Archive for November, 2010
Classic pedal cars are some of the best looking and most durable toys for children. They are most generally recommended for children aged 2 and older and they are just fabulous in design. They are typically very retro and vintage looking, they’re made from durable steel, and they’re perfect for tooling around the neighborhood.
Parents can use classic pedal cars as a way to encourage a good physical exercise program to their children. They are a great motivation to get the kids off the couch or away from the computer and out into the great outdoors. Your kids will be using those little legs to just pedal away as soon as they hop in their new ride. They’ll be working their major muscle groups, burning calories, and increasing gross motor skills.
Kids love to imitate what they see us doing. Driving a car is one of the things that kids enjoy the most and driving a great looking classic car will do the job in this area. Your kids will be able to open and close the door, steer the vehicle, and power it themselves. Before you know it they’ll be out for a casual drive to fill up the afternoon, gaining independence and more self confidence.
These classic cars have durable steel bodies, working steering columns and steering wheels, and real rubber tires. They have adjustable pedals so your child can grow with the car and ride it for years to come. These are just a few of the most popular cars available:
The Mercedes Pedal Car
If you’re looking for a really cool retro looking car then the Mercedes Car will fit the bill. This red convertible is a replica of the Mercedes Benz 190SL. It has an authentic Mercedes Benz license plate and hood logo. It’s very classy looking with its chrome bumpers, hubcaps, headlight and windshield holders. I love the fact that the headlights really work and the seat is padded for extra comfort.
The InStep Street Rod Pedal Car
The Street Rod car is a classic pedal car that simulates the hot rods from the 50′s and 60′s. This car is so nostalgic looking that it even has the great hot rod flame design from years ago. This is a fun car for those really adventurous kids who love flashy and fast cars. I love that this car has chrome hubcaps for that extra edge of style.
November 30 2010 | Shopping And Product Reviews | Comments Off
Today, pedal cars are loved by children and adults alike. Reproduction metal versions are very durable, so they can be passed from generation to generation. Most replicas have been built with safety in mind, but even with these modifications, safety should be your first priority when your children are playing with any toy.
Keep in mind that even reproduction cars with modern safety features can be dangerous if you’re not aware of the proper safety precautions. If you have a real vintage car, without modern safety features, pay special attention when your children are playing with it. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
If you are buying a pedal car for your children to use, be sure that the one you choose is safe. While real vintage cars can be great collectibles, they may not have modern safety features, and may include lead-based paint. If you are mostly interested in a classic toy for your children, consider a reproduction model with safety features in mind.
Pedal cars are, by design, very close to the ground. Be aware of your surroundings, especially vehicles, as they may not be able to see the your child, especially when backing up. Make sure your neighbors are aware that there are children playing.
These cars do not have brakes, so do not play with them on slopes. Although they are foot-powered, on a hill it is possible to get the car going too fast to stop it safely. Since your child’s legs are the brakes for the pedal car, stay away from hills. Also avoid open bodies of water or any other dangerous areas into which your child could steer themselves.
Be sure that your child wears appropriate clothing when riding in a their pedal toy. Helmets and shoes should be worn at all times, and loose clothing should be secured. Given enough speed, or if driving on sloping ground they can tip over, and loose items can get caught in the drive chain, much like pant legs can get caught in the chain of a bicycle. There are no floorboards, and pedal cars are foot powered, so shoes will protect your childs feet from injury.
Do not push the toy cars. Because there is no floor and the child’s feet dangle between chassis rails, they can get tangled in the pedals if you push the car. The faster the car is moving, the faster the child’s legs must move in order to keep up with the pedals. Avoid pushing the car, so that your child’s feet can keep up with the speed of the pedals.
Reproduction toy cars are a fun classic toy, but be sure your child is safe when playing with them. Always supervise children riding in them. Ride-on toys are great fun for children in every generation. Modern versions are designed very well, so they can be passed down to your grandchildren once your children have outgrown them. Please take care when playing with pedal cars, and keep safety in mind.
November 30 2010 | Kids And Teens | Comments Off
There are many pedal car models that are today regarded as classics and coveted by collectors. Murray is one of the more collectible pedal car manufacturers; countless Murray pedal cars were produced over the years. Among these is the Murray pedal version of the 1948 Pontiac. This was much the same as the later Sad Face model, with the exception of the trademark front end of the Sad Face. However, this model was actually designed after the 1948 model year Pontiac, while the Sad Face was not designed after a particular model. This included such variations as a fire truck, fire chief’s car, and station wagon.
The 1948 model was discontinued in 1950 with the introduction of the Champion. The 1950-51 Champion, also known as the “dip side”, was a very popular pedal toy model, with countless variations. In contrast to pedal cars of the 1940′s, including the ’48 Pontiac, the Champion featured straighter sides with fewer curves. The Champion “Straight Side” featured even less curving, particularly around the fenders.
The Murray “Sad Face” car was manufactured from 1950-1951 to 1958, and today remains one of the most popular lines ever made. These cars are so named because of the shape of the front of the car, which forms a downward curve. The rounded curves made the Sad Face design a very strong body, so many have survived to the present day.
Originally, the sad face pedal car came in three versions, including a sedan, a fire truck, and a station wagon. Other models included a dump truck and a fire chief’s car. Unlike many other pedal cars of that era, the Sad Face was not designed to replicate any specific real car model. A steel car, this toy also included chrome hood ornaments, chromed hub caps, and other classic details. It is known for its graceful curves and classic look. Today, the classic “Sad Face” design is one of the most popular reproduction models.
The Murray “Flat Face” of the late 1950′s was designed to look more modern than the curved-line versions of the 1940′s, continuing the trend from rounded sides to flat sides. It was made in many different variations, and reminds many of the ’59 Ford.
The “V” Front Murray, first produced in 1960, was named for the design of the front of the car, above the bumper. It was produced in several variations until the line was discontinued in 1967. The “V Front” is one of the last popular all-steel pedal toys produced.
Although these are the most popular Murray pedal cars, there were countless others, including a very unique boat-shaped pedal car variously sold as the Dolphin, the Skipper, and the Jolly Roger. The Three Wheeler, introduced in 1955, had only one front wheel, and was sold in three variations: Airport Jet Service, Radar Patrol, and Good Humor. The Murray Jet, also with one wheel in the front, included versions sold as the Atomic Missile, the Supersonic Jet, and the Sky Rocket.
November 30 2010 | Automotive | Comments Off
Children love pedal cars even though they do not understand the nostalgic significance of them. To kids, these toys are more of an imaginary ride into the lives of adults. Collectors, on the other hand, enjoy finding pedal cars that remind them of days gone by. Quality products are important for both kids and adults.
Kids will enjoy the colorful designs and paint jobs of these cars. They will really get into pretending if they are given cars that are based on real work cars. Fire engine, police car, and racing car style pedal cars are great to fuel the imagination. Just having a car in their favorite color will please any child. One important thing to remember is that only cars painted with lead free paint are acceptable for use by children.
What is more, if you buy good ones, they can be driven easily. Look for cars with steering that really works and pedals that can be adjusted. Solid steel construction means that your child will not break them down just by riding around in them. Notice the weight limits on any that you buy. 70 pounds is a common weight limit, which covers most children who would be interested in driving.
Collectors look at these cars differently. They look for authentic detailing such as rounded fenders or old fashioned ladders and horns for fire truck pedal cars. Rubber tires and chrome wheels give them a finished look that will go great in any den or display room. Adults who love these cars go for models that show a connection to the past with the shiny newness of the present day. It is like bringing the past to life.
Pedal cars make great gifts for people of all ages. Adults will display them with pride. Children will ride them into a fantasy world of excitement and joy. You cannot go wrong when you purchase good quality pedal cars for your loved ones with an interest in automobiles.
November 30 2010 | Kids And Teens | Comments Off
When you think of pedal cars, you probably assume that they’re just a children’s toy. Well, you’d be wrong. Across the world, thousands of adult collectors enjoy them. They may purchase an original or restored version of a vintage car, or even a newer model designed to look like one of these classics.
A growing area of pedal car collecting is in customization. This involves the process of turning a vintage or newer car into your own unique design. In fact, it is much the same as customizing a real hot rod, except that there are no interior parts that you’ll need to upgrade.
Although they can be found in many different styles today, some collectors prefer to begin with the plainest model they can find, making it completely their own. One of the most popular customizations, for example, is the addition of flames or other graphics in the paint along the sides and chrome accessories. However, you can also find some that already have such detailing.
When customizing pedal cars, first you’ll need to decide on a paint color. If the car already has some paint, it will need to be removed. The car can then be painted, and flames, pinstriping, and two-tone paint added, just like if it were a real full-size car. Skilled artists can even create much more complex graphics on the side and front of the car. Some collectors even reshape the fenders or make other body modifications first. Once the exterior is painted, new accessories may be added, and interior will be re-upholstered, sometimes with real automobile upholstery.
Flames, chrome, and other details are also popular additions when restoring a vintage car. Restorations may be done to return the car to its authentic original state, or they may be done to improve its appearance with a unique idea in mind. The choices you’ll make here are very similar to the choices for restoring full-size cars. You can follow the original design of the vintage car you have chosen for restoration, or come up with a plan all your own.
Many of the most well-known customizations have been done by names that are big in the hot rod world. Pedal cars offer a fun opportunity to use their skills in a new way. The ones most talked about within the collecting world are often those created to be sold for charity purposes. These may fetch thousands of dollars at auction, and the owner will have a one-of-a-kind, completely unique pedal car. Others are customized as projects created by a group of hot rod club members.
While you may assume that pedal cars are small and simple toys, too simple, in fact, for customizations to be very detailed, this is far from the case. You may be surprised with the wide variety of customized models existing within the collector world. Like real hot rods, there are hundreds of different directions you can go with customization. They are not just for kids, and there is a booming adult market for pedal cars, whether they are vintage or new.
November 30 2010 | Home And Family | Comments Off
Many classic toys can still find their way into gift-wrapping or Christmas gift bags year after year. Children’s pedal cars are just one of example of the products that have withstood the test of time. In a fast paced world where children expect all entertainment to come from their television, pedal cars provide an alternative that is better than sitting indoor all day. Children have tons of energy, and they can burn it off by pedaling their way around the yard.
Promoting exercise when a child is young is an important idea. Too many children are suffering from obesity at such an early age. This can be prevented by promoting the healthiness of playing outdoors. Children’s pedal cars can provide fun while the children is playing outside. Requiring a couple hours of outdoor play on days of nice weather will help to keep your children healthy.
The best pedal cars may be more expensive than other types of ride on toys. However, you should remember that you would get what you pay for. Choosing the best pedal car for your child may mean spending more money than you originally intended, but it typically well spent because the toy is made to last. Most children’s pedal cars are built sturdy, and can be used for multiple children if they are treated well. Most are made with a lightweight plastic, which will limit the chances of injury if the child where to fall over the toy or bump into another children while pedaling.
Metal pedal cars are also available. These will typically last longer than the plastic models. You should keep both metal and plastic pedal cars out of the rain. Storing them inside the home or garage when not is use is beneficial to prevent unnecessary damage. These vehicles tend to be versatile, as they can be used indoors or outdoors in the yard or driveway, depending on the weather. You may want to consider using bicycle pads and a helmet when your child is riding their car. This is just another precaution to prevent injury.
You will need to make sure you purchase the correct size and style of ride on car for your child. Age is an important factor, as is development. You want to be sure that your kid’s legs are long enough to properly reach the pedals. Also, motor skills should be promoted enough that the child understands the method of moving his legs to pedal the car into motion. Not being able to reach the pedals or perform the action of pedaling can result in the child becoming bored or falling off the toy.
November 30 2010 | Kids And Teens | Comments Off
One of the most popular pedal car types is the Murray. Murray Manufacturing was founded in the early 1900′s, with a factory in Ohio to produce pedal cars, bicycles, toys, and automobile parts. In the years prior to World War II, they produced many Steelcraft toys, including smaller metal toys and pull toys. They also produced a few cars under the Steelcraft name during the 1920′s and 1930′s. What they are really known for, however, is the production of ride in cars and bicycles in the 1940′s and 1950′s, during the height of pedal toy popularity. The ‘Murray’ name was not actually used on their products until 1940; today, it is nearly synonymous with the classic pedal toy.
Although pedal cars date to around the time the Murray company was founded, they are not known to have offered a range of pedal toys until 1940. In 1940 and 1941, they produced many different Murray/Steelcraft toys, mainly modeled after Chrysler, Pontiac, and several other actual car makes rather than new designs specifically meant for pedal cars. Because of World War II, the factory was unable to make children’s toys during the mid-1940′s, though production picked up again in 1947 at a rate much higher than before.
During the height of the pedal car craze in the 1950′s and 1960′s, Murray was one of the most well-known manufacturers of these toys. Their famous ride on toys were marked ‘Murray’ or ‘Murray Ohio’ to distinguish these high-quality steel pedal toys from other companies’. Murray cars are most often the type of car that people think of when they think of a classic steel kids car, with the classic styling of an actual full-sized car model. They produced many different versions, including hot rods, fire trucks, dump trucks, and station wagons. Each of the dozens of different models is known for the Murray trademark detailing, including shiny chrome trim, windshields, working lights, and other features.
By the early 1970s, a declining birth rate and the advent of plastic ride-on toys brought an end to this craze. This sales decline was enough to take out even the biggest pedal car manufacturers. Murray stopped making these treasured toys altogether, and began manufacturing newly popular power lawn mowers instead. Today, the same Murray company is known for go karts, lawnmowers, and other equipment; currently, no toys such as pedal cars or bicycles are produced by Murray.
Today, these classic Murray cars are prized by collectors, who even snap up reproductions of the original Murray models, some of which the Murray company stopped producing over fifty years ago. Hobbyists are even reproducing parts of these original Murray cars in the hopes of restoring cherished toys of the 1950′s and 1960′s. They are even memorialized in a series of Hallmark ornaments. Restored versions can cost thousands of dollars, depending on rarity. A powder blue Champion sports car built by Murray sold at auction for over seventy thousand dollars, enough to purchase a brand new full-size car.
November 30 2010 | Home And Family | Comments Off
The need for community volunteerism has never been greater than it is today. The economy has strangled the budgets of many Home Owner Associations and elevated the need for community home owners to be more involved in caring for the public areas in their associations. Though volunteering may seem to be an encumbrance on home owners, it can actually turn into a benefit.
Those who volunteer to assist the community testify to the payback they receive from doing so. And, just what are those benefits? First, volunteerism gives one a sense of self-worth. There is a personal satisfaction in one’s spirit when he or she has done something meaningful without being remunerated for it. Secondly, there is a special connection with others in the community who joined in the volunteer effort. Getting to know your neighbors while being involved in a project within the community builds friendships and unite the community in ways that serves everyone’s interests. Thirdly, there is a blessing involved in feeling that you are improving the area in which you live. We all know that special mood that is produced when we plant trees or flowers in our own yard, or when we put out bird feeders or bird baths for our special feathered friends. That unique emotion is multiplied when special projects are accomplished in the community public areas by the residents who live there.
All of us are finding ways to cut costs in this tight economy. When we volunteer to help our community, we can hold down the increase in assessments that may arise by having the HOA officers employee or contract with someone to accomplish the task. The result is a savings to everyone in the community, including your own family budget. Every time we complete a job by volunteering we reduce the need for paying others to do it. Labor costs can be extensive, but volunteers can reduce or eliminate many of those expenses through their unpaid assistant. Saving money is important and volunteering is one way to do that.
When we volunteer to help our community we learn more about the entire process that is necessary to care for the public areas. This increased knowledge helps us participate more effectively in all the ongoing home owner issues. We get to know the officers better and we become aware of how difficult their work is as they serve on the various committees of the association. Volunteers have information to pass on to other residents, and informed residents are more likely to be positive and supportive in the future. One volunteer may be able to recruit two or three additional volunteers for future projects by sharing the joys, savings, and benefits obtained through the process.
Community leaders, especially those serving on committees of the HOA, should consider having a Volunteer Day for the community. This should be promoted widely and held on a Saturday. At that event, those who attend could be given a list of things that could be done by volunteers. The benefits of such service should be explained. Those present should be urged to encourage other residents to participate in the projects. When neighbors get involved, they tend to reach other neighbors who will also participate. Residents should be given the opportunity to sign up for particular projects at that meeting. When the community has a single day once or twice a year for people to participate, they limit the number of people who can take part. When those leaders offer people the chance to volunteer to carry out certain tasks, along with their neighbors, at a time when they are most available, the number of people participating will increase dramatically. In other words, setting aside a single day for landscape projects does not get good results. But, when you let someone or a group of residents volunteer to do the landscape project on a day they choose, you more involvement and better results.
Community leaders and residents should seek to increase volunteerism in HOA projects. The results will unite the community, improve the living environment, save money, raise home values and build friendships. Volunteer Now!
November 29 2010 | Real Estate | Comments Off
1. How many homes (or units) does each community manager handle in your company?
Throughout the industry, HOA Management Companies overload their community managers by giving them too many homeowners associations to manage. The industry average is about 1,800 homes per community manager, which is about 500 homes too many. If a community manager’s portfolio is too large, some of their HOA clients could be neglected.
2. How many people support the community manager in his efforts?
An HOA management company should not only assign a community manager to an HOA, but a team of people to properly service the community association. A well put together team should include a community manager, an accounting manager, a compliance inspector, an escrow coordinator, a community specialist, a client services representative, and a director of community management.
3. Is the community inspected regularly? How often? Who answers the phones when the community manager is away inspecting the property?
The homeowner’s association should be inspected for violations at least every other week. The compliance inspector should take a picture of the violation, which is then sent out with the violation letters. Therefore, when the community is being inspected by the compliance inspector, the community manager is available to answer questions from board members and the community specialist is available to answer homeowner questions. The community manager should do a routine visit of the community association each week.
4. How long does your team take to respond to calls and e-mails?
A management company should respond to homeowners and homeowner’s association board members correspondence as quickly as possible, and typically within 24 hours. However, Board members should also have the community manager’s cell phone number for emergencies.
5. Does the community manager have a college degree and/or industry certifications?
Community managers should be college educated. They should have industry training and an industry recognized designation as well. Community managers should also attend seminars and industry functions to keep up to date on changes in legislation.
6. Does the Management Company aggressively pursue homeowners that don’t make timely assessment payments?
It is a homeowner’s responsibility to pay their HOA assessments in accordance with the homeowner’s association rules. But, when a homeowner fails to pay their assessments, it is the management company’s responsibility to collect those funds. The homeowner’s association board should work with the HOA management company to outline a collection policy which includes late letters, demand notices, and eventual liening of the home.
7. Is a community website included in our monthly management fee?
A community association website is a great way to help build the sense of community in your neighborhood. Other features should include access to board reports and the ability for homeowners to check their account information.
8. What hours can the community manager be reached?
A community manager should be available 24 hours a day. During the day he should be available via office phone, email, and cell phone and in the evenings and weekends the HOA management company should provide an emergency answering service, should an emergency situation arise.
9. Does the management company inspect lots before they are transferred (sold) from one homeowner to another?
When an escrow request is submitted by a title company, the escrow coordinator should visit the lot, take pictures of the home and note any violations. This information should be disclosed to the title company and documented in the management company’s system.
10. Is the HOA management company a professional team of experts?
The management company should be a team of experienced experts with the professionalism and commitment to quality service to properly service their homeowners association clients.
November 29 2010 | Business | Comments Off
Working together is necessary in order to accomplish anything worthwhile. In fact, our world is designed to require cooperation. The seed salesman, the farmer, the tractor-maker, the harvesters, the truck drivers, the processors, the grocery stores, clerks, the car makers (after all, shoppers have to get to the market), the buyer and the cook all have to be involved just to get a home cooked meal on your table. This process is critical in business, and just as critical in an Homeowners Association Board of Directors or Condominium Association Board of Directors.
The story is told of an out-of-towner who drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t move. Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing. Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch. The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times. The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try.”
Think of Three Factors in Effective Team Work
First, we must pull the load together. When we feel we are working alone, we tend to give up. When others are assisting us our energy and motivation is multiplied. In a local HOA, it is important for every member of every committee in the organization to do his or her part fully. Also, the various committees should communicate and cooperate with each other. Pulling together will not just get you out of a ditch, it can keep you from running your organization into the ditch to start with!
The second act in Team Work is to remove the pride factor. The Atlanta Braves won 14 division titles in Major League Baseball. That has never been done in professional baseball. In fact, it has never been done by anyone or any team in any professional sport. When asked how they could have accomplished this feat, one person said, “Throughout that entire run, we never cared who got the credit. We all gave our best and we pulled for each other. No one blamed anyone who failed in a particular game and no one gloated if he was the star of a game. We were a TEAM and that is all that mattered.”
No organization can succeed for very long is one person has to get all the attention and always get his or her way. The word TEAM has been said to mean: Together Everyone Achieves More. Indeed, no one of us knows as much as all of us together. The Second act in Team Work is to pull your own weight. An indifferent, lazy or uncommitted team member can pull down the work of the entire team. Usually, a apathetic member on the team causes everyone else to work harder and sometimes leads to discouragement for the entire effort.
Lastly, the third act in Team Work is to complete the task at hand. Some people start out well but quit before they get to the finish line. For many years I was a runner. I ran up to 40 miles a week and competed in 5K, 10K and half-marathon races in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. As I neared 60 years of age, I was running a half-marathon near Atlanta. I became tired around the 10 mile mark, but I had 3.1 miles left to get to the finish line. I stopped running for the first time in a race. I just slowed down and started walking for one of the few times in my life while in a race. Some runners passed me and sensed my exhaustion. One person yelled to me and said, “Come on, you can do it. Don’t stop!” I started to run slowly again. Then, I picked up pace. Soon I was back to my normal self. In fact, before reaching the end of the race, I passed the group of runners who had encouraged me, much to their surprise! Team work requires going all the way trough to the end of the task or time of service. If someone becomes weary, some words or encouragement can help.
November 29 2010 | Real Estate | Comments Off
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