Most electric vehicles can be recharged in four to eight hours, depending on the electrical outlet, 110 or 220 volts. Recharging stations are priced at around $5,000 for a household model with a $2,500 tax credit from the government that expires in 2010.

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is expected to be in U.S. dealerships in November 2010. It will be equipped with a small 4-cylinder gasoline internal combustion engine to power a 71 hp generator which recharges the 16 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack. The car can be driven entirely on battery power for 40 miles and then it can be extended to 300 miles with the on-board generator. The Volt is expected to be priced at around $40,000, which would bring it down to $32,500 with a $7,500 federal tax credit. The car has a top speed of 100 miles per hour. It is a 5-door liftback that will be assembled at the Detroit/Hamtramck plant.

Compact Power Inc. developed the production battery cell for the Chevy Volt. The company is a subsidiary of LG Chem and is already manufacturing battery cells and packs.

“It's coming from our parent company in Korea,” said Damian Gardley, director of sales for Compact Power Inc. “We're actually going to be building a plant here in the states. It will be up and running by 2012. You've got a 16 kilowatt hour battery pack. Plenty to get you going from point A to point B. We're working on another plug-in hybrid vehicle for GM. We're also doing some work in the commercial vehicle arena as well as talking with all the major OEMs in America. You'll have these vehicles on the road, starting in 2010 with the Volt and in 2012 in a lot more volume.”

The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that is expected to be in U.S. dealerships by the fall of 2010. It will be equipped with an 110 hp electric motor, a 24 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack that comes with a range of 100 miles. The Leaf is expected to cost between $25,000 and $33,000. The car has a top speed of 87 mph. It is a 5-door hatchback that will be assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The Think City is an electric car that is expected to go on sale in the U.S. by the end of 2010. It will be equipped with a long-range battery known as a “Zebra Z36″. It will have a driving range of 112 miles. The City is expected to be priced in the mid $20,000 range. The car comes with a top speed of 62 mph. It is a two-door hatchback that will be assembled somewhere in the U.S. once a decision on a location for a factory has been made. It is currently being assembled in Norway, where the company is based.

“It is currently on sale in Europe,” said Brendan Prebo, spokesman for Think North America. “This is a sodium-chloride battery, which is a hot battery technology. The vehicles that we bring to the U.S. will also have the option of the lithium-ion batteries in it as well. It's very clean, zero emissions. It's a very fun car to drive. Electric engines have very low speed torque, which means they take off very quickly. It's a very quiet car to drive because there is no internal combustion engine.”

The Miles ZX40S is an electric car that is currently on sale from representatives spread across the country. It is equipped with a 72-volt battery that has a driving range of 50 to 60 miles. The ZX40S is priced at $19,499. The car has a top speed of 25 mph. It is a low-speed vehicle, that is mainly used for businesses like golf courses. It is not a highway-ready vehicle. The ZX40S does not come with passive restraints like airbags since it only can go 25 mph. For customers in Washington state, a special ZX40S is available to drive up to 35 mph because the state has a higher speed exemption. MIles electric vehicles are manufactured in China.

The Myers Motors NMG is a single-passenger electric car that is currently on sale in the U.S. It is equipped with a 156-volt DC or 3-phase AC electric motor that has a driving range of 20 to 40 miles. The NMG is priced at $29,995 without taxes or shipping. The car has a top speed of 70 mph. It is a three-wheeled electric car that is being assembled in Hollister, California. Myers Motors is currently developing a two-seat version of the NMG.

The Tesla Roadster is an electric car that is currently on sale at select U.S. dealerships in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major cities. It is equipped with a 248 hp electric motor and a microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack that comes with over 100,000 mile lifecycle. The Roadster is priced at $109,000. The car has a top speed of 125 mph with a range of 244 miles. Over 700 Tesla Roadsters have already been shipped to customers.

Shocking Solutions is one of the companies that has developed recharging stations for electric vehicles. Recharging stations will accept credit cards and subscriber cards that come with lower rates.

“We've started deployment in the midwest, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio,” said John Auld, CEO of Shocking Solutions. “We've started installing stations for the last three of four months. We've got locations in downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor, Michigan, some different campuses and attractions in the area as well. The neat thing about this stations is it's a network-based solution. It's a revenue-based solution so if I was a business owner and I installed these, I would actually share in the revenue that goes through these stations to pay for that up-front cost, maintenance, electricity and so on.”

The next chapter of the automobile is currently being written. In under a year, electric vehicles will begin popping up in showrooms. The Chevy Volt, Think City and Nissan Leaf are three cars that are very promising to have an environmentally-friendly world.

Source : emergency generators

Employers in San Francisco were not giving a high school grad, aged 17, the time of day with the draft looming over my head. The army's 3 squares and training and medical insurance was better than nothing. In the bay area [SF area, California] at the time, all army interested parties were bussed to the

Oakland recruiting-testing station. Here, with MALES only, were guys of every size and description waiting to go through tests and finally, take the pledge and become privates in the US army! We received some medical shots, disclosed our medical histories, religious preferences, education and employment background. [It was here that I took tests for my "military" specialty and was told I was going to enter personnel specialist school instead of photography school as that was the army's greatest need compared to my skills and to match the timing of my presumed graduation from basic training.] We had guys like me who were just 17.5 [the youngest age for entering the military] up to 32 yr old guys.

The US Army did have “Wacs”, the women's separate army corps, but we did not ask nor learn where they went to get admitted. After being prodded and poked and asked to do the most embarrassing things in a GROUP setting, most of us were finally, when again, dressed, ushered into a room with a proud American flag and an officer and we repeated the pledge and gave our oath to become members of the armed services.

I was then given a military service number which I memorized in 5 minutes, and the sergeant in charge asked
Soon, with our DD214's [packet of data giving the reader our all; medical, educational and more, history] under our arms, we were directed to board a different bus and taken to Ft Ord, about 250 miles south; the Headquarters of the 6th Army.

I think we stopped for lunch on the way down and found out quickly that our Temporary Sgt was about as lost as we were and he earned some of the taunting we gave out. As the bus entered the gate, we were both awed and held apprehension. We were now leaving civilian life and entering a new world. Perhaps we should have been glad that we didn't have female soldiers on board cause our hormones were nowhere in sight.

In just a few minutes, we stopped at the reception center and, tired as dogs and yet, excited and as nervous as a kid on his first date, we endeavored to follow instructions. I think it was about 9 pm at night. [better known as 2100 hours in military parlance]. We were directed into a well sit room and asked to find a desk. In this room, there were no temporary anything. We had corporals and sergeants. Wow! We were handed pencils and forms and, like at our first recruiting office days or weeks earlier, were again asked to fill out things. These included who was responsible for our things or remains if something unfortunate happened to us. And what our skills were. And on and on. As the forms were collected, at least 15% of them had glaring errors which the sergeant demanded be cleared up NOW. When that was all done, we were again, ushered outside into the pitch dark. A Sp4 got us into our first platoon formation and asked us what turned out to be the dumbest question that is ever asked of any soldier “If any of you have contraband, such as weapons, drugs, or pornography, place same into this wastebasket being passed around.” Now none of us were stupid enough to be carrying weapons or drugs but only the richest among us was LUCKY enough to have bought and brought porn with us [it carries a high value among soldiers and is easily tradable for other items or sold]. Naively, several guys dropped their Playboys and Penthouse or other magazines that were brought to the fort. Those sergeants and SP4s must have yelled “What a gold strike” when they returned to their respective barracks with our valuable literature treasure chest! Regardless, we then were directed to march and we stomped in the darkest of nights with some street lighting ] to our barracks, a barracks some ½ mile away. These were two storied buildings built, I think, at the beginning of World War 11. These buildings were all identical and were unvarnished wood with red here and there to point out fire hazard areas and the location of fire extinguishers. We chose our own bunk, and lazily ventured into the latrine; our military toilet. For those of you who have seen the movie, “No Time for Sergeants” a latrine is not just for doing one's business but it is a way of life. Yuck!

A latrine has no stalls, thus, no stall doors. When a guy has to sit and do his business, it is open to the members of that barracks. And there are a dozen of these commodes to use-so, almost never any waiting. And the male latrine has a trough to handle one's other needs. A military expression says it all; each day a soldier “Shits, showers and shaves.” This is also where military insults are offered freely, “Who the f…got me up at this time of the f…morning!? Or “God damn Jose, ya don't gotta stink up the place like you did all last night, etc.” If a friend's “member” was unusually small or large, it was not kept private. One could say that whatever vulgarity was invented in the world, it began its life here. Size and frequency of use of organ, and all manner of other true activities and those hoped for. Not sure how the Wacs handled their “Morning toilet” but if it was anything like the guys animations and protestations, it is a wonder that male and female ever got together!

For those who could sleep, some took a chance to disguise their need to sexually relieve themselves and did so quietly, others “Ragged” on their recruiter and others just bitched. The pleadings for quiet were wasted. About 5:00 am, or 0500 hours, brought our first “Lights on” and our barracks sergeant. There was no problem about anyone being a heavy sleeper; if you were still in your sack after the sergeant went to the end of the 40 ft long room and returned, he would pull or drag you out of bed. If you were a fighting bully when tired, that was just fine cause sergeants ordinarily are some very good fist fighters and they would love to have had an excuse to punch out your lights in short order Other than our belly aching because of the hour, we did not put up any fists in anger. When we were ready, and for this entire week, we were marched to different buildings for skills testing [morse code among other tests] and intelligent tests to see if we had an OCS candidates among our group [Officers Candidate School for those who did not go to a military academy but who still wanted to become officers]. I was not chosen to try out -so that meant my scores for the OCS program were just average. We took English and other tests to see how we took directions and obtained our clothes and our hair cuts and more medical shots. None of us laughed at our new appearance and luckily, none of us looked unnecessarily horrible in our fatigues. By the end of this first week, we were boarding our first duce and a ½ [the standard troop carrying truck, that was 2 and ½ tons in operating size; seen in a myriad of movies such as First Blood with Sly Stone] and carried to basic training. This for me was at HHC, 3 3, or, headquarters and headquarters company, 3rd battalion, 3rd training brigade, also known as “Up on the hill.” AS a vehicle approaches this part of Ft Ord, one sees a line of 3 story buildings, 3 deep, climbing up the hill perhaps 2 miles in height. Wow! Since this bldg housed an entire company, our barracks, now in this brick building,

was located on the top floor on the right. I grabbed an upper bunk and began removing my DUFFEL bag full of army stuff and placing it into either my wall or foot locker. I never did ask why the wall lockers were made of metal and the foot ones, wood. So far, I was with the same guys I had enlisted with in San Francisco and Oakland. Soon, we met our platoon Sergeant and his assistant, as he talked to us while he stood in “God's country.” GC was the area running the length of the room, about 8 feet wide. My bunk was just inside the door and to the right. It was almost funny watching guys visiting each other across GC and having to always walk around. Accidentally walking on GC means push-ups if caught. Basic training was eight weeks in duration. We were physically led 20% of the time by our sergeant and the rest of the time by temporarily sergeants. We guessed this was because our sergeant and his associate sergeant were very sharp and were giving guidance to the pentagon for the slow build up of advisors in Vietnam. Nothing else made sense to us and we never asked. In basic training, some things were constant; we had to climb some monkey bars on the way to mess hall. If you dropped, you started over. We were tested on our chain of command [who were our bosses in-between our platoon sergeant and the president of the US], what were our general orders [mainly used when pulling guard duty] and general military knowledge such as the specifications of our rifles, the M14, and more. We marched everywhere as I remember, from 1 to 25miles; all staying on Fort Ord's grounds. We learned hand to hand combat [one day a guy, as we were learning how to do somersaults, landed on my face and the skin was almost totally removed and took 1 mo to grow back], bayonet practice, map reading, crawling under machine gun fire, grenade tossing, rifle range and more. As my family and friends later learned, another thing that sort of sticks with a soldier is his habit of eating quickly. At least with me-we had a company rule laid on us; you have 5 min to eat. Doesn't matter when you get your food or how much you have been served…you have a max of 5 minutes to eat. A sergeant will determine when your five is up and he will then say 'time's up, your done!' And we would take our food plates to the KP area [kitchen police-plate holding area] and then quickly leave. One time, my platoon was serving and we had only 2 minutes to eat. I became rather proficient at the use of my rifle. At the training range, one time, as we were all waiting to stop for a steak lunch, my sergeant said “Kemper, are you hungry?” “Yes, sergeant!” was my answer. Our rifles held 20 rounds in our magazines. He said “shoot only for the three hundred yard target. I want all 20 in the bulls-eye… if you want to eat lunch. I took careful aim 20 times and put 20 rounds into the bulls eye. I was motivated. I was hungry.

Other oddities and remembrances include one time we were all sitting down listening to some training and the sergeant felt the need to add emphasis so he said to one of our less “Sharp” soldiers [Wacs never trained with male soldiers in the field] “Do you squat to piss?” “Yes, sergeant.” To that response, we all howled for a minute. We all focused a bit more for the rest of this hour of instruction. Each morning, the company executive officer or commander [we rarely had a CO [company commander], instead, we had a first lieutenant with no other officer to help him] would give to his platoon leaders [sergeants-we never had officers as leaders] instructions as to what training would be conducted, where and what uniform would be worn. Not too hard one would assume. Often it would change 2-3 times in one morning-before we even left the barrack's area. One normal day, we were ready to march to our training area and a call for a change of uniform went out-to which we all charged to our respective floors and rooms to remove or add uniform components; jackets, canteen, etc. One this day, I raced like everyone else. One time for change #2, then another time for change #3, and finally, on change #4, for reasons only my soul understands, I broke down. I sat on the steps and cried. It was too much-too many changes. My platoon sergeant, I think he was also Stockdale, sat next to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Take it easy Kemper. Breathe easy. [We did not have the term "chill" at that time]. Relax.” After one minute, “Feel better now?” “Yes” I said with some moral strength returning to my body. I never had another occurrence of uniform change frustration. And no one laughed at me for this. After all, we were in BASIC TRAINING to learn different strategies to handle different things.

When it came time to fire on the life firing test, I did only fair as it was very foggy and I could barely see the targets. Another thing that was a bit different from other training battalions was the way we would put our mattresses out the window most every morning so that they aired out. Ft. Ord was undergoing the scare of Spinal Meningitis and its' concern had caused some reduction of how we conducted our training. At the end of our either weeks of training, our graduation ceremony was like that of Stripes and we saw the battalion commander for his speech. When we returner to our barracks, we each had our orders for our A.I.T., Advanced Individual Training. I was to catch a bus to go back down hill and attend Personnel Specialist School while all my other platoon and most in the company went off to other training schools throughout the US; for advanced infantry, for signal, for artillery, medical training for medics, and countless other schools. I was assigned to C-1-4, or, C company, first battalion of the 4th brigade. [Ft Ord, sixth army.] I was to be taught how to handle the soldier's personnel file, the world renowned DD214. I again learned the rules of English, typing [I had typing in the 7th grade so I was up on most everyone in that respect] and how to find the forms needed for everything but medical and pay-those components were filled out at the hospital and pay office, respectively. I believe that my training had me remove those components and send them onwards.

Two great things now were introduced; women and passes! The Wacs were students in most of our personnel specialist schools and we could go to the surrounding cities every weekend if we wanted to and had not had negative things occur to us during the previous week. I earned a pass every week. I would come to regret one pass. During the holiday season, I went with my mom, sister and brother and visited my uncle in Oregon; what an experience to drive back with snow chains as the main driver! A few weeks later, was almost through with my Personnel Specialist training at Ft Ord and was on a normal, weekend pass to Monterey to go to the special services building where soldiers who just want to get away from it all, can almost do so without spending any money. TV, dancing and the like is available. I had been there 2-3 times previously, from memory and it had been just fine. This time, I was ok for the first hour and then, out of nowhere, I began slightly shaking. I am not a drug user or anything and had no explanation for this shaking. I laid down to rest for 1 hour while I waited for the free bus to take us back to the base. Back at our brick barracks, I felt horrible but had not thrown up so felt lucky. I went to the orderly room and got a written note to go on “Sick call.” I walked to the hospital, a walk in the gray matter of life. I should have been driven but I had no excuse to offer to gain a ride. At the hospital, I was sent from one desk to another and felt myself dragging to each site. Finally, after being given a hospital gown, I was directed to a specific room and told to lie down. In 15 minutes, a medic came in with a flash light. Then another one came in. In a minute, I was put on a Gurney and whisked down one long corridor after another and into a room for surgery. I was still very groggy but nothing else. I was very tired and nervous. Finally, I asked the doctor or nurse present, “Do I have Meningitis?” “Yes, I am afraid so” was the answer. I was given a spinal tap that is usually a one shot or one is dead. I moved the first time and the 2nd time, it was successful-what an odd sensation. I also received a urethra tube that hurt like hell and then, I puked white foam. That was scary. I had by now, 1-2 tubes in my arms for something or other. I had been hurt more in earlier scrapes in life so this was not as bad TO ME. And, what do you know but my dad came into the room with a gown and mask. He said “What a way to get good press or get your name in the paper, I forget which.” I was then gurneyed to a room several hallways away and I rolled onto another bed for healing. In this room were 7 other guys. It seems they were also “Mengi” survivors. At Fort Ord, I think 120 men had contracted Mengi and 9 of us had survived it.

I have not been back to the special services building.

I was informed by my training company that had I not been taken ill, I was assigned to Korea. However, I was well enough to return to school [one to two weeks later?] and I graduated from Personnel training school and received orders to go to SETAF, [Southern European Task Force], a division of USAREUR, [United States Army, Europe].

I got my orders, made my way to the fort bus stop, and rode to town. I went from the Monterey airport to San Francisco Airport direct to New York. I walked all over the city and loved being on top of the Empire State Building. While others may have had reservations about not knowing anyone in NYC and being susceptible to holdups and the like, had anyone tried to hold me up, I would have trounced him; I was gung ho, and had just surmounted a deadly disease; no one person was able to upset me! I have no memory of the flight but flying is always exciting and the jet landed in Milano in the morning and I casually deboarded. I picked up my duffel bag and walked to the front of the airport and sitting there just waiting for me, was a military bus. They had a copy of my orders and matched it to my ID and my orders and I was on the way to the city of Vicenza, via Verona [the bus ended its trip at Leghorn, aka, Lavorno but I was not going that far today!] These three cities were the bases for SETAF. In two hours, I was dropped off at my new unit, HHC, 560th Signal Battalion, at Camp Ederle [which today houses special forces, and the 560th Signal has been dismantled.]

I arrived in Italy in February 1965 and was as excited as I was bored. Excited by being in Italy, bored by two very long plane rides and a long bus ride. Soon, with sergeant's orders in my ear [not loud, but potent], I was assigned a room and a bunk and switched clothes from “Class As” to fatigues. Today, soldiers may travel freely in fatigues but in the 60's, they could only go to their homes or be on base in fatigues and the rest of the time -off base, they needed to be in their DRESS uniform [Class As]. In short order, I met my room mates, [no more bunk beds], and walked to my work area, an administration building, a mile up near the front of the post/base. This base had perhaps 2,500 soldiers with Verona holding as many and Leghorn also as many. We did have plain clothes security forces in different towns keeping a watch for Communists who might be coming in from Russia. Italy already had a Communist party so this watching for the Russian Communists confused me. My boss was a Chief Warrant Officer, about 40 years of age. I had just turned 18 two months previous. In short order, out came the soldiers and their 214's and my typewriter and the myriad of regulations to be followed to make sure everyone had correct paperwork. Whoopie.

Kevin McCue was a room mate as was Ray Erwin. Kevin and Ray were 5 years my senior and a unique pair. Both had traveled, during leaves, to the UK, so they said and met wonderful British ladies. Their stories were entertaining. Mr. McCue was a soldier like no other I would ever meet. Kevin McCue was a private, E2, with no stripe. He had been in the service perhaps 2 years and tolerated it. He had some skill I had forgotten what, but he abhorred the military so much that he refused to accept any rank above E2. He did what he was told to do and not a lick more. He was positively a smart ass when he could get away with it. He could easily make one laugh and I think he had a degree in Political Science or English. I once came within 2 seconds of challenging his pacifist role but thought better of it; making friends was hard enough; no need to piss off the few ones I did have. Kevin took advantage of Ray Erwin. Ray was not as smart as Kevin and had more money. Ray also bought a BMW and he and Kevin McCue were off base within 5 minutes of the end of each work day. Ray got boozed too much one day and at reveille one morning, he was “Shit faced” and being smart enough to stand in back of our formation, puked through the entire machinations of roll call and announcements. I “Grew up” in the army, or, matured if you wish. I had not enjoyed the different values in hygiene and had wound up scratching my legs excessively one week. I went on sick call. I think I was a 1-2 days a week showerer. Soldier's work makes one stink anyway so why sweat showers was my attitude. Anyway, I went on sick call because of my right leg itching so badly. When I rolled down my sock, my right leg was covered in crabs. GROSS! I honestly do not know where I caught them from but I was in the shower in 1 minute and my barracks was being cleaned from top to bottom when I returned that evening. Oh well. That did teach me about hygiene. I took daily showers from that day on. [Little penis and all.] After a bit, I became disenfranchised with the rigors of typing and the formalities of my good old DD124 and the army's other forms and was read the riot act by my Chief Warrant Officer. Within 3 months, my attitude had not really improved and thus, my neatness and follow-through on forms had not adequately improved and I was removed from my position as a Personnel Specialist and demoted in work title identifier from 71H20 to 716.10 or whatever it was and is, to clerk. [wow, first time I had remembered that-those identifiers in 40 years!] I was sent back to my company to find other work. [too bad too, cause my Personnel Specialist work area contained some nice Italian ladies-who politely ignored me].

I was, over the next year, assigned as generator repair specialist, M49 jeep repair specialist, battalion training driving and weapon specialist and PRISON guard and driver for a major [who visited missile silos one day]! Our command it was rumored, had the highest volunteer rate for Vietnam out of the entire U.S. Army. One day, at reveille, a new soldier showed up that was as sharp looking as he was out of place. He wore a green beret. In short order, our battalion commander yelled out “Soldier, you are out of uniform.” To that, our sharper than a tack beret responded “Sir, according to Army Regulations x y and z [I do not remember what he quoted] Green Berets will wear this headgear.” To that, our smart mouth lieutenant colonel said something like “Soldier, according to other army regulations, I am the commander of this outfit and I decide what the proper uniform is.”

I was offered two separate trips to Murnau, Germany, to attend the generator and vehicle repair school. Murnau is a few miles north of Garmish/Partenkerschen, the main recreation area for our soldiers assigned to Germany. The trip from Vicenza to Murnau on the train is a unique trip-so I will offer comments on it. The cost in the 60's was very reasonable and I had to pay for none of it. I was only responsible for hotels if I chose to take an extra day. The train goes up through Switzerland and over to Austria and then, I switch trains to go to Murnau, a stop on the way to Munich. The trip is/was very pretty and more! I chose to stop over in Basel, Swiss after doing some touring and a hotel manager let me spend the night in a chair to save $15. At about 6 in the morning, I walked the 2 blocks to the train station and caught the train. Some time in the early afternoon, the train I was on did something so cute and yet to “territorial” that I had to laugh [but not at anyone so I did not offend anyone.] The trip winds through Swiss this and that way and winds up in the meadows and farm lands and for about ONE HUNDRED yards, it passes through Austria before it returns to Swiss on its way to its major city stop of Innsbruck, also in Austria. I was dumbfounded when the train came to a stop in the meadows-with nothing around but beautiful grass and flowers. Shortly after the stop, a new conductor came around and sought the equivalent of twenty five cents for permission to travel through this part of Austria. That made absolutely no sense to me. Since my destination was Austria and I started out in Swiss, why could not the two nations get together and collect for entire route and divvy it out as applicable? Regardless, again, it was so cute [if they had only had a yodeler and a glass of beer, it would have been perfect] that I paid without asking further questions! My time in school in Murnau was interesting and successful. I learned about generators. I was a generator operator for 1 whole day when I returned to my base two weeks later. Visiting Garmisch and Partenkirchen was delightful and I met a Hanalore, about 23 yrs of age and we took the tram to the top of the Zugspitz, their tallest mountain in the area. Hanalore posed in a bathing suit for me so I had my hoorah satisfied. I could have asked for more. I did not.

Back at the base in Italy, I was offered the chance to become a teacher and I loved it. I taught the superior way to drive the new M151 jeep as it had a more flexible spring and suspension system and our soldiers were tipping them over in large numbers and dying. Next, I taught the use of the M79 grenade launcher which looks like a sawed off shot gun. I also taught the use of the LAW, Light Anti-tank Weapon. I loved teaching. I was given respect for 1 hour a day and treated like a sergeant. In time, I was transferred to a different company in our battalion and I adapted as well as a 19 yr old male could. I met Mario Violante, our base Italian -English translator and we had few but fun times together, he being about 25 at the time and paid 1/4 what I was. Twice, I was also assigned to accompany a wild guy from our battalion who had been caught playing footsie with a girl in the theater and sentenced to 5-15 yrs hard labor, in Livorno-Leghorn. I carried a 45 caliber side arm and he had to travel in hand cuffs. I had known him slightly and trusted him maybe more than I should have. He did not take advantage of that trust. I also learned to use a 20 gage shotgun in Livorno with the directive, “Aim to main, not to miss.” During my off times in Livorno, I met a few guys and one guy and I hit it off so we would go cruising in his car. We struck out but we had fun together. Speedos came into fashion about 15 years later but in Italy, I bought a similar suit and thought I looked good in it. I wore in 2-3 times and the girls seemed pleased. I once swam out 200 yards out to a cabin cruiser to help a girl swim into shore. That was very pleasing. I did not push the issue and said bye to her on shore. I never wore that suit again. I amaze myself that I ever did wear it. On December 31, 1965, my friend got a speeding ticket by the MPs [military police] in town. They had no patience for anyone speeding at any time! Damn I also broke my watch during a test firing of the shot gun. I have a deviated septum from birth and wanted to get my nose to work better so I had been to Livorno earlier but the doctor said my nose was too small for him to do any good with it.

In Vicenza, I was befriended by Ferrucio Alliana, a pastacherria [pastry shop] owner and his wife. I loved sweet pasta and it was for sale at prices I could afford. One day, in my best Italian, I chatted with Ferrucio and he invited me to go with him on his Vespa to the ancient castle that once housed the real Romeo and Juliet. It was neat being there.

Soldiers in Europe had to go on frequent “Field problems” which meant being awoken at odd hours in the morning, dressing rapidly and heading to the motor pool. Our respective platoon sergeants would then give us directions and we would soon join a huge caravan of perhaps 150 vehicles and head north by north west, as if we were going out to set up communications systems for our command officers who were responsible to inform the USAREUR filed generals if Russia was coming over the hills from Yugoslavia, just off to our right. We soldiers were both lucky and unlucky; lucky that Russia did not choose to attack the rest of Europe and unlucky that we had to camp out in the fields, with our wired communications, and our tents and our mess hall, and all that goes with it. We met lots of “Louies”, our name for the Italian farmers who rented us their fields for the duration of our field exercise that could run from 3 to 7 days. On several of these, if my tent mates could stand me, I would be directed to visit the different farmers and using my best Italian [rather limited, to be honest] see if I could barter some of our K rations [now MREs] for some wine. I always succeeded.
Another interesting day was when we had our annual PT tests; tests to see how well we threw dummy hand grenades, long jumped and ran the mile. [in fatigues and boots!] I knew that today, I would surprise many people. A squad has about 12 men, a platoon about 4 squads, a company about 4 platoons, and a battalion has about 4 companies, thus about 704 soldiers. During most of the tests, I scored average at best. But during the mile, I began aggressive and found the 5 fastest runners. The running test had about 1 platoon at a time. At the 3/4 mile point, I had moved up a smidgen and the smokers had fallen out. At the finish, I was number 2, about 40 ahead of where everyone thought I would be. Battalion wise, I came in 5th.

A few months later came voting day. Since I was a “mouth”, I volunteered to give a small speech. On the speech day, two high school girls gave speeches and I was the only soldier to volunteer to speak and I was congratulated by the Command general. That was a brief “High!”

I dated for 2 weeks, a skinny lady about twice my age who spoke broken English. She gave me the inference her father was an officer in the Mafia. I wanted to try a comic routine and see what might happen. I did not confirm if she was teasing me or not but I visited a house he was doing door work at and acted like a tourist and chatted with him for 1-2 minutes acting like a tourist from California who had no focus or cares in the world. He looked mildly menacing and I got a kick out of “Being cool” for 2 minutes of my life. I felt afterwards that I accomplished nothing by doing that but I did feel macho while doing it.

On the trains I took to Livorno two times, I had nice chats with different Italian and English speaking passengers and was also intrigued by the adaptability of the natives. In lieu of roadside public toilets, at least at this time in Italy's history, people had to solve their concerns by simply stopping along side the roads [which often ran parallel to the trains] and just unzip or raise one's dress and squat, right there and then.

I wanted to see the county from atop Vicenza's tallest building and got permission from the mayor and got some good pictures in December. It was not only beautiful but unfortunately also reminded me of war torn Italy and Germany. And the bird crap on the stairway proved that either the Italians had no cleaning teams for this building or no one had climbed it in decades.

I have written separately about a field trip to Marostica, the city of the living pieces Chess Game.

One month, a soldier suggested we all go on strike because we paid $5 a month to the kitchen workers in lieu of being on KP ourselves and thus, we should earn one day off of work each month. To pay an Italian to do our duty and yet, not to have time off was a rip-off. After a week of discussions, the commanders convinced everyone else to just keep up the system as Uncle Sam needed us and the $5 was not that big a deal. I was the only holdout in the entire battalion. I was given an article 15 for failure to obey a directive to pay my KP fee. F.

I can honestly say that I kept my eyes open, and learned both about life and the military as a young soldier in Italy. I also earned an unenviable record; I had 7 article 15s before I was honorably discharged from the army in August of 1967. An article 15 is non-judicial punishment. Usually, after 5, a soldier is given a general discharge. However, I earned all of my 15s via “Chicken shit” petty activities. The army can be cantankerous when it wishes to be.

I was assigned back to the states in October of 1966. I was assigned to be a clerk at CDCEC, Combat Development Command, Experimentation Command, located both at Ft Ord and at Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, located about 50 miles south east of Ft Ord. Liggett was a test range for the new M16 rifles and other weapons. I was still a PFC [single striper then] and assigned to be a clerk for a trailer “Up on the range” with a major, captain and a master sergeant. The duty was horribly monotonous but at least I was treated with much more respect by my superiors. One day, I took my newly bought used car [bought when I went home on a short leave] and drove up on some of the range's dirt roads, as a buddy and I sought out places to do target shooting. After driving around for 30 minutes this Saturday, an MP jeep came upon us and asked what we were doing. We nonchalantly explained and the sergeant told us incredulously, that the dirt roads had not been cleared of ordnance and the area had many unexploded M79 rounds. Hmmm. Ok. We never had seen one sign to that effect. Finally, another big day approached, the day the IG [Inspector General] arrived to handle GI complaints. Although I was to be discharged in under 60 days, I still wanted to have more pay and higher rank and my master sergeant did not seem motivated to help me so I got immediate permission to see the IG. I brought along my test papers and scores from typing and other material, explained I was already 24 months, 3 weeks time in grade [no one had ever not gotten a promotion in the entire sixth army with as much time in grade as a PFC, so I held an unenviable record] and the IG promoted me on the spot to Specialist Forth Grade!! I hated another PFC and offered to shoot the ass-and was going to give him some orders to leave me alone but the damn IG [my buddy one minute previously] promoted him to the same rank! SHIT!

I completed my three year enlistment honorably in August of 1967. I did not earn a good conduct medal because of my 7 article 15s but I learned a lot; about traveling [visited 16 nations], almost became engaged to an Israeli girl in Haifa, Israel, learned how to kill, clean, maintain, follow orders and the difference between waste and efficiency.

I re-entered the military by joining the California National Guard a few years after my separation. California had a “Bump up one” so I entered the first time in the guard as a Sp5, and was an Executive Officer's driver for a battalion, attended Ft Ord's NCO academy to learn how to teach formally and was honorably released a year later. The following year, I re-entered the guard and this time as a Sgt E5. “3 stripes, yeah!” My first assignment was as a battalion supply sergeant's helper [he was a Platoon Sergeant, E7]. During my 2nd drill, I noticed a photo van parked in the center of our armory. I inquired about openings and was told an opening did exist. I immediately went to my supervisor and he happily released me so that I could join the photo unit as one of only two sergeants within it. A week later, our battalion went to the Hunter Liggett area but an area I had not seen before. There, the California Guard has tank practice and other training. I took my own camera and shot pictures of tank training, recoilless rifle training and firing and got pictures of a fire that one rifle caused that threatened an ammo dump. I met a major general who was visiting the recoilless training. That was exciting too. There were 5 photographers to cover this extensive two week summer drill. Normally, each photographer was able to have as many as two pictures printed in our summer review newspaper; I had 5 pictures printed. I was gleeful.

A year later, I thought I would try for higher rank after being honorably separated from the guard with my Sergeant's stripes. I entered the California ROTC program as their oldest candidate, being in my mid 30's. It was exciting as I was asked a lot of questions about the service and what I did [both good and poorly] in Italy. During our two week training, we were taken to a field near a building settlement about 25 miles east of Sacramento. I was stoked! Ready for bear! We were told to leave all but our canteens at this stop point [jackets, tents, food, etc] and to march to an area one mile away. Soon, we were on a unique march, which stopped every two to three miles as the student commander and his junior officers rated the new ROTC candidates. At each stop, changes were made as to fire team leaders, tail guards, platoon leaders, company commanders, and battalion commander. It was exciting. I put my experiences to work and remembered John Wayne's movie, Green Beret's and how they went through their Vietnam jungle. Finally, after ½ the day gone, I was appointed battalion commander or executive officer. I was advised not to use the slur “Ten hut” but instead, command the full “Attention!” And I was shown how to spread out my troops in case we came under fire. I was so stoked!! That evening, we arrived at a camping area but had to enter previously dug fox holes and take other cover. We were told an “Enemy” had been discovered and they were coming after us, so we had to go from being attackers to being defenders. Two slight problems, no food and no jackets. Both had been left behind and the adult and student commanders had decided to leave them where they were [guarded but of no value to us many miles East of its location]. Without ammo we were told to yell out bang bang. I laughed but not too loud. Finally, just before dawn, the enemy were sighted. At the proper moment, we began yelling “BANG, bang, bang” as loud as we could. I guess I yelled the loudest and longest. I was still stoked. When the fight was over we were brought together and after the real major and his student officers huddled, they said something like “candidates, we have chosen the candidate with the highest demonstrated skills and best attitude, candidate Kemper!” Yeah! A few weeks later, while I was still a college student, the personnel office called me and said that some of my paperwork was incomplete. I informed them that according to Title , of such and such law, they were not permitted to ask those questions. [I forget what the questions were now] I was offered the chance to answer them or leave ROTC. I chose to follow the law and not answer. I am not sure that was the better choice.

Four months later, I was visiting the Navy recruiting center in S. Sacramento and found a “Billet” for a Lieutenant in the PIO [Public Information Office]. Wow, a chance to become an officer! I was given some paperwork to fill out, did so and was given a document that paid for a round trip ticket back to the same old recruiting center in Oakland I had been to years earlier. I bussed there, went through the physicals, health check-ups, and more. After a few hours of those, I was ushered into the interview room to discuss my Information job and make sure I had all the qualifications. I was asked if I had a master's degree in either photography or Journalism. I said I did not but I had a different area covered and I had the experience. With the simplest of ease and nonchalance, the gentleman [I saw no rank] said, “You may go.” Huh? That was it? He opened his requirements book and said I had to have a graduate degree in one of those two fields and that was not waiverable. Pooh. Shot down. NO officer ranking for me!

That, ladies and gents, is pretty much my military history. I gained, I learned. I have my war stories. War is hell… maybe because of some of the regulations in place!

Source : emergency generator

The first tip and one of the most important is to never use a gasoline powered portable generator inside your house. These type of generators produce carbon monoxide gas. Do not rely on the fact that you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home to protect you. Do the smart and safe thing instead and use the portable generator outside of the living quarters of your home.

Many people feel that just because generators are sold at their local hardware store or convenience stores that they are simple to install. This is not necessarily the case. It's worth it to have a licensed electrician install the generator for you. By paying a little more for the installation, you will be able to avoid possible costs due to injury or illness from an improperly installed generator.

Before starting your generator it's best to make sure you have it set up properly. Make sure that you are using the correct type of extension cord for your generator, a three pronged plug is essential. Check your cord to make sure it is not frayed and that it does not have any signs of damage to it. Also make sure that your generator is in a safe, and dry place. Water and electricity can be a very dangerous combination resulting in electrical shock that could injure or kill you.

When running your generator, make sure you keep children away from it, there is no reason for your children to be near the generator regardless of how inquisitive they are. Only use your generator when it's absolutely necessary, and if using it in an enclosed space make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed in the area. Again remember though not to use a gas powered generator inside the home.

When you no longer need to power your appliances with the generator, turn the appliances off before turning off the generator. When storing your fuel for your generator, make sure that you store it in a cool area that is away from any electrical appliances. Also make sure that it is stored in a well marked container so others in your house know what the container holds for safety reasons and where to find it when needed.

As hurricane season gets into full swing it is likely areas within the continental U.S. will come under hurricane watches or warnings. If you are in an area such as this and intend to use your portable generator if you lose power, make sure your family is aware of these safety precautions as well. Using a portable generator is a great convenience but not one worth risking injury to family members due to them being uninformed.

SOURCES:

Prnewswire.com. “Know The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Portable Electric Generators”.
URL: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/07-31-2007/0004635639&EDATE=TUE+Jul+31+2007,+05:06+AM

Source : electrical generators

The Troy-Bilt 3250 Watt Portable Generator is affordable and built to last. This generator under $1,000 features 3250 watts, it has a Briggs and Stratton 900 series gross torque engine, its got two 120V household type locking outlets, it has a 4 gallon metal fuel tank that can continuously run up to 13 hours at half load, its got an extended protection plan available for an additional charge, it has a wheel kit, a fuel gauge and a control panel and this generator weighs an approximate 130 odd pounds. The coloring of this generator is a stylish and flashy red. You can purchase the Troy-Bilt 3250 Watt Portable Generator at your local Lowe's store for an affordable low price of $429 plus tax and any applicable shipping costs.

The Centurion by Generac Power Systems 5,000 Running Watts Portable Generator is durable, reliable and affordable. This generator under $1,000 features 5,000 running watts, its got an hour meter, an oil shut-down function and a 6.6 gallon steel fuel tank, it has a 389cc OHV engine, its got an extended protection plan available for an additional charge and it weighs an approximate 180 odd pounds. The coloring of this generator is blue and black. You can purchase the Centurion by Generac Power Systems 5,000 Running Watts Portable Generator online or at your local Lowe's store for a bargain price of $649 plus tax and any applicable shipping costs.

The Generac Power Systems GP7000 7000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator is durable and catches the eye. This generator under $1,000 features a 410cc OHVI Generac engine, it has a pull start, its got an 8.0 gallon fuel tank, it has 11 hours of run time at ½ a load, its got a 2 year warranty, it comes with an owners manual, it cannot be returned once purchased and its coloring is a stark orange. You can purchase the Generac Power Systems GP7000 7000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator online only at Home Depot for an affordable price of $999 plus tax and shipping costs.

The Troy-Bilt 3250 Watt Portable Generator, the Centurion by Generac Power Systems 5,000 Running Watts Portable Generator and the Generac Power Systems GP7000 7000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator are the best generators under $1,000. Each of these generators listed above are unique, durable, built to last, reliable and affordable for the average customer to purchase. It's important that every home have a reliable generator in case of bad weather or a sudden loss of power.

Troy-Bilt 3250 Watt Portable Generator Lowe's
Centurion by Generac Power Systems 5,000 Running Watts Portable Generator Lowe's
Generac Power Systems GP7000 7000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator Home Depot

Source : engine generator

This weekend the weather reporters are calling for snow and ice, up to seven inches of snow. This is quite a lot for this area. Or even for areas south of North Carolina.

Something I've noticed since moving to the south is something that to me makes very little sense. The thing that I've noticed is many people panic and will rush out to stock up on milk and bread. Causing a shortage of both milk and bread, this just makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Because even if you could figure out enough different ways to use an over abundance of milk and bread, normally the snow and ice does not last very long at all. Hardly ever will the snow still be around a week later.

This being said, there are some things that you can do to be prepared for winter weather even in the south, and you not go into panic mode. Anything that someone does in a state of panic is very likely to have negative results. It will at the least be somewhat wasteful.

Now while a snowfall may not linger as long as in the southern states as it does in the northern states, ice storms, often create power outages for those living in the south.

Now this is more of a concern that rushing out to purchase milk and bread. So you need to be prepared.

Many stores sell what is called hurricane candles, these are candles that you can put a small globe over. You can find many varieties of these over in the candle section of most department stores. These normally store well.
If you chose to use these you will need to have a place to set these candles away from anything that could possibly catch fire. Don't place near curtains for example, or papers or books, or anything flammable.

The center of a clean and clear kitchen table is a good place to set a candle if you need to use one due to a power outage.

Something else you will want to have is flashlights, with good batteries. You will also need matches or a lighter if you will be using candles or kerosene lamps. These items need to be stored in an easy to access location.
If your sole heating source comes through electricity in any form that may be knocked out, if would be helpful to have a backup generator, but is really not something I'd personally purchase due to cost, and the fact being you'd still need a good place to store it, and would have to be able to go out and get gas for it. This is something that unless you also have a medical issue that requires some sort of electricity, such as oxygen may be an unneeded expense.

The investment in a kerosene heater can be an effect way to stay warm, in the south. Just remember to always fill your kerosene heater outside. Before you light your kerosene heaters make sure there is nothing within at least 3 feet of your heater. This will help to insure that nothing catches fire. Also do not place your heater in any doorways.

Win
Extra blankets, and or quilts will also be helpful for if you happen to lose power and do not have a kerosene heater available.

In my next article I will discuss further how to be prepared for a winter snow storm in the south.

The first thing to remember is a source of light, and of heat. (You need light to see what you're doing, and heat to keep from freezing.)
Next we'll discuss food, water and cooking…

Source : 1500 watt generator

Industrial goods are raw materials, fabricated materials and parts, installations, accessory equipment and operating supplies. Raw materials are products destined to become part of another product. Fabricated materials are products that have already been processed. Installations are major equipment with long lives such as buildings, generators and aircraft. Accessory equipment aids and implements production and includes such things as machinery. Examples of operating supplies are lubricating oil, ball point pens and floor wax.

2.Overview the four characteristics of industrial demand as discussed in you text.

The four characteristics of industrial demand is derived demand, inelastic demand, widely fluctuating demand, knowledgeable demand. Demand for industrial goods is derived from consumer demand this is what is meant by derived demand. Industrial demand for products such as automobile tires is really dependent on the demand for automobiles by consumers. Industrial products represent a small part of a bigger product is most cases. Price sensitivity is low. Generally the demand for industrial goods is subject to wide fluctuation. Industrial buyers are usually very well informed in relation to consumers. They also generally have more specialized interest in terms of product purchases.

3.Discuss the many uses of direct marketing for business consumers.

There are several uses for Business to Business uses of direct marketing, these are:

Generate qualified “leads” for salesperson follow-up.

Achieve direct sales remotely (i.e. via catalogs and Websites).

Reinforce all sales efforts.

Introduce new products.

Develop new markets and applications.

Build industrial customer goodwill.

Conduct industrial market research.4. Describe the challenges facing industrial marketers today.

There are five major challenges facing industrial marketers these are:

Marketing costs that are increasing while the audience reached is decreasing. It costs more generate awareness than ever before.

Face to face selling is down in efficiency but up in cost. Travel expense is up and the cost of a salesperson's call on a prospect/customer is a larger part of a revenue than before.

Communication clutter brings individuals up to 10,000 messages per day and many have tuned out nonrelevant marketing messages.

Customer relationship managers often do not integrate an analytical approach to combining operations with marketing programs and campaigns. There is generally not nearly enough analysis of customer data.

Industry classifaiction of customer/prospects, most commonly used in the past, is not adequately predictive in the current business environment. Such market segmentation assumes businesses within the same industry type are similar; however, a business in a rural area can be dramatically different from an inner-city business with same industry classification.5.Compare and contrast the SIC system with the NAICS.

The original SIC system is a means of industrial market segmentation developed by the federal government a good many years ago. SIC codes, which identify businesses by industry and by segment of industry and serve as a basis for statistical data about industries, are in broad use by government, trade associations, and business enterprises.

The newer NAICS system is much newer and established in 1994 as part of NAFTA featuring U.S, Canada and Mexico. All three of these countries have agreed on this system. NAICS is an entirely different classification system than SIC, because it focuses on production activities rather than those the industries serve

6.Overview the history of international direct marketing as presented in your text.

Obviously we live in a highly globalized society and direct marketing is a world wide affair. The oldest known catalog was produced by Aldus Manutius of Venice in 1498 and listed the titles of 15 texts Manutius had published. Next came seed and nursery catalogs, the earliest known mercantile gardening catalog being a printed price list issued by William Lucas, an English gardener. It is believed that the birthplace of direct marketing is Germany. Germany had a parcel post system by 1874 and a collect on delivery system by 1878. The first European consumer catalog was distributed in 1883, this was around the same time that Richard Sears was creating his first catalog in the U.S. By 1912, a German businessman, August Stuchenbrok, produced a 238 page catalog which was five years before Leon Bean sold his first pair of boots. The largest catalog house in the world today is also owned by a German company, Otto Versand, who owns Spiegel, Eddie Bauer and Newport News Inc. Today it's the United States who remains the world leader in mail-order markets earning more than $90 billion every year. Germany ranks second with $30 billion, Japan is next with $22 billion, France is fourth with $11 billion, Great Britain with $7 billion and finally Switzerland and Austria at $2 billion combined.

7.Identify and explain the six common modes of market entry.

The six common modes of market entry these are exporting, licensing, joint venture, contract manufacturing, direct investment and management contracting. An exporting company sells its products from its home base without maintaining any of its own personnel overseas. Licensing occurs when a licensor, a company located in the host country, allows a foreign firm to manufacture or severe a product or service for sale in the licensee's country. A joint venture is created when two or more investors join forces to conduct a business by sharing ownership and control. This system is not dissimilar to a partnership. Contract manufacturing is when a company will contract a local manufacturer to produce goods for the company. Direct investment is when a company acquires an existing foreign company or forms a completely new company in the foreign country. Finally management contracting is when local businesspeople or their government signs a contract to manage the foreign business in their country's market.

8.Discuss the importance of the international direct marketing infrastructure and describe the common direct marketing infrastructure considerations.

Important questions to ask about international marketing infrastructure are:

Does the country have an active Direct Marketing Association?

What is the degree to which the support services are present?

How sophisticated is the credit card and banking system in the country?

Is there an established pattern of purchasing via direct channels?

What legislative issues will affect direct marketing activities?9.Identify and briefly explain the four words of wisdom for developing creative materials for any international direct marketing campaign.

The four key words are research, test, translate and adapt. Translate is of especial importance for the internet. Increasing exposure and opening up possible markets. For instance being able to translate a website to a different language creates endless possibilities. Adaption is really the challenges of bringing well known brands into different countries. Culture can play a key role and sometimes corporations should adapt to fit in. For instance certain words may have negative meanings in another country. With this in mind it may be a good idea to market using different names. Also research and testing is importing the researching for finding out local customs and cultural values. Testing is trying an offer and see what results are given. Of course as with any offer things can be changed to achieve better results.

10.Compare and contrast direct marketing activities in Europe with those in Latin America.

The European Union represents 350 million consumers and 10 million businesses. The European Union is made up of many different countries with different languages, cultures and legal systems. There are also differences between U.S and European markets such as shorter hours for retail stores. Nonetheless Europe is a fantastic market for direct marketing. Lands end, Viking and allstate have had success in Europe.

The population of Latin America is 650 million. Brazil is the best market for direct marketers.

AB Flex, one of the fitness industry's top performing products generated more than $10 million of sales in a nine month period.

Murad International Skin care generated more than $7 million in sales in Mexico alone. The brand awareness generated created an extremely successful continuity program and catalog.

Source : power pro generator

The ETQ TG72K12 is a powerful portable generator. It also produces clean electricity, so your delicate electronics won't get damaged. You can find this model for an average price of $800. Keep reading to learn about some of the features that it offers.

Engine

The ETQ TG72K12 is equipped with a 14 HP 420 cc OHV engine. It offers both recoil and electric starting. If you want to use the electric start feature, you will need to get your own battery since one isn't included. The generator can provide 7,250 running watts and 8,250 surge watts.

Tank

The tank in the ETQ TG72K12 can hold 6.42 gallons of gas. A full tank of gas can power the generator for 10.5 hours when operating at 50% load. When operating at 100% load, a full tank of gas will power it for 6.6 hours.

Outlets

The ETQ TG72K12 portable generator offers three outlets. There are two 120-volt 20-amp outlets and one 120-volt 30-amp outlet. There is also a 240-volt, 30-amp locking outlet. Each one of the outlets are protected by a circuit breaker to help protect your sensitive electronics.

Portability

The ETQ TG72K12 weighs 207 pounds. However, it's designed to be easy to move around. It is equipped with large semi-pneumatic foam wheels that can traverse almost any terrain. Also, you can easily pull it using the folding handle.

Throttle

Another nice feature of the ETQ TG72K12 portable generator is the auto-throttle. Whenever the generator doesn't need to produce power, it will automatically lower the engine speed. The engine will speed up again once power is needed. This auto throttle feature helps conserve fuel. It will also help the engine last longer.

Oil

If you want the ETQ TG72K12 to last, you will need to ensure it always has plenty of oil. It can hold 30.8 pints at a time. The unit will automatically shut down once the oil level dips too low.

If you're looking for a powerful portable generator, then you should consider investing in the ETQ TG72K12. It is equipped with a 6.42 gallon tank that can power the unit for 10.5 hours at 50% load. The 14 HP engine can provide 7,250 running watts and 8,250 surge watts.

Source : generator for sale

In 1989, I left my small, rural hometown in Texas for the sunny beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was a big change, and there was much to adjust to. I eventually got used to the heavy traffic, skyscrapers and fast-paced living, but one thing I never got used to was hurricane season. It certainly didn't help that my first experience with hurricanes was the notorious Hurricane Andrew.

In 1992, Andrew struck south Florida with a brutal force that caused 65 deaths and over $25 billion in damage. Andrew made many people stand up and take notice of the importance in being prepared. Most hurricane-related deaths do not occur during the storm itself, but surprisingly after the storm has passed. Proper preparations and a little common sense will often make the difference between life and death in the event of a hurricane. As the 2009 hurricane season fast approaches, please review this preparedness guide and stock up on the ten top essentials. Considering how quickly emergency items fly off store shelves at the first sign of a storm, the best advice I can give is: don't wait; prepare now.

PLYWOOD / HURRICANE SHUTTERS – The very first thing you need to plan for is protecting your home, and the people who may be riding the storm out within it. Plan in advance for window coverings. One of the most vivid memories I have of pre-storm prep work is driving from multiple Home Depots, Lowes and lumberyards looking for plywood. Each one had swarms of people, as if The Rolling Stones were performing a free show in their parking lot. Most of those people left empty-handed, and we formed a sort of caravan from store to store, hoping for scraps of something. Aside from plywood, you have the option of hurricane shutters. These can range in price dramatically, depending on style. The lower-priced shutters, typically made of aluminum, must be screwed into the house itself, and then removed individually as well. Hurricane shutters can get very expensive as well. For example, some are permanently installed and fall into place securely by remote control. While you're at the hardware store, you may want to consider purchasing a generator, if your budget allows. These are often quite expensive, but make life a little easier if electricity is lost. Some generators provide enough power to run air conditioners or appliances, which would certainly be a great benefit.

RADIO – Before, after and during the storm, it is vital to stay informed. Oftentimes, people will believe a storm has passed when the winds calm, and they begin to make their way outdoors to assess damage. In reality, they may be walking directly into the eye of the storm and further bands of devastating wind may be only moments away. It is essential to be aware of the status of the hurricane, location of emergency shelters, evacuation zones and rescue/repair efforts. When widespread power outages begin, local media and emergency services continue to broadcast important updates via radio channels. You have various options when it comes to a radio purchase and all are sufficient, but the key is to make sure it is battery operated and portable. (And please be sure to stock up on batteries!) Standard, simple AM/FM radios are available at most retail stores for as low as $5. For more specialized emergency broadcasts, you may opt for the Weatheradio or Coby NOAA Radio. Both are available at Radio Shack stores and online for approximately $20 and $30, respectively.

LIGHT – Once again, you have to consider what necessary resources you stand to lose in a power outage. When the sun goes down and the power goes out, you're suddenly plunged into a world of darkness. During or after a hurricane, there can be countless perils hidden all around you. In order to keep track of loved ones, pets, emergency supplies and masked dangers in your path, you must be able to provide a light source. Many people rely on candles, but it has been advised to steer clear of this method of illumination. In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, many people have fallen victim to fires caused by the use of candles. Other options to consider are lanterns and flashlights (again, keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand). One fine example is the Shake Flashlight. While you may need stronger, longterm light for some situations, the shake light provides a reasonable amount of light for short-term use. It does not operate on batteries or electricity. This LED light is powered by simply shaking it. Depending on the size and style of light you choose to purchase, this will cost anywhere from $5 to $35.

FAMILY PLAN – In the event that your family members become separated over the course of the storm, you need to have a prearranged family plan to reunite. Your family plan should provide detailed instructions for before, during and after the storm strikes, and should be rehearsed and memorized well in advance of a possible emergency situation. Here are some suggestions for your family plan. Designate a “safe place” within the home to seek shelter during a hurricane. Appoint a friend or family member (in a location outside of the affected area) as a telephone “check-in” to ensure that all family members are safe and accounted for. Choose a location for family members to meet, in case you become separated from each other. This location should be a centralized, public place away from coastal areas.

WATERPROOF SAFE CONTAINER – Depending on your budget, and the size you will require to suit your needs, there are a wide variety of waterproof, secure containers to choose from when planning your hurricane preparedness kit. This could even be as basic as a small, Tupperware-style storage tub in some cases. Your safe container should include any important documents that your family may need to access and protect. Damage to your home can include flooding, fire or structural collapse. It is important to keep certain documentation with you in the event that the contents of your home are a total loss. Suggestions of documentation you may want to protect: identification (birth certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses), insurance information/policies (home, auto, flood, health, life), emergency phone numbers, ATM/credit cards/cash. Remember, ATMs may not be functional after a storm. Keep cash on hand as well. Being that I am the sentimental type, I would make sure I had room to include some of the most essential family photos as well.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES – In advance of a storm, put together a first aid kit for your family. If anyone in your household is on medication, make sure that you have a reasonable supply on hand as well. Items to include in your first aid kit: basic first aid handbook (available for free at many Red Cross locations, or for a minimal charge at book stores and drug stores), triple antibiotic ointment, aloe vera burn cream, insect repellent, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, cold medicine, Tylenol/Ibuprofen (or similar), feminine hygiene supplies, tweezers, disinfectant, baby wipes, soap, band-aid style bandages, Ace-style bandages, gauze, hand sanitizer, waterproof medical tape, thermometer, cotton swabs and surgical gloves.

PET KIT – Don't forget the furry members of your family when planning for a hurricane! Much like children, they are counting on you to prepare for them. One very important thing to note is that most emergency evacuation shelters do not allow animals. Year after year, I heard stories on the news of people who showed up at shelters with pets, had no back-up plan for their safety, and then chose to return to their homes rather than abandon their beloved pet. If you reside in an area that is deemed an evacuation zone for a hurricane situation, have plans in advance for some form of acceptable shelter for your pet. It is also a wise idea to make an essentials kit for your pet. Things to consider adding to your pet's kit: medical records, leash, favorite items (bone, toy, stuffed animal, blanket), “potty kit” (litter, plastic bags, etc.), food/treats.

FOOD / WATER – The rule of thumb to go by when planning your water stockpile is one gallon per person, per day, for seven days. You can purchase pre-bottled gallons of water from your local grocery store, but you can just as easily bottle your own. If you choose this option, make sure to use secure, air-tight containers! Many people opt to fill their sinks and bath tubs as well, though this may not be the best for drinking. This would make a good reserve supply for uses other than human consumption. Water purification tablets should also be a part of your food and drink supply, as water often becomes contaminated in the wake of a hurricane. You may want to keep a supply of your family's favorite powdered drink mixes to add to the water as well. With food, as with water, you should be prepared for seven days. If you do have the means to cook, keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible to retain the cold air and maximize the life of your perishables. This would be the food to cook first, obviously. Make sure to have an ample stock of non-perishable food items as well. Smart items to include: powdered milk, fruit juices, tea bags, canned beverages, cereals, bread, canned vegetables and fruits, prepared canned items (such as soups, spaghetti-o's, tuna, hash, canned meat), snacks (such as chips, crackers, cookies), condiments (ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper), peanut butter and jelly. Remember to include favorite snack foods for children as well as dietary needs for babies. Children and infants cannot always “make-do” with the food that is on hand, as we adults can. Having the proper foods, and the foods they are used to, will not only keep your little ones from illness related to inappropriate foods, but it will keep them happier and calmer as well. To have the option to keep some items cool, at least for a while, it might be a good idea to have a cooler. These are available in a wide variety of sizes, from six-pack size to those large enough to be used as a small dinner table. Add dry ice to get the most cooling time possible.

COOKING APPLIANCE – Of course, it's possible to survive on cold foods, and plenty of things are edible uncooked. However, you may be sick of peanut butter sandwiches after your fourth day without power! A source of heat to cook by opens up a whole slew of culinary options for your family. I've also noticed many post-storm gatherings of thankful neighbors at the home of a wise friend who was prepared with a cooking appliance and willing to extend use to those without the means to cook the food that was wasting away in their powered-down fridge. I always thought that was a wonderful thing to see, neighbor helping neighbor, and the people seemed to enjoy the distraction of a spontaneous cookout. Once again, you have many options, from easily affordable to astronomical when considering your options for cooking appliances. Personally, I consider the outdoors / camping giant Coleman to be a wonderful source of stove and grill options. On their website, you can find a surprisingly large assortment of portable stoves and grills. Depending on your needs and budget, there are sizes and prices for all. The most affordable option through Coleman is the simple propane burner for $29.99. Though not the best option if you will be cooking for many people over a span of time, it is sufficient for small cooking tasks. It has an 8-inch burner and heats for 2-4 hours, based on heat setting. Other options available through Coleman include: a wide variety of two burner propane stoves/grills ranging in price from $50 to $85, propane slow cooker for $69.99, propane deep fryer for $159.99, and standard outdoor propane grills from $200 on up. Set aside a set of pots or pans (disposables work nice) to cook on. Naturally, it would be highly advisable to keep a supply of extra propane tanks as well.

KITCHEN UTENSILS / LINENS - There are a few random accessories that people are likely to forget when packing up in a rush. These are very handy for many uses, and perhaps some of the most essential items you can have accessible. In some cases, you would be unable to utilize other supplies without them. For example, your canned goods won't do you a whole lot of good if you fail to include a manual can opener! Also handy to have around: bottle opener, matches/lighter, pocket knife/multi-tool, plastic eating utensils, napkins/paper towels, paper plates, plastic cups, cooking/grilling utensils, plastic bags/garbage bags, toilet paper. Prepare your linens and clothing too, including blankets, towels and a couple changes of clothes for each person in your household.

Of course, this is just a basic list of the top ten most essential items to include in your hurricane preparedness kit. As individuals, we each have our own separate list of needs as well. Don't forget the things that may be specialized to your needs. If you cannot get through a day without a pina colada, or your morning doesn't happen without coffee, you may opt to have non-electric powered appliances and beverage mixes to meet these needs. Smokers may wish to stock up on cigarettes. Those with infants obviously want to make sure they have an ample supply of diapers. Consider anything that YOU use or need on a daily basis, and do your best to meet those needs when stocking supplies.

Source : generator for sale

The induction range is starting to gain popularity because of its many advantages. However, this type of range also has a few disadvantages. Some of these include health hazards, noise, and price. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of an induction range.

Health Hazards

One of the first disadvantages of an induction range deals with your health. You've probably heard how microwaves and cell phones can present a health risk. Well, the induction range creates the same type of magnetic field that those other devices do. If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you would especially be at risk.

Noise

One of the next disadvantages of an induction range deals with noise. Electronic equipment is used to generate the electromagnetic fields vital for the induction process. This equipment needs to be protected from overheating. Therefore, an induction range requires a fan that can create more noise that you'd like to hear while cooking.

Price

The hefty price tag of an induction range is also a disadvantage. A gas range will usually cost between $600 and $900. The electric variety can cost between $400 and $700. The cheapest induction range will usually cost you $1400. High-end designs will approach $2000.

Power

One of the disadvantages that the induction range shares with the electric variety deals with power outages. You won't be able to cook if your supply of electricity is interrupted. It is far less likely for your gas supply to be interrupted. If you routinely experience power outages, you will need to buy a backup generator so that you can use your induction range.

Cookware

One of the final disadvantages of an induction range deals with cookware. This type of range only works with cookware that can be magnetized. Therefore, you will need to replace all or most of your cookware when you buy an induction range. It will only work with cast iron and some stainless steel pots and pans.

These are some of the disadvantages of an induction range. They cost considerably more than the gas or electric variety. Like electric ranges, you won't be able to use your induction range whenever the power goes out. You will also have to replace all of your cookware if it isn't cast iron or stainless steel. This type of range may even present health risks like cell phones and microwave ovens. This can really be a problem if you have a pacemaker.

Source : 1500 watt generator

Though this is marketed as 3.5 liters capacity, it can cook only for 2.5 liters and similarly the one with 6.5 liters capacity can take in only 4.5 liters. So I would like to caution you on this aspect and hence it is advisable for you to choose the slow cooker based on your need. However I don't have any problem with the 3.5 liters cooker and this is more than enough for a family. An interesting feature of this slow cooker is that it can cook both small and large volume with perfection.

The Morphy Richards is a user friendly cooker and is very simple to use with no complicated and undesirable features. This is a very basic slow cooker with no sophisticated features. All you have to do is to introduce the ingredients and set the temperature and leave it covered and undisturbed. This is highly useful for working housewives and by the time they get back home after the work, they are welcomed by warm delicious homemade recipe.

This comes with an instruction manual and it should be religiously followed to avoid any confusion and mess up with the cooking. For instance the manual gives the detailed preparation time and temperature setting for most of the common recipes and this very useful and the user does not need to rely on intuition. Then frozen vegetables and meat should not be directly used and has to be allowed to come to room temperature. This makes wonderful stew, soup, curry and pork fry. As the food is slowly cooked in its own juice, the meat comes out incredibly soft and tender.

The Morphy Richards Slow Cooker is made of a stainless steel body and base to ensure uniform distribution of heat and durability. The cooking is done in a porous ceramic pot and it sits inside the cooker. This can be used as a cook and serve bowl and it is easy to clean. The cooker is tightly covered by a transparent glass lid and this facilitates easy monitoring of the cooking without opening the lid. The oval shape can accommodate more food and large piece of crabs and whole chicken.

Source : cooking gams