Create a Windows 7 repair disc and save it for an emergency.
Windows 7 provides support for creating a system repair disc that you can use to recover from a major operating system crash. The same features are included on the Windows 7 installation CD, but if you've lost this disc or it is damaged, you will need a repair disc to access the Windows 7 recovery features if your system malfunctions or becomes unbootable.
Instructions
1. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel" from the menu. Click "System and Security," then select "Backup and Restore."
2. Click "Create a System Repair Disc." If you have more than one optical drive installed on your PC, choose your preferred CD/DVD burner from the drop-down menu. Place a blank CD or DVD in the drive tray and click "Create disc." A progress bar displays on the screen.
3. Click "OK" when Windows reports that the process is complete. Creating the recovery disc should only take a few minutes.
Finding deep discounts on major appliances is easier than you think
When it comes to purchasing major appliances at a discount, a major retailer may not be the answer. Major retailers don't offer the best prices out there, even in their close-out stores. If you really want to save big, you have to consider buying a major appliance that isn't perfect -- a little scratched, a little dented, or a fully refurbished used model that is marked down to a fraction of the price you'd pay in a retail store. These appliances are warrantied and new -- dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves -- at a fraction of the cost. All you have to do is be willing to shop creatively and accept a few minor flaws to save big.
Instructions
1. Consult the local business directory for appliances. Call and ask if any of the stores offer "scratch-and-dent" discounts or are a "scratch-and-dent" retailer. If so, ask if their products are warrantied. Go by and see what they have to offer and make a notation of the prices. Tell the sales manager that you are going to look through a few more discount stores locally and see if he would be willing to match or beat the competition's prices. The best appliances to look for are those that have a scratch or dent on the side of the unit that is not located anywhere near the electric controls of the appliance. Standard warranties are 60- to 90 days. Many major "bent-and-dent" appliance centers also have websites with individual listings for each appliance for sale.
2. Call your local appliance repair shop or independent repairman. Many local appliance repair shops or independent repairmen resell perfectly good appliances for a fraction of what you'd normally pay for a new machine. Many also have have access to "bent-and-dent" appliances straight from the manufacturer, especially if they are located near a distribution center. Many of these small businesses will take perfectly good used equipment off the hands of someone who is replacing their washer and dryer with newer models that have more bells and whistles. These items also come with a 30- to 60- and sometimes 90-day warranty. You'll be surprised at what you find at a fraction of the cost.
3. Search in your local directory to see if there is a distribution center for a major appliance brand such as Whirlpool, Kenmore or Maytag in your area. Contact the center to see if they sell "scratch-and-dent" items to the public. Often they do, but if they don't, they will tell you a local store who takes their items for them and resells them at a low cost. This means that you can get a new, top-of-the-line appliance for a fraction of the price.
4. Search Internet listings such as Craigslist and eBay to see if you can find "bent-and-dent" items in your area. Stick with new appliances if at all possible. If you find one at an incredible deal, do yourself a favor and call the local appliance repair shop and talk with a service tech and ask questions about that particular model. Ask whether the manufacturer has had problems with the design and how expensive they are to maintain. Ask if they have a comparable and reliable model of which they can match the price.
5. Call a major brand appliance repair center and ask if they have any models in their shop for sale. Often a customer will drop off an item for repair and will not pay for the repair. In most states, after 90 days they are able to sell the item for a fraction of the cost you'd normally pay. This is usually the case at most Sears service centers where the technicians have refurbished and serviced the model for resale. These items also come with a limited warranty, usually 60 to 90 days.
Tags: appliance repair, fraction cost, local appliance, local appliance repair, they have
Active seniors can participate in the construction of their home with Habitat for Humanity.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal agencies provide home-ownership grants to income-qualified households. Seniors that are first-time home buyers, or who have not purchased a home within three years of applying for a grant are eligible for help. Grants are awarded to low-to-moderate income households. HUD has established the income limit levels for every county in the U.S. These income limit levels are based on the average household income for that county. Since some counties have higher average income levels than others, the low-income limit level will vary.
American Dream Downpayment Initiative
HUD's American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) helps first-time home buyers purchase a home with down payment assistance. Seniors with income at or below 80 percent of the area's median income can qualify for help. The senior can receive $10,000 or 6 percent of the purchase price of the home. The applicant must be a first-time home buyer or must not have purchased a home within three years of applying to the ADDI program. The grant can also be used toward paying for closing costs or home repairs. The repairs must be completed within one year of receiving the ADDI grant funds.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Programs provides grants to nonprofit agencies to purchase abandoned and foreclosed homes. These homes are rehabilitated and put on the market at an affordable price. The home must be sold to income-qualified families. Seniors with low-to-moderate income can qualify to purchase the home. HUD defines low-to-moderate income as 80 to 120 percent of the area's median income. The nonprofit organization may also offer down-payment assistance for the purchase of the home.
SHOP Grant
HUD's Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) helps home buyers purchase a home through their own sweat equity. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity use SHOP grant funds to help low-income families achieve home ownership. Seniors with incomes at or below 80 percent of the area's median income can qualify for help. The senior must put in 100 hours of work toward constructing the home. The senior must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, have steady income, good credit and have the ability to make a down payment toward the purchase of the home.
AHP
Federal Home Loan Banks across the country set aside 10 percent of their net income to fund affordable housing projects. The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) assists first-time home buyers purchase a home. Seniors with low-to-moderate income can apply for help. Each bank has its own grant programs and eligibility requirements. These grants are awarded on a competitive basis to non-profit agencies committed to providing affordable housing to low-income communities. Each Federal Home Loan Bank's website has a list of grantees that received money for their projects. You must apply for a grant through one of these nonprofit agencies.
Tags: purchase home, first-time home, low-to-moderate income, Seniors with, area median
Rain that hits the side of an outside wall may cause water stains. Rain can also seep through leaky log cracks or windows and then onto interior walls. Water exposure to log walls can leave white or dark colored rings or wavy lines when the water dries. White stains on logs are caused by water penetrating the finish, but not the actual log. Dark or black stains are indicators that water has penetrated either the finish or unfinished surface and into the actual log. Fortunately, any types of water staining can easily be removed from log walls. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Remove White Water Stains
1. Take a small bowl and fill it up with lemon oil. Place the steel wool pad inside the bowl and allow it to sit for a few minutes to ensure saturation.
2. Pick up the steel wool pad and squeeze out any remaining oils.
3. Gently rub the pad over the water stain. The lemon oil will help prevent the pad from digging into the wood and scratching by acting as a lubricator.
4. Re-soak the steel wood pad and repeat for each water stain that is white in color.
5. Read the instructions to the wood or oil soap. Wash the previously white water stained area on the log wall with soap per the instructions.
Remove Dark or Black Water Stains
6. Gently sand the dark water stain with the fine grit sand paper to remove wood finish or varnish. Sanding is necessary to remove the finish or varnish in order to reach stains that have penetrated into the actual log.
7. Wipe off the sanded area with a lint free cloth to remove debris.
8. Put on rubber gloves and old clothing and then fill a small bowl up with bleach. Dip a small paintbrush into the bleach and brush onto the stained area. Do not overly saturate the wood.
9. Allow the bleach to sit for two to three hours and reapply to the stain. Reapply as often as necessary until the dark stains are completely gone.
10. Apply a matching color stain or varnish to the log wall by following the instructions that are found on the product packaging.
Tags: Water Stains, water stain, finish varnish, From Walls, into actual, Remove Water
Qualifying homes may receive attic insulation from Michigan's weatherization grant program.
A relatively small investment in weatherization reaps benefits in the cost of reduced heating and cooling costs for the lifetime of the house. The Michigan Department of Human Services teams with Michigan Community Action Agency Association to provide weatherization services at no cost to qualifying homeowners. Because the state only provides funding to MCAAA organizations which then administer the program, the qualifications and application process to receive a grant vary around the state, although guidelines for program eligibility are relatively consistent around the state.
Granting Agencies and Eligibility
The Michigan Department of Human Services provides funding for local agencies to administer their weatherization programs locally. Applicants should locate the MCAAA member that serves their county, and contact the agency to begin the application process. While each agency enforces its own guidelines for eligibility, most homes in which the owners earn below 200 percent of the poverty level -- about $44,000 annually for a family of four as of 2011 -- may be eligible for the program in most areas. In most cases, financial eligibility is the sole criteria in qualification for the program. All Supplemental Security Income and Family Independence Program recipients automatically qualify for the program.
Priority Eligibility
Homes in which senior citizens and infants live receive priority funding from the program, although all qualifying low-income families may be considered for a grant. Although weatherization grants aim to help homeowners battle utility costs in the winter, one of its primary stated goals is to reduce unsafe conditions in homes with infants, helping to eliminate dangerous reliance on space heaters and potentially dangerous sleeping arrangements.
Available Funding
The Michigan Department of Human Services authorizes local agencies to make up to $6,500 in repairs and upgrades to each qualifying home, although many homeowners don't receive that amount of weatherization upgrades. After a homeowner demonstrates financial eligibility to the administering agency, the agency inspects the home to determine modifications that will be most cost-effective in reducing the residents' energy bills. Improvements may include weather-stripping windows and adding insulation to walls and attics. Private weatherization contractors perform specified improvements on homes once a local agency draws up its improvement plans.
Grants' Impact
The average household spends about $1,300 on energy costs each year, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Weatherizing improvements typically cut a homeowner's utility costs by an average of about 25 percent, or between $200 and $300 annually per household. In some of the state's most poorly insulated homes, utility costs may account for up to 40 percent of a low-income family's wages each month.
Tags: Human Services, Michigan Department, Department Human, Department Human Services, Michigan Department Human, utility costs
Finding the best nursing home for yourself or a loved one is important for your peace of mind. Many factors should be considered when selecting a home, including location, quality of medical care, cleanliness and treatment of the residents. Kalamazoo, Michigan, has several top-rated nursing homes, as ranked by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Does this Spark an idea?
Friendship Village
Friendship Village (friendshipvillagemi.com) has been in operation for over 30 years and receives the highest ranking of five out of five stars by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Apartments are located in the main building along with a variety of amenities, such as a restaurant-style dining room, private dining room, performing arts center, hair salon, convenience store, library, art gallery and exercise room. Garden Homes are available for residents looking for a space that feels more like a house than an apartment, but still features the services of a retirement home. Friendship Village also offers planned trips to destinations like parks and operas, on-site health care, assisted living and a five-acre nature preserve.
Bronson Nursing and Retirement Center
Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (bronsonhealth.com) is rated four out of five stars by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The facility is located in Lawson, Michigan, 20-miles from Kalamazoo. Bronson's facility offers both short- and long-term care tailored to each resident's individual needs. Social features like pet therapy, excursions, religious services and transportation are offered along with medical services such as hospice care, blood work, X-rays, and dental work to meet the needs of each resident.
Alamo Nursing Home
Located in the countryside, 10 minutes from Kalamazoo, the family-owned Alamo Nursing Home (alamonursinghome.com) is one of the top-rated nursing homes in the area, receiving four out of five stars from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Services offered at Alamo include dietary assistance, behavior management and financial consulting. Residents have private bedrooms and access to a communal sunroom, cafeteria and library.
Plainwell Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Plainwell Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Community (atriumlivingcenters.com) is located just 10 miles north of Kalamazoo in Plainwell, Michigan. The United States Department of Health and Human Services ranks Plainwell Pines as one of the top-rated nursing homes with four out of five stars. While Plainwell Pines offers 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services, an independent lifestyle is encouraged, with many services and amenities available to help residents reach that goal. Pet therapy, resident and family therapy are offered to maintain emotional well-being, and physical rehabilitation, dementia care and hospice care are available to assist in physical well-being.
Tags: Department Health, Department Health Human, Health Human, Health Human Services, Human Services, States Department
Title insurance commitments provide necessary information for ALTA surveys.
American Land Title Association (ALTA) surveys are usually performed on commercial properties. They are required by title insurance companies and lenders. The surveys are composed of boundary lines, buildings and improvements, ancillary buildings, utility easements, railway and right-of-way easements, among other items. They are complex and must meet ALTA specifications as defined by the American Land Title Association, National Society of Professional Surveyors and the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. The surveys can be found recorded in the Registrar of Deeds office in either paper or electronic format.
Instructions
Standard Search
1. The Registrar of Deeds office provides free access to public records.
Go to the Registrar of Deeds office in the city, town or county where the property is located. This is where you will find real estate records for properties in your jurisdiction. These records are available to the general public.
2. Title examiners and legal professionals can help locate surveys.
Locate the Plat Index Book. Ask an office employee for assistance if you have trouble locating the book. A plat is a map of the property.
3. ALTA surveys are beneficial for commercial real estate transactions.
Search the index book to find your plat book and page number. The properties will be listed in alphabetical order under the name in which the survey was titled by the licensed surveyor. The survey is typically titled under either the name of the buyer, seller or the name of the business.
4. Most recorded surveys are contained in a protective or laminated covering.
Identify the plat book and page number that is shown in the right-hand column next to the appropriate reference. You will see a plat book and page number and usually a plat slide number.
5. Plat Books vary in size throughout courthouses.
Locate the plat book chart. Scan it until you find the plat book and page reference along with the plat slide number if you were unable to find the plat slide number in the plat index book.
6. Pull the corresponding plat slide from the plat cabinet once you know the plat slide number. You have located the survey. Ask an office employee for assistance if you need a copy of the plat. An example of an ALTA survey is shown at "ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey."
Computer Search
7. Some surveys are available to view in digital format.
Locate and access the computer containing public deed records if the plats are available in electronic format.
8. Use the zoom feature for a better view of digital maps.
Select the "Plat Index" search category and enter the required search information by following the instructions on the monitor. You will usually be asked to enter the name of the plat you are searching for. Enter the data and click "Search."
9. Request assistance from office personnel to print large maps.
Select the plat document you want to view on the listing displayed on the monitor. The image will be displayed and a copy can be made by selecting the "Print" option.
Tags: plat book, plat slide, book page, plat book page, plat slide number
Basic repairs of a clothes dryer focus primarily on improving air flow.
A clothes dryer is simply a machine that circulates heated air through your wet clothes in a process that evaporates the moisture. Problems that arise from this process often deal with inadequate air flow as well as faulty sealing around the various parts of the dryer. Just about anyone can easily repair these problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pull out the lint screen and inspect it for a buildup of lint particles. A dryer that is suddenly taking too long to dry clothes is often the result of a buildup of lint that serves to clog proper air flow.
2. Inspect the air ducts if the lint screen is clean. Use a vacuum to suck up lint from the ducts. Check for any vent ducts that have a turn of 90 degrees or more. A bend in the vent duct can trap both water and lint and result in an inefficient drying process. Straighten out the vent ducts so that you can create a completely straight pathway as much as possible.
3. Inspect the door sealing for signs of damage, cracking or looseness. Pry off the old seal and remove the adhesive left behind with mineral spirits. Apply a new replacement seal around the door and press it with a putty knife. Use special heat-resistant RTV silicone adhesive that is usually sold with the seal to adhere it to the surface.
4. Remove the front door of the dryer. Squeeze the catch using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Use the pliers to remove any tabs that might be attached. Push the catch free and remove the strike by squeezing it and pulling it out. Replace with a new door catch and reassemble.
5. Use a VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) set on RX1 to test the door switch. Disconnect the leads and touch the probe to the terminals. Look for a reading of zero when the door is closed and infinity when the door is open. Look for reverse readings on the light terminals if the switch is wired to a light.
6. Remove the screws holding a defective door switch in place. Lift the switch out from the dryer. If you have trouble, use a screwdriver to pry out the switch. Replace the defective switch with an exact matching duplicate and reassemble.
7. Adjust the air shutter on a gas-powered dryer. Look at the burner flame to determine if it is getting too much or too little air. A yellow flame indicates too little air, while a flame making a roaring sound indicates too much air. Loosen the thumbscrew located on the air shutter and rotate the shutter until the flame is burning properly. Get the flame to burn light blue while making no sound. Retighten the setscrew.
Tags: buildup lint, clothes dryer, door switch, ducts that, lint screen, vent ducts, vent ducts that
Located in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 6, Cincinnati, Ohio is home to several varieties of native plants -- those indigenous to the area and acclimated to growing conditions found in the state. The Cincinnati Zoo runs a native plant program educating residents on the importance of native plants in the hope of protecting native plants and inhibiting the transport and planting of varieties that could become invasive to the area. Does this Spark an idea?
Wild Blue Indigo
Wild blue indigo flowers turn black when cut from the stem.
An Ohio native, wild blue indigo (Baptisia australis) is a wild flower with stalks of deep blue, almost purple flowers. The flowers bloom in early summer and mature into black seed pods in the fall. Wild blue indigo grows to 48 inches tall. This perennial prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. This native wildflower is endangered in Ohio, according the United States Department of Agriculture. Do not pick or remove this flower from the wild. Wild blue indigo is a member of the legume family and adds nitrogen to the soil. Local Native Americans uses this plant for medicinal purposes and to make a blue dye.
Moonbeam Coreopsis
Moonbeam coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is an herbaceous perennial that grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Yellow or yellow-orange flowers bloom on slender stems from early to late summer. Cut off the spent flowers to encourage the plants to rebloom, according to Ohio State University. Moonbeam coreopsis, also known as Threadleaf coreopsis or whorled tickseed, spreads by thick roots called rhizomes. It also self-seeds and can quickly spread unless spent flowers are removed before seeds develop. This Ohio native grows to 2 feet tall and wide in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
Wild Ginger
The heart-shaped leaves of wild ginger (Asarum candense) form a dense carpet in partial to full shade. The leaves grow to 6 inches tall and are herbaceous. Bell-shaped red flowers bloom under the leaves in the early spring according to the University of Illinois. This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
American Holly
Birds feast on Holly's red berries.
The bright green leaves and red berries of the American Holly (Ilex opaca) have become a familiar Christmas decoration. A Cincinnati native, birds and mammals feed on the berries in the fall and winter and the evergreen foliage of the American Holly provides shelter for wildlife. A large shrub or small tree, the American holly reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The American holly prefers partial shade but benefits from periods of full sun.
Tags: blue indigo, Department Agriculture, flowers bloom, moist well-drained, native plants, States Department, States Department Agriculture
The goal of owning rental property is to have more money coming in than going out each month. Besides taxes, mortgage payments and insurance, there are other factors to consider when budgeting for rental property ownership. Maintenance cost estimates are critical to creating a realistic budget. Factor in the condition and particular characteristics of your rental property to make solid estimates. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Estimate Maintenance Costs for Rental Properties
1. Evaluate the property as it stands now. Hire professionals to perform inspections to determine the condition of the property. Faulty electrical wiring and broken plumbing are among the most expensive problems to fix. Factor in upfront maintenance costs to make the rental property move-in ready.
2. Factor in the weather. Does your area get heavy rain that can cause water damage? Are hailstorms fairly common? High winds? Don't forget extremes of heat and cold. Cold climates, for example, require adequate insulation to prevent such things as frozen water pipes.
3. Look at the outdoor space. Grass, trees and flowers make for a nice landscape, but they cost money to maintain. Factor in the cost of weekly or biweekly pruning and lawn mowing during warm months. Concrete parking lots and sidewalks require maintenance as well to prevent and repair cracks.
4. Research the tenant history. Rental properties in certain areas, such as college towns, experience higher than average turnover rates. Ask the seller for files on all tenants. Property owners spend additional money on advertisements, legal fees, cleanup and repairs each time a tenant breaks a lease or is evicted.
5. Add up the units. General maintenance tasks such as replacing flooring and painting walls will eventually have to be done in all of the rental units. Even if the work is not done in all units at the same time, the cost is still there over time. Create a plan to distribute such costs over a reasonable time period.
6. Factor in managerial costs. Many property owners hire managers to take care of day-to-day operations. Managers cost money, but they save owners time. According to All Property Management, most management companies charge a portion of the rent, usually 6 percent to 12 percent.
Trampoline pads prevent injury caused by falling on bare springs and hooks.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 90,000 trampoline-related emergency room visits in 2001. When used improperly, the chance for injury on a trampoline increases. Make your trampoline safer by covering the springs, hooks and frame with a trampoline pad. When installing the pad, stand on the ground around the perimeter of the trampoline. Jumping on the trampoline should be off-limits during installation.
Instructions
1. Lay out the trampoline pad across the edges of the trampoline. The black spring loops should be facing down, underneath the pad. Align the trampoline pad so the black spring loops and grommet holes sit over the trampoline's legs.
2. Locate the trampoline spring connected to the trampoline leg. Pull the spring toward you and lift up to unhook it from the trampoline frame. Slip the loose end of the spring through the spring hoop hanging from the underside of the trampoline pad. Hook the spring back into place on the trampoline frame.
3. Insert the looped end of a pad bungee supplied with the trampoline pad through one of the metal grommets next to the spring loop. Thread the T-shaped end of the pad bungee through the other grommet. Each bungee end should be poking out from the bottom of the trampoline pad.
4. Grasp the looped end of the pad bungee and wrap it around the top of the trampoline leg. Wrap Insert the T-shaped end through the loop to secure the pad bungee around the trampoline leg.
5. Walk around the perimeter of the trampoline and connect all spring loops and pad bungees. When finished, the trampoline pad will be secure.
Tags: spring loops, around perimeter, around perimeter trampoline, around trampoline, black spring, black spring loops
Life with a disability is never easy; doors can be too narrow, sinks too high and bathrooms too small. However, the needs of the disabled are now recognized on a wide scale, and help is available to those in need. Grants can help the handicapped to turn their homes into structures designed to accommodate their unique needs, whether it's installing a wheelchair ramp or outfitting a house with handrails, grant money can make it happen.
Handi-Ramp Grants
Hand-Ramp offers renovation grants to make homes wheelchair accessible.
The Handi-Ramp Foundation assists the disabled and their families in choosing a home suited to their needs and customizing it provide those in wheelchairs with easy access in and and around their houses. The organization offers a free consulting service to help families make the best decision when purchasing a house, helping them to choose something well suited to needs of a wheelchair user. The organization also provides grants for making further modifications to the home, installing wheelchair ramps, adjusting entryways and performing other required alterations as needed. Grant amounts vary according to the amount of work the home needs and a family's income.
Handi-Ramp Foundation
510 North Avenue
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
847-996-6299
handirampfoundation.org
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant
A veteran's grant can be used to make a bathrooming accommodating to disabilities.
American veterans who suffered disabilities, including those caused by and not caused by military service, can apply for assistance to renovate their homes to make them handicapped friendly. The home improvements and structural alterations grant is available to vets with "a medical determination indicating improvements and structural alterations are necessary...for the effective and economical treatment of his/her disability." In 2010, the grants are worth up to $6,800 for those whose disability is connected their service and $2,000 for those with problems independent of the military. The grants can be used for things like lowering electrical switches, renovating the house entrance to make it wheelchair accessible and installing handrails.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
1-800-827-1000
va.gov
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Grant
A grant for sufferers of MS can be used to renovate the entry of a house.
Those with the nerve disease multiple sclerosis are sometimes unable to walk and otherwise function normally, and often, those with the condition need home renovations to accommodate wheelchairs and safety devices like handrails. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers grants to help with the expense of remodeling and making a home handicap accessible. Grant amounts vary according to need and applicants must be registered with the organization and file a financial assistance form which includes a doctor's diagnosis. The grants can be used for various adjustments, like lowering counters to wheelchair height or installing a ramp at the entryway of a house.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
1-800-344-4867
nationalmssociety.org
Tags: Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Multiple, National Multiple Sclerosis, Sclerosis Society, amounts vary, amounts vary according
Nothing ruins a good flat screen television faster than a scratch. Your dog jumped on the TV, or your young children got too close with their toys and hit it. Whatever the case, a scratch will be visible whenever the TV is on and will distract you from actually watching the program as you stare at the scratch. Buying a new TV or screen is too expensive when the problem is only a scratch. Here are several methods you can try to remove the scratch yourself, and save some money in the process.
Instructions
1. Check the TV's warranty. If it is still under warranty, check with the store or the manufacturer and ask if they cover scratches under the warranty. If they do, they will repair your TV for free.
2. Use a scratch kit on your television screen. These kits, which are made for flat screen TVs and computer monitors, can be bought online or in an electronics store. This is the safest method to use on your flat screen. If you want to try a home remedy instead, continue to Step 3.
3. Clean the TV screen with a soft cloth dipped in diluted isopropyl alcohol. This method will hide the scratch with clear lacquer. If you want to try petroleum jelly instead, skip to Step 9.
4. Place a small dab of auto rubbing compound onto the scratch on the screen. Use a piece of felt to rub the scratch until the anti-glare coating has been removed from the scratched area. Remember that the coating will be gone permanently, so skip this method if you do not want to remove it.
5. Clean the scratch again with a soft cloth and diluted isopropyl alcohol to remove the auto rubbing compound.
6. Measure and cut out a 5-millimeter hole in a piece of paper. This will allow you to fix only the scratch without damaging the screen around it.
7. Place the paper on the screen so the hole is over one end of the scratch. Spray clear lacquer onto the hole.
8. Move the paper up the scratch and spray the clear lacquer onto each section until the entire scratch is covered. Allow the lacquer to dry.
9. Dip a soft cloth in diluted isopropyl alcohol and clean the scratch. This method will use petroleum jelly to repair the scratch. This is only a temporary fix, and the petroleum jelly may disappear over time to reveal the scratch again.
10. Coat the end of a cotton swab in petroleum jelly and rub it into the scratch until the entire scratch is covered.
11. Wipe the excess petroleum jelly away with a soft cloth. Clean around the scratch with the diluted isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. This method will fill the scratch, but you may notice a slight blur in the area, especially if the scratch is large.
12. If these methods do not work, or you want to try a different method, take a white pencil eraser and rub it over the scratch. After a few minutes the scratch should disappear, but the eraser may leave a mark behind.
Candle colors have been associated with certain aspects of life for centuries. Some green candles are associated with holidays because they correspond to traditional holiday colors. At other times, green candles impart a spiritual meaning. Does this Spark an idea?
Tradition
Wealth and the abundance and success that are associated with the color green are traditional meanings of candles of this color.
Candle Magic
In Wicca and other pagan religions that use candles in the practice of magic, green candles are used in magic spells to attract money, employment or other material success. The color is also associated with the Earth.
Kwanzaa
In Kwanzaa celebration, three green candles are used as a part of a display. The green candles are used to symbolize life, the future and the Earth. This candle color is placed on the right side of the candle display.
Nature
Because new spring growth is often bright green, this color has also come to symbolize nature and new life. Green candles are often used in nature magic because of this meaning.
Life
Tied into nature and new life is fertility. Green candles are burned to symbolize a wish for children and enhanced fertility.
Tags: green candles, associated with, candles used, green candles used, color also, Green candles
Select proper planting times for fresh vegetables from the backyard garden.
Houston, Texas is located in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Map zone 8b. The zone number guides farmers and gardeners as to what plants are suitable for the area and indicates the peak times for planting garden vegetables. Does this Spark an idea?
Time Frame
In areas with mild winters, you can plant the first vegetables around January 15, including cabbage, asparagus, lettuce, mustard, radishes, spinach and turnips. Beets and broccoli can be planted in mid-February, while corn, cantalope and tomatoes can be planted in mid-to-late March. Peppers, squash, Southern peas, okra, cucumbers, eggplant and lima beans shouldn't be planted until at least April 1.
Potential
Plant a second spinach crop in September.
Because of the long Texas growing season, many crops in the Houston area can be planted a second time for a fall crop. Turnips, squash, Irish potatoes, kale, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, beets and broccoli can all be planted again in August, while radishes, spinach and onions can be planted again through September.
Considerations
To get a head start on the garden, consider starting plants indoors. Cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, squash, watermelon and cauliflower can all be started in containers inside; place these containers in a sunny, draft-free location. This method shortens the outdoor growing season and ensures that any unviable seeds will not be planted in the garden.
Elderly folks may suffer from one or more maladies that prevent them from sitting on wood, plastic or steel chairs. An armless chair or a stool doesn't provide enough support for most senior citizens (especially when standing up), so comfort and therapeutic value take precedence over décor and fashion.
High Seat Chairs Provide Comfort, Extra Support and Good Looks
Upholstered, living room chairs with high seat backs provide sturdy support for an elderly person's back. A foam padded chair with armrests like the Stein World Accent Chair with High Back from Walmart gives elderly people cushioning for their backs and something to grip onto if they have trouble standing up.
Shower Chairs for Bathroom Mobility
As people age, it becomes harder to maneuver in the shower and get in and out of the bathtub. A shower chair makes it easy for seniors who have weak legs or trouble standing or balancing in the shower. The Carex Universal Bath Bench (with back) has round feet that can rest against the front or the curvy back of the bathtub without wobbling. There are grab bars on both sides of the chair, and the textured, adjustable seat prevents slipping. Its also a good chair for seniors who need a bit of support out of the shower.
Comfortable Recliner Chairs
La-Z-Boy and other manufacturers offer all different types of comfy recliner chairs that elderly folks love. The Cloud Nine Chaise Rocker Recliner by Catnapper has an extending ottoman and a padded chaise to make sitting for long periods a lot softer.
Massage Chairs for Built-in Therapy
An invigorating massage chair adds heat and soft vibrating massage to soothe muscles and aching bones. The Power Life Chaise Recliner with Heat and Massage by Catnapper combines all the functions and features an elderly person needs in a living room chair. It has padded arms, adjustable heat and massage settings, and a lift to rest tired feet.
Stylish Seat Uplift Chair
The Risedale Seat Uplift Chair is specifically designed for seniors' everyday comfort, and still resembles a stylish wing chair. It has the same uplift feature of regular recliners, but only the seat moves upward, not the entire chair. It has two discreet levers to raise and lower the seat, and the legs are adjustable to accommodate your height. This allows the chair to rise with the user to help him to a standing position.
Tags: Best Chairs, Best Chairs Elderly, Chairs Elderly, elderly person, living room, Seat Uplift, Seat Uplift Chair
Apply for a business license to start a mobile mechanic business.
Start a mobile mechanic service to fix minor repair problems to a customer's vehicle at their home or office. This convenient service allows customers to go about their regular daily routine while you change a flat tire, replace the brakes or perform an oil change. Many customers do not have time to maintain their vehicle. A mobile mechanic can save customers a lot of time.
Instructions
1. Apply for a business license by contacting your local county clerk's office. Apply for an Employer Identification Number through the Internal Revenue Service. Use this number when filing tax and other business documents with state and federal agencies. Apply for a sales tax number through your state's department of revenue to accept sales tax from customers. Register your mobile mechanic business with your state's secretary of state's office to form a corporation, limited liability company or partnership. Purchase business insurance to protect auto repair equipment from damage or to cover the costs of a lawsuit or settlement.
2. Contact your state's secretary of state's office to determine if you need a mechanic's license to start a mobile mechanic business. Complete the necessary training and pass all exams to qualify for a license.
3. Create a home office large enough to store auto repair equipment such as tools, tire jacks, ramps, cloths and safety equipment such as safety glasses and knee pads, customer files and invoices. Purchase bookkeeping and invoicing software to track customer orders, invoices and business earnings. Purchase or lease a van or large truck to transport auto repair equipment from job to job safely.
4. Purchase mechanic tools, tool box and other materials you need to run a successful mobile mechanic business. Create a list of local auto supply shops such as tire stores and general supply stores so you can quickly purchase repair items when necessary.
5. Market your business by creating fliers and business cards. Leave fliers at local auto supply repair shops, oil change shops, car washes and eateries to attract customers. Create a website to showcase the types of mechanic services you provide. Include contact information, hours of operation and customer testimonials. List your business in local business directories.
Tags: mobile mechanic, mechanic business, mobile mechanic business, auto repair, auto repair equipment
To work on late model vehicles, mechanics must possess a great deal of technical knowledge.
Automotive trade colleges teach students the skills needed to succeed as an automotive technician. Students learn to diagnose and repair car issues, and work with clients. They generally learn both in the classroom and in an automotive shop environment, but individual curricula vary by college. Contact specific schools for the latest course schedules and fees.
Lincoln College
Lincoln College has franchise campuses throughout the United States. It has an automotive service technician program that teaches students to work on different automobile systems, including the drivetrain, suspension and emission. Graduates learn to diagnose problems with electrical, transmission and fuel systems, as well as mastering the fundamentals of automotive repair. Students pursue either a degree or a certificate in automotive repair.
Ferris State University
Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan offers bachelor's and associated of applied science degrees in automotive engineering technology as part of its Engineering Technology College. Students learn automotive engineering fundamentals in the classroom and diagnostic and repair techniques in a laboratory environment where they work on real vehicles. Bachelor's degree students learn to calibrate testing equipment and to design automotive systems. The associate's program requires an automotive engineering internship to fine-tune skills.
Westwood College
At campuses throughout the United States, Westwood College offers an automotive technology associate degree program that can be completed in 20 months. This hands-on program teaches students to work on automotive systems including brakes, suspension, engine, steering and heating and cooling issues. Students also learn about powertrain systems and how this system works in newer vehicles.
South Seattle
South Seattle Community College in Seattle, Washington has an automotive technology program that offers certificates and associate of applied science degrees. In a machine shop setting, students learn to diagnose and repair the different automotive systems. Students perform tune-ups vehicle and operate equipment that communicates with a vehicle's computer and electronic systems. Students work on both diesel and gasoline engines.
Going green doesn’t have to mean an end to your decorating fetish, but you might need to shift your thinking a bit to accommodate a post-consumerism attitude and eco-friendly designs. Follow these tips to help you do what’s right for the earth while you choose what works for your sense of style when furniture shopping. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Buy bamboo flooring, furniture and window blind products. The grasses used contain no pesticides and are fast growing, so they replenish easily, causing little damage to the environment.
2. Look for furniture that is easily fixed and designed to be long lasting. These are less likely to end up clogging up a landfill and even if they cost more, they will last.
3. Buy wood products that are certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council.
4. Buy furniture that has been made out of recycled materials, such as wood from old homes, factories or resurrected products that were found at the bottom of riverbeds and lakes. The Rainforest Alilance’s Rediscovered Wood Certification label will identify many of these products as eco-friendly.
5. Use recycled plastic and metal whenever possible to help minimize the need for more production.
6. Buy furniture that has low-toxicity levels, and stay away from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and things that have been treated with formaldehyde and flame- retardants.
7. Shop for pre-owned furniture in antiques stores, vintage, consignment and second-hand shops.
8. Buy local if you can. This will not only support your area businesses, but you will help save the environment by minimizing shipping.
9. Pick up freebie furniture you find on recycling websites, or shop at garage sales.
10. Remake your old furniture to suit your new tastes. A fresh coat of paint or some new fabric can lend a new look to old stuff, and you won’t have to spend much or feel guilty for throwing out something just because you got tired of it.
Tags: furniture that, Home Furniture, products that
Anyone with a little drive and motivation can remodel a mobile home bathroom. Removing all the old bathroom fixtures and replacing the flooring gives an old mobile home bathroom a complete overhaul. You can easily do this over the weekend. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove all the fixtures from the mobile home bathroom. This includes the toilet, bathtub, sink and vanity as well as all faucets. Toss what you plan on replacing and set aside what you will use again.
2. Tear up the bathroom flooring. Examine the floor underneath for any holes or areas that are sinking. Older mobile home floors tend to warp.
3. Level out the bathroom floor. Mix up mortar according to the instructions for your specific brand. Pour the mortar on the floor, allowing it to flow towards the slope. It will level out creating an even base to lay your flooring.
4. Lay the new flooring in your bathroom. With older mobile homes, use linoleum for your flooring as it is flexible and less likely to crack with any shaking or settling of the mobile home. Tile flooring will break easily.
5. Replace any cracked or damaged plumbing. You will need to crawl underneath your mobile home to access these pipes. If the pipes appear old or in less than perfect condition replace them to prevent any water damage.
6. Install the toilet, bathtub, vanity and sink. Make sure to caulk the fixtures around the edges to prevent leakage and possible water damage to the bathroom floor.
Tags: mobile home, home bathroom, mobile home bathroom, bathroom floor, toilet bathtub
There are grants available for widows and children of war veterans.
Widows of war veterans have a variety of programs available to them that offer financial aid. Some help is offered as grants, but there are pensions, scholarships and tax breaks available as well.
Florida's Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members
Florida offers a college grant to widows whose partners died prematurely as a result of their service in the armed forces. The grant applies to course-work of "six-credit" hours or more. It is not available to those who have remarried.
Federal Pensions
Federal grant money for the widows of veterans usually comes in the form of a pension. This money is not applicable to those whose spouses died in combat, but applies to those who spouses served at least 90 days in a combat setting. The general figure is $7,498 yearly but may go up to a maximum of $14,298 if the person is in need of "aid and attendance."
Army Emergency Relief Spouse and Children Scholarship Program
This program is also given to the widows of veterans. You may apply whether you are currently in the U.S. or still overseas. You are not eligible if you are actively an officer in the military yourself.
Other Benefits
Some states, such as Texas and Tennessee, offer some relief or full remission of property taxes for widows of veterans who perished in combat.
Proper winter storage extends the life of a trampoline.
Trampolines provide enjoyable exercise for children and even adults. They are commonly used during the summer. Proper storage of the trampoline during the winter increases the life of the device, providing more summers of safe enjoyment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for disconnecting the various parts necessary to prepare the trampoline for winter storage. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the net from around the safety enclosure, if applicable. The safety enclosure's frame can remain connected to the trampoline frame.
2. Disconnect the mat, sometimes referred to as the jumping surface, from the springs. Store the mat in a cool, dry place. Protect the mat from rodent damage.
3. Remove the pad over the springs. Store the pad in a cool, dry place away from rodents. Remove the pad according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Remove the springs from the trampoline frame. Store them in a dry place.
5. Disassemble the trampoline frame. This step is optional. The frame can be left outdoors if you wish.
Building an energy-efficient home can be expensive.
Green houses are houses that are built or remodeled to be sustainable, energy efficient and long lasting. The materials, labor and design of many green house construction and remodeling projects can seem overwhelming, however. Fortunately, numerous grants are available from the federal government, and sometimes from state and local governments as well. Applying for a grant for a green house can alleviate the cost of the building. Does this Spark an idea?
Federal Grants
The government offers tax credits for green buildings.
Federal grants can be obtained by applying through different governmental departments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists government and company grants on its website, including a grant from the Department of Energy offering financial assistance for the development of energy-efficient and green technologies. The federal government also offers tax credits on certain types of sustainable building projects, including the building of a green house. These projects must be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Private Grants
The Home Depot offers grants to nonprofit home builders.
A number of private companies offer grants to groups and individuals building green houses. Enterprise Green Community offers grants and other forms of financing to builders who want to create green houses within a community. The Home Depot also offers grants, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These grants go to nonprofit organizations engaged in responsible building practices and are awarded several times each year. Private grants can make a big difference.
State Grants
Many states offer grants for green building.
Many individuals looking to build a green, environmentally sustainable house will be able to find grants at the state level. The EPA lists a number of state grants, including a grant in Texas that offers rebates and loans to individuals building green homes. Oregon offers grants of up to $425,000 for a project that uses innovative and sustainable building practices. Check with local government agencies and energy departments to find out if grants are available.
Tags: offers grants, building green, green house, also offers, building practices, Environmental Protection
Chances are, once your karaoke machine breaks, you will want to sing karaoke more than you ever did before. Before you decide to buy a replacement karaoke machine, you should try to repair the broken one. Be sure that the machine is really broken, and not just malfunctioning due to dirty or scratched CDs.
Instructions
Check and Clean Your Karaoke CDs
1. Remove all of the CDs inside the karaoke machine when it stops working properly. Place one new CD in the machine and see whether the problem is solved. Overheated CDs can occasionally cause the machine to malfunction.
2. Clean each karaoke CD with a clean, dry, lint free cloth. Grasp a CD by the edges of the disk. Use a straight sweeping motion from the center of the disk to the outer edge. Dirt and fingerprints on CDs can cause skipping.
3. Clean the CD with rubbing alcohol for stubborn dirt and dust. Pour rubbing alcohol gently over the disk to remove debris. Allow the disk to air dry rather than drying it with a cloth.
Find and Repair Scratched CDs
4. Locate scratches on the karaoke CD. If you can find the scratch you can avoid touching (and potentially damaging) other areas of the CD.
5. Polish the scratched area of the CD. You can use a very small amount of paste-style toothpaste as a polish. Apply the toothpaste with a clean, lint free cloth and rub it in gently using a back and forth motion.
6. Rinse off the polish with plenty of warm running water. Let the karaoke CD air dry before you attempt to play it again.
Check All Connections
7. Take a look at your karaoke machine's power cord. Look for splits in the cord and exposed wiring. A crack in the power cord can cause the electricity flow to the machine to vary, which makes the machine malfunction.
8. Repair minor cord breaks by wrapping the cord with electrical tape to keep the connection firm.
9. Examine the input/output connections from your karaoke machine to any TV or stereo you have it hooked up to. Make sure each connection is firm, and in the correct outlet.
Tags: karaoke machine, your karaoke, your karaoke machine, clean lint, clean lint free, connection firm, free cloth
A homeowners insurance policy contains many coverages for accidents and property damage that can occur to a home. A policy will also include exclusions or perils that an insurance company does not want to cover. One type of coverage that is typically excluded on a policy is repair that needs to be done when damage occurs to a foundation. However, a homeowners policy will cover foundation repair for certain types of perils that are not excluded on the policy or when specific coverage has been added.
Exclusions
All types of homeowners polices contain exclusions for events or perils that an insurer does not want to cover. One type of exclusion is for damage caused to a house's foundation. Insurers typically exclude this coverage because there can be many causes for problems that can occur with the foundation of a house. One such problem is water seepage or when the ground beneath house settles causing part of the foundation to drop. The exclusions sections of a homeowners policy will list all perils that are not covered by the policy.
Covered Perils
A homeowners insurance policy has many covered perils that will pay for some types of repairs when damage occurs to the foundation of a house. One type of peril that is covered by a homeowners policy is for burst pipes. Water from burst pipes can sometimes cause damage to a house's foundation. When this happens the coverage provided by a homeowners policy will pay to repair any damages that occur as the result of water from the burst pipes.
Endorsements
An insurer that provides a homeowners insurance policy can have many different types of endorsements that can be added to the policy. There may not specifically be an endorsement for foundation repair because that is not a specific peril. However, there are endorsements for certain perils that can cause various types of damage to a home. One type of endorsement is for backup of sewers and drains or mine subsidence if underground mines are in the surrounding area. This means that when a foundation is damaged by any of these perils the cost of the repair will be covered by the endorsement.
Other Policies
Most insurers dot not provide coverage for foundation repair because coverage can be provided by additional insurance policies that can be purchased. Depending on where a home is located certain types of insurance polices may be required to be purchased by the home owners. This can include homes that are located in a flood hazard area or areas that have earthquake activity.
Litigation
If damage occurs to a home's foundation and an insurer denies a claim litigation may be required to solve the dispute. Actions of another person or entity can sometimes cause an insurer to deny an insurance claim. This is because an insurer can claim that certain actions are excluded by the homeowners policy, which can provide the insurer with a reason to deny coverage. When this happens individuals may need to seek legal help to receive payments from their insurer.
North Carolina provides a wealth of resources for single women.
Single women sometimes face economic challenges that married women may not. In addition to being the sole breadwinner for themselves, many single women are also parents to one or more children. The state of North Carolina is home to a variety of grant programs geared toward helping single women. These grants issued through the state and federal funds, along with private donations, help single women in the Tarheel State to offset the costs of housing, education and child care.
N.C. HUD Grants
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federally funded agency that operates through individual state levels and provides grant-based housing assistance to those who qualify. Single women who reside in North Carolina may benefit from a number of grant programs that can be used to help offset the cost of rent, buy a home or make necessary repairs to homes they already own. To qualify for grant funding through HUD, applicants must not exceed qualifying income standards, which vary and are based on the median income in their specified area and household size. Applicants may apply directly through their local HUD office for approval.
Federal Pell Grants
The United States Department of Education (DOE) offers grants to help make college more affordable. Single women in North Carolina who wish to further their education may qualify for grant funding through the Federal Pell Grant Program. The Pell Grant is a specially designed program that offers assistance to low-income applicants who wish to attend school at one of 5,400 participating colleges or universities. Grant awards may vary and are determined by factors including enrollment status (full or part time), household size and income of the applicant; however, as of October 2010, maximum grant amounts will not exceed $5,500 per academic year. Interested applicants can apply directly through the U.S. Department of Education.
NCCC Childcare Grant
The North Carolina Community College (NCCC) Childcare Grant is a state grant designed to help single parents enrolled in qualifying community colleges throughout North Carolina to offset the cost of child care while the parent attends school. To qualify for grant funding through the NCCC Childcare Grant, applicants must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, be enrolled at least half time in an accredited community college and be a resident of the state of North Carolina. Once approved, students may receive up to a maximum of $750 per month toward the cost of their child care expenses through a licensed, state-approved child care provider. Interested applicants can apply through their school's financial aid office for approval.
Tags: North Carolina, child care, Childcare Grant, funding through, grant funding
When your Delta faucet begins to leak, there is a simple and effective way to repair it. It involves removing the cartridge inside the faucet and replacing it with a brand-new one. This task is something the average person can accomplish without much difficulty, and it does not require a plumber. You will need to use a wrench and a pair of pliers, however. After this repair, your faucet will no longer leak and should perform like new. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off the water by shutting off both the hot and cold water pipe valves under the bathroom sink.
2. Remove the small plastic cap on the top of the Delta faucet handle with your knife. Underneath is a small set screw. Loosen the set screw with a screwdriver or Allen wrench (if it is an Allen-head screw) and then slide off the handle.
3. Place the edge of a screwdriver on the plastic washer, which should now be visible on top of the faucet, and nudge it to the right to loosen it. You can also grasp the washer with a pair of pliers and turn it.
4. Lay a soft cloth over the top of the dome nut (the rounded piece on top of the faucet head), grasp it with the larger set of pliers and turn it left to loosen and remove it.
5. Remove the ball valve assembly (the cartridge) and then take out the small round seat springs in the base of the faucet. Replace these with new seat springs and then install a new ball valve assembly.
6. Replace the dome nut and tighten it by hand. Next, install the washer over the dome cap and screw it in place. Tighten this securely on the dome nut to hold the assembly together.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development strives to provide clean, safe, and affordable homes to American citizens. The department is centralized in Washington, D.C., and has local offices in all major cities nationwide. Michigan has several offices and HUD programs available throughout the state.
Instructions
HUD Housing in Michigan
1. Contact the local Michigan State Housing Development Authority for assistance with HUD's first time homebuyers programs and information. The authority has 14 offices located throughout the state. These locations can assist you with your purchase, as well as provide you with any information on available down payment and closing costs grants that may be available.
2. Contact your local HUD counseling agency for information. The HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies provide valuable guidance and assistance with home purchasing, renting, reverse mortgages, and default/foreclosure prevention. These services are available at no cost. The counseling programs include Homebuyer Education, Money Debt Management, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Post-Purchase Counseling, Services for the Homeless, Loss Mitigation, Renter's Assistance, and various other programs that are designed to assist.
3. Avoid eviction and foreclosure by contacting the Home Repair Services organization for assistance. The Home Repair Services organization, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a non-profit organization that serves low income homeowners throughout Kent County. The program assists homeowners with home repair and maintenance that are designed to maintain your home's safety and value. The organization also provides financial counseling services that assist homeowners in avoiding foreclosure. Home Repair Services works directly with you and your lender to prevent foreclosure when possible.
4. Seek Spanish speaking HUD services through the Latin American Services Organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization provides assistance to the Hispanic population of Michigan's Kent County. It provides free-of-charge housing programs and home buyer counseling services.
5. Visit the local Public Housing Agency for public housing assistance. Michigan participates in public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. The programs are designed to assist low income families by providing subsidized apartments and homes. Some public housing agencies have waiting lists for these programs. HUD advises that you apply to more than one public housing agencies in order to provide you with a better chance of qualifying.
6. Contact the Director's Office of the Detroit Field Office with any concerns or questions that you are unable to obtain answers to from local offices or contacts. The Detroit Field Office is located at: McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue; Detroit, MI 48226. Phone number: (313) 226-7900. The Detroit Field Office Director is Lana J. Vacha.
Tags: Detroit Field, Detroit Field Office, Field Office, Home Repair, Home Repair Services
Keeping your car in good shape requires a reputable mechanic.
When choosing a mechanic, it's important to ensure that the services you receive are of the best quality and will remedy the car problems you're experiencing. Since people are often unfamiliar with the mechanics of their vehicles or simply don't visit the mechanic often, it's easy to be taken advantage of or provided with inadequate service. If you have a visit to an auto mechanic coming up, there are a few critical questions you should make sure you ask before leaving your car in his hands.
Is This an Accredited or Licensed Entity?
Having repairs performed by someone other than a licensed garage may have an adverse effect on your repair investment later. Always ensure that the place of business is licensed so that you're more likely receive fair treatment in the event that you have problems with your repairs.
What's the Rate for Labor?
The price of having your car repaired is comprised of the price for labor and the price for parts. Labor is often the most expensive aspect of having your car repaired, especially when you're having only minor repairs done. Depending on the place of service (dealership or standard repair shop), the rate that the repair company will charge for labor may vary significantly from mechanic to mechanic. As such, shopping around for a mechanic may save you a considerable amount of money.
How Much Do the Parts Cost?
If you've found a mechanic that's trustworthy, ask how much the parts cost and if you can order your own parts online or have used parts installed instead. Determining how much your mechanic plans to spend on parts may be one area where you can save money --- you may be able to find cheaper parts than the ones the dealer offers you. If you choose to purchase your own parts, confirm with your mechanic that the parts you've purchased are the correct model for your vehicle. If you choose to use used parts, ask if the quality of the parts will affect the quality of the repairs being performed.
Is There a Warranty on the Parts?
Check to ensure that the parts needed for your repair come with a warranty in the event that the parts fail. Ask how long the warranty will last and if the warranty includes services such as complimentary towing or free exchanges.
Tags: ensure that, that parts, event that, having your, having your repaired, mechanic that
Adoption is a legal process that permanently connects a child with parents, bestowing all the rights and responsibilities of a legal parent to the adoptive parents and all the social, emotional and legal rights of a child to the adoptive child. Before an adoption can be completed, the biological parents must legally relinquish their parental rights and the adoptive parents must be found to be able to provide a safe and loving home for the child. If able, the child is asked to communicate his feelings and wishes as well. Adoption agencies can help facilitate this entire process.
Adoption Process
Parents interested in adopting are advised to secure the help of a facilitator, agency or attorney. Before completing an agency application and beginning the home study process, adoptive parents must educate themselves about domestic and international adoption processes, decide which type of adoption they want to pursue, determine pay for the adoption and select an agency, attorney or facilitator. From then, it can take months to get matched with birth parents or a foster child and up to a year or more to complete the legal process of getting an adoption decree from a judge.
Gladney Center for Adoption
The Gladney Center for Adoption is a nonprofit adoption agency that offers international and domestic adoption programs, as well as counseling services, support groups and progress updates on the child's life for birth parents. Gladnery Center is accredited by the Hague Convention, which protects children and families from unregulated inter-country adoptions. Interested parents have adoption opportunities in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America through Gladney. As for domestic adoptions, Gladney Center runs three programs: one for placing white, Hispanic, Asian and American Indian infants and toddlers with adoptive families; another for placing black and biracial infants and toddlers; and one for recruiting adoptive families for older children, special needs kids and children available through the Texas foster care system. Pre- and post-adoption education is offered through the center as well as counseling services and maintenance of adoption records.
The Settlement Home for Children facilitates adoptions for families interested in adopting a child or children in foster care. The facility matches the families' strengths with the needs of the children to make a harmonious connection. Settlement Home works with the families throughout the adoption process. Additionally, the organization helps interested foster parents adopt their foster child or children. Lastly, Settlement Home also houses girls between 7 years old and 18 years old who need 24-hour therapeutic care. On-campus schooling is also provided. The girls progress from the main campus, which houses only 27 girls, to therapeutic group homes where they have a more traditional family setting and are allowed to attend public school or the on-campus school. From there, they move to a foster home or independent living.
The Settlement Home for Children
1600 Payton Gin Road
Austin, Texas 78758
(512) 836-2150
http://www.settlementhome.org/
Adoption Advocates
Adoption Advocates has helped 70 adoptive parents adopt and 650 babies find a permanent home since 1991. It averages 30 adoption placements annually. It is a nonprofit adoption agency that strives to place a child with a family within 12 months of full acceptance of adoptive parents into the program. Adoption Advocates does not have a waiting list as it only accepts as many clients who can be helped in a reasonable time. The adoption agency places infants to children up to 6 years of age.
Adoption Advocates Inc.
1215 Parkway
Austin, Texas 78703
(800) 966-4673
http://www.adoptionadvocates.net/
Family Builders
Family Builders is an adoption agency that facilitates domestic, international, identified and step-parent adoption. The adoption agency provides referrals to international adoption agencies, support groups and attorneys to aid in the adoption process. Additionally, the center offers pre- and post-adoption counseling for adoptive and birth parents and the adoptees. The group aids birth parents, helping them with day care, employment, prenatal care, legal support and in choosing an adoptive family. Family Builders also conducts follow-up visits after a child has been placed and helps the birth and adoptive families communicate if the families so decide.
Septic tanks provide a small-scale alternative to municipal water treatment facilities.
On-site septic systems treat sewage from a home or business not connected to a municipal sewer. Septic systems have existed for decades in rural Michigan and are safe and inexpensive when used properly. Michigan laws cover the creation, use, maintenance and closing of septic tanks.
Installing a New Septic System
Homeowners wishing to install a new septic system must first contact their county's Department of Public Health for testing and a permit. The Department of Public Health will measure the area planned for the new septic system and take soil samples to determine whether it can operate safely without endangering groundwater or local wildlife.
Most counties have specific rules regarding how close a septic tank can be to buildings, buried utility lines, and property lines. Your county Department of Health can advise you on the rules that apply to your property.
Maintaining a Septic System
All septic tanks eventually require maintenance that only a septage waste service person licensed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) can provide. Law requires the service person to follow the licensing and practice laws in Part 117 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, as well as federal regulations in Title 40, Part 503 of the Code of Federal Regulation.
To be eligible for a license, the applicant must have completed at least 10 hours of training within the two years before applying for the license. Licenses for septic system service people and their trucks are good for five years and are non-transferable.
When a Septic System Fails
If your septic system appears to be overflowing, slowing down, or backing up, Michigan law requires you to report the problem to the county Department of Public Health immediately. Health officials will examine the problem and tell you if you need to hire a service person or perform other work on the septic system.
Tags: septic system, county Department, Department Public, Department Public Health, Public Health, Septic System
A variety of options are available for insulating older homes.
Attic insulation can drastically reduce heating and cooling bills. A number of insulation choices are available, including insulation sheets, batts, and loose fill insulation including cellulose and fiberglass. The age of the attic and the installed insulation is not as important as the type of attic construction. The construction type will determine the appropriate insulation choice. Replacement of existing insulation may be necessary due to air circulation or moisture problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Replacement Indicators
There are a number of indications that attic insulation may need to be replaced or augmented. If a homeowner notices an increase in their heating or cooling bill trends they may have air leaks that cause drafts in the winter. These drafts may be discovered when a specific room, area or floor in the home is colder or hotter than another location. You also can have your insulation inspected. When there are drafts and cold winter air mixes with heated home air, it can cause condensation which can create mold. Condensation and mold can also be caused by roof damage and the resulting snow and water contact with insulation.
Installation Preparation
If any air leaks, moisture, condensation or mold problems are discovered in an attic, some repairs and installation preparation will be needed before additional or new insulation is installed. All holes in the attic should be repaired to prevent air flow. Sealing the holes will automatically reduce heating and cooling costs, and may solve most of the moisture and condensation issues. Any mold-damaged insulation must be removed and the mold must be treated to prevent future growth.
Insulation Sheets and Batts
Insulation sheets and batts are types of insulation that are relatively easy to install. This material is available in rolls and sheets, as the name indicates. It can be purchased in various widths to correspond with the building's structure and can simply be laid between the joists. This material can be applied in two or more layers laid in different directions to help seal cracks. If the joists in construction are uneven, the material can be trimmed with scissors or any hand cutting tool.
Loose Fill
A second type of insulation is loose fill insulation. This insulation is used mainly in construction where the attic spacing is uneven and the installer does not wish to have to trim multiple pieces. Due to the loose composition, this material helps fill irregularly shaped spaces and can be installed quickly with a blowing machine or hand pouring procedure. Installers should be aware that material of this nature can settle if too much of the material is used. This settling may reduce the insulation factor.
Tags: heating cooling, fill insulation, loose fill, loose fill insulation, moisture condensation
TransUnion is a major credit reporting agency that provides credit reports on debtors to lenders and creditors. Your individual TransUnion credit report and the information it contains is a critical part of maintaining your financial integrity. If you find errors on your credit report from TransUnion, you can dispute it either online or through the mail. The process for disputing TransUnion credit report information is simple and straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes in most cases.
Instructions
1. Locate the items you wish to contest on your TransUnion credit report. Notate the creditor's names, applicable account numbers, and the balance that is reflected on the items.
2. Compose a dispute letter to TransUnion if you wish to file your dispute via mail, which is recommended by the Federal Trade Commission. In your letter, include your full name, mailing address, and phone number as well as information on all accounts that you wish to dispute. Include with the account information the reasons that you believe the accounts are incorrect. Also include the information that would make each account correct (e.g., "Wells Fargo Visa Account # 1234567890011234 displays balance of $4,566.95, but I paid off this account three months ago. It should have a zero balance").
3. Include with the letter any documentation that you might have that will support the dispute. Items like credit card statements, canceled checks, letters from the creditor, or payment receipts can be copied and sent along with the dispute letter. At the bottom of the letter, include a list of all enclosures in which you've sent along with the letter.
Contact information for TransUnion is:
TransUnion
Disputes Department
P.O. Box 2000
Springfield, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
http://www.transunion.com
4. File your dispute online, if you wish, instead of mailing it in. You may file online disputes with TransUnion by visiting http://www.transunion.com and clicking on the blue "dispute an item" link on the bottom of the page under the Consumer Assistance menu.
Follow all prompts and indicate the incorrect items using the same information as you would if you were mailing in a dispute letter. Submit your dispute online and take note of the confirmation number your dispute is assigned.
TransUnion will email you updates regarding the status of your dispute, or you can check online by using your confirmation number.
5. Wait 30 to 45 days for your dispute to be investigated and for a response on your case. You will be notified via U.S. Mail or email, and sometimes both. If changes were made to your TransUnion credit report as you requested, you will receive an updated credit report along with the decision letter.
Tags: credit report, your dispute, TransUnion credit, TransUnion credit report, along with
Skirting around the bottom of a mobile home gives it a completed appearance and can also be an extension of your style and taste. Skirting also protects the underside of your home from weather, insects and pests. There are several types to choose from, which can either be a complement to your home in the same color and type or it can accent your taste in trim with a rock, stone or brick pattern in many colors. Does this Spark an idea?
Lattice Panels
This type of mobile home skirting is seen often because it is the least expensive alternative and is available in either wood or plastic. The wood panels are two feet tall by eight feet long and are made of treated wood for durability. These may be painted in any color you like to go with the scheme of your mobile home. The plastic panels are four feet tall by eight feet long and are pre-colored in white, redwood and cedar color. Plastic panels will never need re-painting and all lattice panels resist moisture, mildew and are dry rot resistant. The semi-open panels will allow air flow and circulation underneath your mobile home which may increase energy costs over a tightly sealed method.
Vinyl Panels
These panels are manufactured out of vinyl and are available in four wide by eight foot long sheets. There are many colors available and they match the most common colors of your home. These may be purchased in white and painted any color you wish and the texture matches the metal siding of a mobile home to create a fluid look.
Faux Rock Panels
Faux rock panels are available in a rock design, a brick design or a stone design. Each is color-coordinated with several shades in their color group to appear natural. These are available in shades of brown, red and gray as in traditional bricks and rocks. The rock style also has the choice of different sizes of rocks included in the panel from a large size to a smaller version more like river rock. These faux panels are purchased in four foot long by two foot wide panels.
Faux Wood Panels
If you desire and enjoy the clean lines of wood, there are many versions of faux wood panels available. They are available in a tongue and groove style and a natural tree bark style. You may also purchase a rough cedar look with a dark finish or a weathered looking two by four design. There are bamboo faux wood panels available also that have different variations in size of the light colored wood on them. Faux wood panels are purchased in four foot long by two foot wide panels.
Considerations
Lattice panels and the other types of panels are all good products in the areas of finishing your mobile home and hold up quite well in all types of weather. Lattice is less durable than the others because of the open holes in the design, but more affordable at about half of the price per foot as the other options listed.
Tags: mobile home, wood panels, foot long, panels available, your home