Joe Cooksey

Every car comes with one, but some motorists act as if this particular component is completely maintenance free. What am I talking about? Your car's battery. Technological advances have made "maintenance free" batteries standard equipment on virtually every vehicle produced today. However, the term "maintenance free" is a misnomer, one that can leave you stranded if you do not perform proper and regular maintenance. Battery maintenance isn't difficult to do, so let's take a look at what you can do to keep your car running. Before discussing battery maintenance, please make sure that your battery is, in fact, the sealed type. If it isn't, then the "maintenance free" label certainly does not apply and...

When was the last time you were really excited about something in your life?Where you walked around with a grin of big joy, pulsed with tons of energy, felt buoyant, lifted?Surely, each of us has experienced moments of passion. Great flows of pure enthusiasm, where time, responsibilities and worries are suspended. When nothing else matters but what or who you are immersed with at that moment.But, what about now?Are you there parts of your life in which you feel passion-less? Are you drifting? Or, feeling stuck?Is your energy waning?Do you get frustrated when you realize that some of the wants and dreams you have for your life go unfulfilled? Refueling Your Passion for Leadership and Life Many...

If you own a Golf, GTI or Jetta, and you’re looking for some inexpensive upgrades, read on. We’ll start with two Volkswagen performance upgrades that are going to make the biggest impact for the lowest cost. The first area of topic will be your VW's suspension. An upgrade to your suspension is a night and day difference from stock. Let's start at the strut towers. When you turn corners, your strut towers do not move in sync, they move independently. That movement is called stress. Thus, when the car leans, different stresses occur to each strut tower. To reduce give in your car, it's best to install an upper stress bar. Take for instance the ABD Racing Upper Stress Bar. It's got...

Climb to the Top by Window Cleaning in Las VegasIf you visit the city of Las Vegas, window cleaning is a serious business. While there are your average jobs with the casinos, hospitality, travel and transportation, retail, law, clergy, and medicine, window cleaning has earned itself a spot in the community. Among the many buildings there, including over 202 high rises, and 10 of the world s largest hotels, they all have windows that need to be maintained as frequently as possible in order to keep up the glamorous appearance the city s decorative lights, structures, and billboards lining the streets. Some of the most challenging structures to clean are the Wynn Las Vegas...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARWe NASCAR fans are patriots at heart. And there's no better way to celebrate the birth of our nation than at the most beloved track in all of NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway. The beaches of Daytona were already a destination for motor sports enthusiasts before Bill France Sr decided to host the first NASCAR event there in 1947. Twelve years later, the track that we all know and love, Daytona International Speedway opened and hosted its first event drawing 41,000 people.Next week, the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams head to Daytona to perform their craft in front of a crowd of 175,000+. Expect the Hendrick boys to dominate. Of all current drivers with 4 or more...

What started out as a way for airmen in the 1950s to pass the time has turned into a popular worldwide sport for many. Go carts have quickly become a phenomenon all over the globe. With most historians giving Art Ingels the credit for inventing the go cart, he built his very first one back in 1956. But that first go cart was nothing compared to the models we have today. Newer more modern go carts can now travel 160 mph or faster. Now that's amazing.This miniature Formula One racing machine is referred to by a lot of names including go carts, go karts, go-carts, shifter carts, gocarts, gokarts, enduro carts, and a number of other ways. But one thing is for sure, getting behind the wheel of one of...

Prior to installing a body kit on your car, you should take proper steps to ensure that it is done correctly. We encourage you to have the parts installed by a professional but for those you who want to do the project on their own these directions will get you started.Prepping & Cleaning Procedure:Using a good quality paper towel and grease remover or lacquer thinner, completely and thoroughly clean the painted surface area on the car where you will apply double sided tape. Do not allow the paper towel or cloth to remain on the car for too long as it will cause damage to the painted surface. Once cleaned, use a minimum amount of adhesion promoter (just enough to fully coat the surface) on a clean...

The man-dog relationship started since the time of human evolution. The human race should count themselves lucky to be gifted with such a nice, friendly and reliable animal friend gifted by God. It is amazing to see the turnover of the relationship that started as a partnership of natural process into an advantageous friendship with the changing time. The minted phrase "It's a Dog's Life" which was earlier very famous because of the woeful condition of the dogs sleeping outside, fed on whatever scraps of food were tossed his way and was even expected to earn his keep is now out of market. In this century the minted phrase has been converted into a new phrase "wish to reborn as a dog" which reflects...

Located just 25 miles south of the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, you will find one of NASCAR's most sought-out destinations--Atlanta Motor Speedway. Some of the greatest names in racing have won their Championship titles here; Alan Kulwicki, Darrell Waltrip, and even Dale Earnhardt. Built in 1960, and owned by Bruton Smith of Speedway Motorsports Inc., this great NASCAR track features a 1.54 mile quad-oval layout with amazing 24 degree banking in the turns and 5 degrees of banking on the straight. In the grand opening race, Fireball Roberts became the first Atlanta Speedway Champion. For many years, the final race of the Winston Cup Series was held and enjoyed at this fine racetrack. Today with...

Uganda is a beautiful country with an impressive people. This is one of my favourite countries in all of Africa. The people of Uganda have survived the troubles of 1967-86 period and emerged standing upright and wearing a smile. In that short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two despicable despots. One was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the other, the arguably insane Milton Obote.This is now history – a testament to the dignity and endurance of this people. The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy returned is nothing short of astounding. And it shows in the faces of the people you meet. That the graceful beauties of Uganda have not received the...

**Obese people less likely to survive colorectal cancerAccording to a new report, people who are physically inactive and are obese around the middle have poor odds of survival after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer."We have now shown that modifiable lifestyle factors that were known to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer can also reduce the mortality in cases diagnosed with the disease," Dr. Andrew M. M. Haydon told Reuters Health. "This strengthens the argument supporting the public health message of 'healthy living.'"Haydon, from Monash Medical School in Melbourne, Australia, studied records from more than 40,000 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1990 and 1994.Patients who...

At last Sundays season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Formula One defector qualified for his first Nextel Cup race, placing himself on NASCAR's biggest stage of the race. After competing in two ARCA races and four Busch Series contests, Montoya made his Nextel Cup debut and was running steadily in mid-pack. The Colombian native was as high as 13th on lap 220 and was battling for 20th position when he ran into the back of Newman's Dodger Charger, sending it spinning through the grass on lap 248. Steve Boyer served as Montoya's crew chief Sunday and was impressed with the quick transition his driver made before his car became a fiery heap. Boyer said the competitors raced Montoya the same as any...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARNext week, the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams head west to the golden state of California to race in the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Infineon Raceway is one of two road courses on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit that helps add another dimension to an already challenging schedule. NASCAR is the only American series that offers up superspeedway, short track, and road course racing.The grueling 1.99 mile road course of Infineon is a challenge to both drivers and cars alike. The track offers up 12 turns and varrying elevetaion changes. Often times, even the most skilled road-course drivers suffer setbacks due to transmission or other mechanical failures. Expect...

What is your definition of the word "luck", not the Webster's Dictionary definition, your definition? Is it being in the right place at the right time? Picking the right dealer in a casino? Turning up at a party where you meet your current wife (could be good or bad luck)?Entrepreneurs seem to be so lucky, so often. People see their success and attribute much of their good fortune to luck. What luck that they thought the idea would work. The luck of the Irish for old Doyle, don't you think? It was his great good luck to file that patent when he did.The passengers in life attribute so much of fate and successful outcomes to random luck. "Lightning strikes for others, just never me," is a bromide...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARThere are only two more races until the Chase for the Championship gets underway. NASCAR has to be ecstatic with the standings heading into California next week. Currently, the two biggest names in NASCAR, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr, sit in 5th and 9th place respectively. As you recall, both drivers missed the 2005 inaugural Chase for the Championship.Other drivers in the top 10 include previous champions Matt Kenseth (2nd place), Tony Stewart (8th place), and fan favorite Mark Martin (10th). Given this star-studded cast who has everything to lose, next week's Sony HD 500 is building up to be a can't miss race!Of all current drivers with 2 or more career...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARThere are only two more races until the Chase for the Championship gets underway. NASCAR has to be ecstatic with the standings heading into California next week. Currently, the two biggest names in NASCAR, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr, sit in 5th and 9th place respectively. As you recall, both drivers missed the 2005 inaugural Chase for the Championship.Other drivers in the top 10 include previous champions Matt Kenseth (2nd place), Tony Stewart (8th place), and fan favorite Mark Martin (10th). Given this star-studded cast who has everything to lose, next week's Sony HD 500 is building up to be a can't miss race!Of all current drivers with 2 or more career...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARThere are only two more races until the Chase for the Championship gets underway. NASCAR has to be ecstatic with the standings heading into California next week. Currently, the two biggest names in NASCAR, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr, sit in 5th and 9th place respectively. As you recall, both drivers missed the 2005 inaugural Chase for the Championship.Other drivers in the top 10 include previous champions Matt Kenseth (2nd place), Tony Stewart (8th place), and fan favorite Mark Martin (10th). Given this star-studded cast who has everything to lose, next week's Sony HD 500 is building up to be a can't miss race!Of all current drivers with 2 or more career...

What started out as a way for airmen in the 1950s to pass the time has turned into a popular worldwide sport for many. Go carts have quickly become a phenomenon all over the globe. With most historians giving Art Ingels the credit for inventing the go cart, he built his very first one back in 1956. But that first go cart was nothing compared to the models we have today. Newer more modern go carts can now travel 160 mph or faster. Now that's amazing.This miniature Formula One racing machine is referred to by a lot of names including go carts, go karts, go-carts, shifter carts, gocarts, gokarts, enduro carts, and a number of other ways. But one thing is for sure, getting behind the wheel of one of...

Chip Ganassi, NASCAR team owner confirmed Montoya's release on Sunday, and said he will begin a serious testing schedule for the Colombian driver without more ado. On the other hand, Montoya is planning to test an ARCA car at Talladega, which could prepare him for the Oct. 6 race at the newly paved track. Juan Montoya will get his first taste of stock car racing Monday at Talladega, Alabama and Chip Ganassi plans to run his open-wheel star in a few races before the 2006 season is over. "Yes, Juan has been set free," "And we're going to get with a pretty heavy testing schedule real quick starting with an ARCA car on Monday at Talladega." said Ganassi last Saturday when asked if the 1999 CART champion...

Experience the thrill of racing before shelling out any big bucks. And no, that doesn't involve going to the local Porsche dealer and telling them "I'll just take it around the block." But there are test programs available where you can drive a vehicle that will accelerate 0-60 in under 4 sec and pull up to 2.5Gs in the corners. Or experience the thrill of a 300 hp dragster for under $20 bucks. When it comes to getting a taste of racing without having to go out and buy your own race car, you have a number of options to choose from. We'll cover them starting with least expensive and working our way up.Your Local "Fun" Kart TrackMost cities have an outdoor or indoor concessionary-type go kart...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARNext week, the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams head west to the golden state of California to race in the Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Infineon Raceway is one of two road courses on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit that helps add another dimension to an already challenging schedule. NASCAR is the only American series that offers up superspeedway, short track, and road course racing.The grueling 1.99 mile road course of Infineon is a challenge to both drivers and cars alike. The track offers up 12 turns and varrying elevetaion changes. Often times, even the most skilled road-course drivers suffer setbacks due to transmission or other mechanical failures. Expect...

The qualification procedures may be arcane, Speed Weeks may take too long, and the kvetching about restrictor plates may make the Smokeless Set's drivers sound like Oprah Winfrey bitching out James Frey ("How could you lie to me? I'm Oprah"). But once Sunday afternoon comes, NASCAR nation is set to be completely psyched once again, and so am I.They call Nextel Cup's the shortest offseason in sports, but the truth is that Homestead (November's final race) seems like a long time ago. I mean, gosh, way back then, the Pittsburgh Steelers were just a glimmer in Bill Cowher's eye, Louisville looked like it was going to field a darned good college basketball team, and Dick Cheney had shot as many people in...

Maybe you have a bunch of collectibles sitting in your closet gathering dust. Or perhaps you've been storing your fine China in the kitchen cupboards instead of a hutch. Far too often we sequester our prized possessions rather than place them where they deserve to be... on display.Finding a good display case and setting it up is probably a lot easier than you think it might be. Yes, there are many display cases to choose from. Occasionally you may have a need for a specialty case. Fortunately there are some easy steps to follow to find the right case to show off your treasures.Finding The Right CaseIf you truly want to show off your valuables, first you have to find the right case. There are...

The qualification procedures may be arcane, Speed Weeks may take too long, and the kvetching about restrictor plates may make the Smokeless Set's drivers sound like Oprah Winfrey bitching out James Frey ("How could you lie to me? I'm Oprah"). But once Sunday afternoon comes, NASCAR nation is set to be completely psyched once again, and so am I.They call Nextel Cup's the shortest offseason in sports, but the truth is that Homestead (November's final race) seems like a long time ago. I mean, gosh, way back then, the Pittsburgh Steelers were just a glimmer in Bill Cowher's eye, Louisville looked like it was going to field a darned good college basketball team, and Dick Cheney had shot as many people in...

One of the first things most riders do when they first purchase a bike is change out the stock exhaust system with an aftermarket motorcycle exhaust. If you have a sport bike you may just opt for some slip-ons. A cruiser will usually require a full exhaust system. The benefits of aftermarket systems is an increase in power as well as that it will improve the sound of the bike. When you get your bike from the factory the baffles usually restrict the sound of your bike so much that it can be barely herd as well as restrictions in exhaust flow are in place which restrict the horse power. The other most significant factor especially on sport bikes is the weight reduction a full race exhaust system can...

My wife and I were both effectively eliminated from the traditional corporate work force in the early 1990's. It was traumatic. We were college graduates. We had climbed the corporate ladder, rapidly, inexorably. We enjoyed six figure incomes, a second home, club memberships, prosperous investment accounts, wonderful benefit packages, a College investment plan for our three kids, sports cars and extensive travel. We were devastated! But, it became the best thing that ever happened to us, children included.We went from regularity, a false sense of security and believing that we enjoyed a bit of that "Master of the Universe" complex, to really considering things we had taken for granted. Yeah, we were...

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARMay in Charlotte is a beautiful! The azaleas are in bloom, the temperature is mild, and the delivery trucks are delivering the port-o-jons by the thousands. That's right, the whole town is gearing up for two action packed weeks of racing with the NASCAR Nextel Cup All-Star race and the Coca-Cola 600.Thousands of people will be coming to town for the next two weeks to witness the longest NASCAR race, the Coca-Cola 600, making it the second largest sporting event in America.This year's All-Star and 600 races will once again be nail biting terrific. Lowe's Motor Speedway's track was recently re-paved. The levigating days of last year are history, and the officials...

In the 1970's, General Motors entered the RV market. Drawing on the exuberance of the times, the company set out to create the ultimate American Motor home.Their aim was to produce a top-of the-line vehicle with cutting-edge design and construction, not just another competitor in the already crowded vacation vehicle market.The common design in this era was a boxy, ungainly and top-heavy unit on a truck chassis. The GMC vehicle was intended to be a completely new design in every way.Design work began in 1970, with the market introduction planned for 1973. "Doesn't look like a box or ride like a truck" was the GMC ad slogan.The new vehicle would be unusual for this era in several ways. First of all...

Want to know how you can watch racing for free? Its easy! Simply VOLUNTEER to become a race official or race team member! The first step to take is to decide whether you want to work on the race officiating side or help out with a race team. Next, it's just a matter of a little research, make a few phone calls or head out to the local track and then volunteer your time and services. Let's start first with becoming a race official.Working The RacesAs you can imagine there's a lot of behind-the-scenes action taking place to put on and orchestrate a successful and, most importantly, a safe race. As such, every time there is a race, armies of people are needed to help out with all the various...

Although it is true that cars are nothing but heavy steel that takes us from point A to point B, other people view it in a different light - like a way of expressing one's self or style. For men the amount of torque and horsepower often reflects the "road" ego they have. And so for this year automakers have rolled out the red carpet to provide car aficionados out there with something to drool about. Auto analysts have predicted that 2007 is going to be a good year for cars. They said that from the trend-setting superminis to amazing lines of supercars and everything in between including auto parts and accessories that car enthusiasts desire are all going to be granted. Leading the desire list is...

In the 1970's, General Motors entered the RV market. Drawing on the exuberance of the times, the company set out to create the ultimate American Motor home.Their aim was to produce a top-of the-line vehicle with cutting-edge design and construction, not just another competitor in the already crowded vacation vehicle market.The common design in this era was a boxy, ungainly and top-heavy unit on a truck chassis. The GMC vehicle was intended to be a completely new design in every way.Design work began in 1970, with the market introduction planned for 1973. "Doesn't look like a box or ride like a truck" was the GMC ad slogan.The new vehicle would be unusual for this era in several ways. First of all...

The qualification procedures may be arcane, Speed Weeks may take too long, and the kvetching about restrictor plates may make the Smokeless Set's drivers sound like Oprah Winfrey bitching out James Frey ("How could you lie to me? I'm Oprah"). But once Sunday afternoon comes, NASCAR nation is set to be completely psyched once again, and so am I.They call Nextel Cup's the shortest offseason in sports, but the truth is that Homestead (November's final race) seems like a long time ago. I mean, gosh, way back then, the Pittsburgh Steelers were just a glimmer in Bill Cowher's eye, Louisville looked like it was going to field a darned good college basketball team, and Dick Cheney had shot as many people in...