Mohammed Babangida's Reflections on African Music

When I lived in Africa, I had the great opportunity to experience many different forms of African music firsthand. While Mali has its share of well-known singers who play traditional Malian music, such as Oumou Sangare and Salif Keita, there are many others who borrow from different styles of music, especially reggae. In his blog about music, Mohammed Babangida discusses the influences of African music on other musical styles and famous musicians. Mohammed Babangida is a Nigerian with a great love of jazz music. He examines how jazz’s West African roots are evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopations, and swing notes.

To learn more about Mohammed Babangida, visit www.muhammad-babangida.com.

Consolidated Resorts Offers Luxurious Vacation Options

With more than 29 years of vacation ownership development, Consolidated Resorts provides premium vacation destinations at 13 vacation ownership properties in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Florida. Consolidated Resorts’ owners enjoy many benefits of vacation ownership, including cost savings, vacation flexibility, and access to luxurious vacation around the world. Through the Interval International exchange network, Consolidated Resorts’ owners can trade vacation time for vacations at hundreds of resorts in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, making affordable worldwide travel a reality. Consolidated Resorts properties include the paradisiacal Kauai Sands Hotel located on a mile-long, white sand beach of Kauai, Hawaii.

To learn more about Consolidated Resorts, visit www.consolidatedresorts.com.

United American Insurance Company Offers Affordable Health Care

In business since 1947, United American Insurance Company specializes in individual health coverage, with a special emphasis on health plans for seniors. United American Insurance Company offers plans including health insurance, life insurance, cancer/critical illness insurance, Medicare supplement plans, and Medicare Part D plans. UAIC offers flexible, affordable plans that come with a guaranteed renewal, meaning the policy cannot be cancelled as long as premiums are paid on time. The company has received an A+ (Superior) rating for financial strength from A.M. Best for more than 30 years in a row.

To learn more about United American Insurance Company, visit www.unitedamerican.com.

Amos Tamam Develops Wireless Technology for Cab Drivers

I’ve often wondered why cab drivers can’t accept credit cards. I never carry cash, so if I ever have to take a cab, usually when I'm on vacation, I have to make sure to hit the ATM first. But apparently some taxi drivers are now making use of wireless technology that enables them to accept credit cards. Develop by Amos Tamam, the new technology is now being offered in New York City and Philadelphia. Not only does this make transportation more convenient, but the cab drivers are able to carry less cash, making them less likely to be targeted for robbery. After studying electrical engineering at Tel Aviv University in Israel, Amos Tamam came to the United States and began servicing taxicabs in New York and is now the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, Inc.

To learn more about Amos Tamam, visit www.amos-tamam.com.

K Designers Awarded for Excellence in Service

K Designers has been in the home remodeling business for more than 30 years and has received more than 15 national awards for expert design, premium products, and quality craftsmanship, including the Revere Premium Renovator of the Year for Excellence in Service, Workmanship, and Professional Business Ethics for 7 years in a row.

K Designers specializes in siding, windows, and doors — including garage doors, storm and security doors, entry doors, and patio doors. The company also offers a wide variety of flexible financing options in order to make the remodeling process affordable and comfortable for everyone. To learn more about K Designers, visit the company’s Web site at www.k-designers.com.

Innovative Water Features from Shasta Pools

Shopping centers with innovative outdoor water features are becoming increasingly popular. Shasta Pools and Spas Commercial Division is just one of the companies building impressive water features for retail spaces. Often incorporating various elements such as a splash area for kids, waterfalls, and elaborate lighting, these water features can be highly complicated construction projects. For Tempe Marketplace in Arizona, Shasta Pools created an "urban stream" that wraps around a long fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere for shoppers. The Marketplace's splash pad is a popular destination for families after a day of shopping, and Shasta Pools even offers a smaller backyard version for customers who wish to create a similar "spraygound" at home.

Fuel Conservation Tips from Nachshon Draiman

In my other blog, I've written about hypermiling, the practice of applying deliberate driving techniques in order to conserve fuel. There are several other things you can do to reduce your fuel consumption, particulary when you're at the gas pump. In his blog, Nachshon Draiman offers several tips to keep in mind when refueling your vehicle.

The first piece of advice Nachshon Draiman gives is to fill up your car in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cool. This is because gasoline, which is typically stored underground, is more dense when the ground is cold. If you fill up when it is warmer outside, the gasoline will be thinner and you will actually receive less for the same price.

Nachshon Draiman also cautions against pumping your gas too quickly, as this will release more vapors into the air, wasting fuel (which you are paying for!) Keep the trigger on the lowest setting to reduce vapor release.

Also remember to fill up when your tank is half full. Have you ever noticed that the needle on your gas gauge seems to fall more quickly when it's below half a tank? You're not imagining things. The less gasoline in the tank, the more air is present, which speeds up the rate of evaporation. Keeping your tank relatively full will slow down the evaporation.

Keep these tips in mind when you're at the pump and your actions will have a positive effect on your fuel consumption — and your wallet.