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Thursday, June 4, 2009

Texas Artist Creates His Work the Dirty Way

By Sam Shaw

Dust is one of those inevitabilities. If you do not wash your car, it accumulates. At some point, most people wash their cars; but other people just let it build and build on their cars.

A lot of people just cannot resist the temptation to write messages in the dirt and dust on cars (most often "wash me" or some variant on the phrase). There is more that can be done than simply scrawling a message in the dust, however and these dust-covered windshields can become a canvas for artists to create pieces that delight even the most hardened skeptics.

San Marcos, TX artist Scott Wade saw the potential that existed in every dirty windshield and began using these canvases to create art which is stirring up a lot of buzz.

Scotts area of residence is on the Roadrunner Road, on the northern part of the town of San Marcos. The area is hilly and dusty, which is an added advantage to him as his car accumulates dirt within no time and provides a canvas, which he soon puts to good use.

Of course he cannot make art with his own dirty car all the time; his wife and his neighbours have generously offered the use of their vehicles as the raw material for his art. Scott Wade does not use all of the equipment which many other artists need to make their work.

The Texan artist uses standard brushes along with his fingers and even Popsicle sticks! Wade makes use of brushes to create the fine details on his ever more popular work. His work is as unique and visually striking as it is ephemeral; dirty windshield art will last only so long " after all, rain will eventually wash his pieces away. The artist welcomes light rains however, since these can add some interesting streaks and naturally created patterns to his work. Wade creates windshield art using a variety of subject matter, including reproductions of famous works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci and others. He has even drawn the presidents on Mt. Rushmore in the dust of his windshield. He also does portrait work, both of people and animals.

One of the things which make Scott Wade's windshield art so unique is that they acquire more dust as the car is driven, adding more effects to the work. Dew makes streaks and dots in the images and through these natural processes, his work evolves over time ... Until a heavy rain, that is " but the transitory nature of his art is what makes it something truly special.

Scott Wade has an online gallery where you can view his previous work and if you are lucky, you may even have the opportunity to see him in person. The artist occasionally tours the country exhibiting his work and demonstrating how it is created to always-eager audiences. His work is becoming increasingly popular and there is a national level of buzz about this Texas artist and his work. - 21392

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10 Cash Saving Car Buying Tips

By David Redfoot

If you are reading about car buying tips, you must be one of the lucky ones who still has some money to spend. The good news is that, with the economy in its current state, you will never have a better opportunity to get a great deal on a car.

A car is still a major purchase though, and you want to be sure that you get one that fits your lifestyle and you want it at the best possible price. You don't want to make a hasty decision and live to regret it.

The dealers are under pressure to sell cars, but they also need to make as much profit as they can on each one. There are opportunities for you, but also pitfalls.

Quick Car Buying Tips

1. You need to shop between August and November if you want the newly released models. There will probably be few buyers around this year and good deals available.

2. Arm yourself against the dealers persuasion techniques. You don't have to put up with pressure. You can always walk out. As a potential buyer, you will be welcome elsewhere.

3. Always ask for a better deal. They've cut the sticker prices, but are they down to the bone yet? They may go lower to get the sale.

4. Is there a better deal online? Internet businesses still have lower overheads than bricks and mortar dealers. Do some research.

5. There is always room for negotiation. If they can't lower the price any more, what can they throw in to sweeten the pot?

6. The few buyers will be out at the weekend. If you can go in the week, the agent will be more eager to close a deal. It's hard for them to act the tough negotiator when you are the only customer on the lot.

7. At the end of the month, dealers are trying to hit sales quotas. It benefits them if you buy now. It's only fair if it benefits you too. What's in it for you not to wait until next week?

8. If you have little knowledge of cars, it pays to take someone with you. Some auto associations provide car inspection services. At least take someone with experience of the dealers persuasion tactics.

9. Take your time. Remember, a car is a major purchase. That great, time limited offer, will still be there next week, if not from this dealer, then somewhere else.

10. Have fun with it. Buying a new car is exciting. Get behind the wheel and enjoy the feeling. That newness soon wears off. Take some test drives and make the most of the experience.

Use these new car buying tips to grab yourself some real value. - 21392

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Lean To Carports Have Advantages

By John Moore

Carports that need to fit properly in a limited space can usually only be a lean to carports which is also called single slope carports or a flat roof carports. When choosing a carport that is attached to your house you might want to consider a single slope carport (lean to carports). If the only practical location for your carport is adjacent to your house or another existing structure such as a storage building then you might find yourself limited in the type of carport you are able to build.

Sometimes multi slope carports don't work for many reasons. A major reason is appearances. The delineation between house and carport should not be clearly marked or it will look like the carport is not an integral part of your house. You want your home and carport to look as though they blend together as one. A carport that looks glued to the side of your house will not bring any long term satisfaction. Another reason related to functionality of the roof line. If you live in an area that has a great deal of annual snow fall you will want to make sure that the snow or ice will not gather between your house and the carport. In the spring thaw, the runoff melted snow and water will need a clear and direct path to escape to the ground. You do not want the water from the melted ice to puddle against your home. Exposing your masonry work to standing water is an expensive mistake.

Lean to carports or single slope car carports tend to look more blended into the home than a flat roof carport. If the roof line pitches march then the two roofs look like they are meant to be together. The same roofing material can be used and the pitch of the roof can be matched exactly. Even a slightly different pitch can look awkward and take away from the appearance of your home. If you are considering adding a carport that has a roof at a different pitch or angle than the roof on your home do yourself a favor. Take a picture of your current home and print off two copies of it. Make sure you know what you are getting and what it will look like before starting the carport construction.

Flat roof carports have one screaming advantage over the other types of carport roofs. The roof of a flat roof carport can be used as a screened in porch or a deck. An experienced contractor could probably do the job in one day. In order to support a deck or any type of second story the supporting posts of the carport would need to carry extra load. There are specific formulas for determining load and how much support those loads would need. An experienced contractor would be able to help you. Using the roof as a deck or even the base for a second story addition is made easier if there is a pre-existing window looking over the carport. Changing this window into a doorway is a fairly inexpensive and easy proposition.

You don't need to make the roof into a second story bedroom immediately or even build a door to allow access. You can always add this later. However, if you think you might use the top of the flat roof as the base of another story then you need to calculate the potential load and build the supporting posts accordingly.

In conclusion, think seriously about what type of carport roof is suitable for your existing house, suitable for the location, and suitable for your purposes. Also consider what type of carport would suit your neighborhood. You want to build something that pleases your neighbors. It may well be that you will be best served with a lean to carport or a single slope carport. - 21392

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3 Tips To Getting A Deal On A New Car

By Nancy Emerson

How many people do you know who have bought a new car, driven it off the lot, and then felt like a chump because the car dealer pushed them into an impulse buy? They made a deal and didn't realize until the paperwork was signed that they had been taken. There are at least three things you can do to position yourself to make a better car purchase: Plan ahead, pre-arrange your own financing, and choose the right time to buy a new car.

We've begun with only a few insider secrets to buying a new car, but they are ultimately important because a car purchase is perhaps the second largest purchase you make in your life. The first is your mortgage. It is important to plan ahead and know what you want and to know your budget ahead of time.

When dealerships offer "financing packages" they are really trying to sell you another product in addition to the car. So many people wander into a car dealership not knowing what their credit score is like. This immediately gives the dealer the upper hand. Know your credit and arrange financing with your own bank. This will put you in a better bargaining position.

Timing is also important in making your new car purchase. There are good times to buy and better times to buy a car because dealers are under constant pressure to perform through sales. Understanding dealer timing cycles will allow you to use them to your advantage when buying a car.

We've only scratched the surface of new car buying secrets. Plan ahead, know what you want, arrange your own financing and know when to buy, and you will be ahead when it comes to buying a new car. In order to master the insider secrets before your next car purchase get the dealer's play book of persuasion tactics. You'll be alert to their techniques and in the best possible position to make a sweet deal on your new car.

Taking the House Edge can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration on your next car purchase. This will prove helpful whether you are buying new or used, leasing, or have a trade in. - 21392

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Why does your Car Insurance Quote Increase after an Accident?

By A Nutt

Car accidents usually result in an increase in insurance premiums. Even if you are not responsible, your insurance company will have to incur some costs. There is an increase in car premiums and policy quotes because the accident will be rated against your coverage. There are a number of types of insurance coverage that can include collision, personal injury protection, and medical coverage. If you are found at fault' for an accident, coverage such as personal liability and collision will cover you, your vehicle, and personal injury to the other driver. Often, if you have just one accident, you will see an increase in your car insurance quote.

Car insurance quotes will increase because you will be considered a high risk driver. The premium will reflect the nature of the accident and the costs associated with the accident. Insurance companies will usually charge 'points' to your policy. Depending on the insurance company, these points will be charged to your policy for a certain period of time that usually ranges from three to possibly seven years. If you are in an accident that was your fault, the insurance company will consider that you are a high risk of having accidents in the future and increase your rates. You will also receive higher insurance quotes. The length of time between an accident and your quote and premiums decreasing depends on a providers policies. As well, you may have to pay a higher deductible for the insurance.

Another reason why an accident can increase your premiums when you are 'at-fault' in an accident is that there are some companies who will not insure you. When there is less competition for your business, then there is less incentive to give you a good deal. As a result, your insurance quote will be higher. When you add the insurance 'points' into the mix, it is easy to see how an accident can become very expensive. If you have a faultless driving record, it is unlikely that your premiums will increase after an accident that was determined not to be your fault.

You can normally expect a rate increase of between 20-40%. This increase is based on the Insurance Services Office's (ISO) criteria of raising a premium after an accident. According to the ISO, for multi-car policies, the surcharge is 20 percent of the base rate, and for single-car policies it is 40 percent. It is important to remember that there are other factors taken into consideration after an accident such as your age, gender, and driving record. These factors will affect how high the percentage increase will be.

The increase in premiums is not done so that the insurance money can get their money back, but is based on the risk that you may be involved in another car accident. Each insurance company has different policies and standards, but they look at your chances of getting into another accident. The number of accidents that you are involved in also increases your insurance premiums.

Some companies will absolve past accidents after a set period of time has expired. This can be two years, or as much as five years, but the period will vary depending on the insurance provider. Basically, you have to show the insurance company that you are no longer a high risk driver.

The best way to avoid high car insurance quotes is to avoid an accident. You can do this by practicing safe driving. One car accident can seriously impact your car insurance quote and the premium that you will pay. - 21392

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