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 Pgh Farmers Markets Farmers markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing to local residents. These markets are held worldwide, and have become increasingly popular in the States over the last decade or so. They’re a place where small farms can sell fresh produce once or twice a week. They’re also a great way for buyers to meet local farmers and show their support. Some farmers markets offer a restaurant or live entertainment on the premises, and the food is delicious! There are a lot of farmers markets going on through October and November, so I selected a few that sounded particularly fun and accessible, and included the much longer complete list I consulted in my decision-making process at the end of this post. They’re definitely worth the visit. Bon appetite!
Bethel Park Farmers Market:
•Bethel Park Community Center Playground, 5151 Park Ave. 3 to 7 p.m. Tues. May 4 to Oct. 19.
Bellevue Farmers Market:
•Hawley Ave. between Lincoln Ave. and Citizen Way. 3 to 7 p.m. Weds. May 26 through Oct. ?Weekly basket raffle.
Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market:
•United Lutheran Church lot, 975 Washington Road. 4 to 7 p.m. Weds. June 2 to Oct. 20.
Greensburg:
•Farmers Market at Lynch Field and Route 119. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May 1 through Oct.
Downtown:
•Market Square Farmers Market in the new Market Square, Forbes Ave. and Market Pl. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thurs. June 3 to Nov. 18. Noon concert series.
Strip District:
•Farmers@Firehouse, 2216 Penn Ave. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 8 to Nov. 20. Mostly organic and naturally grown produce, local meat and poultry. Chef demos weekly.
Ambridge Farmers Market:
• St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 624 Park Road off Route 65. 4 to 7 p.m. Thurs. May 6 to Nov. 18; open Nov. 23.
Bridgeville Farmers Market:
•In the lot of Northwest Savings Bank at 431 Washington Ave. 4 to 7 p.m. Tues., June 15 to mid-Sept.
Complete Listing Available At:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10126/1055910-34.stm
 Women often have negative car buying experiences. Ladies: are you nervous about buying a car? Do you hate the thought of shopping for one? Then this blog post is for you. It has to do with discrimination against female car shoppers, and now more than ever it’s important to talk about this issue, and deal with it head-on. Take a look at this article: The Gender Gap in Car Buying. It describes the experiences of editors Phil Reed and Carmen Tellez (writing for Edmunds.com) at several dealerships. They visited at different times so they would not be seen together, and documented the way in which they were treated by the staff. Take a minute to skim the article; then let’s consider its implications.
At the time this article was written, women bought or influenced eighty-five percent of all the new trucks and cars sold in the USA. Yet as you just observed, Phil and Carmen had remarkably different experiences at several of the dealerships they visited. Why is it that the prime targeted audience (female shoppers) is also the one treated with less respect, and taken less seriously? Phil was quoted a fair price on an Elantra, but the salesman lied to Carmen about the price: she would have been charged about $2,000 more than Phil. Although Phil and Carmen both enter one of the dealerships with apparent interest, only Phil is approached by a salesman and given a card. Only one of the dealerships actually passed their test for treating them both with respect.
One explanation for this problem is that some salesmen assume female buyers don’t know much about cars. This means a slick sales rep thinks he can take advantage of this lack of knowledge to cajole a potential female client into buying what he wants her to buy. For example, although Carmen specifically said she was interested in a champagne colored stick shift, the salesman told her he only had a white manual, and tried to pressure her into buying it.
Another possibility is that women can be stereotyped as the less aggressive, more easily manipulated demographic, as compared to supposedly more car-savvy, confident male buyers. In some instances this may be true, and this is due partly to the fact that female buyers anticipate road blocks and rocky sales negotiations when they set out to find their next vehicle.
The good news is that out of this bias towards male clients, efforts have been redoubled by intelligent, thoughtful car sales people who recognize the importance that female buyers have in the car market. There are now more online sites (such as this blog, and my website) whose purpose is to educate female car shoppers and help them be more comfortable and confident with the process. More and more companies also now require sensitivity or non-discrimination seminars as a standard part of a sales rep’s training. And as more people treat female and male car shoppers equally, I suspect that we female car buyers can have a bright car-buying future ahead of us.
 There are some things you can do to prevent car break-ins Summer is here, the weather is warm, and we all have fun on the brain. It’s the perfect time to visit family, hang out with friends, and go on vacation – and driving is a big part of our summer experience. Though we may not like to think about it, break-ins are a valid concern for car owners today, particularly as we visit new places or stay out later while the days are longer. The good news is, there are some steps you can follow to reduce the chances of having a break-in happen to you. Read on for a few tips to help you stay safe.
If you are going out and intend to return to your car after dark, be sure to park it in a public, well-lit area. If possible, look for a spot near a light post, especially if you are in a parking lot.
Buy a locking device to attach to your steering wheel. Just having a visible defense system could be enough to deter someone looking to make a quick steal.
Keep all valuables with you, or put them out of site in your car. If you have a GPS system, don’t leave its dock on your hood – even without seeing the actual device, leaving its dock in plain view will indicate that you own the GPS, and that it is probably somewhere in your car. Likewise, don’t leave your iPod dock or connector cable in plain view.
Always, always lock your doors when you leave your car unattended.
And of course, making sure you have an auto theft alarm will discourage potential thieves who wish to avoid attracting attention to themselves.
If your car is harder to get into than someone else’s, it is more likely to be left alone.
Stay safe this summer, and keep your car safe, too!
We’ve all done it.
You get a text or email on your phone, and without thinking you look at your phone to check it, completely oblivious to the fact that you’re operating a one-ton vehicle at 45 miles per-hour.
Most people would realize soon enough the danger of their actions and quickly put down the phone, but unfortunately, “most people” is not everybody. And even more unfortunately, the people most likely to actively make a decision to drive while texting are those who have the least experience driving in the first place: teenagers.
 Reports of accidents caused by distracted driving have risen significantly in the past few years For today’s teens, being constantly connected and in-touch seems to have become a right of passage. Everyone wants the hottest new phone or gadget, and thanks in large part to the new technology, kids are finding it easier and easier to stay in touch with one another. The problem with that though is the added expectation of being constantly available, and the myriad ways in which people can reach you, many of which are now all aggregated into smart phones. In fact, a recent survey found that most distracted driving issues amongst teens are caused by them simply not wanting to be out of touch.
Just think of all the ways a teen’s smart phone could distract them without any initiative on their part: text message, phone call, email, and thousands of different apps that will send distracting messages right to your phone, like Facebook, RSS feeds, sports updates, Twitter apps, and any app that allows its users to message one-another.
Just think about it. Texting while driving has quickly reached such impossible-to-ignore levels that it seems we barely even hear any more about the dangers of plain-old cellphone use while driving.
So how do you stop your teen from distracted driving or help to ensure they don’t start? For one, positive messages always are more effective than negative ones, so try to explain to your teen how much it makes YOU worry. Reinforce how you care for their safety. Just telling them that it’s dangerous will not have an effect on them. Kids aren’t stupid. They know it’s dangerous! But if you make sure they realize you are worried about it, they will be more likely to think twice.
Another great method is getting your teen some sort of hands-free calling device. Ideally, if you happen to be in the search for a car, look for a car with Bluetooth. Friends will find it very cool, which means your teen will be more likely to use it. And most cars will activate it the moment your phone comes within range. Best of all, Bluetooth, is available on many entry-level vehicles at the standard trim level, so you don’t have to splurge to get a vehicle with Bluetooth integrated. And if you’re not in the market for a car, Bluetooth earpieces are very inexpensive and easy to use now too.
For teens, technology equals status. So buying them a Bluetooth earpiece and encouraging them to make phone calls instead of texting while they are driving can go a long way toward ensuring your teenager’s safety.
Now that it’s summer we no longer have to worry about the dangers of winter ice and snow. However that doesn’t mean that we are completely off the hook when it comes to worrisome weather on the roadways.
Rain can be very dangerous. As drivers there are a few safety precautions we should be aware of to ensure our safety and others while driving.
 Suzie knows safety! First off windshield wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months or every 6,000 miles. According to weather.com experts have found that most people change their blades every 2 to 3 years. This prevents drivers from having the most efficient windshield while driving.
Good Year has created a line of tires targeted for driving in the rain and are intended to eliminate hydroplaning. The tires have wider grooves in them to improve traction. These tires can range in price from $72.00 to $1100.00, which is a huge price range especially when you are looking to buy four. It is important to compare prices with multiple manufactures so you feel comfortable with your decision and are educated on what products are out there.
Lastly, a minor touch to the front windshield of your car can make all the difference. A special spray that acts as a water repellent will guarantee a clear line of vision. It works by beading up the water making it easier to see even before the windshield wipers have a chance to clear the water.
Summer showers can be frequent and spontaneous so weatherize your car as soon as possible so you feel safe and prepared when they do occur!
With summer quickly approaching, it’s a great time to buy a GPS system for your car. This is the perfect tool to take on vacations or day trips.
 GPS System According to CNET the most popular navigation system is a Garmin Nuvi 1690. Completely touch screen, this device comes with blue tooth to allow hands free calling. Traffic Data, fuel prices, and Google searches for certain points of interest are some of the most popular features. Receiving 4 out of 5 stars this product was by far the majority of costomer’s favorite navigation system with little complaints. The price typically ranges from $340.00 to $475.00.
Not far behind, is the Motorola MotoNav TN765t costing anywhere from about $270.00 to $280.00. This product has text to speech, hands free calling, and combines maps and menus. Receiving the same rating as the Garmin, the only down fall is that reception can sometimes get cloudy when traveling through cities where you are surrounded by high buildings.
Coming in third is the Tom Tom XL 340 S. This is significantly cheaper then the Garmin and Motorola and will most likely cost you somewhere between $99.00 and $200.00. Lane guidance, fuel rates, easy to read screen and text to speech are features included with this navigation system. If you aren’t planning on traveling a lot, this may be the best option with the best price for you.
Check out Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or Target for the best prices on GPS systems.
As a firm believer in safe driving, Suzie became concerned as I continued to drive into my 70s and 80s, fearful that my driving abilities would be compromised. Are you concerned about your own mother or father’s driving abilities as they get older? Although in Pennsylvania there are no special older driver’s license renewal laws, there are still plentiful resources Suzie found that assist older drivers like myself, while alleviating the anxiety of our worried families.
 Roadside Review Online- A free screening tool that measures the physical and mental abilities necessary for safe driving Check to Prevent a Wreck
Older individuals can assess our driving abilities through tools on the web provided by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Suzie encouraged me to visit seniordrivers.org and download “Roadside Review” to test if my physical and mental abilities necessary for operating a vehicle were up to par. I also found this online self survey provided by AAA, called “Drivers 55-Plus Self Rating Quiz,” which gave me a realistic glimpse into my own abilities on the road.
In addition to the specific driving assessments online, Suzie insisted I get my vision checked yearly and ask my doctors if any medications I take impair my ability to operate a vehicle.
Test and Assess
A driver refresher course is an even more concrete and direct way for us older drivers to check our skills. Contact your local AAA or AARP to find a class near you. One of my friends enrolled in a class, and not only did she increase her safety on the road, but she also earned a discount on her auto insurance!
A more expensive, but more thorough, option is a professional assessment. A driver rehabilitation specialist evaluates the driver’s skills and makes recommendations based on the assessment and the driver’s needs. Contact the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists or the American Occupational Therapy Association to find a professional.
 Take steps to ensure your driving remains safe as you age! Turning in the Keys
A year ago, when I finally did reach the point when driving was no longer safe nor possible, Suzie kept me positive by informing me of all my other transportation options. She found this information about other means of transportation through The Area Agency on Aging’s Southwestern Pennsylvania site.
Though Pennsylvania does not have laws in place to check and assess older driver’s abilities, there are still numerous ways for concerned family members and friends to ensure their loved ones are driving safely. Though it was a tender and sensitive subject for me, Suzie helped me realize my driving abilities directly affected everyone else on the road. Use Suzie and my example to talk to your loved ones today about the importance of driver safety.
 With gas prices rising, everyone wants a vehicle with good gas mileage. But most people don’t realize there are ways to increase your miles per gallon by the way you drive and the pressure of your tires.
To help increase your MPG, have your tire pressure to be the maximum pressure available. The car may ride a bit stiffer than you’re used to, but it will roll a lot easier, thereby putting less strain on the engine. Under inflated tires offer much more rolling resistance than properly inflated tires do.
Keep your foot off the gas as much as possible. Whenever possible try to increase speed gradually and slowly. Pick a spot to merge into traffic before you feel the need to speed and merge in. Try keeping at the speed limit or below the speed limit to reduce the use of gas.
Slow down sooner then usual when coming to a stop sign or red light. If your tire pressure is up, your vehicle will coast longer to a stop. Again, keeping your foot off the gas less will increase your MPG.
When going up long hills or grades take your car out of overdrive until you reach the top of the hill. If you leave it in overdrive when climbing a hill you will have to put your foot into the gas more to keep your momentum up.
When going down a hill or grade, keep your car in neutral and coast. If it’s a steep downgrade leave it in gear and coast that way. The transmission will help slow you down a little on steep downgrades, but in any event try to keep your foot out of the gas for as long as you can.
Keep these tips in mind, the next time you go on a drive. You are gaurunteed to keep a few more bucks in your pocket.
 2010 Honda Fit For the past five months, Kelley Blue Book has been studying and testing the year’s newest cars to compile for their annual “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000″ list. The choices are based on a set of criteria including safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology. They also take into consideration other extra details that might make the car stand out amongst other vehicles. Well, the results are finally in and half of the list is dominated by Baierl Automotive brand cars!
With the economic issues we’ve been seeing over the past few years, it’s almost hard to believe that there are still any cars under $18K that are even worth a second glance when compared to the luxury status of some more expensive cars. Baierl brand prides itself on featuring a wide array of affordable price points and great quality, so their noticeable presence on the list is no surprise.
Check out the Baierl cars that made the cut and what Kbb.com had to say about these new 2010 rides.
2010 Honda Civic
“The Honda Civic has been on a lot of our accolade lists throughout the years, so what makes it cool enough to be on this one? We like the Civic’s futuristic styling inside and out, its highly efficient engine and its available options including a navigation system, Bluetooth and leather interior, all of which are backed by Honda’s renowned reputation for reliability. Pretty cool, right?”
2010 Honda Fit
“The Honda Fit’s versatility, fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive nature have kept this sub-compact on our list of cool cars since its American debut. Now in its second generation, the Honda Fit keeps its cool with available options like paddle shifters, a navigation system and iPod integration.”
 2010 Kia Soul 2010 Kia Soul
“The 2010 Kia Soul combines the versatility of a sub-compact cargo van, the confident style of a bull dog fashion model and tech-friendliness rivaling the Geek Squad’s. It’s one modern mix of cool, with a standard equipment list that includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and iPod integration.”
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
“The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer shares the aggressive styling and attitude of its high-performance Ralliart and EVO variants, but starts at about half the price. The Lancer’s crisp handling provides a rewarding connection to the road, and there’s enough off-the-line power to get you excited without getting you into trouble.”
2010 Scion xB
“Starting trends is always cool. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Scion xB — the car that started the box-on-wheels trend in America — has made our cool cars list for several years running. Even though the 2010 Scion xB now shares the econo-box stage with the Nissan Cube and the Kia Soul, there’s just something uber-hip about tooling around town in the distinctive-looking and fully customizable car that started it all.”
So don’t ever think that you can’t get a cool, luxurious car on a budget, because this list proves you definitely can! Get into Baierl where you’ll find great cars and great deals.
Honda is giving college graduates even more to celebrate as they don their cap and gown and pack up their books. The Honda Graduate Program offers flexible financing on new or certified used Honda vehicles, making it easier for recent grads to finally purchase that car to drive to interviews and new jobs.
 Honda Civic Personalized Packages
Honda Financial Services customizes the financing, lease and purchase-plan packages to meet your needs. On traditional financing packages, you can defer the first payment for 90 days, with 60 days of no interest, while you secure your new dream job. And don’t worry about buying that new suit; the accommodating financing will help you keep the monthly payments as low as possible.
Build Your Credit
Though class credits are a thing of the past, new grads need to focus on their credit rating as they enter the real world. Participating in the Honda Graduate Program promotes a great start for new grad’s credit rating, which helps when managing credit cards, renting apartments, and other responsibilities outside of the college bubble.
How to Qualify
Graduates who have recently earned- or will earn in four months- a Masters, Bachelors, or Associates degree from accredited colleges or registered nursing program are eligible to qualify for the Graduate Program.
 Honda Accord Just head to your local Honda dealership and make sure to bring:
- Proof of employment, or a commitment from an employer
- Diploma or proof of eligibility
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
For more information, visit the Honda Financial Services website.
Graduating college is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Let Honda drive away your anxiety about a new car with the Honda Graduate Program.
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