12 Critical Tips For Buying A Used Vehicle--Even When Facing The Cadillac Man

Buying a used car isn't easy; but it can give you the advantage of getting a vehicle that you like for a cheaper price than buying new. However, it still presents a series of risks, one of which is ending up with a lemon. You need to have a sharp eye and due diligence to emerge from your search with a great vehicle that you'll be happy with and will serve you well.

Here are tips to avoid a lemon:

1. Check the title history: write down the VIN number (vehicle identification number), and use it to buy a title history of the vehicle. Services such as CarProof Vehicle History will give you all the background information on the vehicle: if it's been in accidents, where it's been, if there are any current liens on the vehicle, etc. 

2. Be mindful of flood states and provinces: Thinking of a buying a car, say, from Calgary? You might be buying one that was in the flood of 2013. If you're buying from the US, you need to also be aware of various flood states. It's advised to look in states and provinces that have little history of floods to avoid this risk all together. If the car has been damaged by a flood, move on--unless you're a car repair specialist and think the car's salvageable and a good deal.

3. Get a mechanical inspection from a reputable place: This can be one of the last points of negotiation. If the dealer objects, either press your point and do it anyway, or move on--there might be reasons for this reaction. Take it to either a mechanic you know and trust, or to a reputable (and even corresponding) car maker service department. Some places will actually rate various aspects of the car on a scale, clearly indicating problem areas.

4. Request service records: A proud, careful owner will have kept all service records and receipts. Request to see any/all service records--this can be one way of knowing that the car's been well maintained. If there are no service records, that can be a major strike against choosing to purchase that vehicle. 

5. Research consumer reports: Prior to narrowing down the cars you want to look at, take your price-point, search all the vehicles within it, and then check consumer reports on all of them. Many consumer reports can be done free online. If you roll up on a used car lot, and see one that looks good that has evaded your search, run a consumer report search on your iPhone.

6. Look for overspray: Don't be emotionally attached to the vehicle--with sharp eyes and objectivity scrutinize every detail of the body of the car for any signs of paint overspray on the trim or the wheel wells that was poorly masked. This can show signs of quick body work that you will need to ask further questions about: Was it in an accident? How long ago? What happened to the vehicle? Such over spraying may also be to cover up any rust.

7. Check oil and other fluids: As with #4, request any records of oil changes. If the owner is a careful one, he/she will have all the receipts from oil changes and other services maintained on the vehicle. Look for an oil change reminder tag in the top left hand corner of the windshield--this will reveal if the owner has been mindfully having the car serviced. Lift the hood and check the oil level: if it's low or unusually dark, then it probably hasn't been serviced well. Scan also the antifreeze and coolant tank. If things look cruddy or mirky or empty, then it's not a good sign--might need to move on.

8. Tire treads: Tire treads can be a tell-tale sign of good or poor maintenance. Wear along the treads can show signs of misalignment. Check also the air pressure: if the tires are not well-inflated, that can be a sign of poor maintenance and leaking. Check for a matched set of tires. If one is different, ask about why.

9. Ask the following critical questions:

• Why are you selling the vehicle?
• How long have you owned it?
• Where/Who did you buy it from?
• What's the mileage?
• Can I see the VIN number and your identification?
• Do you have a used vehicle information package? (mandatory in Ontario)
• Has anything been replaced or repaired on the vehicle?
• Are there mechanical problems I need to know about?
• Can I take it for a test drive? If the owner is hesitant, invite him/her with you.
• Can I take the vehicle for an independent inspection?

10. Avoid vehicles with modifications: Be leery of vehicles that have been super-up with all kinds of gadgets and accessories, especially those to improve performance. It's more work to check on the condition of those improvements, and they can be tell-tale signs that the car has been driven carelessly.

11. Don't fall for the granny car: There are plenty of those on the market: "lady driven," or "non-highway driven," as if that's a selling feature--don't be fooled. The car may look mint, but if it hasn't been driven on the highway or on long trips, then the engine oil hasn't been hot enough to burn off condensation, which can lead to acidic build up in the engine and a host of problems.

12. Really shop around: Don't buy the first car you see on a car lot, and even reputable car dealers (Honda, Toyota, GM, Ford) can sell you a lemon, or a car that's been involved in an 'undisclosed' accident. Go online; check other provinces and states (if you want to add a little adventure and travel); research consumer reports; and really hunt around.

10 Awesome Tips For Being a Real Star And Avoiding Physical Confrontation

We dwell in tension and hostility, whether experiencing rage on the roads, violence in our media, or anger within ourselves and households. People are stressed out financially, often commute long distances to work, and have more month at the end of their money than money at the end of their month. 

There is a prevalence of drugs and alcohol in our culture, and a surge in the consumption of 'energy drinks' that spike one's energy for a time but also one's agitation and hyperactivity. 

Red Bull Label: Notice the caffeine content, and warnings to consumers

We are also influenced by what we watch. Studies have been done on the effects of television on behaviour: we model the behaviours and expression that we see actors and reality tv participants live out. And what kinds of behaviour do we see? Greed, hostility, sarcasm, selfishness, defensiveness, and an overall sense that the world is a place to be exploited for one's gain. 

Professional hockey is loved by Canadians, but incessantly displays aggression and thuggery--more so than most other sports

Sports remain a significant form of televisual entertainment, with hockey, as our national sport, being an arena for thuggery and physical confrontation. There has also been a growth in the popularity of mixed martial arts that may show a more 'calculated' and controlled form of physical confrontation, but those are often mixed together with fights that are full of blood and fear and anger and a seeming 'fight to the death' that must be stepped in on by the referee. 

Mixed Martial Arts is growing in popularity. In an age of aggression and hostility, is it any wonder?

Is it a wonder that physical altercations can be seen on our streets, stores, bars, and roadways? In a recent news story, a Toronto man was stabbed in the heart after a fight arose when he shoulder bumped another pedestrian. The attacker and his friend took exception to the victim's ability to defend himself thus leading to the stab in the heart. 

We don't have to engage in physical violence. A violent situation can be diffused and avoided. If you are prone to fighting, and want to stop this behaviour, the following tips are a good place to start.

Bruce Lee: "The art of fighting without fighting"

Tips to Avoid Physical Confrontation

1. De-escalate the situation: Often fights result when aggression from both sides escalates and there is nothing left to do but throw-down. To de-escalate, you need to communicate in a non-threatening way. 

Do not:

• Threaten the aggressor
• Contradict or argue with the aggressor
• Challenge the aggressor
• Order or command the aggressor
• Shame or disrespect the aggressor

2. Maintain eye contact and watch the aggressor's hands at all times: While doing this, continue to de-escalate the situation by listening to the person's problem and apologizing, even if you feel you did nothing wrong. It's not about who's right or wrong at this point--it's about avoiding physical violence.

3. Avoid reacting to insults about you, your mother, your spouse, etc: The aggressor may want to fight and will try to egg you on. This is a tactic on the other's part that you should simply avoid. Stay calm, count to ten--whatever you have to do.

4. Stay calm: Keep your head on straight, even if the other is losing his or hers. Again, try to assure the person that fighting won't solve anything. And avoid your need to be right or justified in your position--it doesn't matter.

5. Deflect and Avoid: We can trigger people by trying to justify ourselves or take the moral high ground with statements such as, "I've got better things to do than to fight you," or, "Why don't you save this for the Jerry Springer show," etc. The best thing to do is to deflect the other's aggression and avoid the conflict--most of the time it takes keeping your mouth shut.

6. Lose your ego: This is the underlying issue: Your desire to be right--to somehow be better than the other. Instead, tell the other person what he or she wants to hear, and, again, apologize even if you think or know you're right. 

7. Keep your hands up: You want to have your hands ready in the event of a blow; but you also want to appear non-aggressive. Having your hands pressed together while talking to the other, in a prayer-like fashion while keeping them by your neck and chin, will tell the other that you are non-aggressive and allow you to protect yourself if need be.

8. Walk away: You don't need to fight to prove yourself. Walking way and avoiding the altercation doesn't mean your less of a person--it means you're more of one. It is harder to take a deep breath and remain calm in the face of aggression than to give in and lose yourself. 

9. Lock your doors: If you're in a car, and experiencing road rage, keep your doors locked, and, if possible, simply drive away and call the police. Often road-ragers will try to follow their victims, so having the police notified is the best thing. 

10. Escape: Plan your escape if you see things escalating in spite of trying your best to de-escalate. You may not have to defend yourself, but can instead just run away and get to a better location. If you are alone with the aggressor, move to a place more crowded. 

4 Ways Of Knowing It's Time To Go To Rehab

Robin Williams's Rehab

Robin William's death at the age of 63 gives us pause: In a 2006 interview with Barbara Walters, Williams talked at some length about his decision to enter rehab after a 20-year period, explaining that friends and loved-ones around him had been begging him to return, in spite of his belief that he was handling life just fine. And according to a recent report from Williams's publicist, he had planned to enter rehab to bring more intentional focus on his sobriety, but some close to the actor believed that given the intensity of his depression it may have been too late. Underlying his addiction was an abysmal depression by which he was often swallowed that ultimately led to his mournful suicide. 

Addiction is serious: it impacts sufferers' health, and the well-being of those around them. One of the deadly elements of addiction is its subtlety: many people who suffer from addiction are unaware that they in fact have one. It often takes the urgings of people to bring them around to the realization, whether through intense processes such as an intervention, or, for those like Williams who had walked the trail of recovery before, the begging and stirring of loved ones. 

Along with addiction, there are serious health risks for those who engage in heavy alcohol and drug consumption.

Health Effects of Alcohol

There are numerous studies being done about the effects of alcohol abuse. It is known as a high-risk factor for disease and disability, in spite of its surging popularity, than factors such as cholesterol, body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity or illicit drug use.

Stroke

Binge drinking is defined by the consumption of more than 5 standard drinks at one time, and is known for greatly increasing the risk of stroke.

Cancer

Drinking more than one or two standard drinks per day can greatly increase the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer for women.

High Blood Pressure

Consuming more than two standard drinks per day increases the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. 

Alcohol consumption also has impacts on the premiums you will pay when taking out life insurance, particularly when one's consumption poses significant health risks, such as those listed above.

Health effects of Drug Use

Short-term Effects

• Increase heart rate
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• High blood pressure
• Sweating or dehydration
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Rage and violence

Long-term Effects

• Depression
• Damage to brain cells
• Risk of Hepatitis A and C, and HIV
• Impotence
• Hallucinations
• Lack of motivation

How You Know You Need Rehab

Addiction is subtle, and often lies beyond the sufferer's recognition--it's called "denial". It is often the case that loved ones and friends provide the spurring and motivation for one to seek rehabilitation from an addiction. Throughout the process of rehab, many addicts come to know what they had been suffering from, what had led to the addiction, and the various things that trigger it. 

Here are some hints for knowing when it's time to go:

• Asking yourself the question: If you wonder if you need to go, then you probably do. The voice inside could be that voice of reason that saves your life.

• Strife to friends and loved-ones: In the case of Williams's return to rehab in 2006, his friends and family were the ones who motivated him to go. If those closest to you are suggestion you should go, or they're having an intervention for you, then you should follow their urging and go to rehab. Even if you can't see it, they can.

• Run-ins with the law: If your drug/alcohol consumption is causing problems with the law, then you need to think about rehab. 

• Rock-bottom: It's often the case that people need to hit rock-bottom before entering rehab--that moment in time when they realize that they either check in to rehab or die. If you are there, you can choose life. You can get better.

These 5 Tips Will Keep You And Your Guests Safe At Your Next BBQ

There's nothing like punctuating a convivial summer BBQ with bouts of vomiting and diarrhea for the next 24 hours. With the rising of grill-smoke and joviality of party chatter amidst the swelter of summer are bred the perfect conditions for bacteria that lead to food poisoning. When Gangnam Style is pumping, the bottles clinking, and the summer swag turned on, are you really paying attention to whether or not you put the grilled meat on the same plate as that when they came out raw? When you're in the frolicking throes of catch-up conversation, is it really that difficult to inadvertently cut the vegetables on the same chopping board as the raw meat without washing it down first? It's all too easy to do, which is precisely why there is an increase of food poisoning in summer months. 

Here are some ways to avoid food bacteria from leeching through to the guts of your guests:

1. Wash Your Hands: Hand-washing is a very simple, common-sense procedure that has proven to be a significant practice for reducing infectious diseases, especially those that are gastrointestinal. Wash your hands after handling raw meat, eggs, fish, and even raw vegetables, as well as after you've used the washroom, and handled your pet.

2. Don't keep food at room temperature for more than one hour on hot summer days.

3. Working on that new marinade you read about in Grill Man's Learn to Smoke BBQ Digest? Make sure you marinate in the fridge or in a cooler filled with ice, and not on the counter. And if you're using a marinade to baste, or as a dipping sauce, make sure it hasn't come in contact with uncooked meat.

4. Bacteria are killed by extreme heat. Raw meat, poultry and seafood must be cooked to a safe internal temperature that kills off E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. 

5. This is a biggie: Never put food off the grill on the same plate that you used to put them on--unless it's been thoroughly washed with soap and water. Keep several sets of clean utensils, cutting boards, and plates on-hand for handling the different transitions from counter to grill and back to counter again.

4 Awesome TED Talks That Prove Gaming Enhances Your Driving Skills And Your Life

There is a ton of research coming out of academic institutions, research labs, and think tanks about the importance of video games on our cognitive-motor skills and ability to make quick decisions, what Malcolm Gladwell calls "Blink". One study done by the University of Rochester showed that those who play action video games are able to make quick decisions that make them better drivers.

In the spirit of this research, and for all those gamers out there who want the hours of clocked gaming time to be recognized as not merely deviant or juvenile, here are 4 TED Talks on the good to great side of gaming.


1. 7 Ways Video Games Reward The Brain and Keep Us Questing

Tom Chatfield on 7 Ways in Which Video Games Reward the Brain and Keep Us Questing For More

2. Video Games Can Make A Better World

Jane McGonial On How Video Games Can Help Us Create A Better World

3. Your Brain On Video Games

Cognitive Scientist, Daphne Bavelier, On How Video Games Enhance The Brain and Our Decision-making.

4. The Game Layer 

Seth Priebatsch And The Game Layer At the Top of The World: How Video Games Will Impact Education And Commerce

These TED Talks show not only a profound emergence of video games in 21st Century life, but also intriguing ways in which the play of video games can enhance one's life, including one's ability to make  quick, wise decisions on the road.