Free room for a night w/ Couch Surfing
OK, now this would not be "ME" but I thought it would be worthy of telling you guys about! I read about this in the Birmingham News Today - as they were talking abour folks who were coming to town for the City Stages Weekend Concerts - and staying with strangers - on their couch - for FREE!
The website is www.couchsurfing.com and here is part of the article from AL.com
"Tim Leong, 25, wouldn't dream of reserving a hotel room while visiting Birmingham from Wisconsin. He'd rather sleep on a stranger's couch.
Leong is one of more than 575,000 registered CouchSurfing members of www.CouchSurfing.com. There, people from all regions of the world can chat, view profiles and arrange trips based on who's couch is available for a night.
Wanting to volunteer for the weekend's music festival City Stages, Leong needed a place to stay in the Birmingham area. Via the CouchSurfing Web site, Leong met Jon Paolone of Hoover and asked if his couch was available for a two-night stay, to which Paolone replied "yes."
go to www.al.com and search couchsurfing for the entire story! This is too cool - for those who are single I guess?
The website is www.couchsurfing.com and here is part of the article from AL.com
"Tim Leong, 25, wouldn't dream of reserving a hotel room while visiting Birmingham from Wisconsin. He'd rather sleep on a stranger's couch.
Leong is one of more than 575,000 registered CouchSurfing members of www.CouchSurfing.com. There, people from all regions of the world can chat, view profiles and arrange trips based on who's couch is available for a night.
Wanting to volunteer for the weekend's music festival City Stages, Leong needed a place to stay in the Birmingham area. Via the CouchSurfing Web site, Leong met Jon Paolone of Hoover and asked if his couch was available for a two-night stay, to which Paolone replied "yes."
go to www.al.com and search couchsurfing for the entire story! This is too cool - for those who are single I guess?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Save on Groceries
I wanted to bring this post back up to the TOP - I think it is more important now that gas has jumped so much since this first post!
ALDI - my favorite grocery store! go to www.aldi.com to find the closest one to you! They sell cheaper than anyone else! I have copied my first post and pasted below... Check it out!
Do you price shop at the grocery store - or coupon shop? I have found the greatest savings without the coupons and without price shopping! Have you heard of ALDI? It is a grocery store that has discounted / warehouse type prices. They do not accept any coupons, they do not accept mc/visa/discover - but only accept debit cards or cash. You have to pay a quarter for a buggy - but get that back when you put your buggy back and they do not sack your groceries - you have to bring your own bags.. so now you are wondering why you should visit this "do it yourself" store...... THE PRICES ARE AWESOME! They do carry mostly their own brands - which are double price guaranteed - if you don't like them - they will refund your money - no questions asked! I have been told (even at checkout by an unassuming gentleman) that their own store brands are JUST as good if not BETTER than most brand name foods that you have previously used (even the ketchup)! So now you are wondering if the prices can be that good? I paid 44 cents /pound for granny smith apples (Publix charges $1.99/pound) - they looked and tasted the same. I paid .38 cents a can for canned vegetables and .99 cents for a big bag of pretzels, tortilla chips and Doritos chips!Milk is only 1.99 for a gallon - you can't find that price anywhere these days!that is just a portion of the savings I found.....their website shows 3 stores in the Birmingham Area - I visited Homewood (near Mazers on Greensprings hwy) - there is also one in Trussville and Bessemer. For me - this was definitely worth the drive - feeding 3 kids plus neighbors really puts a dent in my food bills! Check it out and let me know what you think - share your favorite bargains!
A little birdy told me that there was one being built in Pelham - for those of you in the Birmingham Area :)
ALDI - my favorite grocery store! go to www.aldi.com to find the closest one to you! They sell cheaper than anyone else! I have copied my first post and pasted below... Check it out!
Do you price shop at the grocery store - or coupon shop? I have found the greatest savings without the coupons and without price shopping! Have you heard of ALDI? It is a grocery store that has discounted / warehouse type prices. They do not accept any coupons, they do not accept mc/visa/discover - but only accept debit cards or cash. You have to pay a quarter for a buggy - but get that back when you put your buggy back and they do not sack your groceries - you have to bring your own bags.. so now you are wondering why you should visit this "do it yourself" store...... THE PRICES ARE AWESOME! They do carry mostly their own brands - which are double price guaranteed - if you don't like them - they will refund your money - no questions asked! I have been told (even at checkout by an unassuming gentleman) that their own store brands are JUST as good if not BETTER than most brand name foods that you have previously used (even the ketchup)! So now you are wondering if the prices can be that good? I paid 44 cents /pound for granny smith apples (Publix charges $1.99/pound) - they looked and tasted the same. I paid .38 cents a can for canned vegetables and .99 cents for a big bag of pretzels, tortilla chips and Doritos chips!Milk is only 1.99 for a gallon - you can't find that price anywhere these days!that is just a portion of the savings I found.....their website shows 3 stores in the Birmingham Area - I visited Homewood (near Mazers on Greensprings hwy) - there is also one in Trussville and Bessemer. For me - this was definitely worth the drive - feeding 3 kids plus neighbors really puts a dent in my food bills! Check it out and let me know what you think - share your favorite bargains!
A little birdy told me that there was one being built in Pelham - for those of you in the Birmingham Area :)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Gas is TOO high! Find the cheapest
I know most of you guys have heard of this before - but just a reminder - especially since gas jumped another 10 cents / gallon today - www.gasbuddy.com put in your zip and it will tell you where you can find the cheapest gas. Check it out today!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
FREE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT
JUNE 6TH IS NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY!!!!! KRISPY KREME IS CELEBRATING WITH A FREE DOUGHNUT!
CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE
WWW.kripykreme.com
and ENJOY^!
CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE
WWW.kripykreme.com
and ENJOY^!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
one Free Starbucks Drink
I found this on Fatwallets.com
Register an existing Starbucks Gift Card online and receive a coupon for a free drink from Starbucks.... here is the link - Enjoy!
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=874
Register an existing Starbucks Gift Card online and receive a coupon for a free drink from Starbucks.... here is the link - Enjoy!
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=874
Feed the kids for $3.24??
How much does it cost to feed 3 children a well rounded meal with 1 meat, 2 vegatables, desert and a drink? HOW ABOUT $3.24???
On Thursdays and Saturdays - Kids eat for .99 cents each - includes all the above... at PICCADILLY CAFETERIA. I take the kids while DH is working - I can eat a vegatable plate with drink - feed all three kids with Jello - they have different activities for the kids on Thursday evening - tip the waiter/waitress and leave with only spending about $12.00!! WOW!!
Piccadilly is a chain -so check for a location near you by going to www.piccadilly.com and make sure they have the same times as the Hoover Location.
On Thursdays and Saturdays - Kids eat for .99 cents each - includes all the above... at PICCADILLY CAFETERIA. I take the kids while DH is working - I can eat a vegatable plate with drink - feed all three kids with Jello - they have different activities for the kids on Thursday evening - tip the waiter/waitress and leave with only spending about $12.00!! WOW!!
Piccadilly is a chain -so check for a location near you by going to www.piccadilly.com and make sure they have the same times as the Hoover Location.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)