Julie L. Cleveland

Birdwatching in Florida

Roseate Spoonbill at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. ©jcleveland

Florida is home to so many birds waiting for you to come check them out. The diverse habitats include beaches, wetlands, forests and grasslands that attract a variety of species.

Here are some popular birdwatching locations and the types of birds you can expect to see in Florida:

Everglades National Park:

You’ll find many species of birds calling the Everglades home. Those species include wading birds, including herons, egrets, and ibises. You may also spot the Roseate Spoonbill, Anhinga, and the endangered Florida Snail Kite. I’ve seen the Roseate Spoonbill along the road eating from the culverts in the Indian River County area, as well as at the next stop on our tour.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge:

This refuge, located near Cape Canaveral, provides a habitat for over 300 bird species. During the winter months, you may encounter migratory birds such as American White Pelicans, Northern Pintails, and a variety of shorebirds. This is also one of the few locations where you can see the Florida Scrub-Jay. I wanted to explore the painted bunting nesting area, but no matter how far I hiked or where I went, they were not to be found. As it turned out, they showed up in my front yard the following month, so you never know what birds are around.

I have seen a lot of Scrub-Jays around my home, so they are also out in some of the Brevard County uninhabited areas. Those areas are quickly being developed, so it won’t be long before they are gone from here.

This is the feeder I use in my yard, but I have it on a pole with a baffle on it to keep the squirrels out. This makes it really easy to see the birds. The only problem is that the mourning doves are ground feeders, so they plant themselves in it and refuse to move. They are pigs.

Dry Tortugas National Park:

Accessible by boat or seaplane, this park is a group of seven islands located about 70 miles west of Key West. You can spot seabirds such as Sooty Terns, Brown Noddies, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. It’s also an important location for migratory birds during spring and fall.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge:

Located on Sanibel Island, this refuge is home to many wading birds, such as the Reddish Egret and Roseate Spoonbill. The White Pelican can be seen here on their migratory path.

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary:

Situated near Naples, this sanctuary is known for its boardwalk, which takes you through a variety of habitats, including cypress forests, wet prairies, and marshes. You may spot Wood Storks, Limpkins, and Barred Owls, among other species.

Fort De Soto Park:

This park, located near St. Petersburg, is a popular spot for shorebirds such as Piping Plovers, Red Knots, and Black-bellied Plovers. You may also find warblers and other migratory songbirds during spring and fall migrations.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands:

Located in Delray Beach, you’ll find many wading birds Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Green Herons. You can also spot Purple Gallinules, Least Bitterns, and Black-necked Stilts here.

In addition to wading and shore birds, don’t overlook the raptors that inhabit the state and some migratory hawks. We see red-shouldered hawks, falcons, red-tail hawks, owls and so many other raptors that like to eat the squirrels and fish around my home.

Be Prepared to Hike

Buy a good pair of binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera, so you can take longshots without getting off the trails. You can use a field guide on your cellphone (or the Merlin app from Cornell University, which is an amazing app that I use all the time), but you may find cellphone coverage spotty depending on where you’re hiking. It doesn’t hurt to have a small bird guide for your pocket.

These are good guides. I like that the Birds of Florida Field Guide has a painted bunting on the front.

Make sure that you dress for the weather and don’t wear open-toed shoes. Hiking boots with ankle coverage might be best. We do have rattlesnakes and other bitey kinda snakes.

Mosquitoes will try to make you their lunch no matter what time of the year you go birdwatching. They never go away. Ever. So, wear whatever protection you need to keep from getting eaten alive, as well as sunscreen for sunny days.

Seriously, don’t be a hero.

Additionally, follow birdwatching ethics, such as not disturbing nesting birds and staying on designated trails.

If you’re lucky and live in Florida, then look out your front window and see if you can find a good place to put in a bird feeder that will bring birds to you. I enjoy my annual visit from the painted buntings.

15 Easter Trivia Questions and Answers

Do you love chocolate rabbits? How many are produced every Easter?
What food was prohibited to eat during the Holy Week by the 13^th century church?
What color was the first dyed egg?
In England, they have a Good Friday tradition that includes what baked good?
What year was the first White House Easter Roll and who hosted it?
What is the most popular Easter candy in the United States?
What is the name for the Sunday before Easter Sunday?
What determines Easter’s date?
What other than the rabbit is considered a symbolic animal of Easter?
How much did Judas trade Jesus for in the Bible?
What flower is considered a symbol of Easter?
What is the name of the dance in England done between Easter eggs on the floor?
Why do people consider pretzels an Easter food?
Which state did the first Easter bunny appear?
Where did the Easter bunny come from?

Do you love chocolate rabbits? How many are produced every Easter? – 90 million
What food was prohibited to eat during the Holy Week by the 13^th century church? – Eggs
What color was the first dyed egg? – Red
In England, they have a Good Friday tradition that includes what baked good? – Hot cross buns
What year was the first White House Easter Roll and who hosted it? – 1878 – President Rutherford B. Hayes
What is the most popular Easter candy in the United States? – Peeps
What is the name for the Sunday before Easter Sunday? – Palm Sunday
What determines Easter’s date? – The moon. It is the first Sunday after the first full moon or spring equinox.
What other than the rabbit is considered a symbolic animal of Easter? – The lamb
How much did Judas trade Jesus for in the Bible? – 30 pieces of silver
What flower is considered a symbol of Easter? – the lily
What is the name of the dance in England done between Easter eggs on the floor? – hop-egging
Why do people consider pretzels an Easter food? – They say the design looks like arms and hands praying
Which state did the first Easter bunny appear? – Pennsylvania
Where did the Easter bunny come from? He’s not in the bible. – the festival of the goddess, Eostre, who was symbolized by the rabbit and the egg

4 Best Books on Ecommerce Marketing

It’s just about building a website; it’s about building a website that people will visit and buy your products. It’s gotten very busy and complicated on the internet, so the only way to survive and grow is by having a good marketing plan. Sometimes, that means spending money on advertising; sometimes, that means enlisting the help of a networking team, and sometimes, that means being a social media maniac to promote your products.

All of it means that the more information that you have going forward, the better your chances are of sprinting ahead of the competition.

Here are some of my favorite marketing books:

Digital Marketing QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Developing a Scalable Online Strategy, Finding Your Customers, and Profitably Growing … Business (QuickStart Guides™ – Business) – Benjamin Sweeney

This book is one I am working my way through now, but it focuses on digital marketing tools like creating campaigns and using social media as an advertising tool. Never overlook the power of email marketing. It is still the best game around.

The Best Damn Website & eCommerce Marketing Optimization Guide, Period! (The Best Damn Books) – Stoney deGeyter

This book focuses on how to optimize your pages in your website leaning towards being people friendly. He still helps you find keywords and gives you the basics of SEO. He also covers the business set up you may not have found anywhere else. This book is a great tool for both experienced and newbie website owners.

eCommerce Marketing: How to Get Traffic That BUYS to your Website – Chloe Thomas

You will find strategies and practices that can take your website to another level. You want traffic that is willing to spend money, and this book will help you get it. It is geared towards helping you understand how to use the internet to your advantage.

The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand Out From The Crowd – Allan Dib

This book is a favorite. It offers solid advice in a conversational tone, so it’s easy to read and hard to put down. It covers target marketing and offers reason why email marketing and print ads are still a viable solution to advertising. He reminds us that people want to buy, so stop selling! Great read and sometimes, it’s a Kindle Unlimited read.

There are a lot of books on the internet, as well as YouTube videos that cover marketing for those of us with ecommerce stores. Just remember that Google is forever changing algorithms and the way that keywords are used, so it is always best to write and market for people first and machines second.

Sell well!

2023 GMC Terrain Technology

2023 GMC Terrain Technology

General Motors introduced the GMC Terrain in 2010 as a replacement for the Pontiac Torrent when the Pontiac brand was phased out. The Terrain started as a mid-sized crossover SUV, but with the 2018 model, it moved to compact crossover SUV status. The 2023 GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels: SLE, SLT, AT4, and the top-of-the-line Denali. GM bumped up the horsepower by 5 in the 2023 models, so the 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder now has 175 horses and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

GM added two paint colors to the lineup, as well as redesigned wheels on some models. The Denali is now available with a Black Diamond Edition package.

Standard Technology

Terrain’s cabin is designed to keep you connected with the road and the world around you. All models come with power outlets, multi-color driver information screens, speakers, an infotainment system, a power driver seat, Bluetooth®, and charging USB ports.

All of the models are equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, so you never miss your favorite podcast or playlist. OnStar® and GMC Connected Services capable are standard features. A 3-month Platinum trial subscription to SiriusXM® is included.

Available Technology

The higher the trim level you purchase, the more comfort and convenience you’ll experience in the Terrain. The Denali Premium Package includes HD Surround Vision and heated rear outboard seats as well as extra safety features. A Driver Convenience Package adds an 8-way power seat for the driver, heated front seats, and a lumbar control for the driver. Everything you need to make your trip comfortable.

Depending upon the model, the information screen is either a 7-inch or an 8-inch, and a Bose® audio system is available.

Performance Technology

When it comes to traveling, the smoother your ride is, the more you’re going to enjoy the trip. GM’s 9-speed transmission delivers smooth shifts, and you can make changes to the traction control when you find yourself in changing road conditions like snow or mud. The Snow Mode on the FWD models keeps you from spinning when the roads are slippery. An Off-Road Mode lets you take your AWD model off the highway while taking control of the traction and stability while driving over sand, gravel, and dirt.

Safety/Driver Technology

Safety is crucial for GM and the Terrain, so all models are equipped with the GMC Pro Safety package that includes Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collison Alert and Following Distance Indicator, as well as IntelliBeam for automatic high beams when needed.

The Following Distance Indicator displays how many seconds are between you and the car in front of you, so you can determine if you’re too close. While you still need to pay attention, you no longer have to use shadows on the road to determine your following distance.

Technology Highlights

There is a lot more on board the Terrain to get excited about. The Navigation system offers real-time updates on traffic, points of interest, and road closures, so you never miss a turn or a side adventure. On some models, the Head-Up display keeps your eyes on the road as it projects information in your line of sight, so you don’t need to look away as you drive.

OnStar® is available on all models but requires a subscription. The benefits include services like automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, built-in Alexa, and roadside assistance.

GM offers two infotainment packages that include an HD rear vision camera, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and an enhanced 4.2-inch display with audio, phone, and navigation abilities. There are additional USB ports, as well as an SD card reader. This package can be upgraded to include seven Bose® speakers and SiriusXM radio.

A memory package lets you preset the power driver seat and outside mirrors; a tech package adds HD Surround vision, and front and rear park assist to the SLT and AT4 models. It also adds automatic parking assist and adaptive cruise control to the Denali model.

More safety features are included in the Terrain Pro Safety Plus package and include adaptive cruise control, safety alert seat, rear park assist, and outside heated power mirrors. The safety alert seat works with the camera system and other warning systems to deliver a physical warning to the driver that they may be headed for a crash. If your seat vibrates, you might be in trouble.

In addition to the safety features, the 2023 GMC Terrain can take you on and off the paved roads, so adventure awaits you at every turn. There are many more features to the GMC Terrain, so schedule a test drive today and explore them for yourself.

2023 Honda Pilot Design

2023 Honda Pilot Design

2023 is the kickoff of the Honda Pilot’s fourth generation, and Honda put some muscle behind the Pilot this year. It received a grille-to-taillight revision that gave it a more truck-like appearance. It’s more than just appearance though because Honda got their off-road enthusiast team members together to take the Pilot off the highway and onto the trails. With five models to choose from, there is a model that fits every lifestyle now.

Every model is powered by a 3.5 V6 DOHC with 285 horses at 6100 RPM and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5000 RPM. It redlines at 6500. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that uses shift-by-wire and paddle shifters for smooth, responsive shifts. You can choose between 2WD or AWD models with both getting 19 city MPG and 27 highway with the 2WD and 25 on the AWD models.

Exterior

Honda created the truck-like appearance by beefing up the front end with a hexagon-mesh grille and narrowed LED headlights for a fierce look about its new face. It is fully determined to conquer whatever terrain you embark on. You’ll find straight lines and bold angles that add to its rugged appearance. The 20-inch wheels on the Sport, Touring, and Elite models leave a bold footprint, and the 18-inch wheels on the TrailSport and EX-L aren’t afraid of the woods. Underbody skid plates keep your undercarriage from becoming damaged while off-road, and the TrailSport edition has a 1-inch lift for higher clearance powering through wooded trails.

Roof rails offer extra cargo room on some models, and the tow package is capable of towing 3500 pounds with 2WD and 5000 pounds with the AWD option. A programmable power tailgate lets you access your cargo space with ease, and the walk-away close on some models is hands-free. The LED taillights are bright and noticeable.

Interior

There is no skimping when it comes to the interior of the new Pilot. Honda gave you lots of room for everyone and everything dear to you. There is space for up to 8 passengers, depending upon the model, and the surfaces are all easy to clean, which is great when some of those passengers are children or pets.

When you need a little more room, a second-row center seat can be unfolded from a hidden compartment. When not needed, put it away and use the pass-through to carry long cargo like skis and golf clubs.

Some models are equipped with leather-trimmed seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel for the extra luxury you expect in your SUV. The second row is equipped with captain’s chairs that offer support and comfort for your passengers, which means you can ride longer between stops. With a simple touch of a button, you can access the third row, so everyone can get in and out easily. The upper trim levels include a power panoramic moonroof.

While the seating is impressive, the other conveniences and technology upgrades Honda added to the Pilot make traveling fun and entertaining. The Sport model has a 7-speaker audio system, but the higher trim levels include a 12-speaker Bose system, as well as CabinTalk®, which is an in-car PA system that allows you to talk through your speakers to your passengers.

Of course, the latest connectivity technology is included in all of the Honda Pilot models, so you can stay connected through your Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ devices. Additional charging ports, power outlets, and other electronics are included.

Design Highlights

Honda made heated seats standard on all models, so no more shivering while trying to drive during the winter. They are ventilated for summer comfort, too. A Tri-Zone climate control lets everyone ride at a temperature where they are comfortable.

The cargo capacity of all Pilot models is impressive. There are 18.6 cu feet behind the 3rd row, 48.5 cu feet behind the second row, and 87.0 cu feet behind the first row. Legroom in the front is 41 inches, 40.8 inches in the middle, and 32.5 inches in the rear seats. Don’t forget, if you need more cargo space, you can tow or use the roof rack to add more cargo.

Throughout the cabin, there are numerous small hidden storage compartments like a roomy enough center console that can hold a purse or a tablet. Under the cargo floor panel is a hidden compartment that holds a laptop or bags. 14 beverage holders are big enough to hold reusable water bottles, too.

There are so many other features that make the 2023 Honda Pilot worth a look that you should take it for a test drive. It is designed for adventure, so take it out and discover what the Pilot can do for you and your family.

2023 Ford Bronco® Sport Design

2023 Ford Bronco® Sport Design

Ford kept their eye on 1966 when it designed the 2023 Ford Bronco® Sport. With its one-piece grille and its round headlights, you can see the 60s in 2023. A white grille centerpiece with the word ‘BRONCO’ in bold letters – red in the Heritage and Heritage Limited models – harkens back to the original grille where the word ‘FORD’ was front and center. The grilles have rectangular air flow openings that are similar to the 60s models. Flat sides on the body are also like the original Bronco®.

In the Heritage models, you will also see a newer version of the old paint scheme that included a white roof. Two-tone paint schemes offer a subtle dimension to the overall appearance. Vibrant colors make up the pallet selection that includes choices like Cyber Orange, Eruption Green Metallic, and Hot Pepper Red, as well as more subdued colors like Area 51 and Cactus Gray.

2023 Ford Bronco® Sport Exterior Design

Even with these brilliant paint choices, the Bronco® is an off-road SUV at heart, so it is built for trails and towing. Its 4WD system crawls over rocks, forges streams, and summits your favorite mountain top without breaking a sweat. Its ground clearance and High-Performance, Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System gives you the confidence you need to push forward on the trail.

The available Terrain Management System pairs with the G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) to give you seven drive modes to choose from that enhance the Bronco’s® natural ability to tackle the trail.

Ford’s Bronco® comes standard with a flip-up rear glass for easy cargo access, 17-inch wheels, and a safari-style roof for additional cargo space. 18-inch wheels are available as options.

Active Grille Shutters open up in extreme air-flow conditions so the air can flow more freely to the radiator helping to ensure you do not overheat.

2023 Ford Bronco® Sport Interior Design

With enough room for five and all of your cargo, the interior is designed to maximize every inch of space from hooks for your carabiners to a bottle opener on the liftgate. The back floor and the back of the 60/40 split-second-row seats are rubberized, so your gear will not damage the cargo floor. The second-row seats fold flat to give you more room without the awkward angle of a tilted seat.

Bronco’s® seats are designed for comfort. In the Heritage and Heritage Limited models, the seats are retro with a plaid design, and the armrest and center console are made of Navy Pier micro suede with race red stitching. The backs of the front seats offer MOLLE straps system, so passengers can tuck their water bottles or flashlights into the zippered pouch. Of course, there are cup holders, USB ports, and storage areas for everyone.

Large instrument clusters and 8-inch LCD touchscreens make reading navigation maps and finding your favorite app easy. Tilt steering and 8-way power driver seats bring comfort to any driver. Heated front seats are available in some models.

2023 Ford Bronco® Sport Design Highlights

Ford created the Bronco’s® exterior to be rugged and practical, and the interior for comfort and convenience, but no design is complete unless there is the power behind it. That is why Ford dropped an aluminum EcoBoost® turbo engine under the hood. Depending upon the model, it will be either a 1.5-liter or a 2.0-liter. Both engines are designed to power the Bronco® over hills, through woods, and to the grocery store with the same effortlessness. With an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 105.1-inch wheelbase, there is no place that you cannot go.

The Bronco® is capable of towing up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine and 2,000 pounds with the 1.5-liter motor. That means you can take your snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or even your Jet Ski wherever you go.

For stability, the Independent MacPherson strut-type with a stabilizer bar on the front, the independent double lateral link semi-trailing arms with stabilizing bar on the rear, and the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) keep you planted firmly on the ground.

There are more design options available depending on which of the seven models you choose. A power moonroof makes the cabin light and airy, and available 23.6 inches of water fording capability makes going through mountain streams effortless. Some models offer ground clearance that gives you the ability to take a 30.4-degree angle of approach, a 20.4-degree breakover angle, and a 33.1-degree departure angle.

Regardless of which model you choose, you can drive the 2023 Ford Bronco® Sport confident that the design has been engineered to give you the best driving experience.

Portfolio Article Samples

As Precious Metal Prices Rise – So Do Catalytic Converter Thefts

5/6/2022

The precious metals in catalytic converters have made them a target for thieves, especially those found in Toyotas that are made from larger amounts of precious metals than other manufacturers. The thieves seem to favor Toyota Tundras and Tacomas over other models since these vehicles can be equipped with four converters. These trucks sit high off the ground, and that makes it much easier to get the converters.

Some Toyota dealership service departments are seeing a significant increase in vehicles showing up for replacement converters. This is leading to long waits for parts and causing regular service customers to find it difficult to get work done. These repairs can be costly, as well as time-consuming. According to one Toyota dealership, they had 66 vehicles stacked up waiting on repairs. Some of the vehicles had already had their converters replaced once, but were stolen again.

According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were four times more catalytic converters stolen in 2020 than in 2019. 14,433 converters were stolen in 2020 against 3,389 in 2019 and 1,298 in 2018. The bureau anticipates there will be an even higher increase when the 2021 numbers are released.

On the market, one catalytic converter can translate into $2,000 for the thief. In the case of a Tundra, they could be realizing a profit of $8,000.

The precious metals in the converters include rhodium, platinum and palladium. At least two of these metals are worth more than gold.

No one seems to be safe from converter theft. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee had their converters stolen from seven of their club vans in December of 2021. The out-of-pocket costs to the club were over $17,000. It only takes thieves less than five minutes to steal a converter.

Even if the thief is interrupted, the vehicle still needs to go to the dealership for repair. It is possible that the thieves only started sawing on the converter, which leads to emission system damage that requires professional repairs.

Effects on Automobile Insurance

All of these thefts affect car owners in ways other than a slowdown in the service department lane of the dealership. It affects the price of replacement parts and the cost of comprehensive insurance policies.

The converter theft is covered under your automobile insurance’s comprehensive policy as it covers theft, vandalism and damage from tree limbs and other catastrophes.

In addition, it is recommended that you include rental car insurance in your policy since there can be long waits at the dealership for parts and service. There have been cases where one converter will come in and then there is a delay on the second converter. All of this can extend the length of your rental agreement.

As long as the market price on precious metals like rhodium continues to rise, the chance of theft does too, so protect yourself.

Even if you do not own a target like a Toyota Tacoma or Tundra or a Ford F-150, it is a good time to review your auto insurance policy.

Give your insurance agent a call and check your coverage today.

The 2015 Ford Mustang Gains Weight

06/03/2015

Julie L. Cleveland

Once again, Ford Motor Company adds weight to the Ford Mustang, and time will tell whether or not this will be a return to the 1970s styling decisions. Between the weight gain and the addition of a 4-cyclinder engine, the Mustang may have performance issues. Will the performance issues hurt the 2015 sales?

The iconic Ford Mustang is about to gain as many as 300 pounds when the 2015 model hits the roads in 2014. While a few pounds on a performance muscle car may not seem like much, it can be detrimental in a 4-cylinder, which will be available in the 2015 Mustang. This extra weight coupled with a smaller engine may result in a car that does not have much to offer in the performance department. This could be seen as a lesson unlearned from the 1971 – 1973 weight gain that resulted in dismal sales. This little extra poundage will not stop Mustang enthusiasts from ponying up the money to buy the car, but it might not do much for the MPG or the ability to dash off the line.

The Ford Mustang is the first of the American muscle cars to roll off the line, and it is the only one that has never had a break in production since its inception in the spring of 1964. It has been fondly referred to as a 1964 and a half model, but Ford recognizes it as a 1965 model. The Mustang inspired other muscle cars like the Chevy Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. Built on a Ford Falcon platform, the Mustang was designed to be a compact, lightweight passenger vehicle that would appeal to the youth of the 60s. Little did Ford Motor Company know that when the Mustang hit the showrooms it was creating a new car launch that was only rivaled by the introduction of the Model A.

The Mustang took its name from the Mustang fighter planes that executive stylist, John Najjar, found appealing. He made the suggestion to Ford Motor Company, and with the help of stylist Phillip T. Clark, the Mustang name stuck. The Mustang made its debut at the Watkins Glen in 1962 with Don Gurney behind the wheel showing off the prowess of the little car. The public got its chance to gawk at the car during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. It was love at first sight for all.

The Mustang is as at home on the track as it is passing mile markers on a highway. Shortly after it was introduced, it was the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 where it got to show off its stylish lines before thousands of race enthusiasts. It also picked up trophies for first place and second place in its class at the Tour de France in 1964. These are the types of accolades that helped make the Mustang a car lover’s dream.

The car was always built to be a lightweight vehicle for performance, and while it originally had a 4-cylinder engine, dealerships were adding V-8 engines to it as soon as they got them. Ford Motor Company began offering optional V-8s in the within the next year, and the 6-cylinders were wearing the Falcon 2.8 liter engine.

No sooner were the first cars out and sold, that designers started looking at lengthening the car and adding weight to it. They began to beef it up and give it a more aggressive look without adding anything to the performance. The base 6-cylinder added 140 pounds in 1967, and in 1969, the weight increased again. The roofline redesign added more aerodynamics to the heavier car, so it was not without some benefits.

Unfortunately, the next changes in the weight and the style of the Mustang were not as successful. Trying to appeal to the demand for larger luxury cars, the Mustang suddenly became longer and heavier in the 70s. The 1971 – 1973 models were 800 pounds overweight and could not get out of their own way. Partly due to emission equipment and partly due to bad design, the Mustang sat on the sidelines with dismal sales. Those sales went to the Pinto and the Maverick.

If the new Mustang is going to continue to gain weight, then there needs to be another Lee Iacocca to come in and realize that the car must be returned to its original performance in order to remain appealing to muscle car fans. The Mustang will always be an American icon, and it will always have its fans. Those who like to go fast will certainly be willing to do their own modifications if Ford does not.

Vehicle Recalls Could Be Curbed With Better Quality Control

5-13-2014
Julie L. Cleveland

Summary:
When automotive companies pay less attention to quality control than they do the bottom line, recalls are bound to happen. Many recalls can be avoided through better product planning and testing.

Vehicle Recalls Could Be Curbed With Better Quality Control

In the wake of the massive GM recall and fine, all the United States manufacturers should take a good, hard look at their production and communication policies. As if the GM recall was not enough, it was announced that Ford Motor Company is now recalling 1.4 million vehicles in North America. The majority of their recalled vehicles surrounds a power steering issue in the Explorer SUV, the Escape and the Mercury Mariner. These recalls cover vehicles manufactured as far back as 2008 up until the present time.

According to Ford, there is an issue in the Mariner and the Escape that involves a faulty torque sensor in the power steering column, which could result in loss of power steering. While still a power steering issue, the Explorer suffers from an intermittent electrical connection that can cause the power steering to fail. The GM issue was eerily similar in that heavy keys could cause the ignition switch to disengage, causing an entire failure of the electrical system in the vehicles.

This is not the end of the recalls for Ford. They have four active recall campaigns, and while the recall of 200,000 Ford Taurus models from the years 2010 to 2014 only focus on corrosion of the license plate lamp, that corrosion can cause a short, which can cause a fire. The corrosion issue is not so much the fault of Ford, but may be attributed to the areas that the cars are being driven, since it appears to be centralized in the Chicago area where the roads are salted in the winter.

Regardless, the next campaign sounds very much like the Toyota issue surrounding rapid acceleration. The floor mats in the Mercury Milan, Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ are ill fitted for the driver’s side and may become caught up on the accelerator, which can cause a rapid acceleration. The all-weather floor mat was declared the problem in the Toyota recall as well. Although, the mat was eventually eliminated as the problem in Toyota’s second wave of recalls, the floor mats seem to be a problem when they do not fit properly in the well. This may be a problem that should have been addressed in the quality control portion of the assembly of the vehicle. Surely, there is still someone who signs off on these things before the car is introduced to the buying public.

Import vehicles are not immune to the recalls. Toyota recently announced that they were recalling a total of a little over a half a million vehicles with over 400,000 of these vehicles being in the United States. Toyota’s recall includes the Sienna and Highlander, as well as the GS 250 and 350 with the Lexus badge. Problems range from the spare tire falling off after the tire carrier erodes on the Sienna to some rather serious brake defects on the Lexus models. Additionally, there are problems with airbag sensors and engines that fail.

Is no one working in quality control anymore? While all of the fines and recalls get potential problems off the highways, there are still issues as to how these vehicles even got to the dealerships with these problems. It is as if the car manufacturers have adopted the same tactics that software manufacturers do, send out a beta test and let the public find the problems. People should not be beta testing cars. Although, some of the recall problems can be attributed to faulty computers or sensors, most are poor engineering decisions.

No matter how many fines the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration levies against the manufacturer or how low the reliability ratings go, apparently, these car manufacturers will continue to roll the dice and take a chance that the fines and lawsuits are lower than the cost of fixing faulty equipment. There may be less recalls if cars were better tested prior to hitting the highways.

Top 5 Greatest Women Drivers in Motorsports

Summary:
Before Danica Patrick, there were other women who made inroads into the world of motorsports. Women like Janet Guthrie and Louise Smith helped to break down barriers that help make it easier for women to get behind the wheel of a car in NASCAR or NHRA. These women set records that still stand today just waiting for the next generation of women racers to break them.

Top 5 Greatest Women Drivers in Motorsports
by Julie L. Cleveland

While motorsports worldwide appears to be dominated by men, over the years, there have been several women who have taken on the boy’s club. Today the name of Danica Patrick is a familiar name to even the most casual NASCAR viewer. However, just because Danica is a NASCAR regular, does not mean that it is easy for her.

Fans of 1980s NASCAR may remember Shawna Roberts or Patty Moise, but neither woman made it much further than the lower tiers of the sport. Even Dale Earnhardt’s daughter, Kelley, only raced for a few years before giving it up. Danica may have the money and talent of Tony Stewart on her side, but once she is in that car, it is all up to her.

This does not mean that there have been no successful women in motorsports. They are just few and far between. It may be a bit more common to see women putting helmets on now than in past years, but today’s women have some pretty big fire suits to fill. Had it not been for some very successful racing women, drivers like Danica Patrick may not be a part of the starting field at the Daytona 500.

Janet Guthrie

When it comes to qualifying for some of the most prestigious races, Janet Guthrie is a pro. She is the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. She became the first woman to compete in a Winston Cup race and finished in fifteenth place for the World 600 in 1976.

In 1976, Janet was unable to qualify for the Daytona 500, and it was said that her inability to qualify was due to her gender. A.J. Foyt felt differently. He gave her one of his cars to run a few qualifying laps in where she exhibited the talent and speed that would have put her in ninth position for the race. Unfortunately, she had already failed to qualify, so her times did not count that year. A.J. Foyt determined that the only thing she lacked was money for a better car.

She qualified and raced in the 1977 Daytona 500 where she finished in twelfth place and earned the title of Top Rookie. She set a record for the highest finish in an upper end NASCAR race for a woman by coming in sixth place at Bristol. Danica Patrick just tied that record in 2014.

In 2006, Janet was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and her race suit and helmet are on exhibit in the Smithsonian Institute. Janet is retired.

Shirley Muldowney

Shirley “ChaCha” Muldowney is the First Lady of Drag Racing. She was the first NHRA licensed woman, and the first woman to sit in the cockpit of a top fuel dragster. She picked up the championship in the top fuel category in 1977, 1980 and again in 1982. Those wins made her the very first person of either gender to win two and three titles in the top fuel category. She has 18 national event wins under her belt.

Shirley had to muscle her way into racing because in 1958, everyone was against her. It was a boy’s club, and she had to fight the NHRA to prove that she could fill the stands and win races before they would issue her a competitor’s license. With racers like Don Garlits and Connie Kalitta on her side, she got her licenses and became a competitive racer until a 1984 crash caused her extensive injuries to her pelvis, hands and legs that took her off the track for almost two years.

She made a few comebacks after the fact, but her injuries were too severe, and she finally retired in 2003.

Lyn St. James

Lyn St. James has the honor of being only one of seven women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 and the first woman to win its prestigious Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. She won the 24 Hours of Daytona twice and the 12 Hours of Sebring once.

She retired from racing in 2001 after four years with five starts in the Indy Racing League and 11 CART starts. Her resume includes European endurance racing at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. She is a motivational speaker and founder of the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation.

Louise Smith

Before there was the NASCAR of today, there was Louise Smith, who was not content to watch the races on the beaches of Daytona. She took the brand new family car and entered into the race where she promptly rolled it. The wreck was so spectacular, that her photo was featured on her Georgia hometown newspaper before she even got back from Florida. That wreck did not deter her from pursuing racing as a career.

She continued to compete from 1949 until 1956 and finished her career with 38 wins in a number of classes like late models and sportsman. In 1999, she was the first woman inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Louise passed away in 2006 at the age of 89.

Pat Moss

With three wins and seven international rally podium finishes, Pat Moss is considered one of the most successful auto rally females of all time. She won the European Ladies Rally Championship five times starting in 1958.

Her rally-racing career started in 1953 when she was 18 and continued until her retirement in 1974. During her career, she wheeled for Saab, MG, Austin-Healey, Ford and others. Her racing took her to places like Monte Carlo, Africa, the Netherlands and the Alps. She married one of her fellow drivers, and they went on to participate in 11 international rallies.

Pat died in 2008 at the age of 73.

Even with these women paving the way for the women racers of tomorrow, racing still remains dominated by men. Unless women suit up and join the guys on the starting line, they will not be considered a serious contender for prize money and trophies. They will be shuffled off to the local short track powder puff competitions and drag strip “run-what-you-brung” exhibits. As Danica continues her climb up the ranks and finally secures her first win, she will become the next woman listed in the lineup of woman in racing to inspire another generation. It is a safe bet that eventually, Danica or another woman will break those old records and set the bar higher.

Ford F-150 Vs Dodge Ram 1500

9-19-2017
Julie L. Cleveland

Summary:
Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 comparison for client. Overview of differences in performances and capacity. Touched on tech and comfort options. 500 words. Written for Canadian marketplace.

Ford F-150 vs Dodge Ram 1500

When it comes to buying a new truck, you have big jobs to do, and your truck must be able to meet the challenge of rugged terrain and extreme weather.

The Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram 1500 are ready competitors.

Performance

Dodge equipped the Ram 1500 with a number of engine options, which includes Canada’s best-selling engine, the 3.6L Pentastar™ VVT V6 capable of 305 horses and 269 lb-ft of torque.

In addition, if power is on your wish list, you can equip the Ram 1500 with a 5.7 HEMI® V8, which just happens to be one of Canada’s best-selling V8 engines. The V8 produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This power package can tow up to 4,826 kg and was the engine that powered the Ram 1500 into the winner’s circle of the Canadian Truck King Challenge of 2017.

By comparison, the Ford F-150 can also be equipped with powerful choices. Ford’s muscular 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 comes with twin independent variable cam timing that gives you optimal performance across the power band ranges. At 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque, this V8 can deliver a 1483 kg payload.

For towing, the 3.5L EcoBoost® with standard Auto Start-Stop technology and twin turbos, is Ford’s first duel-direct and port fuel injection system. This workhorse can tow 5,534 kg without breaking a sweat.

Interior Design

Bed sizes on both trucks are closely matched regardless of the cab size.

The Dodge Ram 1500 offers additional storage options not available on the Ford F-150. Dodge added watertight containers under the rear floor and other small storage spaces dependent upon the cab size.

The Ford F-150 has a flat floor without a transmission hump that lets you stack cargo unhindered.

The Dodge Ram 1500 offers full leather or an easy-to-clean grain vinyl interior. The Laramie package includes European burl wood accents and filigree-etched leather bucket seats that transport you to the Wild West.

The Ford F-150 believes in filling the cabin with comfort. Depending upon the trim level, you could find yourself seated in easily maintained cloth seats or surrounded by rich, leather covered, ergonomically optimised bucket seats.

The 40/20/40 split seats in the SuperCrew® and SuperCab models can seat up to six.

Technology

From safety features to entertainment, both trucks are equipped with the latest technology.
The Dodge Ram 1500 gives you an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a rear backup camera. The media hub is on the centre console and consists of USB ports and AUX jacks. It can hold your coffee, as well as your phone or tablet, which makes it your mobile office.

Because touchscreens are hard to use while driving, Dodge gives you control buttons and knobs in addition to the touchscreen.

The Ford F-150 comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that has a swipe feature along with a pinch to zoom. The available 360-degree camera has a split view display, so you can see everything.

Choose the truck that will help you take on all of your tough jobs while keeping you comfortable and safe.

How Do I Use a Beat Sheet?

Old fashioned typewriter for editing and rewriting your beat sheet.

Every story has a structure, and I’m sure that you already know this from watching television or reading the newspaper. It starts with a beginning; it has a middle; and it has an end. What happens between those places is where the fun is.

Every type of story has those components (or beats as we’re going to call them) and other components that fit under those headers. Even this blog post has beats.

A pyramid plot, which might be the simplest of all of them is as follows:

Set up – beginning
Conflict begins and rises
Conflict is at its climax
Conflict is ended and the story falls back to normal
Conclusion

The End. We all go home either satisfied with the ending or mad because it didn’t work out the way we think it should.

What is a beat sheet?

The beat sheet is a quick outline – not that nasty word again – that lays out the whole story in a simple form. When I said this post had a beat sheet to it, I meant it laid out the introduction, and then started to answer the questions we usually associate with a news story. The Ws and an H or so, with the H being the climax since it answers the question asked in the title. From there, we wrap it up with a conclusion.

Why would I use a beat sheet?

There are several reasons why you would use a beat sheet, but the number one reason is that it helps you stay on track for your story. By using a beat sheet, you make sure that your events happen in the right place of a story where it will have the most impact. The next time you read a novel, watch what happens at the 25 to 30 percent mark. Then again at the 75 percent mark. These are big beats in the story.

The other reasons are as follows:

It’s quicker than the more formal outline since it’s bullet points
It helps you focus without getting bogged down in details, which is good for those who write by the seat of their pants

You can keep your beat sheet on your desk next to you as you plan your novel or blog post. It’s your cheat sheet.

Where do I get a beat sheet?

Beat sheets are all over the internet, but you can create your own to make it fit your story. If your story is a three act story, then you can divide up your beat sheet into three parts.

Here are a few places you can get a beat sheet:

How do I use a beat sheet?

Like an outline, the beat sheet is there to keep you on track. Here is the basic beat set up for a three act story.

Beat Sheet set up:

Act 1

1 – Opening page or image – pg 1

2 – Set up the story – pg 1-10

3 – Set the theme – pg 5

4 – Catalysts to action – pg 12

5 – Debate the action – resist the action – pg 12-25

6 – Make a choice – heat up the scene – pg 25 (25 percent in)

Act 2

7 – Introduce subplot that runs parallel to the main story – pg 30

8 – Action scenes – all fun and games – running, screaming etc. – pg 30-55

9 – Midpoint – Character is either up or down – pg 55

10 – The bad guys are hot on the trail – conflict is heating up – pg 55-75

11 – Bad guys are winning – character loses all – pg 75 (notice 75 percent in)

12 – Despair – agony – hold your head and cry – pg. 75-85

Act 3

13 – Fresh start – new revelation – get those bad guys – pg 85

14 – Finish getting the bad guys and wrap up the stories – pg 85-110

15 – Closing scene – all is well in the world – pg 85

Conclusion

Now that you have an idea of how things are set up, the next time you watch a sitcom or a movie, check the beats to see where they are added and how they correlate to the overall story.

If you can’t find a beat sheet, then create your own based on your needs.

The History of Florida

It’s impossible to cover the fascinating history of Florida in a 500 word article, so I am going to hit the highlights and promise to come back and fill in rest in future posts. Like all of our United States, it belonged to someone else before the settlers took it by force and built colonies and cities.

Spanish

According to Florida Facts on the official Florida website, Florida’s first inhabitants were here over 12,000 years ago. The Spanish followed suit in 1513 when Juan Ponce de Leon set foot on shore. The Spanish continued to rule Florida until the 1700s, and it was a popular territory for the Southern plantation owners.

It is said that Christopher Columbus brought the first oranges to Florida, but Ponce de Leon is credited for planting the first orange trees, which has been a cash crop for Florida ever since.

The name Florida is from an Easter Spanish Festival, Pascua Florida, which means Feast of Flowers that historians believe is another Ponce de Leon contribution to the state.

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously populated city in the United States, and it dates back to 1565. If you get a chance when you’re in Florida, stop by this city and spend some time wandering around the Fort.

Not Spanish

Spain had to give up Florida during the Seven Year War, when Cuba and the Philippines were captured by the British. If they wanted those colonies back, they had to give Florida to the Brits. The First Treaty of Paris was the paperwork that gave it away.

Spanish

During the Revolutionary War, Florida did not fight for the colonies. They remained loyal to England, and the first chance they got, the Spanish took it back. From 1783 until 1821, the Spanish again ruled Florida. It didn’t stop Andrew Jackson from trying to wrest control over Florida though, and he started the First Seminole War. By 1817, everyone was fighting everyone, and Jackson burned it all to the ground.

Not Spanish

An 1819 Treaty saw the state in the hands of the United States as a territory with Andrew Jackson as its first governor. Funny how that turned out. The first Florida newspapers were St. Augustine’s Florida Gazette and Pensacola’s Floridian.

Tallahassee was chosen as the capital and it became a state in 1845. First thing the state tried to do was secede during the Civil War. Brilliant, I say.

Then Maybe Not a State

During the Civil War, the Ordinance of Secession was drawn up in 1861. Florida was taking its flowers and going home. The Union army didn’t really care and took over Fernandina, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. They had Black troops with them, which sent the Confederates over the edge. The Confederates managed to hang onto Tallahassee and the governor killed himself. The Federal government took it over and ended slavery.

There was an impeachment, a fight against Reconstruction, another election kerfuffle – if there is an election kerfuffle, look to Florida first to have mucked it up, and the end of Reconstruction thanks to Florida’s strong arming another election with disputed electoral votes. If anything goes wrong in an election, it’s because of Florida.

Then Maybe a State

They became a state again, or at least acknowledged they were a state. Then they wrote a new state constitution that seemed to work until 1968. They even granted Confederate pensions to veterans.

Nobody drank, then everybody drank, then nobody drank again with the 18^th Amendment to the Florida Constitution outlawing alcohol.

Boom

1920 land boom. Then a hurricane. Then another hurricane. Boom over.

Amelia Earhart waved good-bye from Miami and was never seen again.

So much more to cover, but this is going to be it for the moment. We are up to World War II for those of you playing along at home.

Think that Florida sounds like someplace you want to live? Keep reading my blog posts while I cover some of the more interesting aspects of Florida. Like more booms and more busts, and a lot more hurricanes.

If you buy any of the products or use the links to go to Amazon and buy something else within a day, I get a little bit of money. I thank you for the support.

Photo of the Month of March 2023

You’re going to have to look closely, but this guy is an inchworm. He thinks he’s a stick, and the best I can figure is that he is a moth in waiting. I didn’t move him or dissuade him from hanging on the front porch, and I don’t know where he wandered off to, but he left. At first I thought he was a larva stage walking stick, but finally found him in the geometer moth family. They like to eat plants and leaves, so hopefully, he will stay on his side of the house and out of my garden. I already had two beautiful red tomatoes with little squirrel bites out of them.