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Archive for 2013

Monday, January 21st, 2013

How to Turn Trash into Treasure

We all have a lot of stuff- that’s just a reality of modern life. Cleaning it out can be tough, it takes time and energy, and we often connect things with memories. So we can end up holding on to a lot of crap for sentimental reasons… and also because we’re lazy. But whether you have tons of old clothes, coffee cans, or even tires lying around, you should check out these ways to put your clutter to good use, and turn trash into treasure!

Old Clothes

Whether you’ve outgrown them, they’ve gone out of style, or been damaged somehow, everyone has old sweaters and t-shirts lying around. If you’ve got old sweaters, you could turn them into something useful and fun, like purses, scarves, mittens, even pendants and necklaces. If you need ideas for what to do, or want directions for a particular project, Resweater always has great ideas and will explain the steps for each project.

If you’ve got a lot of old t-shirts lying around, you could make them into a quilt, this can make a great gift for a kid that’s growing up and going away. For step by step directions for this project, check out the instructions here.

Glass Bottles

If you’ve got glass bottles lying around you can, of course, recycle them the traditional way. But it’s actually more environmentally friendly to re-use them without sending them to the recycling plant. Cool old bottles can be used to give a house a vintage look, for example, you can make interesting vases out of old bottles, or use old bottles to make center pieces if you fill them with pretty pebbles.

Coffee Cans

Coffee cans are also often recyclable, but you can use them to make fun small trash cans. Makes sure you clean the coffee can out well, then you can cover the coffee cans with funky wrapping paper or tissue paper, or even with cloth from an old t-shirt.

Tires

I don’t really understand this one, but apparently some people have a lot of old tires lying around. If this is you, you might consider using those tires for gardening.

Additional Help

But some clutter really cannot be reused. Often the easiest and most environmentally friendly way of getting rid of it is by hiring a junk removal place. (You should always ask about what environmentally friendly precautions junk removal places take before hiring them.) To hire a junk removal place, simply use TalkLocal. It’s a great website that allows you to quickly find good junk removal places near you.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Macbook Microphone Echo

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When you’re Skyping or video chatting with someone it’s extremely frustrating when you constantly hear your own voice echoing back through. All you wanted to do was talk with your friend/family/significant other but all you can hear now is your own voice. How can you fix your Macbook microphone echo?

The Problem

The echo you are hearing can be a result of a couple of different things. First of all, it could be because of a delay in delivering what you said to the person on the other end. The feedback is a natural result of this delay. It could also be a result of them having their speakers set too loud so that their microphone is picking up what you are relaying.

How to fix this issue

The number one way to fix the feedback issue you are having is to keep your speaker’s volume low and try to use headphones so that what is being relayed doesn’t get sent back through to the other end. Try to reduce any echoing by adjusting the way you are sitting or the angle of the computer in relation to the speakers. This echo could also be the result of a faulty application. Try using a different app for chatting such as skype, oovoo, ichat, or facetime.

You can also go into system preferences on both ends to try and resolve the issue. From there click on sound, then input. Highlight the microphone and slide it to the left on the input slider. This will reduce the amount of input the microphone will relay so it will focus less on the background noises such as the echo and try to only send what you are saying through.

Additional Help

If the echoing problem continues throughout this process it may be a more serious issue with the computer, speakers, or microphone. You should try to talk to a professional so that you can get the best help possible. The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable local IT service businesses is to use TalkLocal. Just put in your problem and availability and let them do all the work. Within minutes you will be connected to a professional who will be able to help you out.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Windshield Repair Scams

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Windshield repair scams are very common- more common than many people think. Most people don’t know very much about the auto glass repair industry so they trust the information their given by “experts.” While most auto glass repair shops and repairmen are very honest, there are some bad apples out there who try to take advantage of their position. Often, these swindlers target people who don’t understand what’s going on—like the elderly, people with a limited grasp of English, and teenagers. So it’s important to stay informed about common windshield repair scams and take steps to avoid them.

Common Windshield Repair Scams

A common scam involves a person who approaches an unsuspecting person and telling him or her that they are in grave danger because of structural damage to their windshield. He’ll make up laws or facts about windshields, and generally do anything it takes to get people to stop. In some cases there’s nothing actually wrong with the windshield; in other cases the windshield may have some damage, but not to the extent claimed. There have even been cases where the scam artist has broken the windshield himself, just to get the opportunity to repair it! The scammer tells you he will look at it or fix it for free, but then asks for your insurance anyway in order to file a claim to fix the windshield without telling you.

To avoid this scam it’s important to remember that someone you meet in a parking lot does not constitute a repair shop. And if it’s free, you should not need your insurance information.

Another type of windshield repair scam takes place at body shops. Consumers come in with a chip or small crack in their windshield and the shop will tell them they need to have their windshield replaced. It’s important to know that most small cracks and chips can be repaired, and repaired fairly cheaply, sometimes with a kit from an auto parts store. It’s in the financial interest of the dishonest repair shop to get you to pay for a new windshield when you don’t need one.

To avoid this scam, simply put off the repair until you have had a chance to check it out on your own. Be an informed consumer. Make sure the repair place you’re going to is legitimate and do some research about the type of damage you see before having it repaired.

Additional Help

If you want to find a legitimate and highly recommended auto glass repair place near you, or if you have any questions about auto glass repairs, just use TalkLocal. We’ll connect you with up to three local professionals you can count on to get the job done when you need it.

Posted in Auto Glass Repair | No Comments »

Belkin Wireless Router Setup

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Have you just bought a new wireless router? Use these tips for an easy Belkin wireless router setup using the Belkin start-up disk.

1) Plug the network cable into the Ethernet port of the router and into the data port of the modem.

2) Place the security card on the bottom of the router.

3) Plug the router into an outlet. A blinking blue light will appear on the top of the router. Once the light stops flashing, you may continue.

4) Insert Belkin’s startup disk into your computer and follow the instructions.

If you do not have the Belkin installation disk, follow these steps:

1) Make sure you have an Ethernet connection.

2) You will be prompted for a password. New routers do not have passwords by default, so click “Submit.” If there was a password already in place, then you will need to reset the Belkin router.

3) On the left side of the page, click on “Connection Type.”

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, contact TalkLocal to help connect you with the best local professional suited to your needs. Learn more about TalkLocal today!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How to Replace a Car Air Filter

Monday, January 21st, 2013

A car filter cleans the air in your vehicle with fibrous materials that remove all of the particles in the air, including dust, mold, bacteria, pollen, and other substances. All cars have air filters that protect their engine. Some cars have air filters that protect the air in the cabin of the car. Regardless of the type of air filter, the filter must be clean to do its job. A dirty air filter will affect the performance of your engine and, if you have a cabin air filter, will affect your health. This article discusses how to replace a car air filter that protects the engine.

When to Replace a Car Ai rFilter

The air filter should be replaced, on average, every six to eight months. However, if you drive in abnormal conditions (for example, in the desert), you may need to replace it more often. Many people replace the filter every two to three oil changes.

If you are looking to replace your car’s air filter, the first thing you will need to do is find a replacement filter of the same size and type as that which came with the car.

How to Replace a Car Air Filter:

Additional Help

If you have more questions about your car’s air filter or feel uneasy about doing the work yourself, use TalkLocal to find a professional near you. Let TalkLocal know what your problem is, when you are available, and within minutes you will be connected to someone in your area who will know how to replace a car air filter.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Written by Dallea Caldwell

We at Seva Call would be remiss if we did not take a moment to recognize how far we’ve come. Relationships which once were forbidden have enriched our lives. Opportunities which once were beyond our reach have enabled us to achieve our goals. Talents which might have gone unrecognized enable us to make a contribution that enriches every community we touch.

Everyone at Seva Call is grateful to Martin Luther King and all the brave citizens who dared dream of a better America and faced down all doubt and fear to make that dream a reality. The melting pot of colors, creeds, and cultures that make up the Seva Call team as well as the various communities we service wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for their sacrifices. We celebrate the groundbreaking advancements towards a more equitable society where shared humanity outweighs all difference and differences are appreciated as sources of mutual enrichment and growth.

Furthermore, from awareness building efforts in the aftermath of the Sikh Temple shooting to the simple vocation of facilitating neighbors helping neighbors, we at Seva Call take up the mantle of advancing tolerance and uniting communities. Today, we renew our commitment to fulfilling Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream and remember his transformational life.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

How to Recover Data After a System Restore

Sunday, January 20th, 2013

Have you lost years’ worth of important data after a system restore on your Windows computer brought it back to the state it was in when you first bought it? First of all, in the future remember to always back up all of your data, especially before doing a system restore. However, if you haven’t backed up your data, this article will help you to recover data after a system restore.

Things You Can Try to Recover Your Data

The first thing to try is click Start and in the Search box do a search for windows.old. If you find a folder called windows.old (it should be in the C drive), then breathe a sigh of relief, all of your data from before your system restore should be in this folder.

If you don’t have the windows.old folder, all hope is not lost. You may still be able to recover some of your data, but you have to stop using your computer (turn it off): every time you do something you are overwriting any data that might still be left over from before your system restore.

Another option for recovering the data is to purchase a data recovery program. If possible, use another computer to search for and research programs, so you do not overwrite data on the computer on which you are trying to recover data. Once you have decided on a program you can download it on that computer.

Additional Help

Another option is to hire a computer professional in your area to recover your data for you. You can use TalkLocal and receive a call within minutes from someone in your area who knows how to recover data after a system restore and is available whenever you want them.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Child Custody Legal Advice

Sunday, January 20th, 2013

Whenever there is a divorce involving a child, especially in the case of messy relationships existing between the parents, there will be a need to seek child custody legal advice. Child custody almost always raises emotions and creates a lot of stress, not only for the parents but also for the child as well. Many divorcing parents prefer to resolve their child custody issues out of court, but sometimes a legal mandate is needed to determine who the child will live with.

Questions to Consider

The number one thing to remember in a child custody battle is that the focus should be on the best interests of the child. For example, is it good for the child to live on and off with each parent? Should the child have one main home and visitation with the other parent? What does the child want? Whatever the parents agree on is taken into consideration in court because it is usually assumed that they know their family situation better than the court.

Parents will also have to decide other issues, such as which parent will be considered the primary caretaker or “custodial parent.” They must look at who will shoulder which responsibilities for the child as well as who is more able to financially provide for the child. Making these decisions can be a long and difficult process but it is one that is necessary in order to ensure the best care for the child. If parents cannot make these decisions, they have two other options: mediation or the judgment of the court.

Using a Mediator

The courts may appoint a mediator who will attempt to facilitate the parents’ negotiations. Both the parents and child go to sessions with the mediator. A mediator is an impartial partner in the divorce process, one who takes neither parent’s “side” as their attorney is bound to do, but rather a person whose goal is to bring both parties together for a mutually satisfactory outcome. Courts often appoint mediators because it’s hard to understand a family dynamic in short court sessions.

If mediation fails, then the family will need to take the matter to court. In that case, parents will rely on the child custody legal advice given by their respective attorneys. In court, each parent will present their case for child custody and a judge will determine what is best for the child. Each parent’s attorney will be allowed to present evidence in an attempt to sway the decision in his or her client’s favor.

Additional Help

If you have more questions about child custody legal advice you should try to talk to a professional so that you can get the best help possible. The easiest, fastest way to get in contact with reliable local law firms is to use TalkLocal. Just put in your problem and availability and let them do all the work. Within minutes you will be connected to someone who should be able to assist you.

Posted in Lawyers - Family | No Comments »

Blue Screen of Death: Bad Pool Header

Sunday, January 20th, 2013

If you are a computer owner who has ever used Windows, you most likely have experienced the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This is also known as a ‘Windows Stop Error’, and is an operating system error that happens whenever Windows senses a software, hardware, or driver error that has occurred. The entire system shuts down and diagnostic information is then displayed to you on the ‘Blue Screen of Death’. Sometimes, it is just a glitch and a soft reboot can fix it. However, if you see “BAD_POOL_HEADER”, you most likely have bigger underlying problems to fix.

When you do get the Windows Blue Screen of Death and simply reboot to get rid of it, you are not really fixing the problem, and you could even be doing more harm than good. This is the same as ignoring the problem. Over time, this can possibly develop into something that becomes unfixable.

How to get rid of the Blue Screen of Death

Getting rid of the BSOD by hand can be quite complicated, even if you have hours of free time to try and figure it out. A smarter approach would be to purchase registry cleaner software to fix the problem.

This usually works because almost every time the BSOD occurs, the problem is a corrupt registry. The registry is basically the brain of your computer, and tells the operating system how to run properly. A small corruption of data in the registry can start a chain reaction, which leads to the BSOD.

To fix the BSOD “BAD_POOL_HEADER” error, you need to clean out your registry. A good clean will get rid of all the useless information, error logs, and unneeded data clogging up your registry. Your computer will perform like brand new!

Additional Help

If the issue persists after trying all these things, then you should use TalkLocal to get the best help you can get quickly from local IT service professionals. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local professionals who can help you when you need it.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How to Clean an Iron Soleplate

Sunday, January 20th, 2013

Ironing our garments makes our clothes look crisp and new. Although we usually iron clean clothes, the soleplate of the iron gets dirty over time. When the iron starts sticking to your clothes, you run the risk of damaging or burning your clothing. Below are some easy ways to help you learn how to clean an iron soleplate to keep your iron looking as new as your clothes.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an inexpensive household cleaner. This multipurpose liquid is great for removing any residue, such as starch, which may be found on the bottom of the soleplate. To clean your iron with vinegar, unplug your iron and let it cool off completely. Pour some vinegar onto a cloth or towel and wipe the soleplate of the cool iron. If there is dirt in the soleplate holes, use a cotton swab to get into those hard-to-reach spots. If the dirt is difficult to remove, combine vinegar and baking soda on a cloth and rub the soleplate. You may also try warming up a solution of vinegar, salt, and water to remove tough residue buildup. Pour it on a soft cloth and wipe away dirt.

Newspaper

To remove waxy residue, heat the iron to its hottest temperature to help melt the wax. Lay several sheets of newspaper flat on a heat-resistant surface. Then “iron” the newspaper, using a clean sheet each time until the wax has been removed. When the wax has been removed, let the iron cool down and wipe the iron soleplate with a damp cloth to remove any newsprint left behind by the newspaper.

Detergent

A mild detergent with water will get the job done. Detergent breaks down oils and dirt. Use a damp cloth with some mild detergent and wipe the soleplate. Go over the soleplate again with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.

You can also read the instruction manual of your iron to find useful tips for preventing residue buildup on the soleplate. Never use an abrasive material, such as steel wool, to clean an iron soleplate of an electric iron because it could damage the iron.

Additional Help

If your iron needs repairing, use TalkLocal to help connect you with a local appliance repair professional. Try TalkLocal today!

Posted in Appliances Repair | No Comments »

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