LED Technology In The Modern Automobile

I was reading an article in a motoring magazine on the dramatic development of the LED and the impact it is having on modern automotive design.

One of the topics of discussion was the wake up call it is giving to the automotive industry. One very important demonstration was at a motor show that had the release of the Jaguar C-XF and while this would not be the first show car to have LED's it was considered one of the most dramatic.

The debut was at the Frankfurt Motor Show and used LED's to provide a very dramatic visual presentation. The display was kicked off by the press of the Jaguars start button.

First was an impressive display, some would say 'explosion', of blue lighting that began with the instrument panel, then flew around the cabin, combining after encompassing the rear seats. Along with this was a burst of more blue projecting itself down from the interior roof lining, at the same time the grille suddenly burst into life with a glow of LED lighting, very impressive.

And to finish the flash of feline impressions (well it is a Jaguar) the headlights had streaks of blue bisecting each of the rectangular elements.

Another leading example of LED technology in the automobile is the Audi R8. If you see one in the daytime you will notice daytime running lights under the main headlights, these are LED lamps. But do not think it stops there as the Audi R8's complete headlamp assembly, including the turn flashers, and the main and dipped beams are LED's.

The LED first made its mark in the automobile at the rear of the vehicle. The 3157 LED and its derivatives found favor with the engineers as brake lamps as they reach full intensity faster than the traditional incandescent bulb. They are now used in many car tail lamps.

And some companies have taken this to the next level. BMW has some that increase in brightness as greater pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Mercedes Benz have the brake lights pulsing quickly when the vehicle is braking heavily.

Technology is allowing today's automobile manufacturers to provide many entertainment and other computer based systems that have the potential to load up the cars power supply. So any device that can assist in reducing the energy consumption has suddenly become very attractive.

This is one of the key drivers that has lifted the LED to the top of the automotive lighting wish list.

This energy saving is not the only driver as one of the other benefits is the life of the bulb. The LED's will outlive the automobiles to which they have been fitted. The owner will never have to replace a light bulb again.

Some of the other benefits include the ability to 'tune' the light so that the light emitted is closer to daylight. Also for automotive designers the constraints on shapes disappear as they are extremely flexible in the shapes that can be achieved. Also the heat generated is a lot less so lightweight plastics hi strength plastics can be used.

Another excellent use of the light emitting diode in the automobile application is the humble traffic light, a brilliant application that ensures we have robust lighting for years to come.

A Birthday Is More Than Balloons - Involving the Kids to Be a Part of the Birthday Decor Prep

Birthday - the only day that a child, no matter how old he is awaits impatiently. At least me, I always warn for the fun and excitement that follows a birthday party. But gone are those days when children used to gather on this special occasion, celebrate the same with a pop and make the day worth to be cherished till their next birthday. Today amidst the hustle of our lives we have left behind those sweet memories of putting on bright dresses, decorating our homes with balloons, mothers baking cakes and other delicacies, lighting candles, arranging fun games and the list goes on and on. With busy work schedules, birthdays in this era have become limited to balloons and a dull, boring, lifeless cake. Cheer up! Gone are those days when balloons decorated with glitters and confetti were the only excitations in a birthday party. Here are a helpful birthday party tricks that kids themselves can work up to fill up their BFF's birthday party with sunshine and rainbows - and other mesmerizing stuffs that costs almost nothing!

1. Abet a theme - Kids can be engaged to abet a theme. In this process some might crave for fantasy of bogie tales like Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and so on. While others will go for avant-garde capacity based on action movies like Frozen and Little Mermaid. Once the apt theme is decided, this can be followed by designing creative masks apt to the theme. A masquerade party - You are sure to end up with a bunch of jaw-dropping guests.

2. Light up your own lamp - What can be more amazing if lighting lights can be replace with DIY night lamps. Colorful papers, a pair of scissors and glue followed by a little creativity is all that is needed. After crafting of night lamps an elder can serve a helping hand with the circuit connections. This is sure to boost up your guests and add a feather to your creative hat!

3. Spice up the party with nature - Flowers are always a love! And when it's a birthday party flowers will absolutely add an extra point to your decoration. No! Not a pot of real flowers - that will fade away with the charm of the party. Kids! Put on your creative boots! You can mimic real flowers using M-seal and some bright glitters. These can be cost effective as well as reusable for other occasions even. Or you can simple awe your guests by using it as an everyday décor item for your house!

4. Gear up with birthday crowns - Birthday hats have been used since ages. It's time that new gen kids bade goodbye to birthday hats and set the trend of something more fashionable - birthday crowns. Wondering how can you create one? As simple as your nursery's ABC. All you need is head bands, hot glue and a packet of plastic alphabets. Make your birthday Champ feel like a true princess with these handmade crowns!

5. Revamp dull cupcakes - Regular boring cupcakes are sure to kill your party's appetite. Revamp these boring cupcakes that is sure to steal the show. Get your hands over colorful icing, and surprise your guests with some really cool cupcake decorations. You can even decorate these cupcakes according to your party theme.

6. Makeover confetti cannons - Confetti cannons are an apple of every child's eye. Why not make these cannons a little more creative and themed to grab the attention of every eye? Wrap up the regular confetti cannons with colorful papers, and decorate the same with glitters or craft works as per your theme.

7. Craft handmade cards - Birthday's without cards are like bread without butter. But why rely on readymade cards? Make your loved ones feel more special by crafting personalized cards. Blow the dust off your creative shells. Your hard work will definitely bare the sweetest fruits ever and draw you much closer to your beloved ones!

Although a grand lavish birthday party sounds royal enough, but this self-crafted birthday bash is sure to draw eyes, and shape up the celebration worth to be cherished forever! Got more ways to engage your little ones shape up a birthday party? You say, we hear! Let us know your jaunty and refreshing ideas that can end the birthday bash with delightful wallets and delightful faces.

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Before Making A Money Transfer Know What The Restrictions Are

Sending money abroad is not as complicated as it was a few decades ago but you should be aware that many Governments worldwide impose restrictions on foreign exchange payments and on possession of foreign currency. These restrictions can apply to local residents or non-residents alike and knowing the local legislation will help you avoid unnecessary complications. Of course, it is hard to be acquainted with the local laws and regulations in detail; therefore, taking a good advice from an expert specializing in money transfers is more than advisable.

Various forms of foreign exchange controls exist but you do not have to know all the details of a particular foreign exchange territory. The important details related to money transfers include: whether a restriction on the amount of currency that is transacted is in force and is there a restriction on who can conduct foreign currency exchange transactions (in some countries only state or government-approved companies can be engaged in the exchange of foreign currency). A stricter form of a foreign exchange control can impose restrictions on the use of possession of foreign currency.

If your money transfer is to be processed by a state-controlled foreign exchange dealer, there is a greater chance to get an unfavourable exchange rate or to be subject to additional fees and commissions. A form of a special currency time is the currency board but the existence of such a monetary authority protects and supports the local currency so it is in advantage to a foreign currency sender in general.

At this stage you must turn to a reputable money transfer specialist who is familiar with the local specifics of the beneficiary's country. Unfortunately, the number of countries where strict exchange controls are in force is constantly changing in the process of globalization and economic liberalization.

Some major countries, which still exercise some kind of foreign exchange controls, include Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Venezuela. However, this list is large incomplete and you will need to delve into the specific type of foreign currency regime in force for that particular country. Your money transfer expert will provide you with a more populated list of countries and will be able to explain to you all the details related to a certain country.

A complicated situation can occur when a country allows only "reasonable" foreign currency transactions to be connected. "Reasonable" is a flexible term and unless explicitly specified it will be up to a government official or a designated state body to decide what amount of foreign currency money is a "reasonable" sum. Although only a few countries imposes such a restrictive foreign currency regimes, they still exist and you must consider it before sending funds to such a country. Growing number of world governments liberalise foreign currency exchange regulations but taking an expert advice will help you familiarize with all applicable regulations.

The Need for Truck Scales

It's no secret that most of America's goods are transported by truck. Because of this, states have enacted various laws and taxes to regulate the industry. Each state has its own laws on how much a truck can weigh when transporting goods. A common standard for the weight allowed is 34,000 pounds or 15,400 kilograms. The amount of weight carried per axle is called axle weight. The gross weight is the total of all the axles of the truck. Most states receive taxes from the truck weigh stations, which goes to improving the roadways. Trucks that are overweight are subject to heavy fines, which is why there are many high quality truck scales available for companies and contractors.

Truck scales are made out of concrete and steel. They are built to handle a large amount of weight each day all year long. The scales can handle up to 80,000 pounds or 36,000 kilograms per load. The weight is calculated by sensors that receive signals from a junction box. Strain gauges, which are wires are embedded in the concrete and have an electrical current running through them. These wires will compress when pressure from the weight of the truck is sensed. The weight is then displayed on a monitor in a booth where the attendant records the weight. It is vital that these systems are reliable and functioning, because if they are not it will directly affect their pocketbooks.

Another way that is used is called one-axle. In this instance the truck driver needs to place each axle on the truck scales one axel at a time. Once all the axles are weighed a total is given. This takes a lot of time out of the driver's schedule. One stop weighing is where the driver can place the truck on one large scale and the controller will give a gross weight. The one popular method of weighting trucks is when the truck is in motion. The truck does not have to stop at all. The sensors on the truck scales will pick up the weight and record it all while the truck is in motion.

Another reason that a company uses truck scales is because running an over loaded truck all the time would cause more wear on the truck. The engine would have to work harder which means you need to change your oil more often to accommodate the extra stress. Tires would also wear out at a faster pace. Running an over weighted truck is a safety hazard as well as being illegal.

Fines for running an over weighted truck in some states have become much higher. Some fines ran 10 cents a pound for every pound you were over the weight limit, up to a fine of $ 500 per load. Those same states are now charging fines of 12 cents per pound with no limit to the amount of the fine. States are getting tired of trucks running loads that are overweight and ruining their roads and endangering other drivers. The heavy weight of the trucks does enough damage to the roadways at the normal weight. When to many over weighed trucks continuously use their roads it causes repair needs to be done often. The taxes they collect go towards keeping the roads safe for all drivers. So we all have truck scales to thank for not only getting us our goods, but keeping us safe as well!

Self-Help Tips to Stop Overeating

Overeating can be a root cause for many serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. People who overeat do not do so intentionally but their addiction to food makes them do so. If you are not able to control your temptation when you see some food, even if you are not hungry, it may lead to overeating.

Many people overeat occasionally which may cause indigestion, bowel disturbance and stomach distension. When you happen to overeat regularly you become a compulsive eater which puts you at severe risk of serious diseases. In a bid to stop overeating, you can take many precautions and help but it has been established that `self-help to stop overeating` may be an efficient treatment therapy for this problem.

The diseases associated with overeating are caused due to excessive intake of calories which turns into fat and is stored in the body. This accumulation of fat in the body makes a man obese and this leads to further health complications. An obese person is said to have an addiction for eating and this addiction is considered even more serious to recover as you cannot leave it totally, and you have to continue eating in order to survive.

Before trying to treat your overeating addiction, you have to first realize the reason behind your overeating. The root of most of the overeating problems is habit or addiction and an overeater often uses food as a medication for various issues just as an alcoholic uses alcohol. Food is being used to deal with depression, anxiety and stress.

Trying to stop overeating is not an easy task. The first step towards this is changing your food habits and adapting healthier food choices which have lower calorie count and which gives you a feeling of full stomach for a longer and enhanced period of time. Taking smaller amount of food in one sitting can help you cut on overeating. Eating slowly, chewing each bite properly and cutting on snacks in between meals are the introductory steps towards self help to stop overeating. You should wait till your previous intake of food has been completely digested before taking another intake of food.

Treatment therapies similar to those which are exercised with other type of addictions are also available for overeaters. However, the stepping stone in this direction is to establish the root cause behind your overeating habits. Counseling with therapists, doctors and self hypnosis can lead to the direction towards control of your overeating habit.

Listening to recordings of Self Hypnosis from experienced therapists in the field can help you re-pattern your eating habit and guide you to a state of deep relaxation where you can judge you eating habits by yourself and change your overeating habit. Self hypnosis influences the unconscious human mind and helps you adopt ideas for changing of your eating pattern and moving towards a fitter and healthier life.

Before using a self hypnosis recording you must also spend some time deciding upon which self hypnosis recording is best for you and you must also check that the recording has been done by trained hypnosis specialists. You should opt for a recording with full money back guarantee in case you find that the recording is not meant for you. Listening to these hypnosis recordings can be one of the best self help to stop overeating that is available in today`s society. Once you are able to establish a natural relationship with your food, you are sure to stop overeating.

Overheating Battery Issues Stall Chrysler Hybrid Project

As the demand for hybrid vehicles grows, Chrysler has been forced to momentarily shelve their hybrid testing. Tests found the batteries overheated in some of the pickup trucks. 109 truck models and 23 minivan models with plug-in hybrid technology are no longer currently testing.

It seemed the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks were delayed to damage due to their prototype batteries. There are no reported fires or injuries to operators as a result of the damage. Chrysler is testing a lithium powered battery since the third quarter of 2011. The project was expected to run through 2014, but no plans have been made to extend the testing.

This testing is partially funded by the United States Department of Energy to the tune of $ 58 million. Chrysler makes up for the rest of the funding with $ 65.2 million. A majority of the money was meant to fund the pickup truck testing, which was expected to cost $ 97.4 million. The reminder of the fund was meant for the minivan testing that was expected to cost $ 25.8 million.

The project testing was spread between 16 municipalities and utility companies. That spread the testing between 20 states. The batteries themselves were supplied from a Canadian company called Electrovaya, which specializes in lithium battery development and manufacturing. It even released its own electric car run on the battery that can go for 120 miles on one charge.

Despite the suspension of the truck and minivan hybrid project, Chrysler is moving ahead in development of the company's own battery. A representative has called their vision a "superior battery" to what they were implementing before. This time the company will create a different chemical makeup of the battery to prevent the overheating problem.

So far, the vehicles tested as part of the program have racked up 1.3 million miles equivalent. Minivans have recorded as high as 55 miles per gallon while the trucks have gained as much as 37.4 miles per gallon. Current hybrid minivans average about 28 miles to the gallon and trucks average about 23 miles per gallon.

Part of the testing was not just to increase the mileage of every gallon, but to create reverse power flow. This is where the battery then sends power to the electric grid. In the future, the powerful vehicle batteries could have the backup for home appliances during power outages. Chrysler hopes to have the first to release a vehicle with electric grid connectivity.