Speak With An Irish Accent

Speak With an Irish Accent

The Irish accent has captivated American audiences for years. Many people try to speak with an Irish accent each year around St. Patrick's Day, and some actors and actresses will work hard to develop one for a leading role. Follow these steps to learn speak with an Irish accent. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Think about the way you speak. If you analyze how you use your words, you will be better equipped to change things about the way you speak later.

2. Soften your vowels. Americans have a tendency to harden the sounds of their vowels, as in the long sound of vowels when they are followed by another vowel. To speak with an Irish accent, you will need to soften the sound of your vowels. For instance, the letter A when pronounced by Americans is phonetically "aye." However, someone with an Irish accent would pronounce the letter "ah."

3. Focus on your consonants. To pull off any European accent you need to enunciate better. The first rule in enunciation is to focus hard on your consonant sounds. Instead of softening your consonants, like you would for a vowel, you want to harden the sound.

4. Make your speech more musical. To have a convincing Irish accent, you cannot have a deadpan American delivery. When an Irish person speaks there is a tone and inflection in their voice that is musical. Watch a few movies and listen for the vocal patterns.

5. Practice. The more you try to mimic an Irish accent, the better you will get at it.

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Memorial Day Travel Ideas

Memorial Day trips are a good way to start the summer with family and friends.

When May 30 rolls around, the freeways will be packed and the airports busy. Memorial Day is many people's favorite holiday, as it symbolizes the start of summer. If you are one of those people who wait all year for this holiday, you are probably already planning your Memorial Day vacation. Does this Spark an idea?

Road Trips

If you are looking to get out and enjoy the open road for Memorial Day, take a road trip. Beautiful open-road scenery with many places to stop and visit make a visit to the California coast an ideal road trip. Road Trips for Families suggests Crystal Cove State Park, located between Corona del Mar and Laguna beach, for "a great family weekend destination." Attractions include the park's 46 cottages from the 1920s and 1930s.

Lake Havasu

People of all ages from many different states flock to Lake Havasu, Arizona, for Memorial day. The weather is pleasant and the water warm, making it a good place to start the summer and celebrate Memorial Day. According to the The Lake Havasu Convention & Visitors Bureau "The crystal clear water and sunny skies of Lake Havasu offer the perfect environment for any getaway." Lake Havasu offers activities such as parasailing, hot-air balloon rides and boat excursions. Whatever it may be that piques your interest, Lake Havasu has something for you and your family.

Trips to the Beach

If the beach is calling your name, you have many Memorial Day options no matter where you live. Californians can visit Fiesta Hermosa, located in Hermosa Beach in Los Angeles County. According to the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, the festival features more than 270 artists, including painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers and sculptors. Those on the East Coast might want to look into Cooper's Beach in Southampton, New York. According to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research, "historic mansions grace the beautiful, grass-covered sand dunes; the turrets of Calvin Klein's mansion are among the views visible from Cooper's Beach." If the beach is what you like, check the weather to find the right place for you.

Camping Trips

If the busy city life and packed beaches aren't what your seek on Memorial day, pack up the family for a camping trip. Those in California can check out the redwood forests of Humboldt County. According to California's Redwood Coast, "Whether you choose a gentle stroll among towering redwoods, a challenging mountain trail or a backcountry tour by car or motorcycle, you will find a wild, unspoiled slice of California."

Tags: Lake Havasu, start summer, Beach beach, Cooper Beach, County According, Hermosa Beach, road trip

Repair The Electronic Ignition On A Gas Stove

Most stoves have an electronic ignition that creates sparks.

Gas stoves commonly have an electric ignition system. This ignition system provides a spark to the gas supply exiting from the burners. A small switch on the front of the oven, or the gas control panels themselves, activate the sparking ignition. If the system has bad wiring or a blown fuse, the oven will not light no matter how long you activate the ignition. Most ovens have fuses and ignition systems that are simple to access and repair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug your unit and turn off the gas supply at the saddle valve near the unit.

2. Lift up the hood of the oven. If you have sealed burners, the lid will not lift up. Locate the ignitors near the burners of the unit. Clean any gunk away from the ignitor using a toothbrush. Test the unit.

3. Pull the burner dials off the front of the unit if the ignitors won't work.

4. Remove the screws at the ends of the front cover, where the gas supply knobs are located, using a screwdriver, and remove the cover from the oven.

5. Slide the wires off the burner valve switches and pull them off the burner valve by sliding the switch forward. The switch will have wires attached to it. Loosen the screws holding down the wires of the burner valve. Pull out the wires carefully. Place the wires in a new switch. Slide the new switch onto the burner valve. Replace the knob, and turn on the gas supply and power. Ignite the burner.

6. Follow the switch wires into the oven if the new switch doesn't work. Locate the module box, which is usually 2 inches by 3 inches. Slide the wires out of the module terminal by pulling on the wire connectors. Remove the screws from the old module and pull the module out. Insert the wires into the new module, using the same wire orientation as before. Reassemble the oven. Turn on the electricity and gas, and turn on the burner.

Tags: burner valve, ignition system, Remove screws, Slide wires, turn supply

Make Homemade Cd Scratch Remover

Scratched CDs can sometimes be saved.

Considering the fragility of their appearance, CDs are pretty durable. However, if you've been less than careful with audio discs in your auto, or if you've scratched the disc that holds a year's worth of accounting data, you may be looking for a quick fix. Before you try any scratch remover, attempt a good cleaning. Often it's the dirt, not the scratches, that is preventing proper play and data retrieval.

Instructions

1. Clean the disc. Run the disc under warm water or soak it in warm sudsy water and then rinse it. Shake off the excess water and dry it with a lens cloth, wiping out from the center of the disc, not in a circular motion. Test your audio CD in your player or pop the data disc in your computer. If it works, you solved the problem. If not, proceed to the next step.

2. Apply a few drops of full-strength rubbing alcohol to the disc and wipe it with a lens cloth. Use the same outward motion you did before. If this doesn't rectify the CD playability, proceed to scratch repair.

3. Attempt to play (or read) the disc on your computer. While the disc may not play on your audio system, your computer may be better equipped to read the tracks. If it can read the tracks, burn a new disc from the old one, or at least upload the disc to your hard drive before you attempt a scratch fill or polish.

4. Look at the disc to see if you can pinpoint the scratches. Scratches that run along the tracks are generally more difficult to fix than those that run across the tracks.

5. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the lens cloth and rub the paste into the offending scratches. Run the cloth back and forth (not circular) several times, reapplying the toothpaste if necessary.

6. Rinse the disc under warm water and dry it with a clean lens cloth.

7. Wax the disc. If your disc still doesn't work, you can try to fill the scratches with auto wax using the same procedure you did with the toothpaste. If this yields success, burn a new disc from the repaired one because the wax will wear off and the scratch will resurface.

Tags: disc your, lens cloth, your computer, burn disc, burn disc from, disc from, disc under

Find Foreclosed Homes In Texas

Buying a foreclosed home can be a good investment.

When a homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for several months in a row, the home starts going through the foreclosure process. Buying a foreclosed home in Texas can be a smart investment for buyers or investors, because it can often be bought for much less than what it is actually worth. Buying any type of real estate, especially foreclosures, can be an involved process, so it is recommended that you hire a real estate agent to help you navigate the buying process no matter what state you live in.

Instructions

1. Determine your price range. Foreclosed homes in Texas fall in all price ranges, so decide how much you can afford and avoid looking at foreclosures out of your price range. According to RealtyTrac, the average price for a foreclosed home in Texas is around $186,000, but there are also dozens of foreclosed homes selling for over $1 million, so knowing what you can afford is crucial. Contact a mortgage lender to help you determine your ideal price range.

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage unless you will be financing the home yourself with cash. The financing process can be more difficult with a foreclosure and most banks require any offers on its property to be accompanied with a pre-approval letter from a mortgage broker or bank, according to Realtor Magazine. In Texas, mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers differ in what types and sizes of loans they can handle, according to Texas real estate agent Nicole Peel. It is important to research both and choose the one that will best be able to handle your loan.

3. Search for Texas foreclosures through online databases. Real estate databases like Texasforeclosure.biz, Specialized Realty Group, Inc. and TexasForeclosuresInfo (see Resources) specialize in Texas foreclosures and offer regularly updated lists of foreclosed homes by counties and cities. Other search criteria like price and size can also be applied to the searches to help narrow down the choices.

4. Talk to a Texas real estate agent. As mentioned before, buying foreclosed homes can be a difficult process, so it is advisable to hire a reputable real estate agent in your area. The agent also has access to the multiple-listing system, which may include some foreclosed homes not featured online. Over 200 real estate agents in Texas work as specialized foreclosure agents, according to foreclosure.com, and can be an excellent source for information on foreclosures and the foreclosure process. Texas companies like Specialized Realty Group deal only in foreclosures and can provide up-to-date foreclosure listings and foreclosure advice.

Tags: real estate, estate agent, real estate agent, foreclosed home, foreclosed homes, price range, Buying foreclosed

Repair A Porch Rail For Painting

A well-maintained porch rail can enhance the appearance of the porch while keeping your faily safe.

The paint on your home's exterior is under constant attack from sun, wind and water, which cause even the best paints to eventually fade or chip. This means you'll need to repaint the surfaces every few years. Not only does this help your home's well-maintained appearance, it also protects the wood from being directly exposed to the elements. When repainting the house, first prep the areas to be painted, repairing and preparing porch rails. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Power-wash the porch to clean it. Remove mold and other stains by using a scrub brush dipped in a solution of water and bleach or trisodium phosphate. Allow the porch to dry.

2. Examine the railings for signs of damage or rot. If the rot has spread throughout the railing or spindles, remove the rotten pieces. Purchase replacement spindles at a home improvement or hardware store. If you can't find spindles that match, take one of them to a woodworking shop so replacement spindles can be fabricated.

3. Fill damaged areas such as nicks or holes with wood putty and a putty knife. If you find areas with rotten wood, patch them rather than replace the whole piece. Remove rotten wood with a trim router or rotary cut-out tool. Cover the wood with an epoxy-bonding agent and fill the hole with epoxy. Let it cure overnight.

4. Sand any spots where you applied wood putty or epoxy until they are smooth. Wipe off the dust with a dry rag.

5. Remove chipped or flaking paint with a putty knife, then sand the edges of the chipped paint smooth. Wipe off the dust with the dry rag.

6. Nail any loose boards or spindles into place with a hammer and finish nails.

7. Apply primer on areas of bare wood, wood putty or epoxy, then allow the primer to dry on the porch railing.

Tags: wood putty, dust with, putty epoxy, putty knife, replacement spindles

Indiana Grants For Home Improvements

Check your local chamber of commerce for additional home improvement grants.

Getting a grant for home improvement in Indiana generally involves meeting specific requirements. Typically, these requirements consider the type of entity applying for the grant, the nature of the home the applicant is hoping to improve or both. Knowing where to look, apply and eligibility criteria are keys to beginning the process of getting a home improvement grant in Indiana.

USDA Rural Developments Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant

This grant is available specifically to rural residents age 62 or older. Eligible repairs are those needed to make a home "more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards," explains a Rural Development website. Additionally, applicants' eligibility is limited to those whose incomes are less than 50 percent of the area's median. Maximum grants are $7,500. Contact your local USDA Rural Development Office for more information and application materials.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Specially Adapted Housing Grant Program

Helping veterans and service members with specific service-related disabilities obtain "a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy" is this grant's goal as stated on the VA website. Renovations have to suit the veteran’s needs of living and they don’t need to own the home, only live in it. In 2010, the VA increased the maximum grant amount from $12,000 to $12,756. For paraplegics, the amount increased from $60,000 to $63,780. Contact Brian N. Bixler, Chief, Specially Adapted Housing for further inquiries at 202-461-9546 as of January 2010.

The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology Historic Preservation Fund

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, administers funding for these grants. The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology then disseminates the money within Indiana. As explained on an Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, there are three types of projects that the division funds. The acquisition and development projects application is for those who have a home listed on the National Register of Historical Buildings and wish to receive funding for restoration through this program. Apply through the DNR grants and financial aid site.

South Bend Home Improvement Program (SBHIP)

Providing assistance for a wide variety of repairs to homes for lower income families is the hallmark of the South Bend Department of Community Developments SBHIP program. The maximum grant is $17,000; the grant/loan combination maximum is $34,000 with 50 percent of that coming in grants. The house must be within South Bend city limits and be occupied by the owner. Contact the program at 574-235-9660 for further information and applications, taken on a first come-first served basis.

Tags: Historic Preservation, home improvement, South Bend, Adapted Housing, Division Historic, Division Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Archeology

Repair A Portable Dvd Player

Repair a Portable DVD Player

Portable DVD players are great devices to have, especially if you have young children and plan on taking long trips or vacations. These mini players come equipped with a plasma screen and even a remote control. Like most electronic devices, you will occasionally run across some trouble and may need to make a few routine repairs to your DVD player. Fixing and managing the repairs on your portable DVD player are not difficult and do not require you to have any expertise in electronics. With a few household items, you can repair your portable DVD player and have it up and running in no time.

Instructions

1. Clean the DVD movie disc. Many problems that occur with portable DVD players have nothing to do with the player itself, but rather the condition of the discs you play. Check the back of the discs for dirt, fingerprints and scratches. These can all interfere and prevent your DVD player from being able to read the information on the disc. Use a soft cloth and some disc cleaner to wipe the disc clean. Start from the edge and work your way to the center of the disc.

2. Check the picture settings on your portable DVD player. If the picture on your portable DVD player seems to be distorted or stretched, you may need to adjust your settings depending on the type of movie you are playing. Often, portable DVD players are set for widescreen movies or full-screen movies. If you are watching a movie on the wrong setting, this can affect the quality of the picture on the screen.

3. Eject any stuck DVD discs from your player manually. Occasionally, a disc you are wanting to play may be warped or have a peeling sticker that has caused the door to jam up. Flip the portable player over and find the manual eject hole. Stick a paper clip or safety pin into the hole to open the disc door. Remove your disc from the device.

4. Insert a DVD cleaning kit disc into your portable DVD player. This type of disc cleans all the dirt and grime off your DVD player laser lens. Many plays will create dirt and dust to build up on the lens and prevent it from reading the information contained on the DVD.

5. Check the battery pack to make sure it is not dead. Batteries for portable DVD players typically only last three hours or so. If your DVD player will not turn on, you might have a dead battery. If your battery is lasting less than three hours, you probably need to replace it.

Tags: portable player, your player, your portable, your portable player, Portable Player, portable players, Repair Portable

Repair A Porch Screen

Screened-in porches provide a relaxing place to sit in the evening without being disturbed by insects--unless the screen is in need of repair. Small tears in the screen can allow insects to enter. The solution is to repair the screen before the tear grows larger. The repair requires using a small patch to cover the torn area. Once the repair has been made, the repaired area will blend in and you will have the comfort of a bug-free environment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the damaged areas of your porch screen. Even the smallest tears can create a problem. Determine the type of screen on your porch. Purchase a matching metal screen patch if you have metal. If you have fiberglass screen, purchase a fiberglass screen repair kit, and skip to Step 4.

2. Align the metal screen patch over the exterior side of the screen and slide the wire tabs on the patch's outside edges through the holes in the screen.

3. Bend the wire tabs over on the interior side of the screen to fasten the patch and complete the metal screen repair.

4. Cut a square out of the fiberglass screen 1/2 inch smaller on all sides than the patch, using a straight edge and utility knife.

5. Align the patch over the screen opening on the exterior side. Apply the included glue around the perimeter of the patch to bond it to the screening. Use the included applicator to spread the glue evenly. Attach the patch, then allow the glue to dry.

Tags: fiberglass screen, metal screen, exterior side, metal screen patch, patch over, screen patch

Rochester New York Women Entrepreneurs' Grants

Female entrepreneurs hoping to start or expand a business in Rochester, New York have several funding options. Grants can be difficult to obtain, often have strict spending requirements and limited application deadlines, but offer capital that does not need to be repaid. Special loan programs are also available to women entrepreneurs.

Local Grants

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley offers grants to a variety of causes that support women and girls in the greater Rochester area. Grants are only available to nonprofit organizations, but they do allow groups or individuals to partner with a nonprofit organization for appropriate projects.

New Opportunities

The Rochester Women's Network offers networking opportunities for professional women in Rochester and the surrounding area. Members learn about new programs and services of interest to women in business in Rochester, including any new funding opportunities that become available.

Microloans

Women-owned businesses in New York may be eligible for microloans through the Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program. These are smaller loans available even to those who do not qualify for traditional bank loans.

Tags: business Rochester, Rochester York

Troubleshooting Janome Sewing Machines

Troubleshooting your machine to keep it in good working order is relatively easy.

Janome has a long history of producing quality, easy-to-use sewing machines. The company makes machines for embroidering, quilting, general sewing and serging. Regular maintenance is usually enough to keep your machine running smoothly, but sometimes you may run into problems with broken needles, skipped stitches, bad tension or seam puckering. The following troubleshooting tips will fix most of your problems.

Instructions

Clean the Hook Race

1. Unplug the machine and remove the pressure foot and needle. Remove the screw on the left hand side of the needle plate and remove the plate.

2. Take out the bobbin and the bobbin holder.

3. Clean the bobbin holder, the hook race and feed dogs with a cloth and small lint brush. Make sure there is no thread stuck in the mechanism. Dust and stray threads can cause the cloth to feed improperly, needle breakage and the bobbin to function improperly.

4. Replace the bobbin into the bobbin holder and screw the plate back on. Put the pressure foot and needle back into place.

Insert the Needle Correctly

5. Press the up/down needle position button to raise the needle bar. Lower the pressure foot. Turn the power off.

6. Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it counter-clockwise. Remove the needle.

7. Insert a new, clean needle into the clamp and push it up as far as it will go. The flat side of the needle faces away from you.

8. Tighten the clamp. An improperly inserted needle can cause needle and thread breakage, skipped stitches and seam puckering.

Set the Machine to the Correct Tension

9. Set the tension dial to "4." This is a good starting point for most fabric types.

10. Check the top side and under side of a sewn piece of fabric. The thread should look evenly stitched on both sides.

11. Loosen the tension by setting the tension dial to a lower number, if the bobbin thread shows on the right side of the fabric. This means the tension is too tight.

12. Tighten the tension by setting the tension dial to a higher number if the needle thread shows on the wrong side of the fabric. This means the tension is too loose.

Bring the Bobbin Thread Up

13. Thread the sewing machine needle.

14. Hold the needle thread in your left hand. Raise the pressure foot.

15. Turn the handwheel forward until the needle goes down. Continue turning until the needle comes up, bringing the bobbin thread with it.

16. Pull up on the needle thread to bring the bobbin thread up through the stitch plate. Pull 5 inches of both pieces of thread and lay them to the back under the pressure foot before sewing.

Tags: pressure foot, needle thread, bobbin holder, tension dial, bobbin thread, fabric This, fabric This means

Sears Repair Warranty Information

Sears warranties are complex and can be confusing to prospective buyers. It is important to research them at home before going to the store, because salespeople will pressure you to buy them. The warranties at Sears are called protection agreements.

Significance

Sears associates receive most of their commission from warranties and are they are eager to sell them. When the associate asks you to purchase a warranty, they will call it a master protection agreement (MPA) or a repair protection agreement (RPA).

MPA vs. RPA

MPAs are offered on most products, including home appliances, home electronics, heating and air conditioning systems and floor care equipment. RPAs are offered on limited products. You will not have a choice between an MPA or an RPA when you enter the store--the product you choose will have the option of one or the other. The main differences are that MPAs provide free annual maintenance checks where someone will come you your house and make sure the product is working properly. Having an MPA means you can bring your appliance or electronic item to a service center, but with an RPA, repair associates must come to your house to fix it.

Benefits

Protection agreements cover a wide variety of expensive product repairs, and they also guarantee the replacement of the product if Sears is unable to repair it. Both MPAs and RPAs offer operating instructions and assistance. This could be beneficial, for example, if you buy a complex television or sound system and can't make heads or tails out of the instructions.

Cost

In general, the cost of the protection agreement will be relative to the cost of the product. Protection agreements can range from $30 on some vacuums to $400 on some refrigerators and expensive outdoor equipment. Television agreements are usually at least $100, while agreements on digital cameras are less expensive.

Risks

If you do not purchase the protection agreement, you could face expensive repairs down the line or even have to prematurely replace your new item. On the other hand, you may purchase an expensive agreement without ever needing it, therefore having essentially purchased nothing but peace of mind.

Tags: protection agreement, come your, come your house, Protection agreements, will have

Claim Head Of Household If You Are Caregiver To An Elderly Parent

Can You Claim Head of Household If You Are Caregiver to an Elderly Parent?

The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers who do not qualify to itemize deductions an alternative standard deduction amount to reduce taxable income. The appropriate deduction amount directly relates to a taxpayer's filing status as either single, head of household, and married filing jointly or separately. Filing as head of household and claiming a larger standard deduction requires that you be eligible to claim another individual, such as an elderly parent, as a dependent.

Marital Status

Aside from the requirement that you claim a dependent, eligibility to file as head of household requires that you not be married on the last day of the tax year. If you are legally married, the IRS considers you as unmarried if the spouse is a nonresident alien at any time during the relevant tax year and has no obligation to file a U.S. tax return. Merely filing a separate tax return from your spouse is not sufficient to file as head of household if the spouse is a U.S. taxpayer. In this situation, the IRS requires you to file as married filing separately.

Financial Support

Eligibility to file as head of household requires that you pay more than half of the cost to maintain a home during the tax year. When determining whether you meet this requirement, you must take into account property taxes, mortgage interest, rent, utility charges, repairs and maintenance, property insurance, food you consume at home and other ordinary household expenses. If you receive any type of public assistance that subsidizes your living expenses, you cannot include any expenses you pay with those funds as support you provide to maintain the home. For example, even if your elderly parent meets all other requirements, the fact that you live rent-free with a friend may preclude you from claiming any dependents.

Elderly Parent

The fact that you are the primary caregiver for an elderly parent is not sufficient by itself to claim the parent as a dependent. The parent does not qualify as your dependent if they have taxable gross income of $3,650 or more during the year. However, the Social Security benefit a parent receives is not subject to federal taxation and therefore does not factor into the gross income amount. Although the parent need not live with you, you must provide more than half of their financial support during the year. For purposes of determining support, you must include the parent's Social Security benefits as amounts they use to support themselves. For example, if your parent's only source of income is $10,000 in Social Security benefits, the gross income test is met. However, if the parent contributes $10,000 per year towards their own support, you must provide at least $10,001 towards their support to claim them as a dependent.

Taxpayer's Dependency

Regardless of whether you and your parent meet all requirements, the IRS precludes you from claiming the parent as a dependent and filing as head of household if any other taxpayer is eligible to claim you as their own dependent. It is irrelevant whether the eligible person actually claims you on a tax return.

Tags: head household, during year, file head, file head household, gross income

What I Need To Start My Small Engine Repair Business

Small engine repair shops should have a number of items in place before opening for business.

Small engine repair shops are important places of business to people who have little or no experience dealing with lawn mowers and other pieces of outdoor equipment. Small engine repairmen have an expert working knowledge in diagnose and repair broken or ill-running pieces of equipment. Those individuals with a desire to open a small engine repair shop must have a number of items in place or in possession to accomplish the process of opening their business.

Business Permits and Licenses

Small engine repair shop owners should obtain the proper permits and licenses before opening their shop for business. As most of these businesses sell repair parts in addition to performing service work, the owner of such a business should obtain a vendor's license (or similar licensure), permitting them to charge, collect and remit sales taxes. In addition to vendor's licenses, owners should check to see if their community has any local rules requiring special permits or zoning requirements for their business.

Shop Space

The shop space where the business owner will conduct his business is a vital component to the small engine repair shop. The shop space should be a well-ventilated area with work benches situated at a convenient height for the shop owner to work on pieces of equipment. The shop, ideally, should have a garage-type door to easily bring in and take out pieces of equipment. In addition to a "brick and mortar" shop, small engine repair shop owners may find it profitable to have a truck equipped with tools, creating a mobile work space.

Tools

Hand tools are the primary means that a small engine repairman uses to conduct his services. In addition to the traditional, well-known tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and wrenches, small engine repairmen often use lesser-known tools such as spark plug gauges, voltmeters, and compression gauges to conduct their repair services. The tools needed to conduct these services can be quite expensive and is one of the most expensive start-up components for this type of business.

Repair Manuals

Small engine repairmen often use standard repair manuals that are provided by the manufacturers of small engines. The most popular manufacturer of small engines is Briggs & Stratton. They have an extensive array of repair manuals that are often utilized by small engine shops. These repair manuals cover all types of repairs, from spark plug removal and installation to complete engine overhauls.

Tags: engine repair, engine repair shop, repair shop, engine repairmen, pieces equipment, repair manuals

Certification For Appliance Repair

Several certifications are available for appliance repair.

Certification in appliance repair is beneficial to stay abreast of changes regarding repair and technology of new appliance models. While certification is not mandatory, it offers advantages when seeking employment.

Certifying Agencies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and Professional Service Association (PSA) offer the two nationally recognized certifications for appliance repair.

Areas of Certification and Credentials

The ISCET offers the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) which tests on the levels of basic skills, laundry and dishwashing, cooking and refrigeration appliances. Individuals who pass all four areas earn the Universal Technician designation. The PSA's Certified Appliance Professional covers tests the same areas as the NASTeC. Individuals who pass the PSA exam earn the Master Certified Appliance Professional (MCAP) designation.

Renewing Certification

There is no expiration for the International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians certifications, but they do recommend and offer continuing education courses. Certifications through the PSA expire after 2 to 4 years, depending upon the area of specialty.

Tags: appliance repair, Appliance Professional, Certified Appliance, Certified Appliance Professional, Individuals pass

Casinos In Standish Michigan

Casino cards and chips.

Standish is part of the Arenac County in Michigan. It is a small town with some casinos that serve as places to play games of chance, entertain themselves and enjoy each other's companionship. Casinos are commonly built close to and combined with hotels, retail shopping, restaurants, cruise ships as well as other tourist attractions. A number of casinos in Standish, Michigan are well-known for hosting live leisure or entertainment programs, such as concerts, sporting and stand-up comedy events. Does this Spark an idea?

Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino

Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino is an Indian-owned casino that sits in Standish, Michigan. This casino has more than 800 slot machines and an assortment of electronic table games. There are several methods to hit and win the jackpots of the game. Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino is situated up north along the sunrise side of Standish. The casino offers happy hours from Mondays through Thursdays, during which they serve draft beers and house specialty drinks. Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino offers players club and cards that encourage gamers for constant playing. As gamers play they earn reward points which are accumulated for bigger surprises. The casino has gift shops, gift cards, restaurants and events hall for entertainment.

Saganing Eagle's Landing Casino

2690 Worth Road

Standish, MI 48658

888-732-4537

saganing-eagleslanding.com

Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort

Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort is situated 46 miles from Standish business district. With 70 tables and an assortment of games accessible, including poker, bingo, slot machines and keno. Casino guests can enjoy the night out playing their preferred games, or spend the rest of the evening in its concert hall that hosts several events, including the 2010 car show. The casino resort houses Water Lily Lounge and Restaurant, Sniikaung Steakhouse, and Firefly Buffet. Besides fine dining and gaming experience, Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort customers can also try its hotels' amenities like spacious suites, spa services, fitness center, kids and cyber quest facilities and large pool.

Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort

6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard

Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858

888-732-4537

soaringeaglecasino.com

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is situated in East Broadway Road in Mount Pleasant, which is 45.3 miles from the town center of Standish. In this casino, there are several table games available such as bingo, poker, keno and different slot machines, bonus plays and players club. This Indian-owned casino also serves Indian and Mediterranean cuisine as well as American dishes with delightful wines and beers. Special events and big nights are also held in the casino that gives away big jackpots, cars and cash prices.

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

7070 East Broadway Road

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

517-775-4000

Tags: Eagle Landing, Eagle Landing Casino, Landing Casino, Saganing Eagle, Saganing Eagle Landing

North Carolina Law On Rental Inspection Rights

There are specific laws about inspection of rental units in each state.

Cities and counties in North Carolina have specific housing codes. If you are interested in having your rental property repaired or inspected, it's important to get a copy of the local housing code. There are also statewide laws regarding inspection rights. These laws are in place to ensure the renter and landlord are held responsible for their share of repairs.

Inspection Departments

North Carolina cities and counties have inspection departments, which are responsible for inspecting rental units and telling the tenants and landlords what repairs need to be made. This department also enforces the local housing code, and if repairs are not made, it has the authority to board up the property so it can't be rented until it is repaired.

Landlord Responsibilities

The landlord is responsible for making sure the heating, electrical equipment, smoke detectors and plumbing are in good condition. The landlord is also responsible for keeping the common areas and outdoor stairwells in a safe condition. If there are any problems with appliances that come with the rental unit, the landlord must fix them.

Renter Responsibilities

The tenant is responsible for keeping the unit clean and safe, notifying the landlord if anything is in disrepair. If the renter causes any damage to the unit or the premises, they are responsible for fixing the problem or they must pay the landlord for the damage.

Tags: North Carolina, housing code, local housing, local housing code, rental units

Home Improvement Grants In Canada

Home improvement grants are available from the federal and provinal government

Home improvement grants are available from the federal government for qualified homeowner's to make necessary improvements to homes. The amount of grant and type of home improvement you qualify for depends on the zone in which you live. Most grants are generally available for low-income households, and those who live in rural areas. Does this Spark an idea?

Federal Government Grants

Visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website for information on federal and provincial home improvement grants. You can also find information on government grants from your local public library. Review the terms and conditions of the grants. Certain grants may require that you meet eligibility requirements, or complete requirements prior to application.

Grants for Homeowners

The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) is administered by the federal government. The grant is available to low-income homeowner's who live in rural areas. This grant is for emergency home repairs necessary for the safety and well-being of the home. Eligible repairs include: structural, heating and electrical, plumbing and fire safety issues. Available financial assistance ranges depending on the provincial zone you are applying from and does not need to be repaid. These zones are available on the CMHC website.

Grants for Seniors

The Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) program is available for low income senior's (65 and older) and landlord's of seniors properties. The program provides a forgivable loan (up to $3,500) which does not have to be repaid if the senior homeowner lives in the home for six months. For landlord's, the loan is forgivable as long as the landlord agrees not to raise rents. The program is designed to increase the opportunity for senior's to live safely and independently in their homes.

Tags: available from, available from federal, available low-income, CMHC website, from federal

Make An Offer On A House With Minor Repairs

Save money purchasing a new home and make an offer on a house in need of minor repairs.

Homebuyers seeking an inexpensive home can benefit from the real estate industry's competitiveness by purchasing a home that needs minor repairs. A home in a stellar neighborhood in need of a bit of TLC can sell considerably lower than better-maintained turnkey homes in the same neighborhood. If you make a decent offer, a seller can be eager to sell a house other homebuyers bypass. Follow a few guidelines, exercising caution, and purchase a home in the neighborhood of your dreams at a reduced price.

Instructions

1. Hire a professional home inspector before making offers on any home. Minor repairs are one thing, but shelling out cash for serious problems makes the home-buying process difficult. Order an inspection of the entire home to provide a list of required repairs in addition to the expenses required to make those repairs, Our Family Place advises.

2. Compare the costs of making minor repairs to the listing price. Knowing the required amount to make minor repairs provides leverage to offer at a reduced price or request the seller to complete the repairs as a part of closing agreements.

3. Negotiate the final selling price. Factor in one percent of the home's value for yearly repairs and maintenance on top of the cost of the initial repairs before making an offer. If the cost to make the repairs in addition to the list value of the house equals less than 28 percent of your pretax income, but still remains pretty close, make an offer within the 28 percent.

4. Ask the seller to make the final repairs themselves as apart of closing agreements, if they refuse to lower the final sales price to a more reasonable figure.

Tags: before making, closing agreements, make offer, minor repairs, minor repairs, purchasing home, reduced price

Find Free Instruction Manual Downloads

Find Free Instruction Manual Downloads

Many types of events can send you looking for an instruction manual, which you may not be able to find anywhere in your house or garage. You might need instructions for an appliance that came with the house and the previous owners didn't leave the manual behind, or you may have purchased some equipment long ago and filed the manual away in a forgotten place. The Internet provides an opportunity to download instruction manuals for free. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Go to the manufacturer's website. Check to see if the company offers free downloads of its instruction manuals. If so, search for the specific product for which you need an instruction manual and download the manual.

2. Look online for a company that specializes in providing information about certain types of products. Edmunds.com, for instance, lists on one web page specific links to downloads of owner's manuals for different makes of cars, and also tells whether those manuals are free.

3. Use a free instruction manual downloading service that allows you to download a wide variety of these manuals. At safemanuals.com and manualnguide.com, for instance, you can download instruction manuals for appliances, digital cameras, electronics, garden equipment, office equipment, power tools and more. These sites make their money by running ads rather than for charging for downloads.

Tags: instruction manuals, download instruction, download instruction manuals, Find Free, Find Free Instruction, Free Instruction, Free Instruction Manual

Stop Septic Pipes From Freezing Up

Winter temperatures can freeze septic pipes.

Slow drains and sewage backups in winter, could be a sign of frozen septic system pipes. Frozen septic pipes and septic tanks can break and leak, causing flooded basements -- expensive and difficult to clean. Septic system maintenance companies use steam or hot water under pressure to thaw frozen pipes. While a frozen pipe can be thawed, winter excavation to fix broken pipes is expensive. Fortunately, there are other options. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Frozen Pipe Prevention

1. Eliminate vehicle and foot traffic over the septic pipes or the drain-field. Traffic compacts the soil and drives winter frost into the ground.

2. Eliminate pipes that run underneath driveways or sidewalks. Plowed areas in the winter are more prone to freezing.

3. Add cover soil on top of pipes to at least 12 inches.

4. Insulate with straw or other cover as an added barrier over pipe runs, the septic tank and the drain-field. Disperse the cover loosely over the area to at least 6 inches thick.

5. Re-set improperly installed pipe runs. Wastewater piping should have a 1 percent to 2 percent slope along its entire length and have absolutely no dips. All lines filled by a pump should drain back to the septic tank.

6. Replace the septic lines with insulated pipe. Insulated pipe provides a thermal barrier between the frost in the ground and running water in the pipe.

7. Install a weep hole in the pipe attached to the effluent pump. A weep hole drains the liquid out of the supply pipe so it does not hold water.

8. Use the system. A septic system not in use will eventually freeze. Wastewater entering from the house adds warmth to the septic tank.

Tags: septic pipes, septic tank, least inches, pipe runs, weep hole

Convert Price Per Foot To Price Per Meter

The price of items that are purchased in increments of feet, such as $ per foot or € per foot (or any currency) can be converted to increments of meters.

Based on international agreement, both the United States and the United Kingdom define one yard as equal to 0.9144 meters. Using on this definition, one foot is equal to .3048 meters. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Convert Price Per Foot to Price Per Meter

1. Write down or enter into a calculator the price per foot.

2. Divide the price per foot by .3048

3. The result is price per meter, in the same currency as price per foot.

For example:

- An item priced at €2 per foot is €2 * .3048 = €6.5616 per meter.

- An item priced at $2 per foot is $2 * .3048 = $6.5616 per meter.

Tags: foot 3048, 3048 5616, 3048 5616 meter, 5616 meter, Convert Price, Convert Price Foot, foot 3048 5616

Repair A Wrestling Mat

Reparing a wrestling mat is usually simple.

Wrestling mats provide padding for the grapplers as they throw each other to the mat and maneuver for a pin . The mats also give the wrestlers traction so they can utilize their technique. Holes and cuts to the mat can be dangerous since they can snag a finger or toe and can also become breeding grounds for bacteria. Repairing a wrestling mat needs to be done immediately to prevent injury or illness to the competitors.

Instructions

1. Apply an antiseptic to any openings in the mat before repairing them to kill off any bacteria that could be growing in them. Make sure the antiseptic you use can kill staph, which is a common and very dangerous bacteria that frequently forms on wrestling mats.

2. Apply the glue to any cuts in the mat. This will bond the two sides of the cut together and seal the opening.

3. Use caulking compound to fill in any larger holes or depressions in the mat. Allow the mat to dry overnight. Caulking compound can dry in several hours but the glue requires 12 hours or more to make sure the bonding is strong.

4. Paint over the repairs with vinyl paint. Keep the room ventilated since vinyl paint has very strong fumes.

5. Leave the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before using the mat again.

Tags: bacteria that, vinyl paint

Night Clubs In Greensboro Nc

As a college town, Greensboro has some of the most diverse night life offerings of the Triad area that also includes nearby North Carolina cities Winston-Salem and High Point. Whether you are in the mood for hip-hop, country line dancing or improv comedy, you can find it and a whole lot more in Greensboro. Does this Spark an idea?

N Club

The N Club is a hip-hop nightclub open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ladies get in for free before 11 p.m. In addition to their regular college night parties, the N Club also frequently features live hip-hop acts.

N Club

117 Elm St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 333-9300

nclub.com/

Greene Street Club

The Greene Street Club is largely a live music venue, with a popular college night party every Thursday. Past acts who have performed at this venue include Zero, Us From Outside, Cool Kid Collective and Jonas Sees in Color. Note that the Greene Street Club has a strict dress code. You will likely be denied entrance when wearing a do-rag or bandana, baggy pants, long shorts, jean shorts, a jersey, long chain, long T-shirt, oversize collared shirt, baggy shirt or boots.

Greene Street Club

113 N. Green St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 273-4111

greenestreetclub.com/

Stumble Stilskins

Stumble Stilskins is a club largely popular with the college-age denizens of Greensboro. Tuesdays are karaoke night and Sundays feature specials for those working in the service industry.

Stumble Stilskins

202 W. Market St.

Greensboro, NC 27401-2504

(336) 691-1222

Stumblestilskins.com

The Idiot Box

The Idiot Box is an improv comedy club that features shows on Friday and Saturday nights. They have a full bar for guests aged 21 and over. Note that the Idiot Box is a nonsmoking venue.

The Idiot Box

348 S. Elm St.

Greensboro, NC 27403

(336) 274-BOXX

idiotboxers.com

Arizona Pete's

Fans of country music gather at Arizona Pete's on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy country line dancing, live entertainment and drink specials. Thursdays are college nights---all college ladies 21 years of age and over get in for free, and everyone can enjoy the $1 Busch Lite special. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for live music; some of the acts that have graced the Arizona Pete's stage include Confederate Railroad, Chris Lane Band, Swamp da Wamp and the Mikel Buck Band. Arizona Pete's is open to everyone aged 18 and over with proper ID. Dress code is "casual, but nice."

Arizona Pete's

2900-A Patterson St.

Greensboro, NC 27407

(336) 632-9889

arizonapetes.com

Tags: Arizona Pete, Greene Street, Greene Street Club, Street Club, Friday Saturday, Friday Saturday nights

Dewinterize Your Plumbing

De-winterize Your Plumbing

Winterizing your plumbing system prepares it to survive the cold temperatures of the winter months in the event that the home is left vacant for a period of time. In particular, it is purposed to prevent damage to the plumbing that may result from frozen water pipes, which may cause them to spring leaks or burst. De-winterizing your plumbing prepares it for regular, daily use. Read on to learn de-winterize your plumbing once winter is over. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off all the faucets and spigots in your home, and then unscrew the aerator from the faucets. The aerator is simply the cap at the end of the faucet.

2. Turn off all valves in your home. This should include your water heater tank, dishwater hookup, and washing machine. This step can save you a lot of clean up later on in case you miss one of the valves.

3. Locate your water main (your main water valve). Turn on water main halfway, which will allow the water to slowly flow back into your plumbing system. Let this flow of water continue until your water heater tank and toilet tanks fill up.

4. In the meantime, carefully examine your plumbing pipes to look for any leaks. Should you find one, immediately turn off the water main and repair it.

5. Next, partially turn on your faucets and spigots. Allow the water to run for about 15 to 20 minutes, and flush each of your toilets at least two times. The purpose of this step is to expel air from the plumbing pipes and to flush out the anti-freeze used in the winterizing process.

6. Turn off the faucets once the water begins to run clear. Replace the faucet's aerators. Re-fill your water softener, if you have one. Switch on the water tank.

7. Pour one or two quarts of water down your floor drains.

Tags: your water, water main, faucets spigots, heater tank, plumbing pipes, plumbing system, Turn faucets

Provide Affordable Roofing For A Mobile Home

Roofs on mobile homes can take a beating with constant element exposure. Choosing a roof for a mobile home that is resistant to wind, heat and cold can be costly. It is, however, possible to install affordable metal roofing on your mobile home if you follow a few tips. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Install a new metal roof on your mobile home for a thrifty option. Purchase sheet metal for roofing at any building supply store or lumber yard. This is inexpensive compared to all the gallons of sealant you've bought over the years. You can also save money by doing it yourself.

2. Drill your metal roof onto your home with drill bits or screws, attaching the metal roof onto your mobile home.

3. Seal around all vents when installing the metal roofing. Doing this will make the new metal roof more energy efficient, reducing your heating and cooling bills.

4. Fill in around vents and other protrusions with an asphalt-based coating and wire mesh.

5. Seal your roof with an elastomeric coating that contracts and expands with the weather, such as Snowroof. Prepare your roof before you apply this coating by removing the material from previous sealants. This is a relatively new product and may not adhere well to the existing coating material. It's a safer product for you to use since you don't have to be on the roof to apply it. Just use a ladder and a roller with a long extension handle to apply the coating. This product must be reapplied each year.

Tags: metal roof, mobile home, metal roofing, your mobile, your mobile home, around vents, metal roof onto

North Carolina Rv Parks Near I40

Interstate 40 stretches across the state of North Carolina from the border with Tennessee in the West to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the East. The highway runs past some of the state's major cities including Durham, Greensboro and Wilmington as well as the Duke University, North Carolina State, the University of North Carolina and Wake Forest University. For RV enthusiasts traveling along I-40, a number of RV parks are situated just off one of the many exits.

Indian Springs Campground

The Indian Springs Campground is located in the town of Hickory, off of I-40 exit 119 on the banks of the Henry River. The Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory Motor Speedway and shopping at the furniture mart are some of the local attractions close to the park. Guests at campground enjoy swimming and fishing in the river, basketball and volleyball courts and picnic facilities. The shaded RV sites are big-rig friendly with pull through access and come standard with water, electric and sewer as well as wireless internet access.

Indian Springs Campground

4361 Whitener Drive

Hickory, NC 28602

828-397-5700

indianspringscampgroundnc.com

Birchwood RV Park

Birchwood RV Park is set in the heart of the Triangle Region of North Carolina in the city of Durham, about 5 minutes from exit 266. The cities of Chapel Hill, Cary and Raleigh are nearby as well as the local attractions of Bennett Place State Historic Site, Duke University and the South Point Mall. Birchwood is pet-friendly and features wireless internet access, laundry, a play area, propane station and RV repair all located on-site. Each of the RV sites comes with water, sewer and electricity hook ups as well as pull-through access.

Birchwood RV Park

5901 Wilkins Drive

Durham, NC 27705-8705

919-493-1557

birchwoodrv.com

Wilmington KOA Campgrounds

The Wilmington KOA Campgrounds is conveniently situated in the coastal town Wilmington, about 9 minutes from I-40. Both the attractions of the historic downtown district of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are found within a short drive from the park. Each of the sites comes with big-rig friendly, pull-through access as well as electric, water, sewer, cable TV and phone hookups. Guests to the park enjoy the many on-site amenities including LP gas service, outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse with pavilion, convenience store and playground.

Wilmington KOA Campgrounds

7415 Market Street

Wilmington, NC 28411-9454

888-562-5699

koacampingnc.com

Tags: North Carolina, Birchwood Park, Indian Springs, Indian Springs Campground, Springs Campground, Wilmington Campgrounds

Can Home Repairs Be Written Off For Taxes

Most home repairs are not deductible.

Your home occupies a unique place in your financial picture. Although it is a major asset, like a stock or bond portfolio, it is also a tool in your daily life, providing shelter to you and your family. As such, the Internal Revenue Service treats your home as both an expense and an asset, especially with regard to repairs.

Repair or Investment

The Internal Revenue Service treats repairs differently from improvements. A repair would be a change that you make to your residence to return it to proper function, such as replacing a broken light bulb or fixing a leaky pipe. An improvement is something that adds to the value of the house, such as building an addition, replacing linoleum with hardwood or installing a swimming pool. Some improvements, such as putting on a new roof, or replacing a broken water heater with a new high-efficiency tankless model, are also considered repairs. You need to classify the work you do to your house into one of these two categories.

Home Repairs

Repairs to your residence are generally not tax deductible, as they are considered a normal requirement of using the home as a residence, as opposed to an investment.

Investing in Your Home

If you make repairs that are also investments in your home, they are generally not tax deductible. The IRS will, however, let you add the cost of the investment to the basis in your home, reducing your tax liability when it is sold. For example, if you bought a house for $200,000 and added a $50,000 addition, $20,000 swimming pool and $15,000 roof and then sold it for $300,000, you would only have a $15,000 gain.

Casualty Losses

If your home or property is damaged but not destroyed by theft or other casualty, such as a storm or earthquake, the IRS allows you to deduct your losses, up to the amount that is covered by insurance. Your ability to deduct these losses, which include repairs, is limited. More specifically, the IRS requires you to subtract $100 and 10 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your loss to determine the deductible amount. For example, if your AGI is $50,000, and you had $10,000 in casualty losses, you would subtract $5,100 from the $10,000 to come up with a $4,900 deduction.

Homes Held for Investment Purposes

If you own a home as an investment, the IRS is much more generous. In this instance, all of your repair expenses are completely deductible against the home's gross income, as are all of its other operating expenses. Capital expenditures, though, are treated similarly to improvements on your home, and cannot be expensed. They can be added on to your basis, though, to reduce your capital gains liability at the time you sell the asset.

Tags: your home, generally deductible, gross income, Internal Revenue, Internal Revenue Service

Use Lowe'S Home Improvement Services

Learn How Lowe's Can Help You

From shades to appliances, carpeting to countertops, Lowe's Home Improvement Services can install just about anything you will need for your next remodeling or repair project. Lowe's screens its subcontractors and checks for proper licensing, so you can be sure the technician is qualified for the job. Lowe's offers more than 40 different services so, with a bit of preparation and planning, even the most novice homeowner can get that special look she wants in her home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Use Lowe's Home Improvement Services

1. Figure out what you want to achieve with your remodeling or renovation project. Are your cabinets out of date? Want granite instead of laminate countertops? Just need new appliances? What about flooring? Windows and doors no longer weather resistant? While you're considering your options, also estimate your budget and know how much you can afford to spend.

2. Visit your local Lowe's store. Ask for brochures. Also ask for samples of any items you are interested in so you can take them home to test the color in the lighting at your house (store lighting varies). Read the brochures. Go online for more information about specific products. Make notes of what you like (and don't). Write down any questions you may have. If you can, draw a sketch or two to better illustrate your ideas.

3. Go back to Lowe's with your notes and meet with a sales associate. Do this at a time when the store is not busy so you will not feel rushed to make any decisions. Review your proposed project in detail. Let the associate work up a quote or estimate for services. If necessary, have her quote both high- and low-end products to show you where you can save money. Once you find a price that fits in your budget, arrange for an on-site measure, if needed.

4. After measuring, co-ordinate with your sales associate to make sure you have time to remove any items prior to installation and make any necessary arrangements. Materials and supplies may be delivered to the site. Make sure these items are exactly as ordered. Immediately contact your sales associate with any problems or questions. Once all materials are on site, the workers should be able to begin construction or installation.

5. After installation, each Lowe's installer should check everything over to ensure proper installation. Then, as stated on the Lowe's website, the installer will clean up the surrounding area and present you with a Certificate of Completion. This is when you will need to be sure to ask your sales associate and/or installers any remaining questions you have about the installation or products. Then inspect and approve the work, keeping in mind that Lowe's guarantees your satisfaction.

Tags: sales associate, Home Improvement, Home Improvement Services, Improvement Services, Lowe Home, Lowe Home Improvement, with your

Troubleshoot & Repair An Air Conditioner That Freezes Up

Frozen air conditioners may be attributed to a variety of causes.

Some minor causes of air conditioner units freezing up during the course of operation can easily be repaired by the homeowner as part of overall maintenance of the air conditioning system. Preventative maintenance plays an important role in keeping the air conditioning unit operating without problems. Some problems with air conditioning units can be more difficult to diagnose and to treat without the expertise, equipment and services of a qualified trained professional. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Filter

1. Turn off the air conditioning unit to allow the frozen suction line to thaw before beginning any repairs. Use ceiling fans, box fans or window fans to maintain comfort in the house while the air conditioning unit is being serviced.

2. Central air filters are located behind these types of access panels.

Locate the air filter. It will be located on the front of the unit in window air conditioning units and may be installed on a wall, on the floor, or in the ceiling of the room in central air conditioning installations.

3. Remove the access panel which holds the filter in place by using a screwdriver if necessary. Inspect the filter for excessive amounts of dust buildup. Filters used in window air conditioning units may be washed and reused while filters for central air conditioning units will need to be replaced with a filter of the same size and type.

4. Remove the vent covers in each room if you are using central air conditioning units. Vent covers will be held in with either a straight-blade screw or Phillips blade. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the vent cover. Use an extended handle duster and vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to remove dust from the duct work.

Condensor unit

5. Use a water hose with the nozzle on a spray setting to remove debris such as dust, dirt and leaves from the condenser unit located outside the home. For window air conditioning units, this will be the portion of the unit that sticks out of the window from outside the home. Allow at least 24 hours for the unit to dry before turning power back on to the unit.

6. Turn power on the next day. Periodically inspect the air conditioning units to evaluate any freezing which occurs.

7. Freezing of the unit at this point may be due to a low amount of refrigerant in the system. Recharging the refrigerant in the system usually requires the skill of a trained air conditioning professional.

Tags: conditioning units, central conditioning, conditioning unit, window conditioning, window conditioning units, central conditioning units

Repair An Ipod Touch Home Button

If your iPod Touch home button is slow or not responsive, try these troubleshooting tips.

As the name of the device indicates, most of the actions you take on an iPod Touch are done on the touch screen. However, the button beneath the screen, known as the "home button," is also vital when it comes to finding the main menu. If you are having a problem with the home button, Apple has a few troubleshooting tips you can take to repair it that do not involve taking the Touch apart, which would void the warranty and is not recommended.

Instructions

1. Allow your iPod Touch to go into sleep mode, indicated when the screen is black. Press the home button to see if the screen responds. If so, move on to Step 2. If it does not, call an Apple store.

2. Open an application and close it using the home button. Repeat this step with several applications. If only a few applications show resistance in responding to the home button, delete those applications and reinstall them.

3. Power off the iPod Touch and power it back on. If the home button is still sluggish, hold down both the home and sleep buttons simultaneously for more than 10 seconds to reset the device.

4. Connect the iPod Touch to your computer using the USB cord. Launch iTunes and select the device under "Devices" on the left. Click "Restore." Wait for the restoration to finish and check your iPod again. If the home button is still sluggish or not responding, make an appointment at an Apple store.

Tags: home button, iPod Touch, your iPod, your iPod Touch, Apple store

New York State Low Income Home Improvement Grants

The EmPower program provides free fluorescent bulbs, among other energy efficency measures

New York State offers grants for home improvements that increase heating and energy efficiency in low-income households. Some programs require owner contributions or work with an energy efficiency specialist, but the improvements may pay for themselves in reduced heating and cooling costs. Does this Spark an idea?

Weatherization Assistance Program

The program provides home improvements that reduce heating and cooling costs for if your household is "at or below 60 percent of the state median income." You apply through a local agency or local weatherization provider that assesses and provides the improvements. Improvements may include measures to improve the heating system or keep cold air outside and heated air inside.

Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star

You may be eligible to receive a 50 percent subsidy up to $5,000 for the cost of improvements that improve energy efficiency assessed and designed by a Building Performance Institute accredited contractor if you're a customer of one of six participating utility companies and you earn less than 80 percent of state median income. If you don't fall within this income guideline, you're still eligible for subsidized loans or a subsidy of 10 percent of the cost of improvements up to $3,000.

EmPower

EmPower provides free energy saving tips, efficient lighting and even free or reduced cost energy efficient refrigerators if yours is inefficient; your household income is at or below the 60 percent of the state median income; and you're a customer of one of six participating utility companies. Income-eligible tenants can also participate free of charge.

Tags: energy efficiency, improvements that, median income, percent state, percent state median

Level A House In Houston

Excessive rainfall or flooding in areas such as Houston can cause ground movement underneath the house, making the structure of the home unstable. A home sitting in mud will shift and move. When the house is not level, you may notice that the doors do not close properly or the windows will not shut, or there may be cracks in the walls. House leveling is labor intensive, but it can be done with a hydraulic jack, wood blocks and teleposts. Doing this project yourself may save you a substantial amount of money on labor costs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Go underneath the house. Nail a wood block to the bottom of each of two joists on opposite ends of the foundation. Attach them as near the foundation as possible. Hammer a nail into each block to attach the twine.

2. Tie one end of the twine to the nail in one of the blocks. Run the twine in a straight line to the other end of the house and pull taut. Tie the twine to the nail in the second block.

3. Measure the distance from the bottom of the floor joist to the twine. Measure in several different places underneath the house.

4. Mark the location of the lowest spot under the house.

5. Lay wood blocks on firm ground beneath the joist at the lowest level of the house. Set the hydraulic jack on the wood blocks. Lay the steel plate between the hydraulic jack and the wood frame of the house to protect the wood from damage.

6. Build a temporary post on solid ground next to the hydraulic jack with the large wood blocks. Begin jacking the house up. Add wood blocks to the post as the house moves up. When the lowest point has been raised up enough to equal the next lowest point, carefully remove the hydraulic jack to allow the house to rest on the temporary post.

7. Repeat procedures until the floor is level in all areas.

8. Dig 8 inches down adjacent to a temporary post. Pour gravel into the hole. Pack the gravel tight. Lay a pre-cast concrete paver on top of the gravel. Lay the level on the concrete paver. Make any adjustments needed in order to ensure that the paver is level. Set a concrete block on top of the paver. Set an adjustable steel telepost on top of the concrete block. A telepost is a steel post that adjusts up or down to support a load bearing weight from above. Adjust the post to the required height. Secure the post to the underside of the beam by drilling 2-inch wood screws through the four pre-determined holes into the beam.

9. Repeat step 8 until a permanent steel post has been installed adjacent to every temporary post.

Tags: hydraulic jack, wood blocks, temporary post, hydraulic jack wood, jack wood

Fix A Car Without A Mechanic

Have you been having problems with your car? When car problems occur, it can be painful to pay a mechanic. If you don't have the knowledge to repair your car, here are some ways to get it running smooth without paying a mechanic to do it.

Instructions

1. Find a friend or family member who knows repair cars even if only minor repairs are needed, such as an oil change. Chances are they can at least tell you what is wrong. They are definitely cheaper than a mechanic.

2. Check into your significant other's family and friends if no friends or family can help.

3. Go to your local auto parts store if you are still having problems. Sometimes they will tell you if something minor is wrong. Sometimes, they will even fill up fluids, show you where they go and only charge for the fluids.

4. Have the worker at the store test your parts for you and tell you what you need to replace. If they aren't very busy, sometimes you can get them to go out to your car and install smaller parts for you or show you do it yourself. This will depend on the person. It is not their policy to repair your car for you.

5. Buy manuals, borrow them from the library,or go online to look up fix parts when you know what the problem is.

6. Go online and ask a mechanic's advice about what might be wrong if you don't know what the problem is. They will usually charge you for this advice. But if you are mechanically inclined, at least you don't have to pay for labor, only parts and advice. Some Web sites even offer free help.

Tags: having problems, know what, know what problem, repair your, Sometimes they, Sometimes they will

Remove Rust From Trampoline Springs

Remove rust from trampoline springs to keep it in good shape.

A trampoline is an excellent piece of physical fitness equipment that can bring hours of fun and heart-pumping exercise into your life. Trampolines tend to be expensive and require special care. To keep your trampoline in peak condition and maintain optimum bounce, keep a watchful eye on the springs. Trampolines that are kept outdoors are especially prone to developing rust from dew and rainfall. Remove rust from your trampoline springs with an easy remedy found right in your own kitchen.

Instructions

1. Carefully inspect all of the springs on your trampoline. If you notice even the smallest onslaught of rust, mark the spring with a piece of red electrical tape.

2. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of salt with the juice of two limes. Mix until a paste is formed.

3. Using a small wooden tongue depressor, apply the paste directly to the rust spots.

4. Leave the mixture on the rust spots for two to three hours.

5. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the mixture and the rust.

6. Rinse the springs with a garden hose fitted with a sprayer.

7. Dry the springs with a cotton towel.

8. Apply petroleum jelly to the springs to keep them lubricated, which will prevent rust from re-forming.

Tags: rust from, springs with, your trampoline, mixture rust, Remove rust from, rust spots, springs keep

Repair A Sears Air Compressor

Sears air compressors are tools used for do-it-yourself auto and shop work. Unfortunately, it is possible for you to run into problems while using one, such as the compressor not starting, a drop in air intake and the motor overheating, causing it to shut down. You can try to correct these problems before you have to get the compressor professionally repaired. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Shut off the compressor and let the motor cool down. If the motor runs too hot, the motor overload protection switch triggers, preventing the compressor's motor from running again until the motor has cooled.

2. Check the air filter if you notice a drop in air intake. This is a sign that the air filter is dirty. Remove the air filter from the compressor and clean it with a mild detergent and cold water. Dry the filter off, then place it back in the compressor.

3. Try plugging in the compressor to another electrical outlet if the motor overload protection switch triggers repeatedly. It could be a sign that the outlet the compressor is plugged into is not providing enough power to the compressor.

4. Set the adjustable pressure valve knob to "Start" if the compressor does not start. This can be a sign that there is compressed air in the compressor pump, and changing the pressure valve knob to "Start" relieves the pressure.

Tags: sign that, compressor motor, drop intake, knob Start, motor overload

Access Senior Transportation

Senior transportation helps older adults remain independent.

The mission of the National Center for Senior Transportation is to help seniors live independently by providing more options for transportation. The Center receives federal funds to carry out its mission, which is mandated by the Older Americans Act. The NCST says more than 80 percent of older Americans feel that public transportation helps them access everyday needs. Senior transportation programs provide on-demand transportation, low-floor buses for seniors who have difficulty with stairs and vehicles with wheelchair lifts. Public senior transportation programs are funded by the Federal Transit Administration. Seniors or their caregivers can access transportation resources through a variety of sources.

Instructions

1. Contact your local public transportation agency or Area Agency on Aging and ask about senior transportation. The American Public Transportation Association provides on its website links to public transportation agencies in each U.S. state. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging provides links on its website to local agencies. Eldercare Locator, a national service that helps seniors live independently, provides links and referrals to senior services, including senior transportation. A service coordinator in your senior citizen housing community can also provide information about transportation.

2. Confirm your eligibility to receive senior transportation services from the provider in your area. In South Carolina, for example, residents of the county where services are provided are eligible if they are age 60 or older, the spouse of an eligible rider or if they meet other qualifications

3. Complete the process to request senior transportation. Check with your local program to learn about its process. For instance, in Colorado, Denver's Senior Resource Center allows online reservations for senior transportation appointments. Denver's program provides transportation free of charge for a variety of purposes, including medical appointment, shopping trips and senior meal sites.

Tags: senior transportation, live independently, provides links, public transportation, senior transportation, seniors live, seniors live independently

Grow Fruit Trees In Georgia

Banana Trees in Georgia

Georgia is a wonderful state for growing fruit trees. However, because of the varied climate found throughout the state from north to south, different fruits might do well in one area but not the next. It is a generally warm and humid climate with plenty of sunshine and rare frosts so fruits that like the heat are generally better suited for this area. Here are a few things to consider. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what USDA climate zone you are located in. There is a difference between northern Georgia and southern Georgia just as there is a difference between western and eastern parts of the state. There is a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map online that you can reference for your particular area.

2. Check what kind of soil you have. If you have the common red clay of many parts of Georgia, some fruit trees like apples and pears will just slowly die since they need better draining and loamy soil. If you have coastal sandy soil, citrus trees might thrive if you have the heat they need. Of course, you can build up the soil around your trees, but generally, the more suited the tree is to the area, the less pests and diseases will crop up.

3. Choose from a variety of trees for your area. For instance, there are apples, pears and plums that have been developed to grow in warmer climates and might be good for northern Georgia. You can check with your local nursery and see what they are selling to the general public. If you are in the southern side of the state, think about citrus trees, maybe even pomegranates, bananas and figs.

4. Check with local forums and blogsites to see what other people are growing. It is one thing to plant a tree and it is another to have the tree grow into a healthy productive fruit tree. There are great website blogs developed for specific areas where actual people will write in what has done well in their yard. Most people think peaches when asked about Georgia but also think about persimmons, blueberries, passion fruit, kiwi, and paw paws that love the heat.

5. Experiment in your own backyard. Sometimes, the micro-climate of your area might be different from the rest of the state. For instance, if you live next to the coast, the water might buffer the temperature of your property. On the other hand, if you are in a valley, you might experience cooler temperatures that surrounding neighborhoods. Try different varieties of fruit trees that should grow in the climate of your yard, and not just the state.

Tags: fruit trees, apples pears, citrus trees, difference between, northern Georgia