Monday, April 27, 2009

DRS, EYES & TAXES TOO - YUK!!!

Tips and Promos from April 25 – Issue 16

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this weeks Newsy Portion of the Diary on line HERE


TIPS THIS WEEK

A new SCAM has surfaced for residents of Provinces/States that use VALIDATION STICKERS TO REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE PLATES (tags) each year. Thieves are prying these stickers off and re-applying them to their vehicles. By driving safe no one suspects they have a stolen sticker. Whenever we apply a new sticker over the old, simplifies their removal. On your vehicle it is wise to apply the new one on a clean surface – remove all traces of old stickers. Press firmly in place before scoring it with an Exacto knife. This way, when it is attempted to be removed, only pieces will come off.

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Gayle shared a new SCAM reference CREDIT CARD FRAUD. It generally begins via a phone call. The caller provides mega info under the guise of verifying you have your card from a security standpoint. They relay many details about your card and ask for very little. BUT the one point they do not have is last three digits on the back of your card. NEVER GIVE THOSE NUMBERS TO ANY CALLER. Their blurb sounds very helpful like you would assume an official Fraud Report would sound like, including giving you phone numbers to call for follow-up assistance. What they want is those numbers – bottom line is no one from a credit card company will ever ask you for this info – they already have this info. If you provide the numbers, a charge will immediately appear on your card for an item you did not purchase. Value will be just under the $500 level so the sale will not send up any red flags.

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Last week I relayed a new RV SCHOOL is returning to the SEATLE AREA May 2 at The Puget Sound RV School. This is a daylong "college" for ALL RVers – from beginners to veterans. Full details HERE

This week I’m highlighting The RV OWNERS LIFESTYLE SEMINAR at the OKANAGAN UNIVERSITY IN KELOWNA BC from June 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2009. This complex RV school is well worth attending no matter what your level of expertise. John and I have taught there many years when we have been able to fit a trip to BC during June into our schedule. See full details HERE

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

The COOKING LADIES have done it again. This creative team added yet one more impressive publication to their selection of quality cookbooks. Their latest is an ebook featuring ‘HAPPY HOUR RECIPES – It is 5 O’clock Somewhere’. Most RVers entertain for happy hours more than any other function. Wouldn’t it be a plus to have a wide selection of varied recipes to choose from? Many of these are not only tasty, they are super healthy – most will also work within my somewhat confined eating plan. These ideas will also be a huge hit at any back yard BBQ or when friends and family gravitate to your home as well. All this for a mere $6.00 USD - Immediate download – no waiting… Details HERE

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The GeeksOnTour.com offer a Free video this month - BACK TO BASICS WITH 'WEB BASICS, part 2.' This video uses Internet Explorer 7 and shows you how to navigate, set your home page, and create a favorite link. This video is normally reserved for Members Only in their Essentials series. For a short time it will be featured on their home page and freely accessible by anyone. Members have access to over 140 current videos plus a special Q&A forum all for only $39 per year – no auto-renew. Details HERE

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Gail Bennett is host of Motorhoming Lifestyle.com. She has written a unique one of a kind software program designed specifically for RVer's called NOMADS NOTES. This software package is a Comprehensive Travel Diary program that covers Trip Diary, Daily Journal, Photo Album, Campsite Journal, Fuel Consumption, Expenses, Contacts of friends you meet plus so much more – full details featured HERE The $49.95 web price is in Australia $’s – it converts to approximately $36.00 Cdn$ or US$

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In a recent Google RV Alert… one writer offered her Winnebago for rent on OWNER'S RENTAL, a website devoted solely to RV Rentals in Arizona. Extend your search with Google by entering the words "Rental of Recreational Vehicles" – you'll discover many such websites for other states as well. They each offer RV’s Rentals owned by individuals living in a particular area; many are in the West. This unique ownersrental.com site consists of dozens of one-paragraph ads placed by residents of different cities in Arizona. This may be an option to a hotel/air getaway.

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PERIODIC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HIGHLGHTS.

In this week’s RV University Newsletter, Mark from RVEd101.com discusses AWNING CARE AND HOW TO SELF-INSTALL WINDOW AWNINGS in 6-easy steps. Watching the video HERE ensures even marginal “Do it yourselfers” can do it.

Since RV Living is an affiliate, we receive a bonus for products purchased. Those perusing their site and or buying products &/or sale items – go HERE

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Numerous Highlight of latest RV Travel Newsletter HERE

Install Vent covers video… Avoid costly Auto/RV Repair rip-offs… Cdn RV Dealer Sales are doing well… Florida is closing many of its state parks because of the recession; already, 19 have closed. RV dealer Lazyday’s RV Dealer (Tampa Fl) has purchased Fleetwood Industries Inc.'s remaining 154 travel trailers… Plus the DVD on How to Drive a Motorhome – is discounted 20% – to $19.96… WorkCampers are needed in Michigan and Oregon state parks… Mark Polk discusses LP Gas Do’s and Don’ts… and Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor discusses how to safely check Park Power Polarity.


BACK IN CANADA!!!

TIPS & PROMOS from April 18 – Issue 16

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read the Newsy Portion of this Diary on line HERE


TIPS THIS WEEK

Bill shared this post from Microsoft: MALWARE PREYS ON FEAR – Computer users' worry about contacting worms and viruses, however the latest fear is about attacks on your PC. This time it arrives via bogus security software. Apparently while monitoring hundreds of PCs, 7 of the top 25 threats directly came in the form of FAKE security programs. Consumers are often tricked by pop-ups that falsely warn of risks to the PC. Users are urged to click a button to rid the PC of the virus… DON’T DO THIS – by doing so, you may actually download the ‘Malware’.

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BUYERS BEWARE! My friend Bonnie sent this Blog Post – sorry I do not have the URL to share with you to read it for yourself but their blog should be a heads up for everyone. The post relays… Fulltimers recently BOUGHT A USED COACH at a respected Dealer in Summerdale AL. They were strongly advised by everyone that this was the time to take advantage of a super deal. However even though they bought from a supposedly responsible business – that Dealer neglected to pay off the amount owing on the loan of the coach we traded. They also did not provide a title to the company that gave them the loan on the coach they purchased. That business has since closed their doors.

These two are now responsible to make 2-coach payments and they do not know where their previous unit is. They also cannot transfer plates without a title plus as Fulltimers they have no other home. They also checked with the BBB on the security of this dealer – it was apparently a very upstanding business. Even though a dealer seems to be doing business normally they may be in the middle of their own financial crisis and getting ready to close their doors.

Their ADVICE to anyone purchasing an RV in this economic crisis (and always) is to never accept a coach until you are sure that there is a clear title to it available to you. Secondly be sure your trade in has been paid off before accepting another coach.

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NOTE in this weeks RV Travel.com newsletter. A NEW RV SCHOOL RETURNS TO SEATTLE AREA MAY 2 – The Puget Sound RV School will be a day-long "college" for ALL RVers – from beginners to veterans. On Saturday, May 2 at Renton Tech College in Renton, Wash, students can choose from many classes, all about various aspects of RVs and the RV lifestyle. This year's featured instructor is Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor. More details HERE

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Adrienne from RV Travel.com shares a tip ‘To KEEP RV TOILET PAPER FROM UNROLLING as the RV moves’ – simply flatten the roll by squeezing it between your hands – then put it on the roller.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

I received a link exchange request this week from Sherry about a DVD or VHS and Ebook they publish. Whether you are a Newbie or Experienced RVer, their RV WALK THRU site is definitely worth checking out. RV Living is not set up as an affiliate as yet. If you buy please let them know where you heard about it.

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Spring has sprung and bad economic times or not, it is difficult to keep an RVer down. If a new RV is on your horizon - or you want to compare insurance rates why not contact WAYFARER RV INSURANCE. They are the leaders in Canada (although some provinces have provincial insurances). We have our Fulltimer insurance with them as well as our Luxor and Grand Am. They have treated us great. In some provinces, insurance laws also allow Wayfarer to offer a discount to customers who join Canada’s only National RV Club–Explorer RV Club. Details HERE: Don’t-miss the read… ‘Look for the Difference’

American RVers may discover coverage at EXPLORER RV INSURANCE is also a superior insurance.

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If this is the winter for you to venture to Mexico, it may be advisable to buy your Mexican insurance before you leave home. Two companies who are experts in this field are MexAcan.com for Cdns and DriveMex.com for Americans. See full details HERE

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NEWS UPDATES -
RV maker Newmar extends service to all RV owners. Nappanee, Indiana-based. Details HERE...

In my Google RV Alerts this week, Pedata RV Center announced they now offer a variety of Video RV Maintenance Tips – click HERE for details…

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This weeks RV University Newsletter Mark from RVEd101.com RV Spring Checks, plus a reminder of routine Safety Stuff! RV Living is an affiliate and we receive a bonus for any products purchased. Those perusing their site and or buying their products – even sale items – go HERE...

HAPPY EASTER ONE AND ALL!!!

TIPS & PROMOS from April 11 – Issue 15

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read the Full Newsy part of the Diary on line
HERE


TIPS THIS WEEK

Bill sent an email relaying a couple that thought they had the flu but instead they were suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning - symptoms are similar. This brings to light the value of having a ‘WORKING’ CO DETECTOR in both the house and RV. Don’t forget to regularly check that the batteries are charged in both the Smoke Alarm AND your CO Detector.

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Cathy relays… This is one of the greatest tips I’ve received in many years. Life would have been simpler if I’d known about this thirty years ago. Peeling the cooked potato was the least desirable part in making a potato salad. See YouTube Video by Dawn Wells (of Gilligan's Island) on how easy POTATO PEELING can be… HERE

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Joanne and Marc have an alternate to a contract-style cell phone plan. While wintering in south Texas they use their home Cdn Bell calling plan (to USA- Cdn or vice versa) to make Free LD calls between countries. While in the USA they bought a TRAC PHONE FOR CALLS WITHIN THE USA at a cost of $.12 p/m. There are many options to stay in touch – but everyone should have some kind of cell phone for emergency calls. Check out all options

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Looks like the ‘MAKE –DO’ POSTAL CODE for Cdns IS working. I have had 10 reports from various RVers across the south with positive results that it is working. I also got 2-reports of people who had a bit of a problem with theirs - but their Postal Code had mainly 0’s and 1’s in it. Not sure how you would get around that point. Reports pour in from those using the Temp Postal Code in a Texas Kmart to a gas station. They’re thrilled to finally have a working solution. Keep the reports coming guys.

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Bill & Jann shared that FINES FOR ‘DUI’ IN CALIFORNIA have recently risen drastically. When the dust settles fines can end in the Thousands. He sent example of some of the charges such as fines, towing penalties, Attorney fees; reissue of license fees; increased insurance coverage plus many more. Bottom line is stay sober and save some cash – everywhere – but especially in California.

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Bill also alerted about a SCAM that while your car is parked at a gas station (maybe even in a store parking lot) someone will knock on your window as you are driving off to tell you that YOU DROPPED SOME MONEY – the person outside is waving a $5.00 - $20.00 bill. They want you to open your window AND because they look like they are being a ‘Good Samaritan’, you may fall for the ploy. Do not do it. Simply drive away. The chances that the cash is yours are very slim. If you open your window you could be subject to a car jacking or worse. Report the encounter to the Police.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

Several readers shared an email requesting everyone click this link DAILY to increase the quota to provide FREE BREAST EXAMS to those who can’t afford one. Please pass the info to others – simply request they click the Pink Window near the page top. Go HERE:


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Mary Moppin’s of GoClean.com offers many Tips and Hints on “HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN YOUR RV”. Take a long look at her fantastic suggestions HERE

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All RV News Reports are relaying that SALES OF NEW AND USED RV’S is on the rise. Before anyone should buy a pre-loved unit you need the' GUIDE TO BUYING A USED RV ' by Les doll. Les is an award winning working RV Tech – see a preview of his valuable advice HERE...

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In this weeks RV University Newsletter Mark from RVEd101.com talks ALL ABOUT BATTERIES – we hope you can make time to especially watch the video on the ‘Battery Minder’… it is a very informative publication. I contacted Mark about how our 2500W Inverter/Charger affects the charging of our batteries. He suggested that the addition of the Battery Minder would be more beneficial to those who periodically store their RV’s rather than those of us who are Fulltimers. However this entire issue is definitely worth everyone taking the time to read it. HERE

RV Living is an affiliate and we receive a bonus for any products sold. Those perusing their site and or buying their products – even sale items go HERE

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

ELVIS & GRACELAND TOO!!! Issue 14

From April 04th post.

Diary published weekly since 2001

Read all about fascinating Memphis in this Diary on line
HERE...
Story was long so Tips/Promos short this week...

April 04th Edition

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TIPS AND PROMOS COMBINED - I had more than I can use this week - sorry

Good Sam members can REGISTER THEIR VEHICLE info with Good Sam. GS tracks the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) safety-recalls each week and will pass on info about your vehicle – Members only… www.goodsamclub.com/mystuff/SamAlert.aspx

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In a Google RV Alert… Do you have LIMITED TIME FOR RV TRAVEL? Instead of buying a full RV, maybe ‘Coachshare’ can help you find a way to enjoy the RV Experience. Consider buying # of weeks you can actually use. Similar to timeshare where you buy a portion… HERE

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David shared… how to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour – even at night. He vouches for this tip shared by his police friend. In a HEAVY DOWNPOUR, JUST PUT ON YOUR SUN GLASSES rather than turn your wipers on high speed. Visibility in front of your windscreen instantly becomes perfectly clear, as if there is no rain. Try it for your self.

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Friend Debbie Deyarmond owns ‘DEER COUNTRY HIDEAWAY’ in Nova Scotia. For all visitors & residents of this quaint province, this is a perfect getaway to enjoy the quiet splendor of central Nova Scotia. Maybe this is the time to get back to basics and reconnect with your soul? Why not share one of their many packages – some complete with discounts - as a gift. Even RVers may enjoy a change of pace. Many more details HERE… or call 902-671-2749.

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PERIODIC NEWSLETTERS… Both were loaded – take a look – too many tips to relay.

#1 RVEd101’s RV University Newsletter HERE
RV Living is an affiliate and we receive a bonus for any products sold. Those perusing their site and or buying their products – even sale items go HERE


#2 RV Travel Newsletter from last Saturday HERE

FUN, FAREWELL & A FEW SURPRISES TOO!!! Issue 13

From Mar 28th Post...

Diary published weekly since 2001
We joined many thousands at a fantastic ‘TURISTA DAY’ in Progresso, Mexico. What a Blast!!! Cheap Car Repairs and much more.... Read the Full Version of this post on line Here

TIPS of week 28th

This superior 10-minute video about ‘HOW TO HANDLE A TIRE BLOWOUT ON A MOTORHOME OR OTHER RV’ is a must-see. Many of these tips would even work with a regular passenger vehicle. Definitely worth watching HEREHitting the brakes is the worst thing you can do. Taking your foot off the accelerator is almost as dangerous. Even if you have seen it before – it’s definitely worth a repeat.

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Jim Twambly of RV Travel.com relays that many Hospitals now have RV parking available for families with patients in treatment. Most have electric and water hook-ups and many have sewer hook-ups as well. This may be more common in the USA but it is nice to know. Read his Blog HERE

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April 1st is coming and with it several APRIL FOOLS DAY VIRUS’S will also surface. Bill announced there is a new one promised called ‘Conficker’. There is still nothing on Snopes.com about it but everyone should have a GOOD VIRUS PROTECTION on your computer. Whether that is the Free one that I use from AVG; or McAfee, or Norton etc. Just be sure to get one of them.

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Bill also sent these TIPS ON CHEQUE WRITING from a lawyer friend who had things stolen.

***When you order cheques, only add your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them.

***If your cheques book is stolen, offenders will not know if you sign your cheques with your initials... Or your first name, but your bank will know.

***Instead of signing a credit card, only add "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

***Never add a complete account number anywhere on a cheque – only use the last 4-numbers. The Bank already has the full #.

***When possible, use a work phone # versus home phone; a P.O. box or work address versus home.

***Never have your SIN# printed on your cheques – write it in only if needed.

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Tom shared this tip a while back. His STOVE BUTTONS were turned on accidentally. These kid proof covers will prevent things like this from happening. ***HERE and ***HERE

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PROMOS of week 28 Mar

Dave Hunters current 15th Edition of “ALONG I-75” is once again outstanding. Any RVer driving I-75 between Ontario and Florida will find mega info in the pages of this outstanding publication. He adds neat stories along the way including campground locations and what to expect at each exit – where the rest areas and stopping spots are etc., plus Insider Tips, local knowledge, money savings tip, listing of secret places and unique 25-mile strip style travel maps. If you travel this highway north or south you really need this very unique book. See HERE to read much more.

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PERIODIC NEWSLETTERS…

#1 ‘RVEducation101’ RV University Newsletter this week Mark discusses more about trailer sway – see crossword article. His ‘RV Garage Tips’ highlight a video – “Drive your MH Like a Pro” plus his feature article ‘Safe Driving Tips’. Mark also addresses a Question about connecting with 15 amps plus more.… HERE

Those wishing to peruse their site and/or buy any of their products – even those on sale, please follow this linkRV Living is an affiliate and we receive a bonus for any products sold.

#2 The RV Travel.com newsletter was late today due to their server problems. My copy arrived just as the Diary was ready to send. GO HERE: This issue has a mega amount of good info between its pages. But I’ll ask you to read it at your leisure

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Our computer savvy friend Carol relayed this valuable info. She is most impressed with this new upgrade… “After a year of testing, Microsoft has just released Internet ‘EXPLORER 8’. It’s Free to download now to fix many problems with Internet ‘Explorer-7’ which is 3-years old, antiquated and full of bugs. There are videos to watch before and after you download it.”
HERE