Proper Order For Painting Interiors, Doors, and Windows

Of course, the question is what do you paint first, after all other work is done and everything is cleaned up and dust removed. The obvious answer is that you begin by painting that which is higher and which can drip down, such as the ceiling. The trouble is that obvious answers are not always right.

It all depends on your plans for the trim. If you're going to be painting your trim (with latex or oil-base paint), then the proper order is as follows:

When Painting Trim

1. Paint ceiling
2. Paint walls
3. Paint doors and windows
4. Paint trims around doors, windows, and baseboards.

If, however, you're going to be staining your trim, then a different plan of action is in order. It looks like this:

When Staining Trim

1. Stain all trim, preferably before installing it. Use sanding sealer to raise the grain; then sand and varnish the trim.
2. If trim is already in place, stain as above, allow the stain to dry, and mask the trim.
3. Paint ceiling
4. Paint walls
5. Paint doors and windows
6. When all the paint is dry, either put in trim or remove masking from existing trim and touch up as necessary.
Remember that, if you get paint on the trim, you will have to sand it carefully-a tedious job-before you can restain it. Therefore, you want to do the painting and the staining separately.

What's the Proper Procedure for Painting Doors and Windows?

For doors, start at a top corner and work your way across and down. Use a brush and be sure that you work quickly to avoid having the paint dry. It's much harder to paint a glossy acrylic latex on a door than a glossy oil paint.

Beware of backpainting a door with acrylic latex. This common practice involves painting the entire door with a roller, then using a brush to smooth out the paint and give it "brush marks." The problem is that acrylic latex dries quickly and without you work fast, the bottom of the door (the last place you'll be working) will be dry before you get to it, leaving brush or roller marks.

For windows, particularly French windows (with lots of small panes of glass), painting can be a real hassle. You'll need to use a small (1-inch) trim brush for the dividers. You can try masking the glass, but that will take longer than the actual painting. Instead, use a plastic putty knife, found in paint stores, as a shield. Hold it against the surface you are painting to keep the paint away from the glass.

If you use a shield, you'll have to clean it off with a rag after each use, else some paint will get behind it and onto subsequent panes. Usually a little paint will not hurt. You can clean it off quickly with a rag, or come back later on and remove it with a razor blade. Beware of window glass that has a rough surface. It will be almost impossible to remove any drawn paint from the glass.

Wear eye protection when painting. Getting a drop of paint in the eye, particularly oil-base paint, can be very painful and could damage the eye.

Gold Bullion Price, 10 Cogent Issues

Universally, gold is used as standard of value for treaties; in like manner the price of gold is usually expressed in US dollars. There may be slight fluctuation in the price of gold premised upon the market conditions and the highlighted cogent issues / determinants.

1. Demand and supply. As you are fully aware that the supply of gold scarce and finite. Therefore, the cost of mining gold and precious metals are not cheap, geopolitical instability and unfavorable action of central banks tends toward inflation. Furthermore, the high demand and activities of jewelry and ancillary products manufacturers improbs positively by pushing the price of gold upwards. So the law of demand and supply in reality, the lower the supply, the higher the demand and the greater the price.

2. The cost of gold production. Based on available data, about 2, 500 metric tonnes of gold is mined annually and yearly production cost is not static but rather increasing. The aftermath is the reflection of this cost in the price of buying and selling of gold.

3. Jewelry and ancillary products manufacturers. Gold is a hedge fund and safe haven investment against inflation, based on this fact, there are heavy demand from countries like USA, China, India etc. Assuredly, in these countries, large quality and quantity of gold is used for manufacturing jewelry and components of electronic equipment. The high demand for gold brings about increase in the price of gold.

4. The worth of US dollars. The USD is highly prominently among the provinces of nations and of course the most acceptable currency for international trade. In fact, the price of gold is negatively correlated with the strength of the USD, when the value of gold is stronger, that of USD is weaker and people used to capitalize on stronger USD as due of buying more gold.

5. War and other global crisis. Gold is termed crisis commodity borne on the fact that price of gold typically increased during geopolitical instability and war. During this situation, there will be "gold rush" as people lack confidence in the prevailing economic scenario and gold is the only safe haven as assured assets.

Take for instance, during the geopolitical instability in Russia, there was spike in gold price as the Russians were moving to Ukraine.

6. Unstable monetary policies of central banks. All the nations of the world have their respective central bank that regulates their economic policies. For instance, the Federal Reserve Bank of USA, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, Swiss National Bank etc.

Any unfavorable monetary policies that improbs negatively on paper currency will lead to gold rush being a safe haven and most preferred physical and tangible assets. The increase in the demand for gold will lead to hike in the price of gold.

7. Inflation. The consequence of unstable monetary policies is inflation and devaluation of treaties. As the currency value fluctuates and eroded, savvy people invest heavily on gold as hedge or insurance against inflation. The good aspect is that gold is valued worldwide and outside the control of any monetary policy.

8. Interest rate. Gold bullion is not subject to interest rate but the increase or decrease in interest rate usually reflect in the demand for and price of gold. When interest rate is increased, investors' sells gold to raise money for other investment and during the period of decreased interest rate, gold actually experienced a boom market in form of "gold rush".

9. Government reserve. Governments of nations through their Central bank have standard practice of keeping a national reserve in form of gold and paper currency. The Federal Reserve of USA, France, Germany, Portugal etc is practical examples. When these countries begin to invest heavily on gold, the price will spike.

10. QE. Quantitative easing is a strategy used by the central banks to ease the flow of money into the economy. These pinnacle banks like Federal Reserve of USA, Bank of England, Bank of Japan etc; will mop-up (buy) the securities from the financial market and money available to commercial banks to lend to the people. This intense supply money will push interest rate down and lower interest rate will propel investors to buy gold by all means.

In view of the above, l hope these revelations will be of great benefit when you are making your next purchase of gold bullion.

US Auto Sales Recovering

We have reached mid year of 2009, but have we reached midway in this great recession?

It does not appear so. Some big name economists feel we have seen the worst. Others feel the worst is yet to come. Even the famous billionaire Warren Buffet recently saved his opinion, and it was far from optimistic. He feels we are years away from a full recovery.

Hundreds of thousands of US jobs are still being lost every month. There are still thousands of jobs that have been farmed out to 3rd world countries. More and more manufacturing is being given to China. Where is that turnaround point, how far away!

How secure is your job, your home, your property, etc! No one can be sure of anything these days. Of course there are some industries not doing as bad as others, but they are the exceptions.

The auto industry has been in probably the worst slump they have ever seen. The US government bailout is starting to help the auto companies, and thenby restoring some confidence to the consumer.

If a new car is in your future, you'll no doubt stay away from the gas guzzlers, and go for the fuel efficient smaller cars, perhaps even an electric car. I am just saying you're going to be more cautious than ever, in making your decision.

You bought to also make sure you get the best auto insurance quote. It is now possible to get free quotes online. You do not have to wait for a quote from the offline agents, because the Internet has made it easy for you and the insurance agents to work together to provide you the best service possible.

Do not underestimate the amount you might possibly save, as it could amount to hundreds of dollars annually. You have absolutely nothing to lose by getting your free auto insurance quote. And it's fast.

Below you will find your free auto insurance quote site, and it's for US residents only.

Go get it and see what you find! I sincerely hope it's in your favor.

Fred Farah

Birthday Cards - Free - Funny - and Happy

Most people enjoy receiving happy birthday cards. When those cards are funny, it can put a big smile in the recipient's day. When they are free, it can put a big smile in the sender's day!

Free, funny, happy birthday cards are plentiful on the Internet. Some sites provide free cards as an incentive to convince you to become a paying member. Others simply provide complimentary cards at no cost. If you are thinking of sending a free, funny, happy birthday card, consider these tips.

Tip # 1 - Consider the Recipient's Sense of Humor

Free, funny, happy birthday cards are not always viewed as "funny" by the recipient. Not everyone has the same idea of ​​what is funny and what is not. While you may think a given birthday card is extremely funny, you should stop and think about the recipient before sending it. It may not be funny to him or her. It may even be offensive. If the card is for your grandmother, think about the things that make her laugh. Would she laugh at the birthday card you are about to send? Is the humor her style, or is it brash and edgy even for your generation? The birthday card should be funny to the recipient.

Tip # 2 - Consider the Recipient's Interests

Free, funny, happy birthday cards, while being humorous to the recipient, may not appeal to their interests. The goal in sending a birthday card is to make the recipient happy. If the birthday card is a funny joke about ballet dancers, a wrestler may wish you had chosen something more in line with his interests. Take time to think about the person to whom you are sending the birthday card, and about the things that interest that person most.

Tip # 3 - Consider the Recipient's Age Sensitivity

In other words, if those free, funny, happy birthday cards mock the old age of a person who is unhappy about getting older, it will be either funny nor happy. A woman who uses anti-wrinkle cream day and night will not enjoy a birthday card that reminds her of increasing wrinkles. A man who gets Botox injections every 5 months will not appreciate a birthday card that shows a furrowed brow. Some people grow old gracefully. Some do not. Learn how the recipient flags about aging and choose a funny birthday card that will not offend those feelings.

Tip # 4 - Consider Your Repression

Some people send funny birthday cards anonymously because they would have been accused to have people know they were sending smut. Stop and consider your reputation. If you are tagged to sign your name, you should not send that birthday card. If you would have been accused to have the recipient learn that it was from you, choose another card. You obviously believe it is not appropriate. Have the courage to do what you know is right.

Tip # 5 - Consider Your Friendship's Value

There is nothing wrong with sending birthday cards that are free. You may be unable to afford anything more. If you can afford more, though, think about why you are choosing a free birthday card. Do you care enough to spend a little money? Do you appreciate that person - and value their friendship or their place in the family enough to invest in helping them enjoy the day? Membership at a greeting card website is not expensive, and you gain access to the best of the cards when you invest. Consider your friend or loved one. Is that person worthy of a birthday card that cost you something?

Tip # 6 - Consider Being Serious

Finally, think about whether the recipient would rather have a serious, thoughtful birthday card. Many people are afraid to send birthday cards that are serious. They are afraid to express their true feelings toward others. They become uncomfortable with anything that is not funny. Ill-at-ease and lacking in self-confidence, they are simply on funny birthday cards. The recipient, however, may treasure a birthday card that expresses your feelings sincerely.

Whatever birthday card you choose to send, make it such that the person celebrating a birthday will sense that you have taken time to think about him or her.

Common Auto Repair Ripoffs

According to the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, there are over 25,000 consumer complaints filed concerning fraudulent auto repair every year. Car owners lose an estimated $20 million annually on unnecessary car repairs. And while most shops are, in fact, honest, it's easy to see how dishonest mechanics can take advantage of customers: most people know little or nothing about car repair. But to avoid falling victim to auto repair rip-offs, it's good to know about the ones that are commonly used.

False Estimates





This scam happens when mechanics give you a low initial repair estimate, only to hike up the costs when you come to pick up your vehicle after repairs have been done. The excuse for the extra costs will usually be that new problems were found during the work and they needed immediate fixing. Most people end up paying the hiked up price because they have no way of verifying the legitimacy of the mechanics' claims. Get all estimates in writing and signed to avoid falling victim to this scheme.

Shady Highway Shops





Car shops located along the side of the road cater to car owners whose automobiles break down in the middle of the highway. They will sometimes charge exaggerated prices and bill you for extra repairs because they know that you'll likely pay the extra money rather than get stranded in the middle of the highway.

Hook Deal Scams





When auto shops advertise ultra low or free deals on oil changes or tire rotations, their plan is to get you in for the low-cost/free service and then convince you to purchase more expensive repair services based on the recommendations they come up with after inspecting your car. Dishonest mechanics will sometimes make up problems or cause them themselves in order to get your money. If a suggested repair doesn't seem right, get a second opinion before agreeing to the job.

Unnecessary Part Replacements





Some mechanics will try to convince you that a part of your car needs immediate replacement, when in fact the part is not broken and works just fine. To avoid falling victim to this scam, always ask to see the part that supposedly needs replacing. If it doesn't look broken, get a second opinion. And ask to keep the old part to make sure that a replacement was actually performed.

Benefits of Using Bank Debit Cards Instead of Credit Cards

Millions of individuals have traditional cards and see them as a convenient way to pay for purchases. In contrast, some people prefer a debit card instead. If you are wondering what is the difference between using a traditional card and a debit card, keep reading.

The main paying difference between using a traditional card and a debit card is that if you don't have enough cash in your account to cover your purchase, a debit card will be rejected. However, if you use a credit card and you don't have enough credit, the purchase will likely go through and you'll simply be charged an over the limit fee. So, a debit card is like having money in the bank that you can only use if you can cover it.

In addition, with a bank debit, you don't pay interest but with a traditional card you do. That is, with a traditional card you pay for the convenience of using the card. You pay interest on your purchase and you pay a lot of it. With a debit, there is no interest charged or add-on costs. The charges you pay are very minimal indeed. For instance, you may have to pay an annual fee for maintaining the card if your bank has this policy. Also, if you deposit from other branches, there might be a small fee for inter-branch transactions however the fees are quite limited. With a debit, you can keep track of your expenses better since you do not have to compute interest payments for purchases. Finally, with a debit, you won't increase your debt load when you make a purchase.

As you can see, there are many advantages of having a bank debit instead of a traditional card. Plus, if you buy impulsively, a debit card can help you stay on track and will force you to only purchase what you need.

The Difference Between Monoblock Wheels and 3 Piece Forged Wheels

In the wheel industry monoblock and 3 piece are two of the most popular types of forged wheels. The terms "monoblock" and "3 piece" refer to the construction of the wheel, but the similarities end there. In fact, there are many differences between the two types that make each ideal for different kinds of automated applications.

Monoblock wheelsare also referred to as "one-piece" wheels, meaning that they are forged into a single part without any removable components. During the manufacturing process a monoblock wheel begins as a single, round block of 6061-T1 aluminum alloy. The aluminum block is compressed and subjected to intense heat which creates a dense grain structure and forms a round, blank piece of metal. The single piece of aluminum alloy is then flow-formed and placed in a CNC milling machine where the spokes are formed to finish the manufacturing process.

Being that monoblocks are made from a single piece of aluminum alloy, they are the lightest of forged wheels. Their low weight is bought after as they help to reduce unsprung mass which can reduce acceleration times, enhance braking, and improve handling. Monoblock wheels are often less expensive than their 2- or 3-piece forged counterparts, as few parts are used for construction. However, if a monoblock wheel is damaged or bent they are difficult to repair, often requiring a complete wheel replacement.

3 piece forged wheels offer different advantages over monoblocks, mostly from a styling point. A 3 piece wheel has three main parts: a center, the outer hoop or "lip", and the inner hoop. The manufacturing process of 3 piece wheels is similar to that of a monoblock, except more aluminum alloy blocks are used due to the increased number of parts. After all of the pieces are milled, they are fasted together using a number of perimeter bolts and sealed using Silicone RTV.

The construction of 3 piece forged wheels allows manufacturers the ability to offer a wider range of widths and fitments for customers. 3 piece wheels are also the most customizable as any of the components can be easily painted or chromed to create a unique color scheme. If they sustain any damage it can be readily replaced. In addition, 3 piece forged wheels retain the highest resale value among used wheels. 3 piece wheels are not without their disadvantages. They are the most expensive forged wheels because of their multi-piece manufacturing, and if the RTV Silicone seal is broken, leaks can form.