Tips for Road Trips With Pets
(ARA) - Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.
According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.
Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:
* If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.
* Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.
* Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.
* See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.
* Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
* Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.
* If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.
* Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.
* In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.
* Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.
To download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure, visit
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
CARY, N.C. – Strategic Guru Inc. announced today that it has been selected by United States Power Squadrons® (USPS) to research and help develop a marketing strategy for the national non-profit member organization. The Triangle-based marketing agency will assist USPS in reviewing the state of the boating industry, identifying new target markets and developing strategies to achieve goals.
The United States Power Squadrons® is a non-profit boating education organization providing classes, seminars and guides to promote boating education, safety and the enjoyment of our nation’s waterways. US Power Squadron’s goal is to make boating more enjoyable and safer. US Power Squadrons is known for its informative courses, the widespread availability of its public classes, and its contributions to the boating community. Founded in 1914, US Power Squadrons has over 47,000 members organized into 439 squadrons across the United States and in some US territories.
“We chose Strategic Guru because of their track record with other non-profit and similar organizations,” said Tom Kemp, Manager of Headquarters Marketing and Development Services for USPS. “We look forward to working with them to help in the development of new marketing strategies and tactics.”
“We are pleased to work with such a well-respected organization that has a long history of helping make our waterways safer through boater education,” said Carolyn Rhinebarger, Chief Brainstormer with Strategic Guru
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
(ARA) – If you’re torn between your concern for the environment and your need to make a living, good news is on the horizon. Rising demand for environmentally friendly alternatives for fossil fuels is opening up new career opportunities for professionals in a variety of fields.
Growing environmental concern and limited fossil fuel supplies are driving the growth of domestic and international markets for renewable energy systems, the U.S. Department of Energy reports. Rising demand for cleaner energy directly affects career opportunities in industries related to renewable resources.
“The 2008 economic forecast suggests that one of the newest, fastest growing markets for jobs will be alternative energy,” says Sheryl Decker, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – South Bend, Ind. Decker recently attended a business outlook panel presented by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. “Growth opportunities appear in companies that are exploring the use of wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and bioenergy power technologies.”
Millions of professionals already work in alternative energy industries, yet more are needed, including:
* chemists
* engineers
* sales and marketing professionals
* administrators
* managers
* clerical workers
* human resources
* information technology
* business
* finance
* law
“Professionals who are already in the workforce, and students seeking to enter into a green career, can prepare with a number of degree programs and continuing education courses,” Decker says. “Many different types of skills can be applied to these upcoming industries.”
“Alternative energy companies are seeking professionals to fill a wide variety of positions, including mechanical engineer, project manager, programmer analyst, IT sourcing specialist, administrative assistant and marketing director,” she says.
”Business Week” magazine reports that a growing number of professionals are moving to jobs in renewable energy fields to promote their own personal environmental concerns. While some intend to transfer existing skills to a different industry, others are making a mid-life career change simply to become part of the solution for the many environmental issues we face today.
The rising cost of oil is proving to be a catalyst for the further development of alternative energy sources. While substantial growth is happening now, Decker points out that many people don’t yet realize the opportunities it affords.
“People tend to overlook many untapped markets and job opportunities in their local employment arenas,” she says. “Networking can be an effective way to gauge the hiring needs in your area. I encourage everyone to join industry-specific organizations, volunteer in community activities, and become involved with the Chamber of Commerce. By becoming involved in the community and networking, you will see new doors opening with different job opportunities.”
To learn more about career training opportunities in alternative energy, and how to prepare for working in this quickly growing business sector, visit www.brownmackie.edu.
(NAPSI)-As experts continue to call out the latest signs of an approaching recession, businesses respond by cinching up their budgets. But, for those already tasked with keeping their bottom line lean, new ways of cutting costs require some creativity. So, from remote cities and towns to large metropolitan areas, businesses all over the country are further cutting costs by cutting the cord-the phone cord, that is-and using Internet-based digital telephone service.
Internet telephony technology, otherwise known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), lets companies deploy a full-featured business phone system over their existing broadband network for a fraction of the cost of traditional alternatives. For a small business, this can result in significant cost savings as there is no equipment to buy or maintain, and the monthly service fees-which cover unlimited calling and business-class features-are predictable and fixed.
Technology consultant Joe Rork has seen his home state of Michigan hit hard. Currently serving as chief technologist for Plymouth’s Green Street Fair-an annual event founded to help educate and inform people of all ages about the benefits of green, organic and ecofriendly products and services-he’s turned watching what he spends into an art.
“One of the easiest things I did right off was to be sure we were using Internet technology for our phone systems,” he says. “Not only is it a huge savings for us in terms of cost, it’s the safest and easiest way we can move our office from headquarters to the event location without missing a beat.”
The Green Street Fair has been months in the planning and has used 8×8’s Packet8 Virtual Office digital phone service every step of the way. More than 150 vendors representing the “green” in everything from food and automotive to health and home are recruited, informed, scheduled and personally attended to up to and throughout the two-day event using powerful, customer-driven calling features.
With Packet8 Virtual Office, businesses are doing away with their expensive PBX system and the costs that come along with it. The system installs in minutes and is loaded with standard features like auto attendants, unlimited conference calling, music on hold, ring groups, one number dialing and more-all of which can add a big-business feel to an otherwise small-business setup. And because it uses a business’ existing high-speed Internet connection and can be managed on- line by the customers themselves, the cost of making calls-and of doing day-to-day business-is considerably less.
Business owner Bert Hamilton of Harvey Software, Inc., in Ft. Myers, Fla., can’t go a day without being reminded of the recession’s increasing impact. His company writes shipping software designed to give customers more control over their shipping costs. And, like Rork, Hamilton uses new technology to keep ahead and keep his customers happy.
Although it took Hamilton a few years to finally switch over to Packet8, he and his customers have been instantly rewarded for making the change. And, by moving his phone systems away from traditionally architected services, he has sealed the deal on an even greater gain-business redundancy. “Hurricanes are a big threat to our livelihood here,” remarks Hamilton. “The ability of Virtual Office to allow for redundancy in our communications plan isn’t just convenient. It’s a necessity.”
Packet8 isn’t the only thing connecting Hamilton’s 25-year-old software company and Rork’s two-day show. It seems they’ve both been able to “go greener” by making the change-for greater energy efficiency and a smaller carbon impact.
Using the Internet to make calls is a technological marvel to some. For others, it comes down to simply making the smart play. “As to the future of the Internet and its use as a business tool, we’ve barely scratched the surface,” says Bryan Martin, CEO of 8×8, Inc. “What really matters is the choice that businesses have in front of them right now.”
A growing number of small businesses are saving money through Internet-based phone service.
Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.
(NewsUSA) - What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.
According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.
Electric cars - the ones that run without gasoline engines - are no longer science fiction.
One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.
These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.
Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.
As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.
According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas - and around $2,500 - each year.
Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.
State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.
Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.
Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.
Proper maintenance from a professional shop with certified technicians can help drivers pump up their fuel efficiency.
(NewsUSA) - When gas prices rise, Americans start feeling a pinch where it hurts -; in their pocketbooks.
But gas prices are no reason to stay home. AAA has some useful tips to help maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
First, perform basic vehicle checks that will help maximize your miles per gallon:
- Check your air filter twice a year. A dirty filter reduces performance and increases fuel consumption.
- Check your tires monthly, and inflate to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires not only increase fuel use, they are a safety hazard.
Second, listen when your vehicle tells you something is wrong. Take your car in for service right away if you experience:
- Engine bucking, surging, stalling, misfire or poor performance. These symptoms indicate a problem that is wasting fuel.
- The “check engine” light comes on. This means exhaust emissions are too high and fuel economy is too low.
Third, consult your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance needed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Have those services performed by a shop with certified technicians who can spot other problems that may affect fuel consumption.
Looking for a good shop? Visit the automotive page of www.AAA.com to find local AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet and maintain high standards.
Finally, AAA reminds motorists that how you drive has the single greatest impact on how much fuel your vehicle burns. Fuel-saving habits to consider include:
- Maintaining a steady speed. Cars require extra fuel when they accelerate, so avoid quick starts and stops that waste gas and are harder on vehicle components.
- Lightening your load. Don’t haul unneeded items in your vehicle; their added weight will increase fuel use.
- Traveling at moderate highway speeds. Higher speeds require more power and fuel to overcome air resistance.
- Using the air conditioner conservatively. Air conditioning requires lots of power. In cool weather around town, turn the air conditioner off, and open your windows. In hot weather or on the highway, set the air conditioning to a higher temperature. Where available, use “economy” or “recirculation” settings to reduce air conditioner operation and minimize the amount of hot outside air that must be cooled.
(NewsUSA) - As America’s oil and gas prices hit record highs, drivers look to save money on their cars.
But skipping routine maintenance checks can lead to bigger costs. Poorly maintained vehicles waste fuel and become worn more quickly, leading owners to pay for damage repairs or replacement vehicles.
According to Lauren Fix, The Car Coach (www.laurenfix.com), a former racecar driver and the host of a cable automotive talk show on the DIY network, “Routine maintenance is the key to helping your car achieve its potential.”
The people at Midas, who have over 50 years of experience in automotive service, offer these tips to help drivers get better gas mileage and extend the lives of their vehicles:
- Don’t Ease the Pressure.
Under-inflated tires cost drivers two miles per gallon in reduced fuel economy, so drivers should check their tire pressure once a month.
Drivers can find the correct tire pressure inside the driver-side door. They should check their tire pressure in the morning, when the air is cold, and remember to inflate their spare tire.
- Keep Things Oiled. Drivers should check their oil once a month and change their oil according to their vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations. Midas can provide quality oil and filter changes, which will help keep engines running smoothly.
- Keep the Filter Clean. The air filter acts like a car’s lungs.
Drivers should check their air filters when they change their oil.
Buying a car can be a person’s second-largest investment. To save money in the long run, car owners should keep their vehicles running as long as possible. To save money on maintenance costs, drivers should look for package deals. The Midas Touch Maintenance Package includes an oil and a filter change, a four-wheel tire rotation and a 45-point courtesy check.
Routine car maintenance can help drivers improve their fuel efficiency and keep their vehicles working longer. As Fix said, “By checking the essential parts of your car regularly, drivers will see a big difference in the performance of their automobile.”
To learn more about saving money on fuel and extending the life of your car, visit www.midas.com.
(NewsUSA) - In an increasingly technological world, the ability of our environments to be “smart” is becoming increasingly important.
Smart environments delivered by Johnson Controls, a global diversified, multi-industrial company, use products, systems and technologies that make our lives more comfortable, safe and sustainable through user-friendly interfaces and intelligent design.
Advances in technology are driving consumers to expect greater levels of personalization, customization, productivity and environmental sensitivity in their everyday lives. People want to feel more secure and at ease; they want to reduce their carbon footprint and prefer to do business with eco-friendly companies.
Geopolitical factors, including the drive for energy independence and the potential impact of climate change, are thought to be triggering increased attention to products and services that optimize energy use. Johnson Controls’ smart environments align with these expectations.
These technologies affect many aspects of our everyday lives.
* An improved automotive experience. Johnson Controls’ systems that link mobile electronic devices - including cell phones, navigational devices and MP3 players - to the vehicle allow the driver to interface with these devices safely and easily.
The company also provides a number of safety-oriented features, including the riACT head restraint, which optimizes the anti-whiplash performance of seats, and soy-content foam for vehicle seating pads that reduce the levels of harmful chemicals required to produce current seat-grade foam.
* Eco-friendly, efficient homes. Making a home into a smart environment means implementing sustainable, cost-saving measures, but it can also enhance the home’s decor and exterior. Johnson Controls’ York Affinity Series air conditioners not only offer an energy-efficient solution to homeowners’ cooling needs, but also enable individuals to customize unit colors to match their home’s exterior. Its quiet-drive system provides unobtrusive, energy-efficient performance contributing to up to 60 percent savings on a homeowner’s energy bills.
* Hybrid solutions for a more sustainable world. Vehicles with hybrid technology are the future of sustainable transportation. Hybrid vehicle technology greatly improves fuel-economy by using battery power to propel the car at lower speeds.
The lithium-ion battery is the most advanced hybrid-vehicle battery available and a critical link to the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles. They are key to reducing our carbon emissions and fuel costs. Johnson Controls’ joint venture with Saft Advanced Power Solutions is a global leader in developing this technology and supporting its acceptance in the marketplace. Additionally, Johnson Controls is the world’s largest recycler of lead-acid batteries and manages a closed-loop recycling system that contributes to a “smart environment” while minimizing the use of virgin lead.
Third Annual Essay Contest Gives Kids Chance to Thank Outstanding Drivers
“America’s school bus drivers are collectively doing an outstanding job of safely transporting our children to and from school every day,” says John O’Leary, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, the leading manufacturer of school buses in the United States. To recognize the contributions individual drivers make to children’s safety every year, Thomas Built sponsors an annual Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year essay contest.
With their parents’ help, children in kindergarten through sixth grades can nominate their favorite drivers by submitting a 90-word essay on what makes their driver so special. Now in its third year, the contest runs until August 1, 2008. Winners earn a $1,000 educational savings bond and laptop computer for the nominating child and a $1,000 Visa gift card for the nominated driver. All winners and runners up also receive Thomas Built Buses jackets and Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus lunch boxes. To enter the contest, visit www.thomasbus.com/contest for complete rules and an entry form.
Completed forms and typed or legibly printed 90-word essays should be mailed to: Children’s Choice Essay Contest, HMH, 1435 W. Morehead St., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28208.
School buses are the safest and largest mass transportation system in the United States, according to research by the School Bus Information Council (SBIC). Consider the following eye-opening facts about school bus safety:
* Each year, the nation’s 450,000 yellow school buses annually make 8.8 billion student trips carrying 24 million children, the SBIC reports.
*While nearly equal numbers of children ride the school bus as use other modes of transportation in getting to school, in 2003, the last year for which statistics are available, five passengers were fatally injured while riding in school buses. By contrast, every year about 800 school aged children lose their lives on their way to school while either riding in private passenger vehicles, walking or biking, according to the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences.
* Long gone are the dubiously maintained and equipped school buses you might remember from your own childhood. Today’s buses have safety devices that range from specially cushioned high-backed seats, and flashing red and yellow warning lights to rollover protection, enhanced braking systems and buses can now be equipped with optional three-point lap-shoulder belts for every seat without reducing passenger capacity.
* School bus drivers undergo rigorous special training, must hold commercial drivers licenses, and submit to criminal background and substance screening tests.
“Modern school buses are outfitted with extensive safety devices but one of the most important contributors to your child’s safety is the bus driver,” O’Leary says.
To nominate your driver for “School Bus Driver” of the year, visit http://www.thomasbus.com/contest for complete rules and an entry form.
(NewsUSA) - With gas prices skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to drive less. Based on data from a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), if you live near a bus stop or rail line, your household drives an average of 4,400 fewer miles each year, compared to those who do not have access to public transportation.
Annually, public transit riders save approximately $6,251 -; more than just pocket change. However, public transportation in your community saves more than money - it also saves the environment.
“Investing in public transportation is one of the more effective ways to combat global climate change and conserve energy,” says William M. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association. “People who live near public transportation are more likely to walk, bike or take shorter car rides to get to their jobs and leisure activities.”
Households in communities with access to public transportation drive an average of 12 fewer miles daily, as compared with households who do not live near public transportation -; a 27 percent reduction in mileage and 223 fewer gallons of gas each year. Nationally, public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually -; more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day -; according to the APTA report “Broadening the Connection Between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation.”
Public transit systems such as buses and commuter trains allow more travel in less space and reduce the strain on roads. In addition, public transportation supports efficient land use and reduces carbon emissions in the U.S. by 37 million metric tons each year. To achieve a similar reduction in carbon emissions without using public transportation, the APTA says that every household in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles would have to stop all electricity use.
ICF International, a global consulting firm, prepared the report for APTA. For more information about public transportation and to read the complete report, contact APTA by visiting www.publictransportation.org.
