Top Ranked Cars By US News

2011 Hyundai Elantra image from US News

Planning to buy a car but don't know which to choose?

It's understandable for an average car buyer to be overwhelmed of the number of available and great cars in the market right now.

Car manufacturers like to give us their best cars and outdo their competitors so they always have something new in the market for us.

If you need some help, I am sharing with you the top ranked cars by US News. You might find something that you'll like from the following list:

Top 3 Affordable Small Cars - generally priced under $20,000
1. 2011 Hyundai Elantra
2. 2011 Honda Fit
3. 2011 Ford Fiesta

Top 3 Upscale Small Cars - generally priced $20,000 to $35,000
1. 2011 Lexus CT200h
2 & 3 (tie). 2011 Nissan Leaf
2 & 3 (tie). 2011 Volkswagen GTI

Top 3 Hatchbacks
1. 2011 Honda Fit
2. 2011 Ford Fiesta
3. 2011 Kia Forte

Top 3 Affordable Midsize Cars - generally priced under $25,000
1. 2011 Ford Fusion
2. 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
3. 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Top 3 Upscale Midsize Cars - generally priced $25,000 to $40,000
1. 2011 Buick Regal
2. 2011BMW 3-Series
3. 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Top 3 Affordable Large Cars - generally priced under $35,000
1. 2011 Ford Taurus
2. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
3. 2011 Toyota Avalon

Top 3 Luxury Large Cars - generally priced $40,000 to $60,000
1. 2012 Audi A7
2. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3. 2011 BMW 5-Series

Top 3 Super Luxury Cars - generally priced above $60,000
1. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2. 2011 Porsche Panamera
3. 2011 Audi A8

Top 3 Exotic Cars - generally priced above $100,000
1. 2009 Maserati Quattroporte
2. 2009 Maybach 57
3. 2009 Maybach 62

Top 3 Affordable Sports Cars - generally priced under $35,000
1. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2. 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
3. 2011 Nissan 370Z

Top 3 Luxury Sports Cars - generally priced above $35,000
1. 2011 Porsche Cayman
2. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
3. 2011 Lotus Elise

Top 3 Super Luxury Sports Cars - generally priced above $70,000
1. 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera
2. 2010 Jaguar XK
3. 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL

Top 3 Exotic Sports Cars
1. 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo
2. 2012 Lamborghini Aventador
3. 2012 Audi R8

Top 3 Muscle Cars
1. 2011 Ford Mustang
2. 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
3. 2011 Dodge Charger

Top 3 Affordable Convertibles - generally priced under $35,000
1. 2011 Ford Mustang
2. 2011 Mini Cooper
3. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Top 3 Luxury Convertibles - generally priced above $35,000
1. 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera
2. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
3. 2011 Lotus Elise

Top 3 Affordable Full Size Wagons - generally priced under $30,000
1. 2011 Subaru Outback
2. 2011 Volvo V50
3. 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour

Top 3 Luxury Wagons - generally priced above $30,000
1. 2011 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
2. 2011 BMW 3-Series Wagon
3. 2010 Audi A6 Wagon

Top 3 Affordable Compact Wagons - generally priced under $25,000
1. 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
3. 2011 Nissan Juke

Top 3 Hybrid Cars - generally priced $20,000 to $30,000
1. 2011 Chevrolet Volt
2. 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
3. 2011 Toyota Prius

Top 3 Hybrid Luxury Cars
1. 2011 Lexus CT200h
2. 2011 Lexus GS Hybrid
3. 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Happiest States and Cities in America

Do you know the happiest cities and states in America?

The Huffington Post released their 2010 happiest cities in America and their list was dominated by Western United States. Have you been to any of these cities which are included in the top 10 happiest cities in America?

Top 10 Happiest Cities in America
1. Boulder, Colorado
2. Holland-Grand Haven, Michigan
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Provo-Orem, Utah
5. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, California
6. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria, California
7. San Jose-Sunnyvale, California
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah
10. Oxnard-Ventura, California

While the list above shows the top 10 happiest cities in 2010, the list below gives the top 10 happiest states in 2010. This list was released by the Fox News based on the survey that was conducted by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index between January 1 to December 31.

Top 10 Happiest States in America
1. Hawaii
2. Wyoming
3. North Dakota
4. Alaska
5. Colorado
6. Minnesota
7. South Dakota
8. Utah
9. Connecticut
10. Nebraska

Based on the list above, the consistent happiest places that shows up in both the lists are Colorado, Hawaii and Utah. Do you think it's high time to buy some real estate in Hawaii, Utah and Colorado just because of these lists that were released?

Ways to Enjoy the Summer

Summer is here. Now is the time to enjoy it!

One of the things I look forward to during summer is our summer long drive. We drive from state to state and just enjoy the splendid views and summer activities and festivities. We usually spend at least ten days on the road and we've been doing it for years now.

Photo from Suvrettahouse.ch

I guess this activity is better than just bumming around at home and watching Direct TV whole day and night. Besides, with home security muscleshoals, we don't have to worry even though we leave our home for more than a week or so.

Aside from visiting state to state, summer is also the time to hit the pool, have a picnic, attend summer classes or go on summer camps, and go camping. It's also great to start a new hobby and mearn new crafts and photography (since you'll have plenty of great subjects to shoot).

My point is summer is such a wonderful time of the year. There are lots of activities to do, things to see and places to explore. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Don't Let Your Schedule Stop You From Advancing

Image from WaldenU.edu

Are you planning to study and earn a degree but can't squeeze it into your schedule. Why not try studying online instead?

With traditional classes, you'll be required to attend classes - and if you're currently working full-time, you don't have the luxury of time to include daily classes into your schedule - much more to spend time commuting or driving to and from the university when you have classes.

When you study online, you can study anywhere without the rigid schedules - at your own time and pace. This is most applicable to working professionals and those currently assigned overseas (such as those serving in the military).

There are lots of sites that offer online courses such as WaldenU.edu. Learn about Walden and see which of Walden University's online degree programs will most fit your current requirements.

Don't let your current schedule and location hinder you from getting a degree and from advancing. The internet technology (through online universities and schools) can be your ally to further your studies - let it help you.

Projecting the Company's Image

Image from Blueskyscrubs.com

Do you think that an office, clinic or company uniform affects the way the clients perceive the quality of their services and products?

Well, I do. Uniforms are one of the ways to project the kind of image that you want the general public to associate your company with.

Recently, a new dental clinic opened right beside our office and we were surprised to see that in just a few weeks, they already have numerous clients (can't help it because the parking spaces have become so scarce lately).

Curious, we dropped by the clinic just for a short chat to inquire about their services. Aside from the welcoming and modern reception area, we found out that the dentists and the dental aides are donning high fashion scrubs.

Wow, it's not the plain uniforms that we usually see in our dentist's clinic! The notion is that if their management could give such attention to their uniforms, more so on their equipment and services. Right?

I'm not sure where they bought their uniforms but I've heard that there are various types of medical scrubs available at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/. Well, I'm not working in the medical field but I'll surely check out that site to see what they've got.

Keep the Crowd in Order

Time is gold, right? It's no wonder why most people hate to fall in line and spend their precious time waiting for their turn. I'm just so glad that crowd control products were invented or else it will be chaos everywhere. Just imagine everyone rushing to the front in banks, concerts, grocery stores and airports.

These days, there are lots of crowd control products that are available for events or places where orderly lines are needed. Stanchions are the standard way to do this but you probably have seen those retractable belts in airports or the velvet ropes in cinemas. Barricades, on the other hand, are usually put in place for traffic control, security and privacy such, but not limited to, fence barricades, traffic cones, pipe and drape walls.

I just so like those crowd control devices that does more than just keeping the lines in order. What I mean are those barriers that have public info messages, signs or images that either guide or entertain the crowd while waiting for their turn. The fact that the manufacturers of these items just keep coming up with innovations, safer and better products is always good for the consumers.

Upholstery Cleaning Tips

Have you tried some do it yourself upholstery cleaning? Here are some stuff that will help you do the job - the green living way:

Whipped Detergent

Mix equal amounts of water and liquid detergent (NOT laundry detergent) until frothy. Scrub it into stains using a sponge, brush or rag then rinse.

Vacuum and Softly Brush Weekly

Regular vacuuming of the cushions and backs will prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt into your upholstery. Using a soft brush to remove loose soil also helps.

Water

Use water sparingly in cleaning your cushions. Use cool water for non-greasy stains and warm or hot water for greasy stuff. Take note that heat sets most stains so use sparingly.

Shampoo

Mix shampoo with water then dab onto sponge or brush then use on greasy stains.

3 Percent Hydrogen Peroxide

Spot test this first on a small and hidden area of the upholstery. Dab on stain and repeat until stain is gone. Do not rinse.

For more serious cleaning requirements such as in cases of smoke and fire damage, getting the services of professional cleaners will be necessary and will save you from lots of hassle. You can check out cleaning and restoration services provider online like the http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-restoration-services/smoke-fire.shtml to find out how they can help you in your cleaning and restoration requirements.

Julia Roberts: America's Pretty Woman

Thanks to Erich Emerson

I love Julia Roberts. I do. When I watch her on my http://www.tvbydirect.com on my lonely Friday nights, she never fails to come through for me. From her leading portrayal of "lady of the night" Vivian in "Pretty Woman" to her Oscar-winning, title role in the legal drama "Erin Brockovich," she brings a fresh perspective to almost every role. She is even wonderful at playing a leading lady in her animated roles, such as Charlotte in "Charlotte's Web."

I must admit that my favorite role that Julia Roberts played was the southern belle, Shelby Eatenton Latcherie in "Steel Magnolias." She captivated audiences and told the story with perfection. Also, I loved her as domestic violence victim, Laura Birney in "Sleeping With The Enemy." She truly set herself apart from the rest when she played Susan Sarandon's nemesis as Isabel in "Stepmom" and a poor, lonely housemaid in "Mary Reilly." The roles were played with absolute perfection.

Those types of roles are ones that set her apart from the rest of Hollywood. With the natural ability to capture the attention of the audience, she is by far the most versatile actress to ever hit the big screen. Her work will continue to stand the test of time and I have a feeling that like most true great actors, she will only get better with age.

Coward of the Country

I've heard this song a lot of times before but when I heard it over the radio during our trip this weekend, I began to really ponder on the message of this song which was performed by Kenny Rogers in 1980:



Coward of The County was co-written by Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler. It is a song story about a guy named Tommy. Read on (or should I say, sing along) to see how the story unfolds:

Everyone considered him the coward of the county.
He never stood one single time to prove the county wrong.
His mama named him tommy, the folks just called him yellow,
But something always told me they were reading tommy wrong.

Now He was only ten years old when his daddy died in prison.
I looked after tommy cause he was my brothers son.
I still recall the final words my brother said to tommy:
Son, my life is over, but yours is just begun.

Promise me, son, not to do the things Ive done.
Walk away from trouble if you can.
Now it dont mean youre weak if you turn the other cheek.
I hope youre old enough to understand:
Son, you dont have to fight to be a man.

Theres someone for evryone and tommys love was becky.
In her arms he didnt have to prove he was a man.
One day while he was workin the gatlin boys came callin.
They took turns at becky.... there were three of them!

Tommy opened up the door and saw his becky cryin.
The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand.
He reached above the fireplace and took down his daddys picture.
As the tears fell on his daddys face, I heard these words again:

Promise me, son, not to do the things Ive done.
Walk away from trouble if you can.
Now it dont mean youre weak if you turn the other cheek.
I hope youre old enough to understand:
Son, you dont have to fight to be a man.

The gatlin boys just laughed at him, when he walked into the barroom.
One of them got up and met him halfway cross the floor.
When tommy turned around they said, hey look! ol yellows leavin.
But you coulda heard a pin drop when tommy stopped and locked the door.

Twenty years of crawlin was bottled up inside him.
He wasnt holdin nothin back; he let em have it all.
When tommy left the barroom not a gatlin boy was standin.
He said, this ones for Becky, as he watched the last one fall.
And I heard him say,

I promised you, dad, not to do the things you've done.
I'll walk away from trouble when I can.
Now please dont think Im weak, I didnt turn the other cheek,
papa, I sure hope you understand:
Sometimes you gotta fight when youre a man.

Everyone considered him the coward of the county.

This is my entry to this week's Music Monday.

Inbox Gems

"You can't discover new things unless you have the courage to lose sight of your fears coz only those who risk can tell how far they can go! Enjoy discovering life."

"God is always above our thoughts, pains and desires. He sees our strivings and aims. Wonderfully, He works out what's perfect for us for the rest of our lives."

"Grass is shining with morning dew
making the day fresh and new
Hope the joy comes your way
and protection be with you
for the rest of the day."

"How we deal with life is really a matter of personal choice, so choose to be glad. Find joy in the simplest things, and see beauty in each person you meet. When times are difficult, remind yourself that no pain comes to you without a purpose."

"When nice people touch our lives, we see how beautiful and wonderful our world can be. Blessed are those who give us time, nice thoughts and love."

"Good people are like gentle wind, you cannot see what's inside their hearts but you can always feel their presence and sincerity."

"Everything you lose has its own way of returning back to you. The funny thing is, it's not always the way you expect it, sometimes it's even more."

Mahal Kita Kasi by Nicole Hyala

This is one cheesy original pilipino music (OPM). I love the beat but sorry, I can't give you a translation of this song in english because the song is composed mainly of cheesy love lines that you can only relate to if you speak the filipino language.

Hope you still enjoy it.

I Give You My Word By George Fox

This song from George Fox is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's a pledge made by a lover to the one he loves - about a love that will last until time stands still.

Hope you enjoy listening to it.



Do you now agree with me that this is quite a wonderful love song?