Monthly Archives2017 February

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In 1927, Henry Ford changed the way we got from point A to point B. We replaced the horse and carriage with the Model A and then we quickly found a way to turn these metal contraptions into a new way to express our opinions. Henry Ford also did something else for us with the automobile. He put them out for thousands of people to purchase and as people began to have accidents, he added the bumper to provide some protection to the front and back of the car. Combine this bumper with America’s desire for free speech and people found a new way to advertise their products and ideas.

The first bumper “stickers” were made of cardboard and metal. These were then connected by wire and string. In fact, they looked more like a license plate than a sticker. Nevertheless, these were the forerunners of bumper stickers, as we know them today.

A change to the way bumper stickers were made would come later. In the 1930’s, Forest P. Gill worked for the Crawford Manufacturing Company in Kansas City, Missouri. The company had been making canvas items such as seat and tire covers. The canvas was a sturdy material that was also very versatile, as it could be printed on with ink through silkscreening. These inks were different from the dyes that had been used in the past, as the dyes would fade or run in the sunlight or rain. As a result, the canvas turned out to be an excellent option for printed advertisements for the outdoors. Soon, canvas was used for outdoor advertisements on the canvas awnings that went over store windows and later they were used for covering spare tires and turning those into advertisements as well.

After the Crawford Manufacturing Company went out of business, Gill chose to go into business for himself. Gill received some printing equipment from his ex-employer and began a printing business in the basement of his home in 1934.

Gill struggled to make ends meet and printed everything from bumper signs to can labels. The prints were treated with chemicals to keep them from running and to withstand the weather. As Gill’s operation grew, he had to hire employees. Gill moved out of the basement to 906 Central in Kansas City. The shop was right down the block from the Hotel Savoy, where Harry Truman would lunch at the Savoy Grill.

Later in 1946, a new trend in inks and dyes came about. The Switzer Brother’s Inc. located in Cleveland, Ohio created these. They introduced new colors that were called DayGlo because of their bright, glowing appearance during the day. Gill soon began experimenting with these new inks and creating signs with them. These inks were very eye catching and advertisers wanted to use them to draw more attention.

At the same time, another revelation was being created. This revelation was a new sticky-backed paper that became available to commercial printers. On the back of these papers, a backing could be pulled off and the paper could then be stuck to a smooth surface. Up to that point, silk screen stickers had only be used with water-activated gum papers, but these couldn’t hold up in weather and fell apart over time.

Elsewhere in Kansas City, a printer told Gill about a company that used independent salesmen to advertise products that were sold in regional territories by traveling salesman door to door. Gill contacted the Nationwide Advertising Specialty Company located in Arlington, Texas. The company helped Gill to create an ad that would advertise bumper stickers to the sales reps who could then sell them to various places, such as tourist destinations. The bumper sticker quickly became the perfect souvenir as people purchased cars after the war.

The first bumper stickers were printed on blue and black backgrounds. The ink was fluorescent and they brightly announced where the family had been vacationing. They soon helped to spread the word about tourist destinations located across the country. To advertise himself, Gill placed the name of his company on the very bottom of the bumper stickers he printed. This launched a product that would soon become part of our democracy and the become an symbol of the first amendment.

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Source by John Fischer

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For gas powered carts, the cables need only be of sufficient size to operate the starter motor, which is only for a few seconds at a time. So that answer is no, the originally installed cables are plenty sufficient in size. For those of us who have the more plentiful, battery powered carts, the answer is somewhat more complicated. The short answer for us is, yes and no, depending upon what we expect from the cart or if modifications to the motor or controller have been made.

If the cart is absolutely bone stock (all original with no upgrades) and is used primarily as originally intended around the local course, the standard 6 AWG (aka 6 gauge or #6) cables are perfectly fine. Wire (cable) size is measured by a standard called American Wire Gauge or AWG and relates to the diameter or cross sectional area of the copper conductor itself. The smaller the AWG number, the larger the diameter, and hence, larger current carrying capacity. For example, a 2 AWG cable is larger than a 4 AWG which is larger than a 6 AWG. Most cart manufacturers use 6 AWG cables. The finest cables we have found so far are made by MaxiLink.com, which are super flexible and made for extreme duty electric vehicle use.

Ok, now for you guys that want better performance, we’ll get a little more technical. The maximum current that will ever go through your cables is when the cart is at rest and you mash the gas pedal to the floor. At that point in time, the controller puts out the max power it is capable of, and the motor experiences what is called “locked rotor” current draw, which can be hundreds of amperes. When the motor is in a stalled state, it requires tremendous energy to get it spinning to the rated RPM. If the motor were to stay in the stalled state (if there was some mechanical restraint that would not allow it to turn) the high current would continue to be absorbed by the motor until it actually burned up the windings. Typically though, the motor begins to spin immediately, and the current drops down to 20 or so amperes within a few milliseconds (on a stock cart). There are four things that limit that maximum current; the resistance of the internal windings of the motor, the current capacity of the battery pack, the controller capacity and the resistance of the battery cables. The Battery Pack and Motor windings are pretty much fixed values. Keep these in mind because we will come back to them.

Aftermarket “high torque” or “high speed” motors installed to increase the carts performance are commonplace these days. Unfortunately, that additional performance requires additional power. The motor is only there to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy (not very efficiently either). High power motors have a lower internal resistance than stock, which in turn draws more current. If you remember from science class, power (in watts) is voltage (E) multiplied by the current (I). Since the voltage cannot go any higher than the battery’s 48volts (or 36volts), the current increases in order to satisfy the power demand of the motor. Unfortunately, this is where the resistance of the battery cables come into play. As the current increases in a conductor, power is lost in the form of heat at a rate of I2R, where R is the cable resistance. In an ideal cable and to transfer max power, the cable resistance (R) should be zero ohms. Unfortunately all cables have some resistance. The cable resistance causes the voltage to drop (E=IR) and results in lost power to the motor. The solution; increase the size of the battery cables (the larger the cable the less the resistance). Of course, the cable diameter can only be increased within reasonable mechanical size limitations, but that is what is required to reap the full benefits of a high power aftermarket motor. Our example used the locked rotor current to explain the worst case effects. They are less drastic at partial throttle, where the current draw is significantly less. If you want to do the drag racing, burnouts, wheelies and such with your cart though, you will need the bigger cables to supply the required massive inrush of current to the motor. Although the resistance of the cables seems tiny (#6 = 0.00047ohms/ft vs. #2 = 0.00015 ohms/ft), the voltage drop is significant when large currents are present, which will reduce performance. So for the high power motor users out there, use large diameter cables and keep them as short as possible. Size will matter to you. Look for other articles by Randy Wade and check out www.digitaloverdrivesystems.com regularly for news, tips and performance products including the new Maxilink Extreme Duty EV cables.

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Source by Randy Wade

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Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia is an expression of the most advanced concept of sportsmanship, represents the latest eight-cylinder supercar and it is the complete essence of what a Ferrari should be: power, extreme technology, pure driving pleasure. The 458 Italia affirms a new philosophy: lighter, faster, yet more environmentally friendly. Created to be even more extreme than the successful F430, the Italia does not sacrifice the driving pleasure in traffic or at low speed. The 458 Italia is built using the most advanced engine, chassis and aerodynamics technology ever developed by Ferrari, a feature that is partly due to working closely with the F1 Team in order to combine exceptional performance with reduced consumption and emissions. The new 4,499 cc V8 engine is a veritable powerhouse, punching out 570 hp. Equipped with the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox, the 458 can sprint from 0 to 60mph in under 3.4 seconds reaching a maximum speed of over 202 mph. Ferrari Silicon Valley is currently accepting interest list applications for the 458 Italia.

Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is a bold addition to the Ferrari range: an eight-cylinder model with a grand touring remit. The Ferrari California is a model whose charm, exclusivity and performance can attract the interest of those who have not yet approached Ferrari and are interested in a “grand touring” type of vehicle. It is a very different sort of Ferrari: a more sensual Gran Tourer with a folding hard-top roof that promises everyday ease-of-use. The Ferrari California is powered by a new 4,300 cc V8 engine, mounted for the first time in the marquee’s history in the mid-front position, and sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. Paired with the 7-speed dual clutch, the car’s performance delivers a superior driving experience, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The F1-Trac traction control system in the Ferrari California made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano. Brembo brakes in carbon-ceramic material disks provide the Ferrari California with superbly efficient braking performances.

New three-layer colors and bi-color solutions for the exterior and new leathers as well as fabric for the interiors are some of the latest personalization options now available for the Ferrari California. In 2010 the HELE system was introduced in the Ferrari California. HELE stands for High Emotion Low Emissions and is a system designed to reduce C02 emissions without taking away from the joy of driving a Ferrari.

Following are some of the most important technical measures of HELE System that allow a 23 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. The start/stop function that can restart the car in low as 230 milliseconds, a displacement air-conditioning technology electronically controlled an intelligent engine fan and fuel pump control and adaptive gear shifts.

Ferrari 599 GTO:

The 599 GTO is a blend of some of Ferrari’s top technology from Formula One and road cars and occupies a niche between the 599 GTB & 599 XX. More menacing and less refined than a GTB, less raucous than an XX. This car is the best expression of a sports car Ferrari has ever made. A 6.0 liter, V12 engine that produces 670 hp at 8500 rpm and 457 lb-ft torque at 6,500 rpm and capable of impressive acceleration numbers to the tune of 0 to 62 mph in just 3.35 seconds. The engine is paired with an F1 six-speed gearbox, which has the same 60-millisecond shift times as the 599XX. The car has a curb weight of only 3,538 lbs. Only 599 cars will be produced and there are several custom colors and two-tone paint finishes exclusively for this GTO model. Designed by Pininfarina, the front, side and rear are bolder and more aggressive than its parent. Inside, a Virtual Race Engineer allows the driver to monitor the status of the car and its performance. Extensive use of carbon fiber is apparent, including in the cockpit where it is used both to reduce weight and as a design element. Ferrari’s dedication to the GTO model is legendary, with two previous highly revered models. The three iconic letters, which stand for Gran Turismo Omologato, summon the spirit of the original 1962 250 GTO, the 288 GTO which helped spawn the modern supercar era and the F40, the fastest street legal production car from 1987 to 1989 and the most expensive model at that time. The 250 GTO won no fewer than three consecutive World Sportscar Championships and it is today the most sought-after collector’s car on the market.

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Source by Rossa P

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Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Mitsubishi Evo 10 will allow you to make the right decision when buying a new Mitsubishi.

One of the first things, depending on where you are in the world that may come as a surprise to you but perhaps if you’re in the UK it may not be as big a surprise as others is the modification packages available through Mitsubishi UK, mainly the Evo 10 FQ models, as in FQ320. That is, did you know that all of the Evo 10 models in the UK, as sold as a factory-official car through Mitsubishi UK, actually has a modified converted, factory ECU using EcuTeK tuning software?

That package of upgrades is on all the Evo 10s sold by Mitsubishi UK. On top of that, Mitsubishi UK then offer the Evo 10 FQ model, and the FQ model standing for a very quick car, has been available for quite some time now starting with the Evo 7 and then there’s the Evo 8 and, of course, the Evo 9 and now the Evo 10.

The FQ320 Evo 10 comes with a package of generally HKS modified components including exhaust, hard pipe inlet kit, and some other body kit styling enhancements and things like that and the tuned ECU to bring it all together to make it into a nice reliable package that comes with a full factory warranty guarantee through the Mitsubishi dealer network and of course, Mitsubishi UK.

Another good bit of information is some of this tuning and mapping data is available through the EcuTeK ECU tuning network throughout the through EcuTeK partners. The tuning software that is used by Mitsubishi UK is obviously the tuning software that is used by EcuTeK around the world.

Through your local EcuTeK tuner, you can get the factory ECU in your Mitsubishi Evo 10 converted into a fully adjustable ECU and then increase the performance however what will obviously vary is the level of warranty that you’ll get support from your local dealer.

Be very careful when you start modifying, if you choose to modify your Mitsubishi Evo 10. Because it’s a brand-new car, it uses the new Flash Can technology ECU. Gone are the days where you can do some simple modification and upgrades with hard parts and expect a noticeable improvement in performance because, really, you can’t achieve that anymore particularly with these newer models.

The Evo 10 ECU is smart enough to realize that there’s been a modification done and what it will then start doing is detuning the performance that you were looking for as a result of say, for example, a modified exhaust and ultimately you can end up with less power than what you start with, obviously, with factory-standard parts. The advantage of converting the factory ECU to an adjustable one allows that all to be brought together as a complete package, tuned and designed to work in harmony with each other.

The Evo 10 has a dramatically different engine now from the previous models. It has an all-alloy block. It runs a higher-peak boost level, in fact, a staggeringly higher-peak boost level which, again, makes it even more important to choose your modifications carefully. Obviously, the orientation of the inlet and the exhaust manifolds on the Evo 10 is different to the Evo 9, having the inlet manifold at the front now with the exhaust manifold at the rear. Effectively, between the firewall and the engine is now where the turbo sits, which is the completely different orientation to the previous Evo 9 model. That’s going to require a whole complete new jigging up of, obviously, exhaust systems and components to suit that model.

There’s not a lot of carry over with the Evo 9 but, then again, we expected there’s a pretty good reason why Mitsubishi had done that. From impressions, it’s obviously to get the car a bit better balanced in its weight distribution because the exhaust manifold weighs more than the inlet manifold. By moving it backwards, it transfers a little bit more of that weight towards the rear of the car and in theory then obviously makes it handle better.

I’m not going to comment on the body styling or geometry setups or seating position because a lot of that these days is more so a personal choice but hopefully this information will help you if you are looking to buy a new Mitsubishi Evo.

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Source by Daren Cari

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When it comes to having your vehicle repaired, especially to having the auto body repaired, you would always want your vehicle to look great. However, at times, the auto body repair done on your vehicle might not be satisfactory or at least not as good as what you had expected. What can you do in such an event? Should you keep silent and accept the unacceptable repair job done on your vehicle? No, you need not just accept the bad repair work without taking any action.

Following are certain steps that you should follow if you are unsatisfied with the repair job done by the auto body shop:

Step 1: Talk to the manager or the shop-owner of the auto body shop you are dealing with, and explain your problem to them coolly and frankly. As most auto body shops rely on word of mouth, it is highly likely that your problem will be sorted out at this step itself. All you need to do is explain clearly what you think is not repaired properly and what needs to be repaired. In case, the manager or the shop-owner fails to help you, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Find out if there is anyone at a post higher than the manager. If yes, get an appointment fixed with the higher authorities of that auto body shop. Speak to them directly if possible; otherwise just send them an e-mail explaining your problems. If this solution also does not work, try the next step.

Step 3: Submit a formal written complaint regarding the unsatisfactory services to the consumer welfare government office. If the auto body shop you are dealing with is a part of online portals, such as the ‘Better Business Bureau’, you can post your complaint with them online to make it public.

Thus, instead of accepting a repair that is just not right, it is wise to take appropriate actions as listed above. As is popularly said, “Prevention is better than Cure”, it is always better to avoid any such event by making sure you are dealing with a reputed, trustworthy auto body shop functioning in your area.

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Source by Eshwarya Patel

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Globally, two types of engines are generally found – diesel engines and petrol engines. The classification is done based on the fuel used for the engines, because the construction, functionality and features of the engines vary on the type of fuel to be used. These engines can be found in cars, airplanes and even in commercial generators. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to spare some time and have a look into the reason behind the preference of one type of engine over the other.

Prerequisites

In order to have a deep understanding of the subject matter of this article, having a passion for the stuff under the bonnet would be helpful. But in any case, the material has been represented in such a manner that a person with little or no knowledge about mechanical engineering will also be able to follow; a bit of physics in your middle school or high school will suffice. To start with, let us try to understand the working principle of the two types of engines, so that we can infer the reason behind the popularity of one type over the other.

Working principle of diesel engines

A diesel engine is generally referred to as CI (compression ignition) engine. In a diesel engine, air is compressed by the pistons within a closed chamber by a process called adiabatic compression. Due to severe compression, the temperature of the air rises to very high levels inside the chamber. After achieving sufficient temperature, the fuel, which in this case is diesel, is slowly injected into the chamber in a controlled manner.

When the inflammable fuel comes in contact with the hot air, it starts burning. The gas produced from the combustion pushes the piston downwards which in turn produces the torque required. Due to its constructional features, it has very low leftover fuel and also the excess heat is dissipated easily, making the engine very suitable for prolonged hours of maintenance free operation under heavy loads. Among all the types of Internal Combustion engines, diesel engines have the highest rate of efficiency, sometimes more than 50%.

Working principle of petrol engines

Petrol engines, on the other hand, is an Internal Combustion engine with an entirely different working principle. Inside a petrol engine, fuel and air are mixed in a chamber and compressed gradually. Also, a spark plug is used to provide the necessary ignition point for the mixture, so that the entire process becomes quick and steady. Due to the presence of the spark plug, petrol engines are highly used in cold countries where the ambient temperature is very low and it is very difficult to maintain the temperature of the mixture suitable for combustion only through compression.

Also, the speed of petrol engines is higher than and its parts are lighter that of its diesel counterparts, making it the ideal choice for quick acceleration and high-speed maneuvers. However, the compression ratio of the fuel-air mixture is quite low for a petrol engine and it results in a lower efficiency of petrol engines as compared to diesel engines.

Which is the better choice?

Well, it depends on the nature of use. Experts recommend petrol engines for cases that need very high speed and high acceleration. Also, historically diesel engines are noisier than petrol engines and people associate it with nasty fumes coming out of the exhaust. But the fact is that carbon dioxide emission from petrol engines is higher than that of diesel engines.

Diesel engines are a better choice due to many factors like:

• Cost of diesel is lower than that of petrol in most of the countries in the world.
• Diesel engines last longer due to rugged build.
• Efficiency and maintenance cost is a great deciding factor for the choice to be made.
• At low speeds, diesel engines can generate very high power. This is the ideal case for commercial and industrial applications.

Due to all these reasons, it has also been observed that machines using diesel engines get higher resale values. Surveys have proved the fact that used diesel cars and used diesel generators generate more enquiries when put up for reselling. However, it is strongly advised to consult a domain expert to determine which engine to buy for your requirement.

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Source by Ritam Dalui

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The convenience of midsize sedans is that they are roomier than compact cars, but more efficient than luxury sedans. Midsize sedans give you the benefit of four doors and comfortable seating, but they don’t cost as much as an oversized full size sedan. Midsize is practical without sacrificing comfort or design. Most automobile consumers find that a midsized vehicle is exactly what they need for driving their family or their business associates around town. While a larger car may be more comfortable on longer road trips, a midsize car is the ideal everyday workhorse.

Fuel Economy

When you drive a midsize sedan, you can expect to save a little money at the fuel pump. Economy and compact cars are the only vehicles that have better gas mileage, and new technology is closing that gap quickly. Midsize sedans are far more fuel efficient than full size sedans, minivans, SUVs, or light trucks. The money you save at the fuel pump gives you the freedom to drive more often without worrying about the cost. You will also contribute to the environment because your car consumes less fuel than other popular vehicles.

Hybrid Vehicles

Once hybrid technology became more streamlined, it’s beginning to be used in larger vehicles more regularly. The original hybrids were compact cars, but today you can find a battery/gasoline hybrid in any class of vehicle. When you combine the battery aspect to a gasoline powered midsize car, you increase your gas mileage dramatically. Hybrid cars are becoming more and more affordable. As more consumers purchase hybrid cars, the positive impact on the environment and the country’s dependence upon foreign oil will continue to improve exponentially. Auto makers have responded to the consumer’s demands for more fuel efficient vehicles by producing hybrid models to fit any lifestyle.

Better Handling

A midsize vehicle tends to handle better than smaller or larger cars. The weight distribution of the car over its axles creates a very stable center of gravity. This allows the car to take turns without leaning too hard to one side or the other, and it reduces the risk of a midsize car actually turning over during a sharp turn. Most midsize sedans on the market today have front-wheel-drive, which enhances their maneuverability and makes them even more responsive and stable. Front-wheel-drive is superior to rear-wheel-drive when it comes to driving on wet or icy roads, as well, because the weight of the engine bears down directly on the front wheels and keeps them in contact with the road.

Family Friendly

Most families today have four members or less. Midsize sedans are the perfect compromise between space and expense. Four adults will fit comfortably in a midsize car, and kids will fit even better. You don’t have to spend the extra money for a minivan or an SUV to get a comfortable four door vehicle that your family will fit in nicely. The trunk space on modern midsize cars is more than adequate for almost any family’s needs, whether you need to transport baseball gear or groceries.

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Source by John Parks

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Security alarms are important devices that you can install to have your car protected from theft. These systems are manufactured to produce loud sound when activated. Automobile security and Warning system can be fitted into any car regardless of the make or model. These equipments are meant to provide you with the peace of mind, especially when you know that your car is safe.

There are two types of auto mobile security alarms and warning system that can work best with your Geo car. You can buy this alarm and fix it by self or an immobilizer. The immobilizer is a type of alarm system that is already fitted into the car from the factory. It is normally fixed inside the car. It has the ability to stop the car from moving, until the owner follows the procedures for dis alarming it. But if you want, you can buy the exterior type of alarm and fix it yourself.

If you want to invest in the security of your car then consider, installing the automobile security and warning system to protect you. They can be fixed at the factor or you can buy the accessories and fix them yourself. But if you are not sure, you can consult your nearest dealer who will be able to assist you in this matter. These equipments can detect an intruder from a far and set off by itself when an image comes into contact with it. It usually responds by making a loud noise and flashes the lights simultaneously. Some are also made with pre-recorded warning devices to alert you about any possible danger or threat.

The Geo car alarms come in various sizes, shapes and features that are widely available in the markets. If you install them in your car, they tend to be activated when the doors are closed which you can operate with the remote keys. The Geo car alarms are also fitted with shock sensor that is capable of warning you about any possible dangers, by producing very loud sounds.

Some Geo car alarms are fitted within the wheel system so that when you start the car it will go off just before you sit down and begin to drive away. They also come with ready made cameras that transmit images on an LCD Screen which will make you be aware of what is going on around or near your car in the comfort of your office or house.

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Source by Faisal Farrukh

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Thomas Lanier Williams, known as Tennessee Williams, the author of A Street Car Named Desire presents the contradiction and paradox that real human life might offer. It is a stage play with elements of tragedy and pathos that was published and staged in 1947. The theme of the story presents conflicts with which the central character, Blanche Dubois has to live. The theme is not dramatic or out of life as most of us live in our delusory world that may be far off the reality. While most of us cope up with our delusions and distinguish between real and fantasy, the others like Blanche Dubois turn a victim of overpowering delusion. And she knows it: “Blanche explains to Mitch that she fibs because she refuses to accept the hand fate has dealt her. Lying to herself and to others allows her to make life appear as it should be rather than as it is”.

The plot of the story is wonderfully crafted that goes on to highlight a number of emotional traits that are tested during the time of human tragedy. Most human beings are weak for their inescapable need to cry over the shoulder of some one close. At times this dependence takes severe form as in Stella’s dependence on Stanley for love and support; Mitch, otherwise a sober character, is also not without the need of companionship that he finds in Blanche, after the death of his mother. Blanche is also in need of support. Whether the support is offered by Stanley or not is an issue that needs analysis. Money matters, as it does for Blanche, while Stanley, a hard core down to earth worker proud in his masculinity must ensure he is not being cheated by Blanche. The drama depicts that while life moves on from past to present, the lingering past just cannot be done away with whether Stella tries to move on after leaving Belle Reve, or Blanche tries to find a man in her life after her husband commits suicide, or Stanley is apologetic about his rough actions. The past keeps haunting them in present. Death is shocking, and it is especially so if it involves some one close and near. It might often entail a sudden shift in one’s outlook and personality. Blanche’s husband’s death has a profound impact on her, even as those of the others in Dubois family. Mitch confronts the death of his only love as well as his dying mother who ultimately dies.

There are several other characteristic themes that merge in the single plot. One such theme is the loss of a world that meant status and class, and consequent downward spiral into the life of a blue collar ghetto. The impact of this social theme translates into loneliness, insecurity, and having to bear cruelty. Stella and Blanche the two sisters originally belong to a world that no longer exists for them. Their family’s ancestral plantation, Belle Reve, is lost. Their world is also lost along with it. The two sisters are the only living symbols of the old world. In the second scene, Blanche makes a comment about Stanley to Stella that says it all: “Oh, I guess he’s just not the type that goes for jasmine perfume, but maybe he’s what we need to mix with our blood now that we’ve lost Belle Reve”.

They are left with two options: either face reality and come to terms with, or live in a make believe world of fantasy to which Blanche succumbs; Stella comes to terms with reality. The real world now is the harsh world of hardship, of cruelty, of blue collar culture and living symbolized by Stanley. Stanley represents raw masculinity that intrigues and repulses at the same time. He and his world are quite in contrast to the aristocratic world of Blanche Dubois of which she is no longer a heiress but persists with her illusions even as they stay together which allows the readers to contrast what might be the symbols of real and illusion.

Let us see the paradox in Blanche’s life: Blanche’s illusory world offers her comfort as it is in fact her primary means of self-defense. Her deceptions do not spring from any malicious intents, rather they are an extreme reflections of her frailty to cope up with the misery of real life. She appears extremely reluctant to face the truth head-on. “For her, fantasy has a liberating magic that protects her from the tragedies she has had to endure. Unfortunately, this defense is frail and will be shattered by Stanley”.

Blanche makes a dramatic entry into the scene looking for her sister’s house. She looks in disbelief at the apartment building as she checks the address. She appears to pity Stella, her sister having to live in such a rundown building. Blache, about 30, elegant and attractive, a little haggard and weak is in her white suit with pearl earrings and white gloves. She appears lost and out of place in the ghetto populated by blue collar workers. Blanche tells Eunice when he asked her whether she is lost, “They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries and ride six blocks and get off at-Elysian Fields”.

From here on the cocoon of unreality that Blanche lives in to protect herself against her weaknesses including her inability to repress her sexual desires become apparent. She refuses to acknowledge and lies about her promiscuous behavior in Laurel. “She shuns bright light, lest it reveal her physical imperfections; and she refuses to acknowledge her problem with alcohol. Stanley effectively penetrates her cocoon verbally with his crude insults and physically with his sexual coup de main near the end of the play”. As against Blanche, Stanley is rude, coarse, and domineering ruled by primal instincts. Her opinion of him might be seen as what she says about Stanley in course of conversation with Stella: “He acts like an animal, has an animal’s habits. Eats like one, moves like one, talks like one!” He is a man who calls a spade, a bloody shovel. His manners are uncouth and lingo, working class. He is hell bent on destroying every fabric of façade that is a protective armor of Blanche Dubois.

That’s what reality does to illusion. It recklessly tears asunder the envelope of falsehood. However, we do see Blanche not totally deceptive with herself. She does realize that they have no option but to mix their superior blood with working class, as she pities the fate of Stella’s child who will enjoy none of the privileges she and her sister did. Nonetheless, Blanche simply fails to come to terms of reality. It is in fact this failure that results in severe consequences for her. A time comes towards the end of the drama when she loses her mental proportions completely.

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Source by Ajit Kumar Jha

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You can raise your credit score from 480 to 700 by following a few steps listed below.

Your credit score is your financial gateway to getting the things you want in life. Your credit score is used for the following; when you buy a car, lease a car, rent an apartment, buy a home, college loans, buy the newest computers, electronics and it’s also used by insurance companies when you need insurance.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850 and any score below 500 is considered a higher risk to lenders. Trying to maintain a score above 700 will improve your chances of getting a loan for larger purchases such as a car or a house. With a higher score you can get better interest rates and terms on your loans.

Obtain a 3 to 1 Credit Report

Go to Creditreport.com to get a free copy of your credit report. You want the 3 to 1 so that you can see the complete report from all 3 credit report agencies. Check your report for any inaccuracies such as someone else using your credit or anything that shouldn’t be there. This could be identity theft and should be reported immediately.

Make sure that each of your creditors have accurately reported your information. If you find there are mistakes, draft a letter and mail it to the credit report agency along with any proof to back up your dispute. You want to get this inaccurate information off your credit report as soon as possible.

Consolidate Credit Cards

Transfer balances on higher interest rate cards to ones that have a lower interest rate. This will lower your credit score by getting rid of too much debt.

Inspect Your Finances

Pull all your finances together. Look for somewhere you can squeeze say $100.00 additional each month. Take this money and apply it to the credit card with the highest interest rate each month until you get it paid off. Then, take that money and pay off the next highest interest rate credit card, and so on.

Avoid the Top End Limit of Credit Cards

Being maxed out on a credit card can lower your credit rating. A good benchmark is only holding 30% of the max amount available on the card. If you have a credit card with a balance of $1000.00, keep the amount on that card around $350.00 to improve your credit score.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Be sure that you consistently pay all your bills on time. Paying your bills on time is the one of the main elements that the credit bureaus use in calculating your credit score. (35% of your score is based on payment history)

Pay more than the minimum due on each credit card, only paying the minimum due is a sign you could fall behind on your payments and you may be a high risk.

Close Un-Used Credit Cards

Simply destroying your cards doesn’t work. You need to call the credit card company and request that they close your account so that it no longer shows on your credit report. This will help increase your credit score.

Refrain from Requesting More Credit

Each inquiry is reported to the credit agencies and multiple inquiries can negatively impact your rating. If there are no inquiries for a 2 year period, lenders are more willing to extend credit, confident that you will not overextend yourself and default on your payments.

Using these helpful tips can help you to increase your credit over time.

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Source by Mike Reitz