City Planning and Zoning Considerations for Mobile Auto Oil Change Businesses

What should a city planning, zoning or Business License Department consider when it comes to granting a license to a Mobile Oil Change Business? Well, they will be interested in safety, pollution, aesthetics and laws at other levels of government. The EPA has cradle to grave rules and your city has an NPDES permit that it must enforce.

No oil can enter a storm drain and you could modify your rules for auto services that no oil hit the ground. Now having Founded the Oil Change Guys, a mobile oil changing franchise, we have had issues with zoning and over zealous city code enforcement or business license departments. Some of which was more a competition issue from fixed locations not wishing to have mobile units out taking away business.

Some cities do not allow auto service in improved parking lots in certain zones such as Multi Family Dwellings and Retail. You might put a stipulation when working on personal cars they must use a dipstick evac system for used oil. For fleet oil changes they would not need this. Those are some preliminary thoughts on this issue.

Mobile Oil Change businesses should not be harassed by municipality code enforcement but the operators must comply with law, such as accounting for the waste oil, which is removed from the vehicles. They must never allow used motor oil to leak on the ground.

These mobile operators need to pay careful attention doing it right and working within the law. I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple, to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

5 Things People Forget Before Selling a Used Car

1. CHECK UNDER THE HOOD

Even though the hood of your car is closed for the majority of the car's life, stuff still finds a way to get up underneath. If you haven't cleaned under your hood in a while, chances are there are pockets of dead leaves and dirt tucked into every corner of your car, hidden by the hood. If you are selling your car, you can bet your bottom dollar the buyer will want to have a look under the hood-you don't him to see years of neglect caked around the car's engine. DON'T FORGET: A quick check and necessary cleaning will make your car shine, even in places where the sun doesn't!

2. CLEAN THE TRUNK

You've checked the unseen parts of the front-end of your car, now it's time to check the caboose. Not only do you want to make sure the trunk is clean, but also you don't want the person who buys your car to also drive off with your gym bag and tennis equipment, which you stored in the trunk three months ago and then forgot. Even if you just have a couple of lawn chairs or your umbrella back there, make sure to grab them before letting the buyer drive away. DON'T FORGET: any buyer will want to see the trunk-make sure it's clean and your personal belongings are safely stored in your garage!

3. TEST THE HEATER & AC

If it is winter you probably are not using your air conditioner very often on your commutes and road trips. You might go months without even thinking about turning on you're A/C. In the summer, the same will go for the heater. However, these cooling and heating systems might have malfunctioned for any reason during these stretches of non-use and you won't know about it. The buyer, if he or she knows what he or she is doing, will know to check both systems, regardless of the current season and temperatures. DON'T FORGET: the buyer will check these systems, so make sure they work!

4. FILL HER UP, TOP HER OFF

If you have a good deal of potential buyers beating on your car door, then you will also have a lot of test-drives to conduct. You want to make sure your used car has enough gas in her to accommodate all of these suitors, lest your test-drive turns into an angry-walk home. Also, you want to make sure all the other fluids-wiper fluid, oil, etc-are topped off. DON'T FORGET: You want your car to be in the best shape it can be, including topped of fuel and fluids!

5. START IT/DRIVE IT

Have you started the car in the last year or two? How about day or two? If you are advertising a car and do not specifically state "does not run" then your buyers-silly them-are going to assume that it turns over and that it drives (like cars are wont to do). If you are not sure the car will turn over you should probably try it out, even if you are afraid of having to sell the car for less if it doesn't start. DON'T FORGET: people want cars that can drive unless they are specifically looking for a fixer upper project. Make sure it starts and drives, and make sure it does both on a consistent basis!

Finally... DON'T FORGET: to remember these tips and you will be selling your car quickly and profitably!

The Fleagle Gang - Betrayed by a Fingerprint - Written by N T Betz

Fleagle Story - Incredible

You better believe it! This story tossed down through the ages, generation after generation, toppled the lives of a community in the roaring 20's, rankled the great plains, and scoured a nation. Little Jake Fleagle, a name innocent enough in conception, appears a bit as one might expect to appear on the Apple Dumpling Gang, in the Little Raskals, or more recently appearing Slappy and the Stinkers. But the man had no dimples, he wasn't cute, and his memory shivers fear though the citizens of southeastern Colorado.

On a warm sunny May afternoon, First National Bank opened for business; a day like any other in 1928. Laughter regaled the prairie, neighbor folks cheerfully greeted each other, and life in rural Lamar, Colorado resounded with pure simplicity. May 23, 1928 echoes through history as the date Lamar, Colorado lost its innocence. Ravaged by murder of prominent citizens, the community changed. Innocence abandoned the towns people, and brash reality filled it's place

The story is told in historic simplicity by one of the community's best, N.T. "Tom" Betz with the expertise and accuracy we've all come to expect from the Betz family. The Betz family published the local paper for many years, including during the time of the robbery. News reals, publications, articles, and people who remember the incident well were interviewed and included for this factual commentary of one of the most magnificent crimes, still 77 years after the event, taunted as the biggest robbery in County History. Details of an intense and on going investigation and search for the men guilty of murder make this a most interesting and profound book. Intriguing commentary, news items, and recounts of historic court room events, tracking options, and numerous "firsts" used in the investigation of the crime and location of the guilty parties make this book a worthy read for anyone interested in history of crime investigations.

Some of the numerous "firsts" in the investigation process included:

* First fingerprint used to identify and locate the guilty party in a murder/robbery.

* First time aeroplanes were used in tracking criminals traveling by vehicle away from a crime.

One interesting aspect of the investigation and search included the various forms of communication used by everyone involved.

* Messages dropped from planes.

* People receiving verbal shouts from passing officials.

* Messages left with injured bystanders.

* Notes written and passed from person to person.

* Telephone messages sent hours after the fact, saved, for hours, in case another message is received.

* Telegraph.

In today's' remarkable world of nanosecond communications, technologically advanced instant forms of transmission, and instant satellite tracking systems reading the historical commentary of first implemented fingerprint and flight tracking gives the reader a comprehension of the extreme radical changes experienced by even basic services across our nation, and around the world.

Tom's rendition of this hellacious scar on Southeastern Colorado History bring tears to the citizens there, and revelations to those who pass through... An understanding of the isolation experienced by those who reside in the area.

Play Piano Online - 3 Reasons to Try Online Piano Lessons

Have you heard about the new programs that allow you to play piano online and learn right from your home? The article below will tell you more about these programs and the three reasons you should give them a try. Learning the piano isn't as hard as it seems, it can be a lot of fun and just about everyone should give it a try at least once in their lives, you might surprise yourself and find that you have a knack for it.

1. Can't Beat The Cost: It is a no brainer that downloading piano lessons right to your computer for a one time cost is going to be far cheaper than taking weekly lessons. The problem people have is usually whether or not these programs are going to be good enough, or if paying for weekly lessons will be better in the long run. The best thing about online lessons is that most of the programs offer a free trial so you can see what they are like, and they usually come with a money back guarantee as well so you have nothing to lose to try them. If for some reason they weren't for you, you can always get your money back and go the traditional route, or you may even find the piano just wasn't for you and you aren't out any money at all.

2. Convenient: Not only will you save money on the lessons themselves, but you will also save money on not having to drive to the lesson. With the cost of gas lately that is no small thing. The convenience of just turning on your computer and having your piano lesson exactly when you want it has a lot to be said for it as well, especially if you are an adult and have a busy schedule and just can't quite squeeze in time for regular lessons. With the instant downloads you get the same instruction for less and at your fingertips whenever you want to learn.

3. Fun: Sometimes when people think of piano lessons it stresses them out, or they think they are going to be incredibly bored. Speaking from experience I can tell you that at times theory and practicing isn't the most fun thing in the world. But a lot of the new online programs have created games to teach you these often dryer subjects that may be too mathematical for most people. Plus you get to learn whatever you want, you aren't at the whim of a teacher who gives you things to play, and when you get the choice of what to learn you tend to be far more interested in learning it!

The above article talked about the option to play piano online by downloading lessons directly to your computer. They can cost less than 2 regular lessons and are delivered instantly to you once you order them. The price can't be beat, the convenience of learning when you want to and how you want to makes learning the piano even more fun than before. Downloadable lessons usually have free trials and money back guarantees as well so there really is no risk to try learning the piano this way.

Suitable Games for the Family

With the fast approaching school vacation and holiday season, everyone seems busy planning everything like parties, picnics, get-together and other activities. It is also a fact that parents seldom have time to have some bonding moments with their children due to the hectic and frantic schedules they have at work.

You should bear in mind that aside from quality education, nutrition, love, care and attention, you need to connect with them to enhance parent-children relationship. What do you think are better ways to bond with your children? Are there cost-efficient options which you can used during the upcoming holiday season?

Well, there are myriad ways to connect and to boost your relationship with your kids. Apart from going out and watch movies, dining out, bringing them to the park and guiding them in their assignments, you can bond with them by playing games with them. Playing games with our children is one way of having sense of connectedness and belongingness. How can we get closer to them?

Studies show that playing games with your children not only boosts your relationship with them, but it can also develop their interactive skills and cognitive skills, enhances their communication skills and teaches valuable life skills. Because of their significance, the precious moments spent with children while playing games should be spent wisely, thus you have to plan and to prepare things carefully to make out of the situation wisely.

Below are suitable games where each member of the family can participate:

Board games - It is the most common games where every member of the family can take part. There are numerous board games to choose from in the market like Monopoly, Snake n' Ladder, Scrabble, Chess and many more. Even though some children are too young to play some of these board games, they can understand the rules and can play with them. Outdoor games - It is one of the other preferred activities where members of the family can participate. Some families preferred outdoor games because they will not only bond with their children, but they can exercise and exert effort to become active and physically fit. These are usually played during picnics and other outdoor activities. Games belong to this category include badminton, Frisbee, volleyball, croquet, water games and many more. In these games, players can flex their muscles by jumping, catching, running and swinging. Card Games - It is a relaxed form of game where members of the family can also participate such as Blackjack, Bridge, Gin Runny and Crazy Eight. Online games - It is also preferred by children and adults because even though players are far from each other, they can chat and communicate with them. When choosing online games for your children, be sure to select one which is educational and not violent.

Majority of us failed to realize that these games are not only for fun and not only meant for children. These games are already part of our lives because they already existed before we are born and they become part of our childhood. Apart from boosting relationship with other members of the family, we can have fun, we can enjoy, we can reroute our stress and we can blow away the anger we have inside us.

Pet Friendly Hotels - A Reservation System to Beg For

If you're looking for a reliable source to book your next hotel for your dog or cat (and you of course), you'll want to check on the Official Pet Hotels website. This terrific site not only will reserve the rooms for you - often at a discounted rate - but also verifies the pet policies with the hotels directly.

Their system couldn't be easier to use. From the time you log on, you'll see a clear and easy-to-use reservation system. Once you've looked up your destination, you'll get a list of the hotels which want you and your best friend.

Sort the list as you prefer and then click on any of the links. You'll get a complete review, photos, map, directions and rates along with all the descriptions and amenities you can want to know about. What's really important, is they'll show you - very clearly - whether or not the pet policy has been checked recently by them and, if so, it will define clearly what the policy is.

Many hotels which allow pets put a restriction on the size of your buddy. Some only allow dogs and some only cats. In some hotels there is a fee involved anywhere from around $25.00 to over $200.00 for the 5 stars. So be sure to check this before you book your reservation. One thing is sure, every hotel is different as to how much space they'll give the darlings once there so make sure you really are clear on what to expect.

This pet-friendly hotel reservation service really is useful to animal lovers as many of the hotels don't put their pet policies on their web sites. The great thing to know is that there are some wonderful hotels which are clearly owned by animal lovers and will welcome you with open arms. So the next time you're ready to go on the road with Fido, be sure to check them out.

For more information on this great system as well as more articles on pet-friendly hotels, visit our website at www.DecidingOnAHotel.com