7 Common Reasons for an Oil Change

Haven't gotten you roil changed in awhile? Well here are seven reasons why you should get your oil changed regularly:

1. Longevity - If you want to make sure your vehicle lasts for the long-run, an oil change is something you want to get done regularly!

2. Sludge - Your car parts can be ruined due to dirty cogs and then the engine can build up acidity which can cause further damage.

3. Stress - If you are going up steep terrain or going on a long trip your engine needs as much possible power as you can get.

4. Change - Get your oil changed about every 3,000 miles, especially in a moderate or dusty climate.

5. Driving habits - If you are an aggressive driver, typically you should look to change your oil more often because of driving style. If you are in traffic often, check your oil level.

6. Add more - While driving you constantly burn oil, so make sure that you change it out because sludge and other debris can cause expensive damages. 

7. Friction - Oil reduces friction, so if you hear your engine making noises when you start your vehicle, it is typically due to dirty or low oil in the tank.

Top 5 Audio Books!

Here is a list of our Top 5 audio books:

1. Imperial Life in the Emerald City

2. The Goldfinch

3. Sycamore Row

4. Lone Survivor

5. Divergent

There are tons of audio books out today, start with these and then check out some on your own! 

 

Top 10 Pop Songs for Spring

Spring is a great season to celebrate rebirth and new life. Pop music is the perfect accompaniment. This is an admittedly idiosyncratic list of spring favorites as few pop songs speak about spring directly. These are the songs that bring to mind for me the hope, joy, beauty, and carefree spirit of springtime.

1. Lovin' Spoonful - "Daydream" (1966)

 The simple joys of being in love on a spring day are the subject matter of this irresistible pop classic.


2. Simon and Garfunkel - "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" (1966)

 Perfect spring bliss that clocks in at under 2 minutes in its original version.


3. Hugh Masakela - "Grazing in the Grass" (1968)

 It's purely instrumental, but the horns and jazzy soulful vibe of this classic evoke visions of sunshine, green grass, and a beautiful world.


4. U2 - "Beautiful Day" (2000)

 U2's anthem to recognizing the beauty in the world around you is a perfect accompaniment to the new life and new spirit of spring.


5. Andy Grammer - "Keep Your Head Up" (2011)

 Singer-songwriter Andy Grammer delivers a song about persevering through the tough times. It is filled with sunny thoughts to bring us out of the doldrums of winter. This single brought him to the top 5 on the adult pop chart.


6. Cat Stevens - "Morning Has Broken" (1972)

 "Morning Has Broken" is one of the few overtly religious songs to make the pop top 10. Cat Stevens' version remains a spiritually affirming pop classic.


7. Dario G - "Sunchyme" (1998)

 Dario G's mostly instrumental ode to sunrise did not reach the pop singles chart, but it was a top 10 dance hit. This song includes a perfect use of a sample incorporating portions of Dream Academy's classic "Life in a Northern Town."


8. Patti LaBelle - "New Attitude" (1985)

 Spring is a time to make changes in life and head in new directions. Patti LaBelle's mid-80's hit "New Attitude" is the perfect theme song for these personal adjustments.


9. Smash Mouth - "All Star" (1999)

 Self-affirmation is fundamentally important for getting in the mood and mindset for spring and few recent hit songs are better for boosting self-esteem than this Smash Mouth hit.


10. Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours" (2008)

 Jason Mraz had a major pop singles chart breakthrough with this instant feel good classic.

(courtesy of About.com)

The Super Bowl is Almost Here!

Alright fans, the Super Bowl is only two days away, and this year's game promises to be a great match-up between two even opponents that won't disappoint! So today we want to know: who do you think will win the Super Bowl this year?

Who Do You Hope Wins Super Bowl XLVIII?

Denver Broncos

Seattle Seahawks

I'm just rooting for a good game

I could care less, really

It's all about the commercials!

Football is the devil

What's football

make a poll

Apple's Macintosh Computer Turns 30 Today

30 years ago today, Apple released the Macintosh computer to the public, changing technology (and society) forever in the process. Now in today's world of advanced technology, where we deal with iPhones, iPads, Bluetooth, and other electronic devices on a regular basis, the Macintosh seems like an ancient relic. But one can't underestimate what a watershed moment its release was, even being hailed as a "masterpiece" at the time of its debut. So we want to know: did you ever own a Macintosh? And what electronic device could you not live without today?

How You Can Avoid Unnecessary Auto Tickets

We all recognize the notorious red and blue flashing lights that symbolize a law being broken. We may not always agree with the reasoning behind a costly ticket, but here are a few ways you can not only avoid getting an unnecessary ticket, but maybe drive a little bit safer in the process.

1. Speeding   After all, the faster you are driving, the longer it takes to react to an unexpected situation.
2. Illegal cell phone use  One 'quick' text or call causes huge distractions for any driver.
3. Following too closely and improper lane changes
Following your neighbor too closely shortens a driver's reaction time.
4. Hazardous driving If you're too busy focusing on other things (touching up your make up, finishing breakfast or cleaning a stain from your spilled coffee) it's easy to violate stop signs and lights, take part in improper lane changes, make illegal U-turns, or fail to yield.
5. Equipment violations 
The tickets can easily pile up for heavily tinted windows, burned-out headlights, broken windshields, expired tags, lack of a front license plate and loud exhaust modifications.

Interesting Facts and the Science Behind Snow

1. The world’s largest snowflake: It was reported to be 15 inches across and 8 inches thick. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this beast of a snowflake was found at Fort Keogh, Montana on January 28, 1887.

 Disclaimer: Not the largest snowflake in the world, but it sure is pretty!

2. Snow is not white: It is actually clear and colorless. As the National Snow and Ice Data Center so eloquently put it,

“The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance.”

3. World record snowfall: Mt. Baker ski area in Washington State has the world record for snowfall at 1,140 inches of snow in the 1998/1999 winter season.

You could've leaped out of an airplane and landed unharmed! Don't try that at home... 

4. Six sides or bust: All snowflakes must have 6 sides otherwise they are not considered snowflakes. In a nutshell,

"The laws of electronegativity and molecular bonding between oxygen and hydrogen atoms dictate that the formation of positive and negative dipoles causes H2O to have a V-shape. Intermolecular forces between the oppositely charged ends of different particles cause them to join together in a very specific three-dimensional pattern with a six-sided symmetry."