Saturday, November 16, 2013

Abdesselam Jelloul…Records the Highest IQ and Makes History as the Smartest Person in the World


If you are wondering who the smartest person is in terms of IQ, then you got the answer. Abdesselam Jelloul has been crowned as the person with the highest IQ and this is after he scored 198 points in a test that was held in 2012. Jelloul holds a record of the person with the highest ever known advanced IQ test. This may come as a surprise to you because you have heard or thought of people like Steven Hawking and Marilyn vos Savant who have recorded IQ test scores of about 200 and 228 respectively.

However, it is worthwhile pointing out that IQs measurements vary from test to another and from age. A good example is an IQ of 170 for a person at the age of 10 years would only be equivalent to an adult IQ of 106. In addition, there are some loopholes when measuring the intelligence because many aspects or dimensions are taken into consideration such as problem-solving, and memory.


Abdesselam Jelloul has so far recorded the highest IQ in an advanced IQ test. The test featured a total of 13 different dimensions of intelligence, which include memory, musical, logical, spatial linguistic, analytical, moral, philosophical, spiritual, intra-personal, interpersonal, naturalists and bodily dimensions.


One thing with the advanced IQ test, is that it features a large number of factors all put together to measure the intelligence. As of present, there is no any reliable information about the measure of IQ considering the wide variations in the tools and instruments used to measure the intelligent quotient (IQ). In fact, in 1990, the Guinness book of records withdrew its category on Highest IQ citing a lack of conclusive and reliable test results of intelligence.


However, bearing in mind that there are certain dimensions, which have to be featured in an advanced intelligent quotient test, then perhaps it can be said that the results from this advanced IQ test are not so far from the accurate ones. There is a need to come up with a clear regulation and stipulations on how intelligence can be measured and perhaps have a body to govern the testing.


IQ stands for Intelligent Quotient and it is a measure of the mental age in relation to the chronological age then multiplied by 100. Chronological age is the number of years from birth meaning that if you were born in January 2000, as at January 2013, you were 13 years old and therefore, your chronological age would be 13.


Mental age implied the mental ability of a person in relation to their age. For example, a young person at 15 may be able to read, understand, comprehend, think, and reason more smartly than another young person of the same age 15. This difference is brought about by the mental age of a person. It is how old a person is in terms of mental ability.  


If a teenager at 12 years is able to reason, think, comprehend or even answer questions like an adult of the 35, then the IQ of the teenager can be calculated as follows;


IQ = mental age (MA) divided by chronological age (CA) multiplied by 100

Therefore, the equation would be 35/12 x 100= 291.66

The IQ test formula indicates that the intelligent Quotient of a person will start going down as they begin to advance in age or grow old. Therefore, it does not remain static and will continue to drop with age.


As with Abdesselam Jelloul, the test he took incorporated more measures than the ordinary IQ tests could have access to and so far, it remains one of the most advanced tests to have ever been conducted on intelligent quotient. There are also other people who have recorded a history in having more than normal ranges of IQ and they include William J. Sidis who scored 197 and was regarded as a child prodigy with extraordinary linguistic and mathematical abilities.


Christopher Langan tested 195 and was regarded as the smartest man in America. Sir Isaac Newton, the physicist, mathematician, and philosopher, tested about 190. The chess grandmaster as well as a child prodigy Bobby Fischer tested 187. It is evident that Abdesselam Jelloul has recorded the biggest intelligent quotient score and this is a brilliant mind and personality can be tapped. The normal ranges for IQ stretch from 90-109 and anything above this range is regarded as superior while something lower than this is regarded as inferior.



The Super Sports Hypercars... Lamborghini Veneno vs Bugatti Veyron

Lamborghini Veneno and Bugatti Veyron are two super sport cars that have been designed to demonstrate the power of engine performance, precision driving and high speed. When comparing lamborghini veneno vs bugatti, there are distinct features, which remarkably describe these super machine cars.

Lamborghini veneno is the most expensive sport car selling at $3.90 million. Built in Italy by Automobili Lamborghini S.P.A, this car was redesigned based on the Aventador models and was a symbol of commemoration of the 50th Lamborghini anniversary. The engine of the car was an advancement of the predecessor Aventador's 6.5 L V12 engine. Three cars have already been produced.

Lamborghini Veneno
Lamborghini Veneno
For the Bugatti Veyron, this grand sport vitesse is extremely fast and it attains stratospheric speeds at relatively very short time interval. Bugatti can attain a 60 mph time in just less than 2.6 seconds. Bugatti Veyron is a grand sport car manufactured in France by the Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. It is selling at $1.5 million and already 300 cars have been manufactured.  Looking at the design, performance, power, and speed of these two cars, it can be said that they are both dominantly superfast hyper sport cars.

Lamborghini veneno vs bugatti road speeds

Veneno has record a top speed of 221 mph when compared to the Veyron’s top speed of 253 mph. This means that bugatti veyron is the fastest car that can attain a 0-60 mph speed in just 2.7 seconds. On the other hand, Lamborghini Veneno is able to attain the 60 mph speed at trailing 0. 1 seconds from veyron speed of 2.7 seconds meaning that it attains the 60 mph speed at just 2.8 seconds.  

Lamborghini Veneno
Lamborghini Veneno

Bugatti veyron vs lamborghini veneno engine, performance and design features
Developed from the Aventador's 6.5 L V12 engine, the Lamborghini Veneno engine produces a 750 PS meaning 552kW and 740 bph. The Lamborghini Veneno has got an enlarged intake paths coupled with optimized thermodynamics which together with a high rated exhaust system, rpm and lower back pressure produce a horsepower of 750.

Veneno is more costly to own at almost 2.5 times more expensive than Veyron. In addition, Veneno is much lighter with a curb weight of 3,190 lb when compared to Veyron’s 4,162 lb weight. Therefore, Lamborghini Veneno is more than 20 percent lighter, which means a less inertia to overcome as it accelerates.


Moreover, Bugatti Veyron has a bigger and more powerful engine. With a 7,993 cc engine compared to Lamborghini Veneno 6,500 cc engine, it means that Veyron has more than 20 percent bigger engine. In addition, the Veyron’s 987 horsepower powertrain (hp) at 6,500 rmp compared to Veneno’s 740 hp engine power means that Bugatti Veyron has more than 30 percent stronger engine. 

Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron

Lamborghini veneno vs bugatti interior and exterior designs
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has superb leather, and quality metallic trim. With an aluminium front and a combination of stainless steel and carbon fiber back, it is such a beautifully designed hypercar. Lamborghini veneno is designed with use of carbon fiber which extends to the interior of the car as it is visible in the sills and central tunnel areas. The cockpit is designed of woven carbon-fiber. In addition, the car is also equipped with bucket seats that are designed from patented Forged Composite of Lamborghini. 
Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
In essence, Lamborghini veneno vs bugatti seem to compete in speed, power, and performance though Bugatti Veyron has slightly more power and larger engine. Nonetheless, Lamborghini Veneno trades at a high price with only 3 cars built compared to 300 Bugatti Veyron units manufactured.

Withdraw PayPal Funds In Kenya With A Debit Card… The Cheapest Option

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Withdrawing PayPal funds has been a problem for many online workers and freelancers in Kenya. However, things are getting better and today; you can get a US debit card that you can use to withdraw PayPal funds in Kenya. This is the cheapest option available and it is the safest way to withdraw your dollars than the PayPal mpesa methods.  

How do you apply?
What you need to do is register with the card issuer and you will receive your card within a period of one month. It is easy to register, as you only need to provide your postal address and street address as well as names and identification document.


paypal withdrawal in kenya
When filling the street address, ensure that you do not exceed 25 characters and it should be a home street address and not a business street address. The section of postal and street address is where many applications do not get it right and their applications are returned. However, if you do not fill the details correct and the application is returned, you can make the corrections and send the application again. 

When you receive the card, you can now withdraw PayPal dollars in ATM machines in Kenya, which have a MasterCard symbol. For me, Barclays has worked perfect. You use the “universal” option on the ATM to withdraw your PayPal money. 

How much can you save?
You can save money with this card because you do not pay the charges that third parties charge for PayPal transactions. The third parties like e-pay charge more than 10 percent. This means that if you are withdrawing $500 dollars with e-pay, you pay more than $50 dollars in charges. This translates to Kshs. 4,000 for every transaction you make for $500 with the third parties. 

With the card, withdrawing from PayPal to the debit card is free and it means that PayPal does not charge anything. This is because the money is in a US checking account. PayPal does not charge for withdraw transactions with a US bank. However, the card issuer charges 1% of the total amount you are loading to your debit card.

At the ATM, to withdraw $500, which is equivalent of $40,000 shillings, you only pay about 2.5 dollars in ATM charges. This means that it will cost you about 5 dollars ATM loading charges for $500 at the rate of 1% and the ATM withdraw charge of about 2.5 dollars for Kshs 40,000. 

The total cost is $7.5 dollars. When you compare with the third parties which cost you more than $50 dollars for withdrawing $500, it means that you saving over $40 in every transaction of $500 dollars. You can imagine how much money you will save in one year. This is surely the card you should go for to withdraw PayPal funds in Kenya safely and cheaply.   

How long does it take?
It takes about 3 days for the transaction to be completed. When it is completed, the amount is right in your US bank checking account and you are notified that you account has been loaded. When the money is in your account, you can walk into any ATM with MasterCard symbol and withdrawal your dollars. Barclays Kenya works perfectly. I also believe that Standard Chartered bank also works for the card. Although KCB has a MasterCard symbols on their ATMs, this card does not seem to work with their machines. I do not know why but you can trust Barclay to withdraw your PayPal funds in Kenya from ATMs using the debit card. Register for free here and start enjoying the cheap rates of withdrawing your paypal dollars.



Friday, November 15, 2013

How to Withdraw PayPal Funds with a Debit Card Worldwide


As the demand for freelance jobs increases, many online workers find it difficult to withdraw PayPal funds from local banks. This factor is contributed by regulations governing the use of PayPal accounts in many countries. Some countries do not have local banks that support PayPal funds withdraw such as Kenya, This aspect creates a lot of problems in drawing your funds. What happens is that you have your money stuck on your PayPal and you only use it to buy goods online. 
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To try and circumvent the problems, many PayPal account holders use third party means of withdrawing their funds. This is not only contrary to the rules of PayPal but also risks your account being suspended. In addition, the third parties charge high commissions leaving you drained of your hard earned money. 


How to Withdraw PayPal Funds with a Debit Card WorldwideNonetheless, you do not have to go through these challenges as today; you can get paypal supported debit card that you can use to withdraw from an ATM machine which has a MasterCard sign anywhere in the world. I come from a country where local banks do not support direct deposit of PayPal funds to account holders.

However, I have obtained the debit card and have used it for the last one year. It has saved me a lot of money which is could have lost to third party agencies. This card is issued free of charge and mailed to you wherever you are. The application process is easy as long as you give the details correct. From my experience, I have noticed that during the application process of this debit card, the address seems to be the most challenging parts.


Many people only have postal addresses and do not have street or physical addresses. When you are applying, you have to give both physical or street address and your postal address. The card is mailed to you through the postal address you provide. The physical address is for record purposes to show where you stay. This physical address should not be a business physical location but your real home physical address which shows the house, apartment and street where you live in your country.


When you have given these details, your application is approved. Even when it is disapproved in your first application, you can make the changes they require and re-submit the application again. Besides, when the debit card has been approved, you also have to request for US payment service. This card is issued by a US card issuer and before you withdraw the money to the card, you have to be granted the US payment service.


This is pretty simple and all you need is to fill out the form you are send. Once approved of your US payment service, you are given details of the bank where your funds are deposited from PayPal. It is a US bank checking account. You get all the details and how to go about in funding your account from with your PayPal money.


When you have received your card, and the checking account details, all you need is to go login in your PayPal account and go to withdraw button and then withdraw your fund to the checking account you are given through the US payment service. Remember, you cannot withdraw the funds if you do not have that US payment service details even if you have received the card.


Benefits of using the debit card

•    The debit card is issued free of charge
•    The issuer only charges 1% withdraw charge to the debit card account
•    PayPal does not charge you to withdraw the money to your US checking account. It is FREE
•    It takes about 3 days for the money to reflect in your online debit card account. An email is sent to you notifying you that your debit card has been loaded.
•    Withdrawal charges are very minimal about $ 2.5 per one ATM withdraw even if you are withdrawing $500 or more
•    You save a lot of money because the fees are very minimal
•    You do not have to use third parties agencies which are otherwise not authorized by PayPal
•    You do not risk you account being suspended by PayPal
 
Disadvantages
•    The card issuer charges an annual fee of $29 dollars however, considering the amount you save from the fee charges charged by third parties, this is negligible amount. It is really nothing and you do not feel the pinch.
•    Although the card is send to you free, when you lose it, you are charged some amount for replacement. 

Surely, this is the only way you can get hassle-free withdrawal of your PayPal funds since you eliminate the high charges you are charged by third party agencies, which are not licensed. You can apply for your debit card. IT IS FREE


How to Deal With Email Deliverability on Mobile Phones When Using Mass Email Software Program

If you are running an email marketing campaign, you need to ensure that the email mass software application is optimized for email inbox. Email campaigns experience problems and it is thought that the most challenging aspect in mass email software application is not the use of HTML code but delivering the content.

Different email reader programs interpret email campaign contents differently. If you read emails regularly in your smartphone, you may probably know that it can offer an awful experience in displaying the content. Email newsletters delivered through mass email software look superb when in the inbox but because smartphone screens are small, the newsletters are squeezed on those tiny screens and this can cause problems.


The newsletters distributed through mass email software can be distorted with narrow columns, fonts, and broken layouts. When using mass email software for your marketing campaigns, you need to emphasize on design for mobile devices. Considering the large number of users using smartphones to read their emails, it is necessary that mass email software campaigns look at these issues.


The mass email software should cover the fundaments of designing and building a smartphone or mobile-friendly email marketing. Getting your email newsletters display properly on mobile devices is as essential as ensuring that it reads well in long-standing email clients like Googlemail and Outlook. Email marketers who are not tracking which devices their subscribers are reading their mails or those who are not optimizing their emails for mobile devices stand losing out in their mass email software applications.


How an HTML-coded email displays will vary from one inbox to another. For example, while the default android email program or client that appears on Google Nexus is believed to have a superior CSS support, the Gmail client program that is also shipped with the handset is likely to ignore styles within the tags and it cannot make head or tail of many run-of-the mill CSS2 properties.


When you use mass email software, you need to ensure that these aspects are addressed. Your email should not be wider than 600 pixels and keeping the size less than this helps display the content properly in all email clients including the mobile phones. The iPhone preview pane is 320px wide and Blackberry is about 360pixels. Most mobile users scroll horizontally to enable them view the content delivered through mass email software in a better way, but an email wider than 600 pixels may not fit on one pane and therefore will not display correctly.


When using mass email software program, the images included in the newsletter or other contents need to be about 480 x 480 pixels or smaller. Moreover, as you use the mass email software, you also need to clean up your plaintext. You need to give attention to your plaintext by switching the view of your newsletter campaign in the top right corner to plaintext rather than code view.


Because of the large number of email clients, security setting, and browsers, it is difficult to know how JavaScript is received when sent through the mass email software. JavaScript not only causes browser problems at the recipient’s end but it is also stripped out of the email. Therefore, it is better you avoid JavaScript in the mass mail software application.


Payday Loans: Are the Easy Fast Cash Payday Loans a Better Option?

Until you face a situation where you do not have cash in your account and no one to lend you money, you may not know the importance of payday loans. Financial stability is an aspect that many people strive to achieve but it doesn’t always happen to many people. Even with a substantial income stream and good personal financial planning strategies, at times you run short of cash and you are placed in an urgent need for money to settle a financial emergency need. This is the high time you realize the benefits of payday loans.

These types of loans are specially designed for the most pressing financial needs and its imperative to point out they may not be the right loan facilities for everyone.

There are immediate benefits that are attached to these types of short term loans and these include;
•    Easy application process.
•    Disbursed within a short time.
•    You do not need to provide your credit worthiness.
•    Can apply online.

When you are faced with a cash emergency such as medical bills, you need money in the least time possible so that you can resolve the financial need. With the conventional financial institutions, the process of loan application may not be easy and it may take you a while. This is where payday loans come in handy.


These cash advance loan facilities can help you when you need cash fast and have no alternative to get the money. The loans can be applied and released pretty within hours or a day. The process is simple and does not require you present a lot of information about your credit worthiness.


With the challenges people are facing from bad credit report, the payday loans have provided a relief for those people seeking for financial assistance when they need them most. Banks and other financial institutions are shying away from lending people with bad credit and this means that people cannot access loan facilities from these institutions.


Even in cases where people have stabilized in their finances, bad credit reports continue to affect them for years thus being locked out from accessing loan facilities from the traditional banking institutions. This is the reason why payday loans have been praised of offering tailored services that are most beneficial to people who are still suffering from effects of bad credit.


In addition, these payday loans can easily be applied online and may not require you to fax information or wait in queue in a payday loans store. It is also important that people anticipating to borrow these fast cash, they understand that there are pros and cons of the loans.


Although these loans are very convenient to obtain, they can also be quite technical in their payment. They mature pretty fast and require that you have a promising employment in order to be able to pay them. One of the limitations is that these loans have a relatively very high annual percentage rate APR. This means that they may not be appropriate for long term loan facilities.


If you have to take these loans, you need to ensure that you observe strict repayment plan to avoid any delinquencies. If these loans are borrowed appropriately, these can indeed help repair your credit report. When you are borrowing payday loans, you need to understand the benefits and limitations so that you do not mess up on the repayment, which can worsen your credit report.


A 3-Month Old Baby Catches Fire with No External Fire Source

Mystery surrounds a 3 months old baby that is believed to be suffering from one of the rarest condition every reported in human history. The boy is believed to suffer from a condition known as Spontaneous Human Combustion where the body catches fire as a result of excretion of inflammable gases through the skin.

Rahul, the name of the boy came to headlines when he was first admitted at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital on Thursday. The boy was admitted at the hospital early August 2013 and has been the cover story on many news resources in the Asian countries and around the world. The body is a native of Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu and according to doctors; he is believed to be suffering from a rare medical condition known as Spontaneous Human Combustion.

A 3-Month Old Baby Catches Fire with No External Fire Source

Close to over a dozen of tests have been performed on the baby to establish the functions of the body but the results from the tests appear normal. Tests of the kidney and liver are normal and X-rays conducted do not indicate any damage to the bones. Medical experts are also suspecting that this could be a hoax and the child may have suffered a burn out of a child abuse.


However, it is early to rule out the possibility of the Spontaneous Human Combustion condition and doctors are performing more tests. Doctors are also examining if there are any genetic makeup that could have triggered this condition. Apparently, there is no specific cure for this condition and what doctors are doing is treating the symptoms as any other burn incident. The child was admitted to the hospital with 10 degree burns on the body owing to the said condition.


The boy is undergoing treatment at the Chennai hospital facility and is in the intensive care unit of the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital. According to Dr R Narayana Babu who is the head of the paediatrics department, Kilpauk Medical College, when a patient suffers from Spontaneous Human Combustion, "The body burns spontaneously due to combustible gases emitting from the patient's body, without any external source of ignition,"


Dr R Narayana further elaborated that "Clothes and other things nearby that are inflammable may also catch fire." The boy is receiving further test analysis such as urine and sweat to check for any toxic substances that could cause the condition. A biopsy of the boy’s skin is scheduled to be done after he recovers from the burns in order to shed some more light on this mysterious condition.


According to the parents Rajeswari and Karna, baby Rahul first caught fire close to four times since his birth. The first fire incident occurred nine days following his birth. Baby Rahul’s father, Karnan said that he did not believe what doctors were telling him because he saw the boy catch fire with his own eyes. As at now, the baby Rahul is receiving treatment for burns with administration of antibiotics.


The Spontaneous human combustion theory has been dished by many medical experts citing that the body cannot catch fire on its own without any external source. However, there have been over 200 cases cited in the past 300 years for possible Spontaneous Human Combustion condition. Some of the natural explanations to the cause of this rare condition are that the intestinal conversion of food into methane can happen through methanogens.

When methane is released through skin pores, fire may be triggered by other sources like static electricity of silk clothes. Concentrated gas and raised blood alcohol may also cause ignition to occur. In February 2013, a 65-year-old man from Muldrow, Okla is believed to have passed away from Spontaneous human combustion where his body was found burnt without any possible course of fire by an external source.



Loan Refinancing...4 Options to Consolidate Your Debt

Debt consolidation is simply taking multiple unsecured debts and combining them into one monthly debt with one monthly installment. Debt consolidation helps reduce interest rates on your debts something that slows down the rate at which your loans build up and how fast you have to pay the debts.

Consolidating is only applicable to unsecured types of debts such as credit card debt and unsecured personal loans.  The problem with debt consolidation is that it does not work for every situation or every other person with a debt. There are different ways you could consolidate your loans and one is use of debt consolidating companies.


When you opt for these companies, you need to be wary of their operations. They charge for the services and the fees and interest rates could stretch enormously particularly if you have poor to fair credit score, which is common with people who are struggling with debts.


In addition, debt consolidation companies could subject you to a longer repayment plan that could result to payment of more interest in the long run even when the interest rates are lower than you had before. You may also decide to consolidate your credit card debts with home equity line of credit.


A home equity loan or home equity line of credit- HELOC can offer lower interest rates compared to other loans. However, you need to be careful and therefore you should consider the difference between your mortgage and the credit card. This is so because your credit card is unsecured while the mortgage loan is secured.


If you do not pay your credit card bill then the lending institution will not automatically take any collateral. Another way you may consolidate loans is by making use of 0 percent credit card balance transfer. You can use this option to consolidate your credit card debts in one card but you also have to be careful. You should read the fine prints on the offers. You need to consider your ability to repay the loan within the shortest time possible.


However, if you will not be able to settle the debt in short period, it may also be costly to go for the 0 percent interest credit card. This is because when the introductory period is over, the APR shoots up and it is better you opt for the low balance transfer credit cards.


Recently, there has been a new way of consolidating loans and this is peer-to-peer lending option. There are peer-to-peer lending companies that can help you connect you with a person who can invest small amount of money. You can get consolidation loan at good rates than you may find anywhere.



Acer Shifts Focus on Chromebooks and Android after Recording Losses

Acer Shifts Focus on Chromebooks and Android after Recording Losses
"Acer Chromebook"

The falling demand for desktop computers and laptops owing to the increased use of smartphones as seen mixed reactions from PC makers and Acer does not take this lightly. Acer is the fourth largest computer maker but over the past few years, things have not been on their side. The chairman of Acer, J.T. Wang hinted that this giant computer maker was shifting focus to diversify its market by growing its non-windows range of products.

Speaking to investors, Wang noted that the move would take effect as soon as possible. Wang warned that Microsoft needs to build confidence with its associates as far as windows products are concerned otherwise it risks falling into dark times in future where its windows products may become irrelevant.

With increasing use of smartphones, and tablets in the recent years, it has seen the demand for traditional laptops and desktop computer diminish. This is an aspect, which has sent the sales, and profits of computer chip making companies like Intel to remain tumbling. According to a statement by Acer’s chairman Wang, the company would focus on android, a mainstream Google product on the smartphone market.

In addition, it would also shift more attention to chromebook operating system. Considering that Microsoft is a rival for Google, this could mean positive news for Google. Acer’s strategy may be beneficial to Google’s android development. Android has been very popular with smartphones and tablets and the Acer’s move would further build more confidence with the growth of android operating system.

Microsoft has created a situation where there is lack of confidence in windows products something that has led to consumers being hesitant in buying windows computers. In the second quarter of 2013, Acer posted a net loss of £7.3 million equivalent to $343 million and when this is compared to the results of second quarter in 2012, where the company recorded a net profit of $68 million equivalent to £1.5 million, it clearly shows that Acer is facing tough times ahead.

Its move may help in keeping the company in the right track as far as profitability is concerned. However, there are concerns that with too many smartphones on the market, there is more to be done by Acer. With the Intel Corp showing slow trend in its chip products’ demand, a common consensus is needed to make the demand for PC computers and laptops increase in coming years.

The shipment of personal computers has dwindled despite the introduction of windows 8, which has been designed to make PCs look like tablets. According to a research firm IDC, the word-wide shipment of desktop and laptops including those of giant makers like Dell Inc. and Hewlett Packard has fell significantly in 2013.

IDC noted that this is the sharpest drop in the shipment of personal computers and laptops since the research firm began tracking PC and laptop data in 1994. The shipment fell by 14 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Gartner Inc, another research firm also gave similar results after it cited that the estimated global shipments of laptops and personal computers sank by 11.2 percent.



The move by Acer to shift its attention to chromebooks and android operating systems may be welcomed as a good strategy for turning around the sapping demand for PCs and laptops. But can Acer impact the already ill-hurt PC and laptop market?


How Sealcoating Prevents Damages on Asphaltic Pavements

Sealcoats provide a protective barrier on asphaltic pavements, which allows the asphalt material to oxidize slowly. The sealcoating prevents ultraviolet rays from directly reaching and heating the blacktop. When ultraviolet rays directly heat the asphalt material, they accelerate the natural or normal oxidizing process meaning that the pavements dry up and harden too fast than expected. This results to premature damages of roads and parking lots since fine hairline cracks start forming. 

How Sealcoating Prevents Damages on Asphaltic Pavements
"Sealcoating preserves the blacktop"
A sealcoat provides a membrane cover, which bars the ultraviolet rays from directly baking the asphalt material. When cracks are formed due to effects caused by ultraviolet rays, they allow water to penetrate and settle at the subgrade layer of roads and parking lots. Water causes more harm to the aggregate base, which is the building block for your roads. The base of roads supports the pavement layer and the loads that turns over the roads.

Water loosens the aggregate material and thus makes it start crumbling down. In addition, when water remains in the cracks, during the winter condition, it may freeze. As it freezes, the water expands and it enlarges the cracks in areas where is has collected. After the cold season, that frozen water melts down through the process of thawing and the enlarged cracks are left as empty spaces or voids.


What happens is that the material, which is on top of the void, that is, the asphalt pavement material, collapses and fills the empty space. This leads to formation of potholes in roads and parking lots. One thing with potholes and extensive deep cracks is that they are costly to repair. When sealcoats are applied in the right time, they prevent the speedy drying or oxidation of asphalt material. Sealcoats help improve the elasticity of asphalt pavements ensuring that they easily expand when heated and contract when cooled. This way, cracking is minimized.


Chemical substances like gasoline, de-icing salts, oil spillage, and transmission fluids also accelerate the oxidizing process in asphalt material. When a sealcoat is applied, it helps prevent these chemicals from coming into direct contact with the asphaltic pavement thus preventing premature damages.


In short, the oxidation process of asphalt is a complex molecular behavior, which can help understand how asphalt pavements are affected or damaged by factors like sunlight, water, snow, de-icing salts, oils, gasoline, and transmission fluids. A pavement, which is treated with use of sealcoats, can last for long thus helping prevent unnecessary expenses associated with premature damages on asphalt pavements.


When is sealcoating done?

Sealcoating is done regularly as part of the maintenance process of asphalt pavements. When a new pavement is constructed, it should be allowed to cure or dry the surface oils before a sealcoat is applied. This may take a couple of months depending on the viscosity of the asphalt and how fast it dries up. If the sealcoat is applied before the asphaltic blacktop cures properly, the coating may not fasten or bond well with the asphalt material.

After the first coating is done, other coats are applied in a period of about 2 to 5 years. This is a continuous process, which should be undertaken periodically until the end of the life of the pavements. When you notice that the color of your asphaltic pavements has changed from dark black to gray, you need to ensure that you sealcoat your drives, parking lots, and road surfaces to prevent further damages from occurring due to accelerated oxidation.


How Environmental and Man-Made Factors Cause Damages On Asphalt Pavements

Asphalt undergoes chemical changes at the molecular level and the intermolecular level also known as microstructure. Because of the complex nature of molecular interactions in asphalt, the oxidation of this material is complicated by the different molecules interrelation. There is a mixture of polar and non-polar molecules in asphalt. Polar molecules have a positive charge on one side and a negative charge on the other side while non-polar molecules have their electrons distributed in a way that there is no abundance of charges on both sides. 

How Environmental and Man-Made Factors Cause Damages On Asphalt Pavements
"Cracks developing on asphalt surface"
In essence, there are predominantly thousands of chemicals with open chain structure in asphalt, which makes the material to have a considerable level of un-saturation in its molecular structure. It is this open chain molecular structure of asphalt, which allows it to easily interact with weather elements, chemicals, and salts. Molecules from other substances can attack and disintegrate the asphaltic material molecules leading to changes in its structural composition.

In the microstructure of asphalt, there are three-dimensional relations of polar molecules, which are referred to as asphaltenes, and these are dispersed in a fluid made up of non-polar or low-polarity molecules, which are known as maltenes. The intermolecular bonds are weaker than the bonds of the fundamental hydrocarbons in asphalt material. This means that these intermolecular bonds break up first and determine the behavioral patterns of asphalt material.


The intramolecular and intermolecular relationships in asphalt material make it behave in two major ways. First, it is elastic due to the effects caused by polar molecules interrelation. Second, it is viscous since the different parts of the polar molecules are able to move relative to one another when dispersed in the fluid non-polar molecules.


When oxidation occurs in asphalt pavement, it makes the material become dry and brittle. Exposure of asphalt to oxygen triggers a molecular process, which leads to creation of new polar bonding sites or zones. What happens is that the increased polar sites or zones in asphalt materials make the molecules to rearrange and shuffle about as they search for bonds that can create equilibrium or bring a thermodynamic stable state.


This is a self-assemblage process, which continues for the rest of the life of the asphaltic pavement material. With time, as the polar sites discover molecules to attach on, the asphalt molecules bond firmly together with the aggregate material. The result is a pavement, which is stiffer, harder, and brittle. As asphalt oxidizes and dries up, it loses its elasticity and starts to fail.


One sign that signifies the failure of asphalt due to oxidation is the change in color. Initially, asphalt has a jet-black color but over time, due to oxidation process, it turns to light black and ultimately changes to gray. The drying asphaltic material begins to crack as it loses its bonding properties. Before the oxidation process reaches an equilibrium point, it may take about 5 to 15 years depending on how the material is affected by other factors like sunlight, chemicals, and water. This substantiates the reason why the estimated lifespan of asphalt pavements is about 20 to 25 years.


When oxidation process stiffens the paving materials, its ability to support heavy loads is reduced. This causes asphalt fatigue leading to formation of cracks and premature failure of asphalt. Heat from the sun causes the asphalt material to cure and dry fast than intended. Moisture from rainfall can accelerate the damage on oxidizing asphalt since it contains a large amount of polar-constituent molecules, which in turn attract the water molecules. Sealcoating can help delay or slow the rate at which asphalt naturally oxidizes.


How Sealcoating Delays Asphalt Oxidation Process and Prevents Premature Pavement Damage

Sealcoating is an integral part of asphalt maintenance. Asphalt is a commonly used paving material in driveways, parking lots, and roads. It is preferred in constructing road surfaces because it is relatively cheaper to install compared to other materials like concrete blocks. However, when asphalt is laid down, it undergoes chemical changes throughout its lifespan, which can affect its visco-elasticity properties and durability. 

How Sealcoating Delays Asphalt Oxidation Process and Prevents Premature Pavement Damage
"asphalt contractors applying a sealcoat"
Asphalt pavements have a life expectancy of about 20 to 25 years but this lifespan can be reduced by effects caused by environmental factors like ultraviolet rays, snow, and water. Asphalt paving material used in road construction undergoes an aging process known as oxidative aging. From the time the asphalt is laid down, it starts undergoing oxidation. When examining how environmental and manmade factors affect the quality of asphalt pavements, it is important to consider the asphaltic molecular structure and its changes.

Manmade factors like oil spillage and de-icing salts can also degrade the quality of asphalt pavements. The vulnerability of asphaltic paving material to weather conditions and chemical substances can be reduced by applying a top membrane cover known as sealcoat through the process of asphalt pavement sealcoating.


Asphalt pavement material is made up of aggregate, fillers, and binders such as bitumen, which help in holding together the mixture. Since asphalt pavements will naturally degrade with time, understanding the elements, which speed up the degradation process, can help in putting up preventive measure thus prolonging the life of roads, driveways, and parking lots.


What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating is the application of a weatherproof membrane layer on top of the blacktop of a road surface. A sealcoat is a surface treatment aimed at preventing damages on blacktop caused by things like heat from the sun, moisture, and oil spillage. The sealcoats are made of asphaltic material like emulsions, cutbacks, and paving grade-asphaltic cement and are modified with asphalt liquid mixtures such as latex and polymers.

One thing with asphalt sealcoats is that they only provide a protective barrier and do not cure problems that may exist underneath the pavement such as large cracks and road foundation failure. This means that before a surface treatment is done with use of sealcoats, if there are any damages on pavements and sub-base layer, they should be repaired. Otherwise, the sealcoat may only mask the problems and soon cracks and other deformities on pavements begin to show up again.


Do You Have Your Camping Gear? Here is A Camping Checklist for Your Next Camp Experience!

When planning for your camping activity, the last thing you would hate to do is to leave out those important camping supplies in your preparations. You have to think critically of what to include in the camping list for the trip. Nonetheless, you also need to remember that an omission of any one item may send you in nightmares and fail to enjoy your camping
adventure. 

Anyway! Who wants to have a daunting camp activity? The essence of going for a camping venture is to refresh your mind, calm down, reduce stress and break away from the busy day-to-day activities. 

Here is a camping checklist you can use to prepare for your camp trip.
Do You Have Your Camping Gear?  Here is A Camping Checklist for Your Next Camp Experience!
•    Camping shelter- tent, ground cloth/tarp, mat for tent entrance, extra stakes, axe or hammer, shade tarp, stakes, poles, rope, dust pan and rush

•    Camping beddings- sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, sleeping cot, tarp, air pump, sheets, blankets, utility bags, and air mattress repair kit.

•    Camp cooking items- thermos, large water jug & water bucket, fire starters/newspaper, campfire grill, bbq grill, coolers, ice, stove with fuel, propane, matches, lighter, charcoal, firewood, buddy burner measuring cup, trash bags, dish soap, paper towels, aluminium foil, food storage container, cooking pots and pans, can openers, skewers, togs, potholders, knife, spoon, folding table, cooking oil, clothes pins, mugs, paper cups, mixing bowel, salt, sugar, seasoning, etc.

•    Camping clothes- sleeping clothes, underwear, rain gear, laundry bad, sweatshirt, jacket, hat, socks, shorts, jeans shoots and other wears. 

•    Your personal items are also essential when designing the camping checklist- towel, washcloth, deodorant, toothbrush, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, shower shoes, slippers, shower bag, toilet paper, razor, comb, and any other personal item you need.

•    Other miscellaneous items- camera, sunglasses, candles, magazines, camera battery, video film, water filter, compass, torch, torch batteries, lantern with fuel, sunscreen lotion or cream, radio, maps and directions, camp chair, tissue, binoculars, pocket knife, clothe line, pen, note pad, bug repellents, whistle, money, credit card, umbrella, sewing kit, watch, small fire extinguisher, and other personal items.

•    Safety items and first aid kit- emergency telephone numbers, roll bandages, antiseptic wipes, personal medications, sterilized gauze pads, splinting material, tweezers, safety pins, cotton swabs, feminine items, water bottle, small mirror, anti-acids, hydrogen peroxide, ace bandage, painkillers, bee sting kit, scissors, antibiotic cream, snake bit kit, First aid manual, coins for phone calls, thermometer, antibacterial soap, small flashlight, poison ivy cream, eye drops, burn ointments, nail clippers and road flares. Remember to take a first aid class before your next camping experience. 


Planning ahead of the camping trip helps in having all the necessities in the camping list identified and sort. An enlightening and fabulous camp experience is one that is free from inconveniences caused by missing camping supplies. With your finances, a camper can budget for all the requirements. One should jot down essential items, which include a tent, food items, right cloths for the prevailing weather conditions and of course the travel documents. 

A first aid kit and personal cleanliness items are also important for your Safari. The tent should be of the required size depending on the number of pax included in the camping trip. There are different types of camping tents and the number of people and your pocket determines the one to buy or hire. It is recommended that a camping trip experience needs to be as simple as possible. Even if your finances allow, one should try to buy a simple tent.

During your camping experience, you certainly want to enjoy those camping recipes, which you have missed in your daily menus. Source for simple but rare camping food ideas and pre-cook the camping food especially the meat. You can buy pre-cooked food items from the food stores and keep it refrigerated till the moment of camping safari. Ask your family members and especially the children to help you identify the camping food items they need to be included in the menu.


The menu should be easy to prepare. Simple camping recipes such as sea food burger can be sourced. The sea food can be pre-cooked and packed. Consider deep frying or pan frying as this helps it last longer. It is recommended that food that doesn’t require refrigeration is more appropriate. Bread rolls, buns, nuts, and fruits. However, you definitely need some cooling items for the perishable items such as vegetables and pre-cooked food. Coolers and ice blocks can be sourced.  


The weather should determine the kind of camping cloths to wear. You need to inquire from the meteorological department or tour agents on the weather conditions to expect on the camp site. In extreme cold weather, you need to have the heavy woolen cloths. Bright sunny days require light cloths. 


You should remember that bright day can be preceded by cold nights. You need to be prepared for such weather variations. Rainy weather implies that rain coats should be packed in your bags. You may need to hang up your wet and damp cloths on a clothes line. Cloths pegs are also essential.

Your camping first aid kit is significantly important. You may fall on those rocky grounds or be pierced by the thorny shrubs. Other items you need to have are gazebos, sleeping bags, picnic rags, simple barbeque cooker, lighter, camping lantern and chair and needless to mention umbrellas. Your personal cleanliness’ items such as tooth brush, tooth paste, bathing soap, towel, and anti-sun radiations lotions should also included in the camping checklist.


Don’t even think you have exhausted the camping checklist just by the first jotting. You will surely be surprised how many essential items you may have omitted when you go through the list with your family or friends. Consult them over and over again until the moment of camping. 


Don’t forget to refer to friends who have had such an adventure. They will more likely mention to you the areas they failed during their camping and what they did not include in their camping checklist such as the camping gear. This way you are able to improve on your camping preparation. Experts may as well help you out to plan for your camping more comfortably. If you have difficulties, consult them.