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Archive for 2013

Monday, May 6th, 2013

What’s “magic” about the Apple Magic Mouse and the Apple Magic Trackpad? A big part of it is the fact that they operate wirelessly. But if you’re having trouble getting these devices connected to your computer, the “magic” may seem more like a mean joke.

Bluetooth technology is what allows devices like the Magic Mouse to work. Bluetooth is wireless technology that allows data to be exchanged between devices across short distances. If you are having issues with your Magic Mouse or other wireless mouse device, there is a good chance that it is related to Bluetooth. Here are some tips for connecting a Bluetooth mouse to Mac.

Check for Updates

The first thing you need to do is make sure your Mac has the latest software that it needs to have to support your Bluetooth device.

Here is Apple Support’s Software Update Guide, which can help you figure out which updates are required to use your particular device.

Make Sure Bluetooth is Turned “On”

At the top of your screen, the Bluetooth symbol should appear in your menu bar if you have Bluetooth enabled. If you do not see the symbol in the navigation bar, go to your “System Preferences” and enable it.

Use the Bluetooth Icon in the Menu Bar as a Troubleshooting Guide

There are a number of things that can be going on with your Bluetooth device, and the icon in the menu bar is a key to decoding this. The Bluetooth icon changes to indicate different things that are going on with the Bluetooth device. There are different symbols that appear when Bluetooth is on but not connected, when Bluetooth is connected to at least one device, when one of the connected Bluetooth devices is low on batteries, when Bluetooth is turned off, and when Bluetooth is offline. Check Apple Support for a Bluetooth Menu Icon Guide for help figuring out the status of your Bluetooth device.

Make Sure that the Wireless Mouse is Turned “On”

If you are using a Magic Mouse, the power switch is on the bottom of the mouse. If you are successfully connected to the computer, the red indicator light should steadily glow red. If your mouse is on but it is not connected, it will blink red. If the red indicator light is not doing anything, your batteries may be dead or they may not be installed properly.

If you are using a mouse that is not manufactured by Apple, consult your user manual if you are not sure about how to turn it on, or how you can tell if it is connected to your computer.

Need More Help? Ask A Professional!

If you need more help connecting a Bluetooth mouse to Mac, or if you need other support with your Mac, TalkLocal will connect you with high-quality computer repair professionals within minutes.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Paint Peeling On Car Exterior

Monday, May 6th, 2013

It’s a lot of work trying to keep your car’s paint job looking top-notch. It’s another thing trying to maintain a poor paint job. The casual vehicle owner might not know why a paint job would start to peel, let alone how to fix it. After all, you can’t just hire a painter to touch up your car when they’re done painting the fence or kitchen. There are a lot of elements to consider when it comes to degradation or paint peeling on car exterior.

Paint Peeling On Car Exterior?

Typically, with newer paint jobs, peeling occurs when there’s too much time between coats or if there is no primer applied. It starts with chips, dents, and scratches. Tiny rocks, harsh rain, and the sun all combine to slowly erode the car’s exterior radiance. Even with body-glazers or touch-up paints, there is no guaranteed solution. It’s very important to keep your car cleaned and waxed as a preventative measure against paint damage. A great local car wash and wax is an affordable solution when it comes to such prevention. For most vehicles, however, degrading paint is inevitable after years of driving.

Get A New Paint Job

So how do you fix a car with peeling paint? Unfortunately, you’re going to need to strip the vehicle of all the old paint first and then apply a fresh coat of primer and paint. Since the proper equipment and materials are rather expensive and difficult to obtain, it is generally quite difficult for the average vehicle owner to paint their vehicle to its original, professional luster.

The most convenient way to repair peeling paint on your car is to turn to TalkLocal.Simply fill out your contact information, and within minutes we will connect you directly to up to three local professionals who can help you out. It’s fast, and free!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

How To Compost Your Garbage

Monday, May 6th, 2013

These days, many people are trying to reduce their impact on the environment, and one way to do that is through composting. The benefits of composting are undeniable, and the following steps will teach you how to compost your garbage easily.

1. Determine if your area allows for yard composting. If so, and you decide to keep a compost pile, skip the rest of these steps and continue in the section of materials you can compost.

2. Many choose to create a compost bin. To do so, find or buy a cheap 32-inch garbage bin.

3. Drill holes in it from top to bottom, six to 12 inches apart and one to two inches in diameter.

4. Cover these holes with window screening secured with strong duct tape or epoxy. This will allow oxygen to reach the microorganisms, which is needed to compost.

5. As you add material, try to keep a ratio of 50 percent “green” material and “brown” material (more on that below).

6. Place the bin on bricks or blocks to allow for more air circulation underneath.

7. Spray the pile with water only enough to dampen it.

8. Add a shovel full of garden soil to the mix. This already contains the microorganisms needed to get the process moving.

9. Turn the can about twice a week to keep it aerated and make sure it stays damp.

10. Your compost will be done in about four weeks under ideal conditions. When it is no longer warm, it is complete.

Items To Compost

Green

– Vegetables that have gone bad or have been cooked (provided there is no salt or butter on them)

– Egg shells

– Fruit and vegetable peels

– Coffee grounds

– Garden/yard clippings

Brown

– Twigs

– Leaves

– Sawdust

– Shredded newspaper

Learn More

If you still are not sure about how to compost your garbage, what to recycle, and what is considered trash, ask an expert. TalkLocal will connect you with an expert in garbage removal in your area for free. Our service is fast and the professionals are highly-qualified.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

What Is Currency Risk Management?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Any high-powered investor likely already knows every subtle nuance involved with it, but for inexperienced investors, they might be asking: What is currency risk management?

Read on, and take note, because currency risk is something that must be accounted for when making investments overseas.

What Is Currency Risk Management? How Does Currency Risk Impact My Investment?

When money is converted from one currency to another, it can result in a gain or loss. This is because not all currencies are valued the same. You have to look into the conversion rate between one currency to another in order to foresee these losses or gains.

This phenomenon holds true in the world of investing. If you made an investment overseas, and that investment was placed in euros, but then the exchange rate between the euro and the United States dollar dropped, you would take a hit on your dividends. If the exchange rate drops enough, an investor could see a huge chunk of their dividends disappear.

How Can I Manage Currency Risk?

There are a variety of ways that you can downplay currency risk when investing in other countries. While we will not go into all the nitty-gritty details here, the heart of the philosophy states that investors must hedge their investments as to avoid a major, unexpected loss. In some cases, short-selling the currency is a way of hedging an investment and protects you when the exchange rate falls.

Exchange-traded funds are arguably the most simplistic way of hedging yourself from currency risk. These are offered by a number of big financial institutions and include multiple currencies from around the globe.

Accountants Are Available To Help

These are just the basics of currency risk. There is a reason why entire books have been written about investing — it is a complex process. Your best bet is to consult a qualified accounting professional that has knowledge in this area. You can locate one using TalkLocal’s convenient website.

Posted in Accountants, talklocal | No Comments »

Seva Call Rolls Into The Cleve

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Seva Man is ready to Rock and Roll as Seva Call rolls into The Cleve! We know that life is wild in The Forest City and finding the right service professional while balancing multiple other time-sensitive demands is one thing Clevelanders aren’t cavalier about. So, we’re thrilled to be able to help Cleveland residents find the local help they need in the time they need it.

Seva Call is like a less pushy or embarrassing version of the old-fashioned relative who has someone “really nice” they want you to meet, but for service professionals. When a Clevelander needs an IT pro, personal trainer, masseuse, plumber, or anyone in one of our numerous service categories, they can turn to Seva Call’s complimentary service that connects them to a service provider quickly, easily, and hassle-free.

You Give Us:

Your location, availability, a detailed description of the service you need, and how we can contact you.

We Give You:

Three phone calls from top-rated, area professionals able to assist you in the time and fashion you need. Every call is securely routed to protect your privacy.

Customers and businesses from Buckeye-Shaker to the Warehouse District will love doing business the easy way. Just go to www.talklocal.com to put in your service request or register your business.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

Ways To Tow A Motorcycle Behind A Car

Monday, May 6th, 2013

If you love the freedom of two wheels but need the ability to transport your motorcycle short or longer distances from time to time, you need to know the ways to tow a motorcycle behind a car.

Not everyone has, or can afford, the room for a pick-up truck, so those with motorcycles need an alternative for transport. Before considering either of the following tow methods, it is a good idea to check out towing regulations in your state and each state you will be traveling through. These rules and regulations will vary throughout the United States.

Both of the following methods require the installation of a hitch. Check your car’s owner’s manual to determine the tow capacity prior to taking any steps to install a hitch. Your car may not even be powerful enough to handle the weight of your motorcycle, so these ways to tow a motorcycle behind a car may not be for you.

Trailer

There are trailers available on today’s market especially made for motorcycles, but you can buy a small trailer from a farm supply or home and garden store that should work with a few modifications for cheaper.

Add appropriate tie-down hooks and ramps in order to safely load and transport the motorcycle. You can also rent small enclosed trailers if your transportation needs are infrequent. This will better protect your motorcycle during transit.

Tow-bar

If you live in the city and do not have room for storing a trailer, you may consider a tow-bar. The tow-bar will attach to the hitch and transports the motorcycle by keeping the front wheel secured to the bar while the back makes contact with the road. Check your motorcycle’s manual to see if this method is discouraged. Some will discourage this method because the drive chain is not receiving the proper lubrication during transport and yet is still turning.

Want An Expert?

You have invested a lot of money into your motorcycle and likely do not want to ruin it. TalkLocal can find an expert in towing near you for free. Our service is incredibly easy and fast.

Posted in Towing | No Comments »

How Do You File For Bankruptcy?

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

You have no doubt heard terms like “bankruptcy” and “foreclosure” thrown around plenty, especially in these times of economic hardship. Bankruptcy — in its various forms — is a way for consumers to receive financial relief in the face of overwhelming debts. This process will wipe away some, it not all, of your debts and give you a fresh financial start.

Even though you probably know the general idea behind bankruptcy, you might be left wondering: How do you file for bankruptcy?

The following are a few general steps you might consider taking in order to utilize this invaluable financial tool.

Exhausting All Other Options

Most financial experts will warn you that with bankruptcy comes a devastating blow to your credit score. While this hit is temporary, it will make obtaining lines of credit difficult in the future. This means that you might have to put off big purchases like a home or vehicle, because you may not qualify for the funding.

For this reason, bankruptcy is often referred to as “the last resort”. Make sure that there are no other ways to dig out of your financial hole. Sometimes, financial counseling or debt consolidation may provide you with the help you need to get your affairs in order. If not, it’s important to know: How do you file for bankruptcy?

Seek Legal Help

When you have exhausted all options, your first step should be hiring legal counsel. Filing for bankruptcy is a complicated process, and one that you do not want to take on by yourself. It is not impossible to go through the proceedings yourself, but when you do, you run the huge risk of overlooking a small detail, which can jeopardize your entire case.

Research local legal firms which specialize in bankruptcy. Also, check to see if you qualify for any programs which offer free legal aid.

Budget Accordingly

Ironically, filing for bankruptcy is not free. Various fees are tied in. Make sure that you have enough money to cover these expenses so that you can move forward with the case as planned.

Initiate The Bankruptcy

With your lawyer, you will decide which type of bankruptcy to apply for. You will have to appear in court and fill out paperwork, including a means test. Be prepared to be honest and forthright with the bankruptcy trustee. Lying about your financial system will bring only negative repercussions. The court will demand to know everything about your financial life.

Find Help At Seva Call

If your bankruptcy case is urgent, you don’t have time to waste searching for a lawyer. Use TalkLocal to find one that fits your needs immediately. Just type in what you’re looking for in a lawyer, and we’ll find them for you.

Posted in Lawyers - Bankruptcy | No Comments »

Are Koi Ponds Expensive?

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

A koi pond can be a relaxing and unique addition to your backyard patio. Your next question might be: Are koi ponds expensive? The answer, in a nut shell, is “yes”. However, there are many factors that go into the price of a koi pond.

After considering the following factors, you may find areas where you can cut cost. Many koi pond owners find that the addition of a koi pond is a labor of love and worth every penny. It certainly is an elegant touch to a yard that will have all your guests talking.

Initial Construction: Depending on the size of your pond, initial construction prices can be upwards of $1,200 to have a professional complete your pond. This price increases as you increase the size of your pond. Koi ponds must be at least two feet deep in order to accommodate the fish, though, depths of four to six feet are recommended to prevent a complete freeze in winter and to deter predators.

Permits: Your town may require permits for digging ponds at the depths you will need to dig. These permits almost always come with a fee.

Fencing: Insurance companies and municipalities may require fencing around the pond or yard to prevent accidental drowning. Even if this is not required, it is still a smart move, especially if children will be playing around the area.

Supplies: You’ll need a filtration system, water pump, water testing materials, and food. To give you an idea, pumps generally run $60 for a 500-gallon per hour pump. You must also include your electricity usage in these prices, as well.

Fish: You can get fish on the cheaply for four to 28 dollars per three-inch fish, depending on their grade. The bigger the fish, the more you will pay. Prices can reach thousands of dollars for fully-grown fish.

Consult the Experts

Some professional landscapers can give you a more accurate estimate on what your individual pond can cost, putting to rest the question: Are koi ponds expensive? To find one qualified to help, try using TalkLocal’s service. We will connect you with a landscaper in your area for free, and our service is incredibly easy to use.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Does Kinesio Tape Work?

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Spend any time watching the Olympics — or many other sports competitions, for that matter — and you are bound to see this colorful tape adorning athletes, but does kinesio tape work?

Those using the tape do so for a variety of injuries in various joints as well as muscle strains and sprains. However, it is only effective when applied correctly. A kinesiologist or even a personal trainer might be able to help in such a situation. Here are some facts you need to know about kinesio tape.

The Claim

According to one retailer of kinesio tape, it works by relieving pressure on the affected area. When muscles or joints are injured, they swell. The tape pulls the surface of the skin enough to create a space for the inflammation. This relieves pressure, allowing for the inflammation and pain to subside more quickly than if left untreated.

But, Does Kinesio Tape Work?

Some physicians say yes, though only if applied correctly. A working knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy is required to determine the placement of the tape. It needs to be applied in such a way that it will effectively relieve the pressure in order for it to actually work.

Athletes and those with injuries need to be shown by a professional how to apply the tape correctly in their individual circumstances. Some physicians say that the relief many experience even when the tape is not applied correctly is likely a placebo effect.

Ask An Expert

Fortunately, one of the many benefits of a personal trainer is that he or she has likely studied long and hard about various sport and work injuries. He or she will be familiar with the tape (it has been around since the 1980s) and will be able to show you the proper way to apply it in order to achieve success.

If you are looking for a qualified personal trainer in your area, try using TalkLocal’s free service. We will get you in touch with a personal trainer you can count on within minutes.

Posted in Personal Trainers | No Comments »

Windows 8 Computer Log

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

The Windows 8 computer log can be very important to users and help them troubleshoot various problems with their computer. This log records significant events that your computer experiences. Using this information, you might be able to trace the source of any issues that you experience either with Windows or other computer programs.

To access the Windows 8 computer log, you need to know the right commands. The following is an appropriate path to view events that have been recorded in the events log.

Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer

Once you have reached the event viewer, you will be prompted for your administrative username and password. Make sure you are prepared with this information, otherwise, you will be locked out from viewing this valuable insight.

You can also access the Windows 8 computer log alternatively with the following commands.

Start > Search > type “Event Viewer” > Select Event Viewer

While the information may not look very useful, it is important to know that you can at least access it. It could come in handy if your computer begins to act up. The log records instances of errors, warnings and other issues in the following components of your computer:

– Applications

– Security

– System

– Set-up

It is important, especially for the non-tech-savvy of us, not to stress out over what appears to be an inordinate number of errors or warnings logged in your computer’s events. The truth of the matter is, computers experience errors regularly, and just because you experienced an error, does not mean that your computer is not functioning properly. This is just simply a way for you to monitor your hard drive to ensure that all is well.

Find Help In Your Area

If you are looking for someone who can help you with this, and other tasks, turn to TalkLocal. We have an extensive database of professionals in your local area that you can tap into for free. We will take your inquiry and get you on the phone with someone immediately, completely cutting out the long hours spent trying to find the right help.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

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