Friday, November 15, 2013

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.

Electronic Signature Services...Are They Worthy For Your Business?

There are many benefits of using electronic signature services and one of them is that, it reduces the time taken to fill and sign documents from for instance, hours to just a few minutes or less. This definitely enhances efficiency in business. Documents can be signed faster and acted upon thus improving on service delivery. This makes customers happy and increases workflow and cash flow.
Why Your Business Should seek Electronic Signature Services
e signature

Secondly, the application of online document signing saves on resource-use as there is reduced use of paper, pen and ink. A company does not have to buy paper and ink. With this process, it can be carried out within an organization and also out of an organization for example, through an iPhone. Thirdly, the esignature process is simple as it requires one to have only an email and Internet connection.


There is no need to create an account with the service provider. Documents are uploaded in PDF or word format. They can also be uploaded from web applications such as Google docs and FreshBooks. Fourthly, the e signature service is secure and confidential. Considering the threats of security witnessed on the Internet, clients want to be assured of secure document transit process.


With this system, there is secure SSL data encryption by VeriSign and this ensures that clients’ documents and data in transit are protected. Moreover, online document signing service produces signatures, which looks just like pen and paper signature. A wet-looking signature is produced with the handwritten styles. For example, a signer can use a finger to sign a document.


Last but not least, the service can be carried out through use of mobile devices such as iPhones, iPods, blackberry and Smartphone devices. This means that a signer can sign the documents whenever, and wherever. Therefore, if you are seeking for more innovative ways to have your documents filled and signed, an e signature service firm can offer you the most comprehensive and time saving digital document signing service.