East Texas Christmas Activities

The Lone Star State, Texas, is home to the Holiday Trail of Lights, a string of cities in the eastern region of the state. Each of these cities, which includes Marshall, Kilgore and Jefferson, decorate their downtown areas with Christmas lights. Many of East Texas' larger cities, such as Houston and Tyler, have Christmas-themed festivals and amusement parks. Does this Spark an idea?

Greater Houston

From late November through early January, the Woodlands -- a northern suburb of Houston -- hosts its annual Winter Wonderlands festivity. During this annual event, The Woodlands sets up storybook scenes that feature Christmas lights and elf figurines. The indoor ice skating rink at The Woodlands also features Christmas d cor. Admission is free for the Winter Wonderland, but a fee is required for ice skating. Every year the Alley Theater (alleytheatre.org), a professional theater in downtown Houston, presents its version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This stage play runs throughout the month of December.

Nacogdoches

One of the largest Christmas-themed festivals in East Texas, the Nine Flags Festival, occurs in downtown Nagocdoches. This one-month long event commences in mid-November and ends in early December. Activities during this event include a gingerbread house competition and a float parade that occurs on the Saturday night after Thanksgiving. The festival also hosts a float competition. Nacogdoches' hometown university, Stephen F. Austin University (sfasu.edu), offers Christmas-themed productions, including the "Nutcracker," via its Fine Arts Department. These performances occur in November through mid-December before students go on winter break.

Tyler

Lindale, Texas, a northern suburb of Tyler, is home to Santa Land (santalandtexas.com), a Christmas-themed amusement park that is only open during the Holiday season -- November and December. This 24-acre amusement park features over two million lights on its Christmas tree. Activities at Santa Land include a ride on Santa Claus' trailer or driving past the lights in your own vehicle. Santa's trailer runs every night between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. In Canton, Texas -- approximately 45 minutes west of Tyler -- tourists may visit the Canton Christmas Tree Farm (cantonchristmastreefarm.com), which features carnival-style rides, a rock-climbing wall and a pony farm. Both Santa Land and Canton Christmas Tree Farm have gift shops with Christmas-themed souvenirs.

Texarkana

The border city of Texarkana, which straddles the Texas-Arkansas state line, celebrates Christmas every year by hosting the Twice as Bright Lights Festival. This festival runs from Thanksgiving to January 2nd. Twice as Bright consists of holiday lights and d cor adorning downtown Texarkana, Texas, especially on Main Street. Horse carriage rides and reindeer petting zoos are available. Texarkana starts celebrating Christmas early, though, via the Mistletoe Fair, an annual event hosted by the Junior League of Texarkana (jltexarkana.org). This shopping extravaganza occurs in November at the Four States Fairgrounds; venders at the event include antique dealers and local restaurants.

Tags: East Texas, Santa Land, amusement park, annual event, Canton Christmas

Fix A Dell Laptop

Troubleshooting and fixing your Dell system are not straightforward tasks, as there are a number of issues to contend with. Narrowing down the possibilities for your Dell errors is important to fixing the machine, whether it is a hard drive error, video problem or something else entirely.

Instructions

1. Check the power supply. This should always be your first step in diagnosing a problem for a Dell laptop. Is the computer power light illuminated? Check the power source (power brick) and see if it is correctly plugged into the wall. If it is, and there is no power going to the Dell, unplug the power adapter and plug in another electrical device to this same socket. If this electrical device also isn't powered, the problem is with the socket.

2. Check the battery indicator light on your laptop. It should be on the underside or on the side of the PC. It may be that your battery needs to be swapped. Dell batteries typically are good for 1000 partial/full charges. After that point and leading up to it, they begin to hold their charge for less and less time.

3. Check the laptop screen. Is the LCD display cracked in any way? If so, attend to it as soon as possible. If the screen is flickering, it is likely a failed or failing backlight. It is not recommended that you attempt to replace a display on your own. Take it into your local computer shop or ship the unit to Dell.

4. Look over your computer and further check the power status. It may be possible to ascertain if there is a video failure. Listen closely to your computer. Do you hear the Dell computer fan running? If you can no longer hear the fan running, the problem does not lie with video but with the main board or power system. To see if it is indeed a video problem, use a VGA cable to hook up another, outside monitor to your Dell. If this monitor does not at least light up when you power up your system, you can count that this is not a fan-related problem, but a video failure to same degree. Seek professional help for your Dell.

5. If accessing files seems to be a problem and you have eliminated the above possibilities, it is likely a hard drive issue. Fortunately, unlike the other problems, replacing or fixing a hard drive on a Dell is a fairly straightforward task. A new hard drive can be obtained from a number of different vendors. Seagate is a company with a track record for reliable hard drives (see Resources below). Irrespective of company, however, a hard drive running at 7200RPM rather than 5400RPM is desirable but not a necessary upgrade. If you are a power user, a hard drive of 500GB to over 1TB (1000 GB) may be very desirable. Some such large hard drives can be found for a bargain and as low as $100. To install your new hard drive, flip over the main computer unit after you have made sure to cut all power to the system. Locate the two screws that are over the hard drive casing. For reference, with most Dell laptops, such as the Inspiron 5100, there will be two 2.5 x 5 millimeter screws to unscrew with a small screwdriver. Then, remove the hard drive cover and gently slide out the hard drive, being sure not to bump it. Slide the new drive in and replace the screws. Reinstall the operating system.

Tags: hard drive, your Dell, Check power, electrical device, hard drives

Do Auto Body & Fender Repairs

Fix minor auto body imperfections using body filler.

The body of an automobile is often made from metal, which can become dented or scratched. The body can become damaged from impact from an accident or from normal wear and tear. Fenders are subject to damage from normal driving or from collisions. Many small imperfections, such as rust, dents and scratches, can be fixed at home using tools found at an automotive supply store. For more extensive repairs, including replacing parts, you may need the assistance of a professional body repair shop.

Instructions

1. Sand the damaged area using a rough grit sandpaper. If the area is rusted, sand until all of the rust is removed. For scratched areas, sand until the scratch is gone. For a dent, sand the dented area and at least an inch around the dent so that the body filler will adhere properly.

2. Clean the sanded area using a dry clean cloth and a degreaser, following the directions on the cleaner. Remove all residue and sanding dust.

3. Smooth body filler into the damaged area, if necessary. Apply a thin layer of body filler if the damaged area is uneven with the rest of the surface. If you are treating a dent, fill the area with body filler and smooth it across the surface. Apply filler using the soft plastic applicator that comes with the bottle, or purchase a plastic applicator if one is not included with the body filler you have.

4. Allow the body filler to dry completely. Once dry, sand the filler down until the area is even with the rest of the vehicle. Use a rough grit of sandpaper and sand in a circular motion over the repaired surface. You may need to reapply the filler and sand again until the area is smooth and even. Use a finer grit of sandpaper once the surface is even to polish out any imperfections.

5. Prime the repaired area and apply touch-up paint in a color that matches the rest of the vehicle.

Tags: body filler, damaged area, grit sandpaper, area using, from normal

Repair An Old Pocket Knife

Most old pocket knives can be restored by replacing the scales and sharpening the blade.

Whether it's a treasured family heirloom or something you randomly picked up at a neighbor's garage sale, old pocket knives are usually dull and damaged if they haven't been properly cared for over the years. Nevertheless, with a little wood, some spare time and the proper tools, you can repair almost any pocket knife so that it's as good as the day it was made, if not better. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the old scales from the knife. Scales are another name for the knife's handle, which is often made from plastic, resin or wood. Take out any screws first and then pry the scales off using the thin flat edge of a screwdriver or knife.

2. Clean the metal beneath the scales by rubbing it thoroughly with sandpaper.

3. Cut two slightly over-sized blanks out of wood using a small backsaw. A blank is an unfinished piece of material that has been stamped out of another material. It's a good idea to use a strong hardwood like ebony or boxwood to make the blanks. The blanks will be used to fashion new scales for the knife.

4. Smooth out one side of each blank using a block plane. If you don't have access to a block plane, you can use sandpaper glued to a piece of glass or ceramic tile. The other side of each blank can be left rough.

5. Cut a template for each scale out of cardboard. Try to cut the templates so they match the dimensions of the original scales.

6. Place the cardboard templates on top of the wood blanks and use them as a guide to trim the blanks to the correct length. You don't need to cut the blanks to the exact shape yet, just make sure they are a good length so they will fit tightly on the knife.

7. Mark and drill holes in the blanks for any studs or screws that need to be inserted.

8. Trace the shape of the cardboard templates on the wooden blanks, and carefully saw out the shape. Keep as close to the traced lines as possible without going over.

9. Shape the new scales from the blanks using a small rasp or a coarse file.

10. Attach the newly fashioned scales to the knife using a two-part epoxy. After the epoxy has had time to dry, insert any studs or screws and continue shaping the scales until they look good and conform to the grip of your hand.

11. Clean dirt and grime from the blade of the knife by soaking it for a few hours in a lightweight lubricating oil.

12. Scrub the blade with steel wool and some oil to remove any visible rust or oxidation.

13. Sharpen the blade using sharpening stones. Start with a heavy grit stone and work your way to finer grit stones. Hold the knife at a 30-degree angle to the stone and move the blade back and forth to sharpen the edge.

14. Rub some lubricating oil along the blade after sharpening it to help prevent rust from forming in the future.

Tags: cardboard templates, block plane, each blank, pocket knives, scales from

Repair A Crack In Concrete Foundations Using Hydraulic Cement

Homeowners can repair foundation cracks with hydraulic cement.

Concrete foundations often become cracked because of settlement and movement in the dirt below the foundation. Sometimes these cracks may be minor and will require no immediate attention, but more often, these cracks need to be repaired using hydraulic cement. The average do-it-yourself homeowner can repair a foundation crack using hydraulic cement in six to eight hours, depending on the size and scope of the project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean out the foundation crack. Debris from the cracks will often remain in the crack and prevent the insertion of hydraulic cement. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gouge out the loose concrete flakes. Be careful not to break away more material. Use the wire brush to brush the crack and remove fine particles.

2. Wash the crack using a water hose. Place a spray nozzle on the hose and spray pressure on the crack. Use an air blower if you are inside your basement and you cannot apply high pressure with a water hose.

3. Mix hydraulic cement in a 5-gallon bucket. Use a paddle mixer inserted into a drill to mix the cement. Mix the cement at a ratio of 2-to-1, meaning two parts cement and one part sand. Add two cans of cement powder and one can of sand using an old coffee can. Add water as you mix with the paddle mixer. Make the consistency similar to clay. Add in small amounts any water, cement powder or sand you may need to get the mixture right.

4. Pack the cement into the foundation crack using a small 6.5-inch pointing mason's trowel. Gather a small amount of cement on the back of the trowel and press into the crack. Keep packing until the crack is completely full. The cement will expand after an hour or so. Cut the excess cement off the foundation with the edge of the trowel before the cement gets too hard. Use a spray bottle and water to keep the cement moist, spraying the patch every hour for six hours. It will keep the cement from cracking.

Tags: hydraulic cement, crack using, foundation crack, cement powder, cement powder sand

Repair Drain Tile

Since it hides beneath the surface of a home's perimeter, it's easy for homeowners to overlook the importance of drain tile. Drain tile is one of your home's chief defenses against water damage. Without drain tile, water would seep into the structure of your basement thereby flooding it, or worse, causing damage directly to the structure itself. That's why it's critical to repair drain tile as soon as you notice water in your basement or shifts in your sediment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Replace Damaged Drain Tile

1. Unearth the drain tile in the area where damage is becoming apparent. If there is water damage or seepage in your basement, then the damage to the drain tile should be nearby on the drain tile opposite the wall. You may require heavy equipment to unearth the drain tile depending on how deep it is and how hard the earth is around your foundation.

2. Clear away the gravel layer that covers the drain tile and footer. Save this gravel as it can easily be reused once you complete your drain tile repair (just be sure that you have extra to replace any that gets lost or mixed up with the sediment).

3. Remove the damaged section of drain tile from the edge of the footer. This step may require you to break seals at either end of the pipe in order to remove it for repair. It is possible to cut away a section of the pipe a few inches from a joint so it can be re-seamed later.

4. Replace the damaged drain tile with new drain tile. It is very important to ensure that you have the proper size drain tile prior to beginning repairs. Take measurements of the existing drain tile before you purchase a replacement tile.

5. Recover the drain tile with the gravel and sediment you previously removed. It's important to also remember to replace the water filtration system at the bottom of the drain tile to ensure sediment doesn't seep into the drain tile itself.

Tags: drain tile, drain tile, your basement, drain tile, drain tile with, seep into

Troubleshoot A Kitchenaid Kaws700gq0

The KitchenAid model number KAWS700GQ0 automatic washer is a top-load washing machine designed for non-commercial use. If an issue arises or the automatic washer does not seem to function properly, inspect the machine and try to determine the cause of the problem. You can resolve a number of issues in a matter of minutes. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact a qualified service technician to service the unit. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Does Not Fill, Agitate or Rinse

1. Ensure the machine is plugged in. Check the fuse or breaker box. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse, if needed.

2. Check the cycle control knob. Align the indicator with the proper cycle. Pull the knob out to start the machine.

3. Inspect the hoses and faucets. Turn the water shutoff valves counter-clockwise to open fully. Remove any kinks in the hoses.

Washer Stops

4. Inspect the power cord and cycle control knob. Ensure the washer is plugged in. Align the indicator with the proper cycle. Pull the knob out to start the cycle.

5. Check the fuse or breaker box. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse, if needed.

6. Ensure the machine is not overloaded. Remove a portion of the load from the machine and restart.

7. Check the selected cycle. The "Permanent Press" and "Hand Washables" cycles pause during the cycle. The machine will resume the cycle after the pause.

Does Not Drain or Spin

8. Inspect the drain hose. Remove the hose and check for clogs. Reattach the hose, and turn the cycle control knob to spin.

9. Ensure the washer lid is closed. The washer is designed to disable spinning when the lid is open to prevent accidental injury.

10. Check the fuse or breaker box. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse, if needed. Do not use an extension cord.

Repeated Draining or Filling

11. Inspect the drain hose. If the top of the hose is lower than the water level inside the washer, it must be reinstalled. The hose must be higher than the water level.

12. Check the drain hose and standpipe. The drain hose should fit loosely in the standpipe.

13. Remove any tape on the drain hose. The drain hose must have an air gap to allow the washer to drain properly.

Noisy Washer

14. Ensure the washer load is balanced. Rearrange the load in the washer.

15. Level the washer. Adjust the rear leveling legs as needed.

16. Determine the origin of the noise. If a clicking sound occurs after the washer drains or before it spins, this is normal. The upper agitator will also make a clicking sound during washing.

Washer Leaks

17.Inspect the hoses. Tighten all hose connections and the drain hose clamp. If the hoses are damaged or worn, replace the hoses.

18. Remove clogs from the standpipe to ensure that the water drains properly and does not overflow.

19. Balance the load and level the washer. Rearrange the load in the washer. Adjust the rear leveling legs as needed.

Tags: drain hose, breaker replace, breaker replace fuse, breaker Reset, breaker Reset breaker

Troubleshoot A Kenmore Dishwasher With A Latch That Won'T Open

If your Kenmore dishwasher latch won't open, try resetting your dishwasher.

Kenmore dishwashers are sold exclusively by Sears, and include a minimum one-year warranty with service from a Kenmore technician. However, even if your dishwasher is still under warranty, service calls can take up to two weeks to schedule, so if your dishwasher latch won't open, you won't want to wait that long to resolve the issue. Instead, try troubleshooting the problem yourself by resetting your dishwater. That way you can have your dishwasher up and running immediately, and avoid a costly service charge if your dishwasher is no longer covered by Kenmore's service plan. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Press and hold the "No Heat Dry" or "Air Dry" button (depending which model Kenmore dishwasher you have) for four seconds to manually unlock your Kenmore dishwasher.

2. Disconnect your dishwasher from the power source for one minute. Turn off your circuit breaker or take out the appropriate fuse from your fuse box for one minute instead of attempting to unplug your dishwasher from its wiring harness.

3. Power your dishwasher on by turning your circuit breaker back on or replacing the fuse in your fuse box.

Tags: your dishwasher, circuit breaker, dishwasher from, dishwasher latch, dishwasher latch open, Kenmore dishwasher

Grow The Sea Buckthorn Plant In Austin Texas

Sea buckthorn can grow in sandy, coastal areas of Texas.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a drought-resistant ornamental shrub that also has practical uses in Texas, other than its highly nutritional fruit. Sea buckthorn is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 4, according to the University of Connecticut, and has an extensive root system that can stabilize large areas of sandy or eroding soil. Because Austin, Texas, lies in Zone 8, sea buckthorn can thrive with a little bit of care and extra water during extremely dry weather. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant sea buckthorn in spring. Choose a site that gets full sun six to eight hours per day and has deep, sandy soil. In Austin, that's just about anywhere, but if you do run into clay, amend it with equal parts peat and sand for a deep, silty mix.

2. Plant sea buckthorn shrubs at least 10 feet apart. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Check that the root collar of the shrub sits even or just above the soil line. Back fill the hole with soil, tamp it down with your foot, and finish with a bucket of water poured slowly over the root zone.

3. Water with a bucket of water every other day for the first month after planting, especially if the sea buckthorn is beginning to flower or develop fruit. According to Purdue University, a dry, hot spring can be a real problem for this plant.

4. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch over the root zone of the sea buckthorn, beginning six inches from the trunk. Mulch will suppress weeds, hold moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature. Rake the mulch out, and replace it annually.

5. Prune sea buckthorn annually in fall. Clip away branches that cross and rub each other. Prune out vertically growing branches to increase light penetration in the canopy. Trim out dead or diseased branches at any time of year.

6. Fertilize sea buckthorn before it blooms in the spring. The shrub needs a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer, such as 5-10-5, instead of a nitrogen-based one. Read the instructions on the packaging to get the right proportions for feeding your sea buckthorn.

Tags: Austin Texas, bucket water, buckthorn beginning, over root, over root zone

Build Lowincome Housing

Announce that you're going to build or fix a home for a deserving

family and you might have more volunteers than you know what to do

with. With hefty donations of money, materials and labor, together you

and your community will hit a home run by building and rehabilitating

homes. These projects are a winner for everyone.

Instructions

1. Research the demographics of your community and get information on the demand and availability of low-income housing. Evaluate whether or not a building program would work in your neighborhood (these days, there's hardly a community that wouldn't benefit from some form of affordable housing for the poor). Solicit opinions from friends and neighbors.

2. Contact one of the established organizations:

3. Encourage licensed carpenters, contractors, painters, plumbers and electricians to get involved in the project. It's good for corporate community relations, and the more skilled hands the better.

4. Get ready for high-spirited hard work, tremendous productivity, new friendships made and a great party at the end of it all.

Tags: your community

Repair A Bissell Pro Heat Carpet Cleaner

Repair a Bissell Pro Heat Carpet Cleaner

Bissell is ranked one of the best carpet cleaners on the market today, according to Consumer Search. Bissell makes a variety of steam cleaners including the Bissell Pro Heat carpet cleaner. The Pro Heat machine is backed by a limited two-year warranty and the promise of dedicated customer service from Bissell.

Bissell offers quality products that are easy to use, but on occasion items on the machine will need to be repaired or replaced. Before taking your Pro Heat cleaner to a repair center, try some money-saving tips that you can perform on your own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the belts for damage. To repair a damaged pump belt, disconnect the power to the machine. Insert the blade of a flathead screwdriver into the bottom slot of the belt access door and release the snap. Inspect the belt, which is looped around the shaft. If the pump belt is missing or damaged, order replacement number 015-0628 from Bissell. Refer to installation instructions that accompany the new belt.

To repair a damaged brush belt, disconnect the power to the machine. Insert the blade of a flathead screwdriver into the lower slot on the belt access door. Examine the belt to determine if it is damaged. If a replacement is needed, order a new brush belt, part number 015-0621. Refer to installation instructions that accompany the new belt.

2. Fix a Pro Heat spray mechanism. Several things cause your carpet cleaner to not spray or to spray poorly. First, make sure there is a full tank of water. If there's not, refill the bladder with hot water. Second, see if the SmartMix bottle is empty. If it is, fill with Bissell Advanced Cleaning Formula. Next, if the pump has lost its prime, disconnect power to the unit for one minute, then turn on and hold down the trigger.

If the fluid levels are adequate, check the filter for clogging and remove any dirt or debris. Last, inspect the tanks to verify that they are seated properly and ensure the pump belt is in working condition.

3. Repair a cleaner with poor suction. Check the nozzle and attachments to ensure they are properly attached. Disconnect power and check the gasket to verify that it is positioned correctly. Verify that the tank lid is installed the right way, and if it's not, remove and reinstall. Check the water level of the tank-in-tank. If it is full, empty and replace.

Tags: Bissell Heat, disconnect power, pump belt, access door, accompany belt

Troubleshoot A Hamilton Beach Brewstation

A Hamilton Beach BrewStation is a coffee maker that brews coffee and dispenses the coffee directly into travel mugs or a coffee cup. The unit does not use a traditional glass carafe --- instead, it holds the coffee in a warming tank and allows users to dispense the coffee one serving at a time. Available for purchase online or in select department or home retail stores, the BrewStation should operate well with normal care and maintenance. Nevertheless, if problems occur, some troubleshooting may be effective in helping you resolve the problem. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make sure the BrewStation is completely plugged into a working power outlet if the unit is not working. Press "On" once the reservoir has been filled with water and there is ground coffee in the filter basket.

2. Turn off the BrewStation and pour 2 cups of vinegar into the water reservoir if the coffee maker is leaking, "Clean" appears in the display panel or the brewed coffee does not taste good. Press "On" and wait 20 seconds. Press "Off" and wait an additional 30 minutes. Press "On" again and let the coffee maker brew the vinegar through the system. Empty and rinse out the water reservoir with clean water and dispense until there is no lingering scent of vinegar.

3. Set the coffee maker to "Automatic Drip Grind" if the coffee does not taste good or there are coffee grounds in the brewed coffee. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, and use bottled or filtered water for improved taste.

4. Reduce the amount of ground coffee used if the coffee is overflowing. Make sure only one paper filter is placed in the filter basket. Adjust the grind setting to "Automatic Drip Grind" to ensure the coffee is ground correctly.

5. Pour water into the reservoir if the device is beeping constantly or "Pour Water" appears on the display.

6. Turn the coffee maker back on or brew a new cycle of coffee if the coffee is cold when dispensed. Adjust the amount of time the unit automatically keeps the coffee warm by pressing the "Keep Warm Hours" button to one, two, three or four hours.

Tags: coffee maker, appears display, Automatic Drip, Automatic Drip Grind, brewed coffee

Do I Have To Rebuild For My Insurance To Pay

Partial home damage usually gets fixed.

Most of the time, homeowner's insurance pays to repair or rebuild a damaged home so its owners can continue to live there as they did before the loss occurred. Sometimes, though, you may prefer to take the insurance money and move somewhere else instead of rebuilding. Several factors determine whether this is possible and how much money you receive.

Mortgage

If you have a mortgage on your home, you are not the only owner. Your homeowner's insurance company must represent all the owners, including the lender, on settlement checks. You will not be able to cash any check with the lender's name on it unless the lender endorses it, which is unlikely. The lender has invested money in your home and wants to ensure it is repaired so its investment is secure.

Total Loss

If your home is destroyed and the settlement amount you receive from your insurer exceeds the outstanding balance on the mortgage, you may be able to sign the check over to your lender to pay the balance due. If there is any settlement money left after satisfying the mortgage, the lender will issue you another check for your portion. Some lenders may not do this; they may insist on rebuilding the home. You must do what the lender demands.

No Mortgage

If you own your home without a mortgage, the settlement money is entirely yours. You may want to repair partial losses to your home to keep it safe and functional and retain its value, but if you prefer to take the money after a total loss instead of rebuilding, you can. Your local government may insist you clean the debris from your old home off your parcel, but otherwise you can take the money and run, so to speak.

Actual Cash Value

If you choose not to rebuild your home, you may receive a smaller settlement amount than if you were to rebuild. Homeowner's insurance is settled as actual cash value, meaning settlements are diminished according to depreciation, unless you have a replacement cost endorsement. However, many insurers don't pay replacement cost unless you actually replace the damaged property. Therefore, if you choose not to rebuild your home, you may only get an actual cash value settlement.

Tags: your home, actual cash, actual cash value, cash value, choose rebuild

Troubleshoot A Frozen Screen In A Kindle

E-ink is so efficient the Kindle 3 can run for a month on a single charge.

The Kindle is an electronic e-book reader designed and manufactured by Amazon. The device uses a black and white e-ink screen, which provides an efficient and high-resolution digital display. E-ink only uses battery power when changing the contents of the screen, but does not require power to continue displaying the previous image. Because of this, a Kindle can often appear to be frozen on a particular screen when in fact its battery has gone flat. Testing to see if the battery is flat or if there is a screen problem can be determined quickly and easily.

Instructions

1. Plug the Kindle into its battery charger and leave it charging for at least five minutes. The Kindle's display remains active even if the battery is flat, giving the impression there is power available when this isn't necessarily the case.

2. Turn the Kindle on by sliding the power switch to the right. The power light will turn green and the display will reset if the Kindle is now active.

3. Hold the Kindle's power switch in the "ON" position for 15 seconds to perform a hard reset if charging does not appear to resolve the frozen screen. Wait for the Kindle to cycle through its reset and rebooting procedures.

4. Contact Amazon customer support through the "Manage Your Kindle" page on Amazon's website if a hard reset did not resolve the screen issue. In your contact message, explain that charging and hard reset procedures have already been attempted.

Tags: hard reset, battery flat, power switch

Basic Contract For Home Improvement

A contract is an important element of any home improvement project. The level of detail required depends on the size and scope of the job, but even simple repair work should be governed by a contract. While scrupulous contractors strive to create contracts that are fair to both parties, homeowners are responsible for reading and understanding the contract before signing. Does this Spark an idea?

The Work

A home improvement contract should spell out the precise work to be performed. "Paint the bedroom" is vague and could be interpreted differently by each party. "Apply two coats of Behr paint to bedroom walls, ceilings and trim" is better, but still not detailed enough. Who is responsible for removing hardware and patching holes? Will the old paint be removed? Will primer be used? Who moves the massive antique wooden furniture?

Some contractors assume that certain basic preparation tasks are their responsibility, but others charge a premium for these jobs. As a general rule of thumb, if a task is not specified in the contract, it is not included in the price.

Permits

State and local permit requirements vary between locations. In general, minor jobs such as painting do not require permits, while electrical work and building projects do. In historic districts, exterior painting may require permission from the local historical commission. Permits cost money and may take time to obtain. The contract should specify who is responsible for getting the permits for your job.

Payment Structure

Home improvement contractors charge according to various payment schedules. Many require a 50 percent deposit and the balance due at project completion. Some charge a smaller deposit, perhaps 10 percent, but require interim payments, known as draws, at different points during the project.

Payment schedules can be complicated and confusing, and should always be clearly delineated in the contract. If draws are required upon completion of project phases, the contract should specify the criteria for finishing each phase.

Project Length

It is impossible to predict with certainty how long a home improvement project will take. A good contractor can estimate project length within a few days, providing no unexpected problems arise. An estimated project completion date can help you plan, but be aware that it is subject to change.

Materials

It is most common for the contractor to provide all necessary tools and materials for the project. For smaller projects and homeowners on a budget, some contractors may be willing to use materials that you provide. If the contractor will provide the materials, the contract should specify exactly what will be used, including brand, color and quantity.

Changes

Your contractor might discover hidden problems during your project, you might decide to add new tasks or you might simply change your mind about the work. The contract should delineate how such changes are handled. Is there a change fee? Do you want a written estimate if the project will exceed a certain dollar amount? Do you want to be consulted about new problems? Get everything in writing, and never make assumptions.

Tags: contract should, contract should specify, home improvement, should specify, estimate project

Restaurants With A Free Birthday Dinner In The Bay Area

Restaurants With a Free Birthday Dinner in the Bay Area

Freebies are always fun, even more so on your birthday. Quite a few restaurants in the Bay Area offer a free birthday dinner on the day of your birthday. Some you only have to show a valid i.d., while some you must sign up for their club or email lists. Either way, there are many options offering a free birthday dinner. Does this Spark an idea?

Benihana's Restaurant

Benihana's Restaurant is a Japanese restaurant serving a variety of Japanese cuisines. Benihana's has locations throughout the Bay Area and offers a $30 gift card to those who sign up ahead of time with their "Chef's Table" club. Find a Benihana's Restaurant in your area by visiting Behinaha.com.

Red Robin Restaurant

Red Robin, a gourmet burger joint, is another chain restaurant with locations throughout the Bay Area. If you are in the mood for a burger on your birthday, sign up with Red Robin's EClub and you will receive a free burger on your birthday.You can find the closest Red Robin Restaurant by searching it out on their website at RedRobin.com.

Hana Japan Steakhouse

Hana Japan Steakhouse Restaurant in Dublin, California and the Berkeley Marina is another Japanese restaurant located in the Bay Area. Hana Japan offers a free lunch or dinner on your birthday as long as you bring four paying friends. Contact Hana Japan by calling their main phone number at (925) 829-7491.

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Daphne's Greek Café is a Greek café with locations throughout the Bay Area. If you are a member of their Pita Points club, you will receive a free meal on your birthday. Daphne's Greek Cafe locations are listed on their website at DaphnesGreekCafe.com.

Okayama Restaurant

Okayama Restaurant, a Japanese restaurant in San Jose, California offers a birthday special of a free birthday meal within a week of your birthday if you have four paying friends with you. Bring your I.D., a proof of birth date is required. Contact Okayama Restaurant by calling (408) 289-9508.

El Torito Restaurant

El Torito, a Mexican chain restaurant with locations all over the Bay Area, will give you a free birthday entrée when you join their "Bull Ring" email club. Find more information or contact your local El Torito Restaurant via their website at ElTorito.com.

Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza, a pizza parlor with locations all over the Bay Area, offers a free personal pizza on your birthday at select locations. You can contact your local Round Table Pizza and ask if they offer this birthday treat. Find your local Round Table Pizza by visiting their website at RoundTablePizza.com.

Tags: your birthday, Hana Japan, Round Table, Round Table Pizza, Table Pizza, their website, with locations

Anchor A Mobile Home

Mobile home anchoring is vital to resident safety.

Anchoring your mobile home is vital to ensure safety in high-wind environments. The amount and type of anchoring ties needed to secure your mobile home varies depending on the length and type of mobile home (single wide or double wide) you own. Take the time to plan your anchoring project and spare no expense with any piece of your anchoring system. The following steps offer the general process of mobile home anchoring; refer to specific device instructions for detailed installation steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Level your home. An anchor system will not work properly with an unleveled mobile home. Leveling may involve raising one or more corners of your mobile home with sand, gravel and concrete.

2. Use a mobile home wind zone chart to establish the number of ties needed for your home. The number of ties needed correspond to the area of the country in which you live. Those along the Atlantic coast need more ties than those inland. Assume that the number of ties necessary by law according to your region is the minimum required.

3. Check the type of soil on which your mobile home sits. You may need to hire a building inspector in order to correctly test the soil. Choose the anchor design that suits the soil beneath your home. Anchor types include: concrete, drive, auger, concrete slab and hard rock anchors.

4. Design the hook-up and tension device system that matches the type of ties (vertical or horizontal) you will be using. The devices used must be certified to at least 4,725 pounds.

5. Situate over-the-top ties on the roof rafter to establish the positions of needed anchors. Be sure not to allow vertical ties to fall in front of windows or doors. Protect the corners of your home with synthetic protective plates as needed.

6. Bury the anchors in the positions corresponding to the vertical or diagonal ties along the sides of your mobile home. Refer to the installation directions accompanying your chosen type of anchor. Directions vary among anchor types and manufacturers.

7. Attach the hook-ups and tension devices to your ties at each anchoring position. Secure the ties to the anchors and mobile home frame accordingly. Adjust the tension of each tie and allow no slack in the device.

Tags: mobile home, your mobile, your mobile home, your home, number ties, ties needed, corners your

Paint A Deck Floor

Although you may only desire to paint the deck floor, it's recommended that you paint the underside of the deck, as well.

When deck floors are first installed they can add a remarkable amount of beauty to the exterior of a home. However, if it isn't appropriately treated, a deck can warp and rot under the exposure of humidity and harsh weather conditions. In addition, if a deck floor is left unfinished, it can become infested with mold, fungi, and mildew. Fortunately, you can increase the life span of your deck by applying a coat of paint. However, before you get started, you need to know the proper preparation steps required to ensure a long-lasting finish. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the deck floor using a pressure washer. Start the washer on a low setting and increase pressure slowly, being careful not to damage the surface. Allow the surface to dry before continuing.

2. Prepare the deck floor by applying a coat of latex primer. Brush on the primer using a 4-inch latex paintbrush. Brush along with the grain and not against it.

3. Allow the deck floor to dry for two full hours, and then apply latex deck paint in the same manner as you did the primer. Do not walk on the deck floor for at least four hours.

Tags: deck floor, applying coat, deck floor

Replace Rotted Logs On A Cabin

Log cabins can require a substantial amount of maintenance.

Log homes, although beautiful and highly traditional, require a great deal of maintenance over the years. One of the greatest challenges in repairing or restoring a log cabin is replacing a log that has rotted beyond rescue. Although replacing a log is a great deal of work and should be attempted only by someone familiar with log cabin maintenance, doing it well will save the integrity of the cabin and preserve its original look for many years. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the rotting log from the cabin wall. First draw out any nails, screws or spikes holding the log in place with pliers, or cut them away with your hack saw or the metal cutting blade of your reciprocating saw. Next, use the rubber mallet and masonry chisel to hack away any significantly deteriorated parts of the log. Finally, use a chainsaw or reciprocating saw to cut the remainder of the rotted log into sections. By cutting the log into sections, you will make it easier and safer to remove. Clean away any dust or material left from the rotting log. Apply epoxy wood seal to the logs that had contact with the rotted log.

2. Cut the replacement log to fit into the space where the rotted log fit. This includes trimming it to the appropriate length and beveling the ends to fit into the existing logs.

3. Prepare your replacement log by stripping away the bark using the masonry chisel and rubber mallet. Be careful not to gouge the wood of the log. If necessary, stain the replacement log to match the existing logs in your cabin. Apply an epoxy wood seal to prevent rot of the replacement log.

4. Place the log into the cabin wall. Use a hoist or additional help if needed, particularly if the log is high in the wall. Drive metal spikes through the adjacent logs and into the ends of the replacement log. Drive additional spikes across the length of the replacement log into the logs above and below it.

5. Driving chinking nails along the edge of replacement log and its neighbors. Chink the gaps between the new log and the old logs using a commercial-grade chinking material or, if you have one, a homemade recipe. Let the chink dry overnight.

6. If needed, apply any additional treatment to the replacement log, like paint or varnish, to make it match the rest of the cabin.

Tags: Apply epoxy, Apply epoxy wood, cabin wall, epoxy wood, epoxy wood seal, existing logs, great deal

Open A Home Health Agency In Houston Texas

Entry into the the Home Health Agency market requires the negotiation of a myriad of regulatory standards.

Starting a home health care agency in Houston, Texas requires adherence to the standards set by the state's Department of Aging and Disability Services Office. Your business must not only comply with the DADS application procedure, but it must also meet the accepted national requirements regarding patient privacy, infection control and medical record-keeping. At the outset, your business start-up should also include the determination of expenditures, your initial inventory requirements and the establishment of employee hiring procedures.

Instructions

1. Obtain Financing. Find sources of capital for inventory purchases, licensing, travel, employee and contractor salary, rent and any construction costs. Many small businesses obtain private financing by loans obtained from bank or financial institutions. You may also pursue funding by way of grants and small business development programs offered within the state of Texas. You can get information about grant programs by contacting the University of Houston's Small Business Development Center. Your employer allocated retirement savings may also be used to offset business start-up costs. You can also seek out additional private funds through private investors.

2. Select a business name. You must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Harris County Clerk's office. If you decide to form a corporation, a limited liability company, or a partnership you must file an assumed name certificate with the Secretary of State's office in addition to filing locally. A printable version of the assumed name certificate is available online through the Texas Secretary of State's Office. You must also file the proper forms to establish your legal business entity. You may choose to form a sole proprietorship, a corporation or a partnership at the outset of your business. The applicable forms and fees required may be found online at the Department of Aging and Disabilities website.

3. Select a location for your business. Choose a location to house your home health agency. You may wish to consider basic business location factors such as accessibility for clients and proximity to major highways and roads. You must also consider home health agency-related factors such as wheelchair and emergency vehicle access, proximity to major health centers, proximity to private pharmaceutical outlets, and proximity to private retirement communities. You can call the Harris County Clerk's office at (713) 755-6411 to research local zoning statutes that may apply to your business.

4. Meet Texas state requirements. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has established the licensing requirements for all home health agencies that wish to operate in the state. To meet requirements a representative of your agency must complete a 30-minute online pre-survey training class. You must also complete and file the HCSSA license application in addition to payment of the associated fees. Your application must then be approved by DADS before your agency can begin operation. You must also register with medicare to service any clients who are eligible to receive this benefit. To register as a medicare provider you must complete the CMS 855A Home Health Enrollment Application, CMS 1651 Health Insurance Benefit Agreemen, and CMS 417 Hospice Request for Certification in the Medicare Program. You must also review the Medicare Civil Rights packet and policies.

5. Purchase Inventory. You must purchase or lease the inventory that will constitute the infrastructure of your business. Computer equipment, data-management software, medical service equipment, furniture, medical transportation equipment, medical devices and office stationery are some of the inventory requirements associated with this business. You must track your purchases and develop a maintenance program to inspect and repair critical devices. You must also establish accounts with medical suppliers and distributors to replenish your perishable items.

6. Hire Staff. You must hire or contract medical professionals to manage and maintain specific daily tasks within your organization. You may look to nursing agencies and medical employment companies to provide qualified applicants. You may utilize online classified advertising such as Craigslist in conjunction with online employment organizations. You must develop your agency's application procedures and understand the employee interviewing and hiring process. You must also take into consideration in-house employee training and continuing education. In addition, you must consider state-mandated insurance and workman's compensation requirements for any full-time employees.

7. Develop a compliance program. You must meet national standards regarding the safeguard of patient privacy, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state-mandated infection control guidelines, and medical recording and documentation requirements. Your company may be subject to periodic inspection and review by state and federal medical evaluation bodies to determine adherence to accepted standards for health-care providers.

8. Promote your business. To draw customers you may promote your business to former employers and satellite organizations. You can send professional correspondence via postal mail or though use of a company website. You may also look to attend industry events such as seminars and workshops for networking opportunities. You can post fliers, hand out business cards and advertise via online classifieds websites such as Craigslist. You may also look to partner with established nursing homes and retirement communities to develop clientele.

Tags: must also, your business, Department Aging, home health, your agency, Aging Disability, Aging Disability Services

Repair A Notebook Computer

Notebook computers are extremely complex and finely engineered devices. Unlike desktop computers, they are not as "user friendly" when it comes to do-it-yourself repairs. However, notebook owners can competently perform a few simpler procedures without expert skills or special equipment so long as they use extreme caution. Laptop electronics are unforgiving when it comes to mistakes--make one and you will damage the laptop even further.

Instructions

1. Prepare the work surface. Lay the notebook, bottom side up, on a flat, clear desk surface, preferably with some kind of cloth mat or padding to protect the lid of the notebook from scratches. Lay out a "frame" made of several sheets of blank paper around the side and top of the notebook. Set aside a pen and a dispenser of adhesive tape nearby. Illuminate the work area brightly. A magnifying glass is extremely helpful too. You will also need several small Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, in the "jeweler's" size. A pair of tweezers with fine, pointed ends will be helpful as well.

2. Search the Internet for any available information about your laptop, specifically properly open the case for your exact make and model. "Close" is not close enough. Models within the same maker family can be very different. If you find a tutorial on opening your case, study it carefully. If you do not find a tutorial online, you will be "operating on the patient" essentially blind--reconsider the project now.

3. Disconnect the AC adapter plug and the battery. Discharge any latent electricity by pressing the power button for a few seconds. Unscrew the port covers for the RAM, the hard drive, and the wireless card. Gently remove the hard drive.

4. Remove all visible screws on the bottom of the notebook. Tape these screws to paper and make notes of how many and where the screws "belong" such as "10 base screws." Turn the notebook over and open the lid as far as it will go. Take a tiny flat-head screwdriver and gently probe whether the top bezel of the notebook (with the keyboard) will pop free from the base bezel. If the top bezel will not pop off the base, there may be unseen screws holding it in place. Remove the keyboard according to the manufacturer's directions. Look for any screws under the keyboard that could be holding the top and the base together. As you remove screws, tape them to paper and label them.

5. Examine the inner workings of the notebook to look for any obvious problems. For example, dust and pet hair can often clog a processor heat sink fan; remove any obstructions in the fan. AC power jacks snap off motherboards routinely. If you find your AC jack has been broken, you will need an expert repair or a new motherboard. Some processor chips are replaceable on notebooks, while other chips are permanent. Troubleshoot, as you are able, within your electronics experience.

6. Reassemble the components in correct order, using your paper "guides." Replace all the screws. Test the notebook. If it will not power up, seek the help of a professional.

Tags: find tutorial, hard drive, when comes

Mortgage Assistance Grants

If eligible, you may obtain a grant to buy a home.

Many different home mortgage assistance grants are available for those who are eligible. Most are overseen by the federal government and administered by local entities like municipal and nonprofit organizations. Depending on the requirements and your home mortgage needs, you may be eligible for this type of grant.

Grant Definition

A maximum $8,000 grant is available from the federal government to buy a home.

Anytime the word "grant" is mentioned, the typical assumption is that it does not have to be paid back. You could further assume that a "mortgage assistance grant" would not have to be repaid. That is not always the case, however. In addition, a mortgage assistance grant usually has certain requirements that must be met before the grant is made.

Grant Origins

The U.S. government has various programs for mortgage assistance.

A variety of mortgage assistance grants are accessible, mostly because of the state of the nation's economy and housing market. The majority of those offered to the public originate from the federal government. Most federal mortgage assistance grants stem from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and are under the oversight of a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. They are administered by state, county or local governments or nonprofit entities.

Grant Types

Along with mortgage assistance, grants can help with repairs and utilities.

There are several sources of government mortgage assistance grants, including the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009; the Homeownership Voucher Program; state-sponsored grants; and county, municipal and nonprofit programs.

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended and expanded the first-time home buyer tax credit. This is a grant that provides an $8,000 maximum tax credit and was extended this year to include current homeowners who meet eligibility requirements. If you are approved, you will receive a credit on the final tally of your taxes due for that year. If you qualify for the maximum and owe nothing, you get $8,000 back from the government.

Home Ownership Vouchers is a program offered to first-time home buyers by HUD and administered by a local public housing authority (PHA). If you are eligible, you can receive help paying your mortgage. This program also assists with other expenses related to homeownership. To receive the benefit, you must work with a local PHA.

States, counties, municipalities and nonprofit groups were awarded a portion of the $13.61 billion allocated from the ARRA to address housing. HUD is overseeing the awards made to each group to administer the expenditures. If you are interested in the programs available in your state, contact your state or local housing authority.

Warning

When a mortgage assistance grant is offered, the home buyer needs to understand its provisions and conditions before signing on the dotted line. Once the grant is accepted, the conditions remain, and if they're not met, the grant becomes null and void.

Tags: assistance grants, mortgage assistance, mortgage assistance, mortgage assistance grants, assistance grant, federal government

Grow Hydrangeas In Southern California

Hydrangeas do best when planted facing east.

Hydrangeas thrive in warm climates. Although there are many varieties of hydrangea, the University of California Master Gardeners website recommends the easy to care for H. macrophylla, the "mopheads," as good choices for Southern California gardens. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Grow hydrangeas in full sun if you live along the coast in Southern California. Inland gardeners should offer the plant afternoon shade.

2. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil around the hydrangea. Keep it 3 inches away from the trunk and spread it to the dripline. Rake back and discard the mulch every spring and replace with a fresh layer.

3. Water the hydrangea at least once a week to a depth of 3 inches. If the weather is particularly hot or windy in your part of Southern California, water more frequently.

4. Fertilize the hydrangea with a slow-release 10-10-10 formula in the spring and then again in the summer, before August. Apply the fertilizer at the rate listed on the label and spread it on the soil around the plant at the dripline.

5. Prune the mophead hydrangea only to remove dead branches and keep it to the shape you desire. This can be done any time during the year. If you need to substantially cut back a mophead, do so in June or July. Since they bloom on new wood, it is important to prune Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea paniculata in the fall.

Tags: Southern California, soil around

Troubleshoot An Rca Flat Screen Tv

Flat-screen TVs continue to grow in popularity as many viewers prefer the sound and picture quality. As anyone who has purchased one knows, the performance comes at a relatively hefty price tag. The best way of protecting this investment is to learn fix common problems the TV might encounter, like picture degradation, audio distortion or even a failure to power on. Resolving these problems without having to consult any outside assistance can save you lots of time and money in the long run.

Instructions

1. Secure the AC power cable connection from the TV to the electrical source if the TV does not power on. Some models of RCA flat screens are built so that the AC power cable comes loose from the back of the TV as well as from the electrical source, so make sure the power cable has not come loose from the TV. You can also temporarily test a surge protector that you think might be malfunctioning by bypassing it and plugging the TV directly into a wall outlet. If there is still no power to the TV when plugged into multiple electrical sources, the TV's power cable might need to be replaced or the TV itself might need to be serviced.

2. Check all audio and video connection cables that attach the different components of your home-entertainment center to the flat-screen TV to address any picture-quality problems. Loose, malfunctioning or incorrectly plugged connection cables can cause myriad picture and audio distortions on the screen. Cables that you think might be malfunctioning can be temporarily swapped with another pair for testing purposes. Any peripheral devices like DVD players, cable boxes or game systems that continue to have picture problems with multiple connection cables will likely need to be replaced. If the TV experiences the same problems with multiple peripheral devices and connection cables, the TV's picture components will need to be examined and serviced.

3. Check audio settings if the TV is missing audio on one or more cable channels. First, deselect the mute using either the "Mute" or "Volume Up" buttons on the remote. If there is still no audio, navigate to the TV's audio options in the main menu and make sure MTS and SAP are disabled. If these options are enabled while watching a channel that does not support these options, you will most likely hear intermittent or no audio at all. If audio does not return after you verify that the TV is not muted and MTS/SAP is deactivated, report the issue to your cable provider or have the TV's audio components serviced.

Tags: connection cables, power cable, Check audio, electrical source, from electrical, from electrical source

Repair Drywall Tape

Drywall tape tends to peel over time, especially tape that is located in areas that are exposed to abuse from furniture, children and pets. Often, drywall tape will peel if it has not been applied properly or if there is a high level of humidity in a home as well. Repairing drywall tape is a project that is relatively easy and will improve the appearance of interior walls. Learn repair drywall tape and tackle this simple project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Repair Drywall Tape

1. Cut away all the loose pieces and ends of the existing drywall tape. Sand away any existing ridges of drywall compound carefully with the drywall sanding paper. Remove the drywall dust from the wall with the vacuum cleaner and the attachment brush.

2. Use the putty knife to apply a thin layer of joint compound over the drywall joint that needs repair. Make sure the joint compound is of even thickness and extends at least 2 inches to each side of the joint.

3. Cut a piece of drywall tape to match the missing section. Place the new drywall tape at the top of the area and smooth it down over the joint. Use the putty knife to help smooth the tape and make sure there are no air bubbles.

4. Apply another thin coat of joint compound over the new drywall tape with the putty knife. Be careful not to apply so much pressure with the putty knife that the new drywall tape shifts. Allow everything to dry for at least 12 hours.

5. Sand the dried joint compound carefully.

6. Apply another thin layer of joint compound over the joint area again. Allow to dry for another 12 hours. Sand the area again with a finer sand paper to blend the area into the rest of the wall.

7. Paint the area to match the rest of the wall.

Tags: joint compound, drywall tape, putty knife, compound over, joint compound over

Hardwood Floor Get Waterdamaged

How Does a Hardwood Floor Get Water-Damaged?

Flooding and Hardwood Floors

Flood waters are a critical danger to hardwood flooring. Once floodwaters enter a home, little can be done to save the floor covering. Even if the flooding is minor, it is nearly impossible to rid the wood of dampness and prevent warping. Separation of planks in the floor will most likely occur with even the slightest flooding. Severe flooding will lift older hardwood flooring from the surface, ripping nail holes and adhesives. Warping of individual planks will start almost immediately. Hardwood flooring that has been in flood water must be replaced. It may be possible to save individual planks of wood for re-installation later.

Improper Cleaning of Hardwood Floors

Improper cleaning is a common error committed by new homeowners who have hardwood flooring. Never mop a hardwood floor with water. Water will seep between the planks of wood causing mold, mildew and warping. Use a dry dust mop to clean all hardwood floors. Use cleaners specially made to clean hardwood flooring. For best results follow the directions carefully. Use of harsh cleaners on the flooring may result in stripping the protective coating, making it more susceptible to damage in the future.

Liquid Spills on Hardwood Floors

Spills happen on every floor eventually. On hardwood floors, spills must be cleaned and completely dried immediately. Use towels to blot the area dry. Place a fan on the area or use a dehumidifier for large spills. Follow instructions on any cleaning agents used to clean up spills on hardwood floors. To clean under individually affected planks, use a saw to remove sections carefully. Lift the boards and dry the sub floor completely before replacing planks.

Cracks in Foundations Under Hardwood Floors

A musty odor coming from a hardwood floor may suggest moisture forming between the planks and the sub floor. Water seepage from cracks in a foundation causes water damage from beneath the floor. Since a homeowner can't see the water, mold and mildew start to grow, removal of the hardwood flooring is imminent. The only way to fix the leaking or seepage is to start at the source. Remove the flooring well beyond the affected area to ensure dryness. Hire a professional to fix any foundation cracks. Replacing the floor without a professional fix to the sub floor will often result in a repeat of the moisture problem.

Tags: hardwood flooring, Hardwood Floors, between planks, clean hardwood, floor will, individual planks

Turn On System Restore In A Registry

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 that allows users to "roll back" their operating system to an earlier restore point if files or settings become corrupted. If the System Restore feature has been disabled through the registry (by a remote systems administrator), you won't be able re-enable it through the System Restore window. You'll need to edit the System Restore registry keys manually using a registry editing program built into Windows XP and all later versions of Windows.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" menu and choose the "Run" option. Type "regedit" into the provided text field and click the "OK" button to launch the Registry Editor. For Windows Vista and Windows 7, click the "Start" menu button and type "regedit" into the search bar and press "Enter."

2. Double-click on the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" folder in the left pane to expand it. Double-click to expand "Software," "Microsoft," "WindowsNT" and "CurrentVersion."

3. Click once on the "SystemRestore" folder in the left pane.

4. Double-click the "DisableSR" key in the right pane.

5. Type "1" into the value data text field to re-enable the System Restore feature for Windows XP and then click "OK."

6. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.

Tags: System Restore, Restore feature, System Restore feature, folder left, folder left pane, left pane

Buy A House Privately

Save money by buying a house privately.

Buying a house directly from the homeowner offers you a number of benefits, but it may also create some legal issues if you don’t approach the purchase cautiously. Because real estate brokerages abide by laws that require disclosure when listing properties and assurance that the title to the property is free of encumbrances and liens, you will need to address those steps yourself. If you’re up to the task, buying a house privately can save you a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Identify the house you want to purchase. Many For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes are in the classified sections of newspapers, on online home sites or simply advertised with a sign in the front yard. You are not limited to these homes, however. You may also contact the owner of a home listed with a real estate agent.

2. Offer to pay the listing agent’s fee if you make an offer on a house where the owner has contracted with a real estate agent to sell the property. This is an uncommon situation unless the buyer wants to remain anonymous. Otherwise, if you’re paying the agent, it’s wise to take advantage of the legal oversight they offer.

3. Ask the owner of a listed home when his listing expires. You may wait and offer him a price at that time that reflects his selling price, minus the agent’s fee. However, this is a gamble, since the agent may bring a buyer before the listing expires. In addition, the seller may have a waiting period, specified in his contract, after the listing expires in which he is still committed to paying a fee if he sells the home.

4. Make a private written offer to the homeowner that details the amount you are willing to pay and the terms of the sale. Find a standard real estate contract form at an office supply store and fill it out. Alternately, if you will be securing financing through a bank, ask a loan officer to help you make an offer on one of their bank forms.

5. Address all material defects and repairs in your offer. This is a common sticking point for private home-buying transactions. Ask the homeowner to complete a disclosure statement that reveals his knowledge of all material defects in the home and decide who will pay to correct them.

6. Stipulate issues that allow you or the seller to back out of the contract. These issues include your inability to sell a home you currently own, your inability to secure financing and any findings by a hired home inspector that result in high-cost repairs. Set a dollar limit for repairs in the contract, allowing either side to back out if the price of needed repairs exceeds that amount.

7. Make an “as is” offer and bypass all inspections. This is usually a cash offer since banks rarely make home loans for property that does not undergo an inspection. You assume all risk for repairs with this type of an offer so adjust your offering price to reflect your risk.

8. Visit an attorney or a title insurance company after you make an offer and the homeowner accepts it. To ensure that the property is free and clear of all liens, you need a title insurance policy indicating you are the sole owner of the property once the transaction closes.

Tags: real estate, listing expires, make offer, buying house, buying house privately, estate agent, house privately

Treat Oral Cancer

Treat Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can manifest on the lips, mouth, tongue, gums and the glands that produce saliva. After receiving an oral cancer diagnosis, you have to go through treatments to rid your body of the disease.

Instructions

1. Meet with an oncologist to decide on the best course of treatment. Your doctor can go over the risks of any treatments and recommend the method that will work for your case.

2. Opt to remove the tumor if it is possible. If the tumor has not affected surrounding tissue, then a surgeon can remove it with little risk. If the tissue has been affected, the surgeon may have to remove bone tissue.

3. Find out about radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation is often used to treat smaller tumors while chemotherapy is used for larger masses. Sometimes one method is used while other times both are used to treat the oral cancer.

4. Get a prescription for Erbitux. This drug is used to stop the re-growth of cancer cells in the body.

5. Go through the rehabilitation process. You may need plastic surgery to repair the appearance of your mouth and face. You may also need to work with a speech pathologist if you have trouble speaking after the surgery.

Tags: oral cancer, Treat Oral, used treat

Glue Broken Dentures

Regular cleaning of dentures helps them last longer.

The natural act of biting down or rubbing of the jaw can cause dentures to fracture, crack or lose teeth. While this is inevitable for denture-wearers, at home denture repair kits make fixing broken dentures easy and inexpensive. Ensure your dentures are clean and dry before making repairs, and allow enough time for denture glue to set before wearing them again and to avoid swallowing denture adhesives.

Instructions

1. Purchase an emergency denture repair kit from your local pharmacy. Such kits are utilized for fixing broken, chipped or cracked dentures and come with sets of denture teeth, professional denture acrylic resins, bonding adhesives, denture cleaner and an eye dropper for administering the resins/adhesives. As of 2011, the cost of a repair kit was around $20.

2. Read the kit's instructions carefully and make repairs with the bonding adhesive where needed, such as for repairing structural fractures. Clean your dentures if necessary with a denture brush and denture cream to remove old adhesive, and ensure your dentures are completely dry before repairing either by allowing them to air dry or using a soft cloth. Press broken pieces together and hold for one to two minutes.

3. File down old broken teeth in your dentures that requiring replacing. Read the kit's instructions about proper resin application and use the resin to fill in the tooth hole before inserting a new tooth. Hold the tooth in the denture hole for one to two minutes. Use bonding adhesive around the tooth's base to secure it.

Tags: your dentures, bonding adhesive, denture repair, fixing broken, Read instructions

Home Remedies For Bee Hive Removal

You may first be alerted to the presence of a new bee swarm or hive by the incessant hum of the bees ventilating the hive. Bee removal can be an expensive proposition if you have to hire professionals. Professionals will likely kill the bees and remove the honey and hive to prevent re-infestation. You may be able to find a local beekeeper who will do it for free, but you will likely be responsible for the cleanup afterward. Because of the danger of Africanized bee swarms, always get professional help to identify the swarm and to help you remove them. Here are some of the best ways to remove bee swarms and established hives. Does this Spark an idea?

Extermination

The most efficient way to remove a hive or swarm is to use either professional strength insecticides or a commercial soapy water formula that first makes the bees unable to fly and then drowns them. Insecticides kill by stopping the bees' nervous systems.

Sealing The Swarm

Some entomologists recommend killing an established hive by using screen wire, steel wool or caulk to seal the bees up inside the space where they've established the hive. Once you stop the bees from foraging, the bees can no longer continue building the hive. The entire hive should die off within a week or two from starvation and dehydration.

Objections to Sealing

Professionals exterminators do not recommend that you attempt to seal in bees. They point out that the bees may chew through soft areas and break out into houses or interior spaces if they are inside walls and crawl spaces. Aggressive Africanized bees could be a serious problem if they escape.

Once inside, bees, which do not fly in the dark, may follow interior lights into bedrooms and other rooms of the house. The next morning you will find them at the windows where they will die of dehydration in short order at which time you can suck them up with the vacuum cleaner hose. Be careful after vacuuming the bees. There may be a few live ones left in the bag.

Post-Extermination Removal

Whichever extermination method is used, you must remove not only the hive and honey, but also any bodies of dead bees. You can sweep up those that die outside the hive. Then, use a shop vacuum and a long hose to vacuum up the ones inside the the hive, any walls and spaces where they might be. This prevents poisoning of birds and mammal that might eat the dead bee carcasses. Soap can be as lethal as insecticide to some creatures that might consume the dead bees.

Live Removal

If you want to remove the bees alive, you must find an experienced beekeeper. The beekeeper will do this at night after the bees have settled down for the night. The bees may be defensive, but the beekeeper will have protective gear to help. He may use smoke to dull the bees senses, especially if the swarm is in a difficult to reach place or inside a wall or attic. The beekeeper then simply sweeps up the dormant bees into a box and with a piece of the hive, removes the swarm from the premises. He may have to open the space around the hive to successfully remove all the bees. With a swarm in a tree, he may be able to simply slip a large plastic bag around the hive, tie it off and cut the limb free, removing the hive in one mass.

Remove the Hive

No matter how you remove the bees alive or dead, the honeycombs have to be removed as well. The honey and honeycomb releases a pheromone that, if left behind, attracts bees back to the same place. Even if you seal the old hive, the bees can still smell the pheromone and will scout around the rest of the building or hollow space looking for a place to establish a new hive.

Tags: beekeeper will, remove bees, where they, around hive, bees alive, dead bees, established hive

Replace A Toilet'S Wax Ring

Water leaking from the base of your toilet may not be as big a problem as you think. Here's fix it yourself in about an hour. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find the brand and model number of the toilet, if possible. This sometimes is stamped on the rim of the toilet near the tank or on the bottom side of the tank. If you can't find the information, proceed to step 3.

2. Take your information with you to a local hardware store or plumbing supply house to purchase a replacement wax ring.

3. Turn off the water to the toilet at the water supply shutoff. This is usually found on the wall or floor near the toilet. If there is no localized shutoff, use the main water shutoff for the structure.

4. Flush the toilet a couple of times to drain most of the water.

5. Disconnect the water supply tube from the bottom of the toilet, using a large pair of adjustable pliers. (Have a bucket and towels ready as some water may drain from the tank.)

6. Find the toilet mounting bolts on each side of the toilet base. These generally have decorative plastic or porcelain covers that can either be pulled off by hand or gently pried up with a flat screwdriver.

7. Remove the nuts using an appropriately sized wrench or an adjustable wrench.

8. Lift the toilet straight up off the mounting bolts and move it out of the way. (Toilets are fairly heavy. It might be a good idea to have a friend help with the moving.)

9. Examine the mounting ring on the floor. You should find a yellowish wax ring about 4 inches in diameter - some brands have a plastic base that will have model information on it.

10. Remove the ring and take it with you to purchase a replacement if you haven't already done so. Occasionally the ring will stick to the toilet base. If it does, tip the toilet over and pull the wax ring loose from the base. (Be ready with towels or rags.)

11. Place the new ring on the mounting ring on the floor. Set the toilet back on the mounting ring.

12. Seal the toilet onto the new ring. This is most easily accomplished by sitting on the toilet and very gently rocking in all directions. This will flatten and conform the wax to the base of the toilet.

13. Replace and tighten the mounting bolts and decorative caps.

14. Turn on the water and allow the toilet to fill. Flush and check for leaks.

Tags: mounting bolts, mounting ring, from base, mounting ring floor, purchase replacement, ring floor

Repair Nerve Damage From Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses strong chemicals to kill cancer cells. A cancer patient can undergo three or more sessions a week. Unfortunately, the chemical components in chemotherapy kill normal healthy cells as well. Chemotherapy also destroys nerve cells, which is why cancer patients experience a lot of pain during and after sessions. However, detox with powerful natural supplements and certain yoga exercises can help repair nerve damage. According to Dr. B.T. Chidananda Murthy, director for the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy, natural dietetics and nutrition, along with extensive techniques of yoga therapy are "potent" tools. The benefits of supplements and yoga can also be seen in patients with type II diabetes, which like cancer, causes nerve damage.

Instructions

1. Drink Noni Juice. This juice contains compounds called turbenes, which help reduce the amount of deterioration in the nerve tissues. Drink one glass in the morning and another at bedtime. Noni can be taken on an empty stomach.

2. Take Vitamin B Complex capsules. This vitamin gradually repairs nerve damage. It increases cellular growth and enhances optimal function of the nervous system. Also consume foods rich In Vitamin B such as whole grains and beans.

3. Take bovine colostrum capsules. Bovine colostrum is the pre-milk fluid made by cows before they give birth. Colustrum heals and prevents further nerve damage gradually. Take these capsules one to four times a day. Always read the label on the bottle.

4. Use China Gel. This gel penetrates deep down into the tissues lessening muscular and tissue pain associated after chemotherapy. China gel is combination of powerful herb such as Ginsing, Campor and Witch Hazel.

5. Do yoga every day. Yoga exercises are known to revitalize nerve cells. Perform any Yoga Asanas to harmonize your nerve cells. Yoga also increases oxygen, also needed by your cells. Visit the You Tube link in the Resources section.

Tags: nerve damage, nerve cells

Transfer Ownership Of A Mobile Home In Texas

File ownership records with the Texas Department of Housing after purchasing a mobile home.

Texas law and rules for transfer of ownership of a mobile home changed in 2003 to provide more state controls and better consumer protection, both for new and used manufactured housing. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs controls the purchase and sale of mobile homes, and all transfers of ownership must go through that department in order for the sale to be completed. As the new homeowner, you have 60 days after a purchase to complete the paperwork with the Texas Department of Housing.

Instructions

1. Locate the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website, since Texas has special legislation relating to the transfer of ownership of mobile homes within the state. Each mobile home must have a HUD Label or Texas Seal for identification and an SOL or Statement of Ownership and Location.

2. Apply for a Texas Seal if the mobile home does not have one, and complete the SOL form. The application for a seal is currently $35 per section and the application for a Statement of Ownership and Location is $55. The new owner has 60 days to apply for the transfer of ownership, and on a new mobile home purchase, the retailer will often complete all the necessary papers for the state. On a used mobile home transfer of ownership, the new owner is obligated to complete the necessary applications.

3. Include a Texas Department of Transportation moving permit if moving the home, along with the SOL application and the application for a Texas Seal and fees, and send this to the Manufactured Housing Division of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs address shown on the form.

4. Get all signatures and information necessary from the prior owner to complete the transfer. A used mobile home should also come with a Warranty and Disclosure form from the previous owner. Used manufactured housing will likely have a Certificate of Title like a vehicle title, but the actual completion of the sale occurs with filing the application for SOL with the Manufactured Housing Division.

5. Expect a response within about 15 days from the Manufactured Housing Division. Retain the Statement of Ownership and Location, and apply for a new SOL if the ownership, location, lien information or use of the mobile home changes.

Tags: mobile home, Texas Department, Department Housing, Texas Department Housing, Community Affairs, Department Housing Community