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In today’s dicey economic climate, it’s smart to buy a used car—but be a smart consumter.
If you’ve never heard of the terms, “flood car,” or “washed title,” then educate yourself before you write that check.

According to Edie Hirenstein, senior product manager of Experian’s AutoCheck vehicle history service, close to 15 percent (that’s 1.3 million vehicles) have had their titles “washed.” These “washed” titles do not list that they have been in a serious collision, or tthat they have been in a flood or fire or other serious damage that should be disclosed to the new owner.

Water damage in a house or car can cause untold headaches and vehicles with flood damage can look in great shape, but be a danger on the road.

Before buying a used car, there are three important things to do first:

1. Only do business with a reputable source.
2. Get a trusted mechanic to check out the car.
3. Run a title search.

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of a “Flood Car?”

• Water lines on the engine, radiator, wheel wells, or inside the car. Just like a bathtub ring, a waterline reveals that the car has been flooded. Your mechanic will need to examine the underside of the car on a lift.

• Has the carpeting or upholstery been replaced? Always lift up the carpet and look underneath. If there’s rust, mold, or a bad smell, (be sure to open the trunk) then you know.

• Look under the seats by using a small hand mirror. Scammers will know to hide rust in the doors and other noticeable places, but few will go to the trouble to lubricate under the seat.

• Make sure all your instruments are working. A thorough mechanic will know to check—but ask them to be thorough.

• Check the door hinges, glove compartment hinges, instrument panel, and spare tire. Rust is the dead giveaway.

• Take out the air intake filter. Is it wet? Is there debris (leaves, mud, etc.) clogging it? You’d think they’d replace this simple tell-tale filter—but many of these cars are “flipped” (bought and resold) within days.

• Run a title search by using Autocheck or CarFax.

There are several online sites that serve the public with sound auto advice such as Carbuyingtips.com, and Popular Mechanics.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore what a title search consists of and other secrets to buying a reliable used car.

We’re all trying to cut back , and one smart way to save money is to buy a used car instead of a new one.

But beware—“flood cars” are flooding the market.

What’s a flood car?
A flood car is a car that was in flood (perhaps Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Ike).

These cars can look like they’re in perfect condition, but a flooded car can harbor unseen damage. Floods cause extensive damage to a car’s electrical system and can effect important parts like airbags and brakes, causing them to malfunction.

There are close to a half million “Katrina cars” being bought and sold in the United States right now.

Why are flood cars on the market and not totaled?

Because insurance companies have released these vehicles and made them available for resale. About half of these flood cars will be sold at auctions as scrap while other will head to the junkyard for crushing—but this leaves the other half to be returned to the public for sale.

I first heard about this practice from financial expert, Clark Howard. Clark Howard has a show premiering on HLN—Headline News, a sister station of CNN. He’s a big advocate of buying a dependable used car, but warns that this is a lemon of a deal.

How are the insurance companies doing this?

At this time, it’s not illegal, and the insurance companies are not responsible for those who are buying the cars from them and then “washing” the titles. The practice of washing the title means that the fact that these cars have flood damage will not be listed on the paperwork. You will never know about your car’s history unless you do some checking up on your own–and you still might not find out until it’s too late and you start experiencing trouble.

To find out a car’s history, check at CarFax or Autocheck. These organizations can let you know if the car in question ever had a flood damaged title, or was originally from Louisiana or another region that has recently experienced a major flood.

Check back tomorrow to find out more about “washed titles,” and the tell-tale signs of a “flood car.”

Friday, January 2, 2009, Israel permitted hundreds of Palestinians who possessed foreign passports to leave Gaza and return to their families in the United States, Norway, Russia and other countries.

Of the estimated 250 foreigners, most of them were women married to Palestinian men. Representatives of several international organizations on diplomatic missions have also evacuated the area. They left Gaza after gathering near the Red Cross headquarters and left by bus for the Allenby crossing and entered Jordan where they were met and given humanitarian aid. Many other women chose to stay in Gaza, but if the fighting escalates in the Middle East, more foreigners will most likely flee the area.

Those who fled stated that Gaza is experiencing worsening conditions—lack of gas. water, electricity, and medical supplies needed to care for the injured. The International community has called for a ceasefire. So far, the United States State Department has assisted 27 U.S. citizens to evacuate Gaza.

Tensions mounted when the six month truce expired on December 27th. At that time, most Hamas leaders went into hiding, leaving Gaza and its residencies in harm’s way. Israel’s bombing of a mosque was reported to house weapons as well as Hamas operatives sustained extensive damage. Israeli weapons have now destroyed the homes of more than a dozen Hamas operatives, although most were empty. The death toll is now over 400 in Palestine.

According to USA Today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated the United States is seeking a “durable and sustainable” cease-fire. She continued, “The Hamas has used Gaza as a launching pad for rockets against Israeli cities, and has contributed deeply to a very bad daily life for the Palestinian people in Gaza and to a humanitarian situation that we have all been trying to address,” she said…”

Israel has stated that is willing to consider halting aerial assaults if the situation is monitored internationally and brought back into previous compliance, and states that they are taking measures not to target civilians.

The U.N. World Food Program is now distributing bread in Gaza to Palestinian families. The Red Cross continues to stay in the region and offer aid.

Predicting the weather isn’t anything new, it’s just gotten more high tech.

The Farmer’s Almanac has been around since 1792 and was first created to help farmers plan their crops. It has also been a great resource guide and includes helpful tidbits such as tide tables, sunrise and sunset tables, planting charts—and a few extras like recipes, and yes…forecast predictions.

The Farmer’s Almanac also happens to be the oldest continually published periodical in North America, according to their website, and their book is published in September and is always a good seller. Its forecast predictions prove to be about 85% accurate, which far beats my local weatherman. They don’t take themselves too serious, and perhaps that adds to their charm–and oddly, their accuracy.

The Almanac’s weather forecast is said to be made by a secret formula (devised by Robert B. Thomas, founder of the Almanac), which may add to the appeal, but for those who are hoping for a bit more of a scientifically- based approach, they also use calculations based on solar activity, particularly sunspot cycles, and by analyzing data from previous weather records. The website also states a disclaimer of sorts, stating basically that the weather is, at best, unpredictable.

What’s the Almanac’s 2009 winter prediction for the United States?

No one should be surprised after already experiencing an unusually cold and snowy early winter that the forecast for the winter of 2009/2009 states that “at least two-thirds of the country can expect colder than average temperatures this winter, with only the West and Southeast in line for near-normal readings.”

There are region-by-region forecasts which also predict that the Midwest and Great lakes regions will receive above average snowfall in January and February, which has already seen record snowfall amounts. The good news is that the Southwest region should receive greater amounts of precipitation. The Southeast will see higher than average amounts of rain and snow during the early part of the year, and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic will continue to be wet and cold, but should not see as much snow in January and February.

Weather predictions may seem unnecessary, but if we can prepare for a natural disaster, it’s worth considering.

The year of 2008 brought many weather disasters in tow, and sadly, many lives lost.

Scientists, meteorologists and governments are dedicated to study natural disasters and find ways to lessen their impact. The top ten weather disasters have much to teach us.

The Top U.S. Weather Disasters Include:
1. Midwest Spring Flooding: In late March, the Midwest region swelled with flood waters that took 17 lives and devastates Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois and soaked the region with almost a foot of slow rains.

2. Midwest Summer Flooding: The rains weren’t finished, and in early June, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin got soaked with another foot of rain which caused severe flooding of the Mississippi River causing millions of dollars in damage.

3. Hurricane Ike—This monster category 4 hurricane hit Galveston, Texas on Sept. 13th with 145 mph winds and took 61 lives.

4. Tornadoes: A shocking 1500 tornadoes occurred in 2008, and took 125 lives in the United States. This tornado season was one of the most active ever recorded.

5. Hurricane Gustav: Gustav hit on Sept. 1st near Cocodrie, Louisiana and although it was only a cat-2 hurricane, close to two million people evacuated the region fearing a repeat of the damage entailed by Hurricane Katrina. Gustav packed 110 mph winds and took 25 lives. No small storm by any account.

6. Southeast Drought: While the Midwest experienced flooding, the South was contending with a drought. Rainfall deficits topped 20 inches in parts of North and South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia in 2007 and continuing in 2008 causing lakes to dry up, communities to institute strict water bans, and wildfires to breakout across the region.

7. California Wildfires: By June of 2008, California was in deep trouble. This was the driest spring in 114 years. As wildfires ignited, the tally went up as forests burned, and neighborhoods sparked. California spent over 300 million on fighting these fires which burned into late fall.

8. Record Western Snow Fall: Winter started early for many western states and by early October, Montana, Wyoming ad Idaho had already experienced record snows. Montana received 42 inches of snow in 24 hours—a record, to say the least.

If you live in the Northwest, you’ve had a doozy of December.

Spokane Washington has experienced record breaking snows of 60 inches, including another record of more than 8 inches falling within a 24 hour time perod according to the National Weather Service.

Bismarck, North Dakota has been breaking a few records as well. The National Weather Service reported that more than 33 inches have fallen this December.

With all this snow and ice comes trouble. Many roads have had to be closed, and roofs have collapsed because of the weight of the “white stuff.”

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Washington that remain in effect until 4pm PST, Wednesday, December 31, 2008.

The winter storm warning includes a strong pacific front system that will bring high wind gusts and heavy snows for the north and central Cascades and Olympics. An additional 1-2 feet of snow are expected to fall this evening and into Wednesday.

This winter storm will impact driving conditions, and drivers are warned to be prepared and take the necessary precautions. Citizens are urged to stay off the roads and seek shelter. If there is an emergency and you must drive, be sure to take provisions such as a flashlight, blanket, water, and a cell phone for emergency contact.

As 2008 comes to an end, the disaster death toll tops 200,000 according to Munich Re, the world’s second largest reinsurer.

Is global warming the cause?

Global warming does seem to be contributing to the alarming weather extremes that contribute to such natural disasters as hurricanes and severe winter storms. The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2008 was the tenth warmest year ever recorded.

The most devastating disaster of 2008 was the Cyclone Nargis which hit the country of Myanmar on May 2nd and took the lives of more than 130,000 people and left one more homeless. This cyclone was particularly deadly because it hit a country that was so ill prepared and could not inform its people of the impending tragedy.

The second deadliest storm hit days later in the Chinese province of Sichuan and took 70,000 lives and five million homeless and exacted a whopping 85 billion dollars in financial damage.

Overall, hurricanes did not do the damage that they had in previous years, but one, Hurricane Ike exacted a financial toll upwards of 10 billion dollars and contributed to rising gas prices in the United States.

The international community, known as the Kyoto Protocal has agreed on a global climate initiative to control greenhouse gases. This plan takes effect in 2012 and is meant to help level out the ever widening pendulum of weather conditions that bring with it worldwide devastation, financial cost, and human loss.

Chicago and other Midwest cities are thawing out, and it’s not a pretty sight.

As the snow and ice melt, the flood waters are rising—and bringing with it dense fog as temperatures rise into the mid 60s. The unusually warm weather has spawned hail, wind gusts, and tornado warnings for much of the Midwest region. More than 400 flights were cancelled at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Friday with another 100 were cancelled or delayed on Saturday. Slippery roads including ice and rain contributed to 44 deaths in the Midwest region during the holiday weekend.

The Des Plaines River, located just outside of Chicago has risen more than 10 feet as officials urge the community of Riverside to evacuate the area. Cook County, Illinois, another suburb of Chicago has begun sandbagging in low lying areas to prevent further flood damage. The National Weather Service issued a storm alert for central Illinois as the winds picked up to 70 miles per hour and wrecked roofs, signs, uprooted trees, and toppled power lines in Sangamon County, Illinois.

Just as quick as the temperatures rose and the flood waters hit, the weather changed again and dumped snow to the region. I-80 was closed in Iowa near the town of Grinnell due to weather related accidents. By late Saturday evening, the rains had stopped and an ice storm swept across much of Iowa. Interstate 80 near Grinnell was closed for a while because of traffic accidents.

The Midwest has already seen devastating weather in 2008. In June, Iowa, Indiana were hit hard by floods that claimed a dozen lives and displaced over 10,000 families in the Midwest region.

On August 10, 2007, the TSA (Transportation Security Association) implemented a new standard in what type and size liquids and gels would be allowed on airplanes. They have determined that in small quantities, liquids do not appear to raise the risk of the ingredients that terrorists use to make explosives

There has been some confusion about this new system, and many travelers have tried to go through security only to find their shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal items confiscated.

By knowing ahead of time and making a few simple adjustments to your packing, you can avoid the hassle of being delayed in security and leaving items behind.
All you need to remember when packing is “3-1-1.”

Gels and aerosols are allowed—as long as they do not exceed 3 ounces and fit in the one quart size baggie. Prescription medications may also be packed, but should be n their original bottles.
The 3-1-1 rule applies to carry on luggage.

3 ounces of liquids or gels of any item, and all those items must fit in one quart size baggie, one bag per traveler—3-1-1.

By consolidating all the bottles into one baggie, a TSA officer can place the baggie on an X-ray machine and the items can be easily scanned.

What if you have larger liquid items that need to go with you on the trip? (Cough medicine, breast milk or formula for infants, contact solution or work supplies, for example) It’s simple. Pack any liquids larger than 3 ounces and check this baggage in. The 3-1-1 rule is for carry on bags. Do declare these items (in a reasonable amount), and realize they will be inspected.

You will not be asked to “taste test” any liquid (nor will your infant/toddler be required to test/drink their milk or forumula). The TSA officers have the proper equipment to test any liquid for explosive ingredients.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic/zip-top baggie from their luggage and to place it in the bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray.

Click here to read about traveling with formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food.
What types of liquids will not be allowed on the airplane? Check here for a list of prohibited items. Be patient. These new security measures take time, so prepare your items properly before you head to the airport.

Airlne safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The 3-1-1 system is easy to remember and follow.

If it saves even one life, it’s worth it.

For many travelers, the holiday season of 2008 isn’t so jolly tonight. Much of the northern United States continue to be walloped with storm after storm causing flight delays in most major airports including Chicago’s O’Hare, JFK, and Laguardia. Chicago’s O’Hare airport was hit with another round of ice and snow dumping another 3+ inches on Tuesday along with wind gusts and very low visbility.

Spokane Washington experienced 8 inches of snow and passengers of an Air Alaska flight became sick when the fumes of the de-icing solution apparently seeped into the cabin causing eye and throat irratation. For many travelers, delays are now up to 7-12 hours and affecting more than 500 fights around the country.

Air travel isn’t the ony mode of transportation effected. Motorists are experiencing traffic jams due to ice and snow in many regions. There are also train delays that are weather related as well.

Travelers are asked to be patient and follow the guidelines to ensure a safe and timely travel experience.