I have added a Portfolio section to my real estate web site. It includes some nice images from recent work with real estate agents. As part of my package for real estate listings I now have two versions of an online slide show. The slide show is included with each photo shoot I do, but it can also be purchased separately. The links to the two versions are on the home page of SCPComm.com.

As part of my ongoing coverage of photography news Canon has announced the update to their full-frame 1Ds series. The Mark III ups the pixel count and frames-per-second, but keeps the price the same as the previous version.

Here are my latest entries to my blog. Hopefully you will find them interesting...

• Microsoft Photosynth - Practical or Not
  
• Bunnies in the Backyard
  
• Copyright vs. Fair Use
  
• Give a Four Year Old a Camera
  

With gas prices taking a significant portion of your budget here are several tips you can use every day to help control the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes. From normal vehicle maintenance to your driving habits, every part of a vehicle operation plays a role in consuming fuel and, consequently, how much you spend on gasoline.

1. Vehicle maintenance: Properly maintaining your vehicle is important to how efficiently it runs. Follow the scheduled maintenance in your owners manual for oil changes, filter and fluid replacement. Use only the specified grades of oil and fuel as well.

2. Tire Pressure: Correct tire pressure is not only crucial for your safety while in the vehicle it also improves fuel economy. An under-inflated tire reduces fuel economy by 4% per every one pound drop in pressure per tire. Be sure to have a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times and check your tires regularly.

3. Driving habits: Slow down and use the brakes less. A more consistent driving method will greatly improve your miles per gallon. Drive during less busy times to avoid traffic and congestion. Roll up your windows to improve the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Remove all excess weight from your vehicle.

4. City driving: Combine your errands to make fewer trips, avoid excess idling. Idling uses more fuel than turning off and restarting your engine. Additionally this helps reduce the amount of pollutants your vehicle emits.

5. Road trips: Pre plan your trip and route. Reduce your luggage and avoid packing things on top of the vehicle. Use the vehicle that gets the best mileage. Slow down and use your cruise control, speeds above 60mph drastically decrease fuel economy.

Justin Stobb can be reached at justin@allwheeldriveauto.com or by calling 425-828-3600.