For those of you in Canada you may already know about the show on CBC, Called “The Dragon’s Den”. But if you’re like me and don’t watch much “boob tube” this will all be new to you. Basically the Dragon’s Den is a show (I think it may be a clone of a British show) where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business concepts and products to a panel of Canadian business moguls who have the cash and the know-how make it happen. So you take your idea or product and go in front of these 5 business moguls and try to convince them that they MUST invest in you if you want the investment capital. BTW, I bet it’s nerve wrecking with all that pressure on you and then you toss in the cameras and lights etc.

In last night’s episode Caron’s uncle David, got a chance to pitch his product with the hopes of getting the funding he needed to take his business global. So as you can guess, we all tuned in to give our support (mind-you it was a taped episode and we already knew the outcome). It was kinda cool seeing someone you know on prime time tv.
Long story short! Your help could be rewarded! $5000 Canadian dollars (yep it’s worth more than the greenback).

If you take 2 minutes and go vote for David at the Dragon’s Den website (this seems kinda American Idolish) you’ll automatically be entered to win the $5000 cash prize. Here’s what you do:

- Go to the Dragon’s Den website.

- Register (so you can vote) it’s free and this is how they know who to give that $5000 (Canadian) to.

- Then vote for (and this is IMPORTANT) - Anivac - David Hachey - Episode 4

Besides the $5000 you could “possibly” win, you’ll be helping out a fellow entrepreneur in realizing his dream.

BTW, if you’d like to take a closer look at the Anivac system that David invented, visit their website at: http://www.anivaccorp.com

It’s a very innovative way of bathing your dogs and horses and it’s great for the environment. Cue in Al Gore

DON”T FORGET TO GO VOTE!

As you shift into gear for winter driving conditions, here are 10 car care tips to keep your engine humming and your vehicle performance high when temperatures drop. It’s just one more way for you to drive protected and stay safe on the road.

1. Use the “three Ps” for extra safety. Prepare for the winter season with regular maintenance checks. Protect yourself by buckling up and using correctly installed child safety seats. Prevent road accidents by being alert, slowing down and avoiding driving while tired.

2. Check your antifreeze. Have your anti-freeze (coolant) checked for proper strength. It should work to -35 degrees C. Buy only ethylene glycol-based fluid with low freezing and high boiling points.

3. Keep fluids fluid. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended winter rating. Use the oil rated for your vehicle by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that special cold weather oils are available for arctic or alpine winter conditions. When it comes to wiper-washer fluids, keep your reservoir full of a solvent that is good to at least —10 degrees C. Make sure your transmission fluid is clean.

4. See and be seen. Replace your windshield wipers, especially for night driving and encounters with rain, sleet and snow. Don’t forget the back windshield wiper! Make inspection of all belts and hoses part of your regular maintenance program. Cracked, frayed or worn rubber may not make it through the winter.

5. Inspect where the rubber hits the road. Take a good look at your tire treads. Driving in colder conditions and on icy, slushy or snowy roads requires as much traction as your tires can deliver. Replace them if you see worn tread or the sidewall damaged and check tire pressure regularly. Better yet, have your technician install winter tires for added peace of mind.

6. Get started on cold mornings. Winter driving requires more power from your battery so consider buying a stronger rated battery. Batteries lose performance as the temperature slides — so just as you need more cranking power, you also have less available power.

7. Be ready for any emergency. Keep these must-have items in your trunk: heavy-duty jumper cables, a flashlight, emergency flares, a small shovel, a bag of sand, a blanket, gloves, heavy socks, winter boots and tire chains if you don’t have winter tires.

8. Keep the gas running. Always maintain a full gas tank. This will help prevent gas lines from freezing. Remember, if you are unfortunate enough to be stranded this winter, your engine is your only source of heat.

9. See where you’ve been! Clear the snow off your rearview door mirrors every time. Double-check your rear window defroster. If some of the heat-producing grid lines don’t work, they can be repaired and safe rearward visibility restored.

10. Check the map and conditions. Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early), be familiar with the map and directions and let others know your planned route and estimated arrival time.