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Archive for 2013

Saturday, June 15th, 2013

If you experience pain in your lower back, the chances are good that you are suffering from lumbar issues. The best way to help relieve the pain is to stretch the muscle so it is not tight and is not likely to be pulled or strained in the future. Here are some lumbar stabilization exercises for low back pain that might help you feel some relief.

Floor Kicks

The floor kick exercise helps strengthen the lumbar muscles so they are less likely to become damaged or torn. To do this exercise, lay on the floor and lift up one leg and then the other. Continue to alternate legs for five minutes. Point your toes as you lift your legs to stretch the muscles even more. If your back is already hurting, the exercise may be painful at first. As time progresses, this exercise will be easier to perform and eventually the pain will go away.

Medicine Ball

A medicine ball can be your best friend if you have low back pain. You can loosen the muscles by sitting on the ball and gently bouncing. You can also use the ball for a variety of stretches. Try laying on the ball on your stomach with your knees on the ground. Extend your legs out and move forward on the ball. You should feel your muscle stretching as you move.

Roman Chair Exercise

Use a medicine ball or a chair, and bend straight over at your waist to touch your toes. You will feel your lumbar muscles pull as you do this exercise. This stretch will help you to loosen these muscles and stretch them out. It is one of the most effective lumbar stabilization exercises for low back pain.

These lumbar stabilization exercises for low back pain can help you anytime your back is hurting. Do them often to prevent back pain and to keep your muscles strong.

Finding The Right Help

Whether you are looking for a personal trainer or a chiropractor to make the necessary adjustments, TalkLocal can help. Pick which service professional you need and we will connect you with three of them right in your local area. You still get to decide but do not have to waste a ton of time searching.

Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

Tips On Painting Over Stains

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Is that beautiful paint job from two years ago starting to show its age? It’s not your fault. Normal household activities like cooking, smoking, or even small water seepage can cause discolorations on ceilings and walls. You’ve probably got half of a can of leftover paint around your basement. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to paint over the stain and end up with walls that look like new, right?

Wrong.

The truth is that if you don’t take time to properly prepare before painting, ugly stains can bleed through before the paint even dries. If you’ve got grease, tobacco, or water-related discolorations in your home, you’ll want to take a look at these tips on painting over stains.

Tips On Painting Over Stains

1. Start by cleaning the stained area fully. Soap and water work for many stains, while grease, mold, and oil-based discolorations will require bleach. Waxy stains like crayons may need to be sandpapered off. This is best done by hand. If you must use WD-40, you’ll need to clean that off separately after the crayon is removed.

2. Let it dry. We can’t stress the importance of this enough. If the area to be painted is not completely dry, disaster awaits. Depending on your local humidity, drying can take two hours or two days. Grab a nice long book, and wait.

3. Oil-based or enamel primers are least likely to allow stains to bleed through and are well worth the effort when covering stains. Dark discolorations may need multiple coats of primer. Avoid latex paints and primers, and let each coat dry fully before applying the next.

4. Wall liners may be the very best pro tip on painting over stains. Wall liners are inexpensive and their ease of application is on par with traditional wallpaper — with no matching. Simply clean your wall, let it dry, then apply wall liner. When that dries, your wall becomes a tabula rasa just waiting for your design ideas.

5. If you are repainting sections of wall with leftover paint, keep in mind that sunlight, time, and cleaning can cause paint to fade. You may want to consider choosing a whole new color.

Ugly stains don’t have to be a fact of life if you keep these tips on painting over stains in mind. With some preparation and a little patience, your walls and ceilings can look magazine-cover ready.

Call In The Pros

Not everyone is confident with a paintbrush and paint. Those individuals are encouraged to log on to TalkLocal and put out a search for a qualified painter. A search that would normally take days now can be taken care of in a matter of minutes through our site.

Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Pick Car Door Locks

Friday, June 14th, 2013

If you have ever lost your keys or accidentally locked them in your car, you know how frustrating it can be to pay and wait for a locksmith. If you want to avoid such a scenario, you can learn to pick car door locks yourself.

Not everyone can master lock picking, and it takes a lot of patience and practice to get it right. Here is how you can learn to do it yourself. Only resort to such measures if it is an emergency. It’s not something you want to make a habit of.

How To Pick Car Door Locks

1. Purchase a slim jim from your local auto parts store or order one online. This tool will help you pick your lock and is necessary if you are going to pick car door locks yourself.

2. Slide the slim jim between the window and the door. Be careful not to break the window glass as you do this. You can set a rag or piece of clothe between the slim jim and the glass to serve as a buffer.

3. Gently move the slim jim along the window track until you feel it touch a lever. This lever controls the locks.

4. Slowly pull up on the slim jim and allow it to catch on the lock lever. It may take several tries before you can actually hook the lever and pull it up with your tool. Keep trying until you get it.

5. Pull the slim jim out from the window opening. Again, be very careful not to hook the glass or break it.

If you want to pick car door locks, you need the right tools and technique. If you are unable to pick the lock yourself, contact a locksmith or roadside assistance. Always use caution when trying to pick your car locks because you can easily damage your doors or windows. You may also get the attention of car thieves, who may see your car as an easy target in the future.

Use Talk Local To Find Locksmiths

TalkLocal can connect you with a number of locksmiths right in your local area who are capable of helping in a pinch. Visit our website and submit an inquiry. We take care of the rest.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

How To Tell When To Change Your Motorcycle Tire

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Owning a motorcycle means you must know how to maintain it properly and perform the needed repairs. Some of the most important knowledge you will need for your motorcycle is how to tell when to change your motorcycle tire. If your motorcycle tires have lost their tread or have wire sticking out of them, they could be dangerous and even cause you to have an accident.

Knowing when to change them will help keep you safe while riding and keep your bike in the best condition possible.

Tread

You need tread on your tires so you can get traction. When tread wears down, tires are more likely to slip and hydroplane. Some states have different requirements for tread than others. Check the laws in your state, and make sure your tire tread is adequate.

Cracks

Check the side of the tires for any cracks. When tires get old, they can dry-rot and crack. This can cause air to escape and make the tires more vulnerable to blowouts. If you notice cracks in the sides of your tires, you should change them as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure often. Your tires should have a certain pressure. If your tires are not holding the appropriate pressure, it could mean it is time to change them. As you drive on the tires, they will lose pressure. If you notice the pressure is dropping faster than normal, you should change them.

Air Loss

If you notice any sign of air loss in the tires, you will need to replace them. If you are wondering how to tell when to change your motorcycle tire, this is the easiest way to tell. The air loss can be a sign of a hole or crack or could mean the tire is off the rim.

When You Need Help…

Just always remember, knowing how to tell when to change your motorcycle tire is of the utmost importance. Changing them often will make your bike last longer and help you avoid accidents.

If you need a hand with any of your automotive needs, TalkLocal has all the connections you will need. Whether you need a towing service or mechanical help, rely on our innovative service to find the right professionals for you.

Posted in Towing | No Comments »

Cost Of A New Oven

Friday, June 14th, 2013

An oven is a necessary appliance that can be found in most homes. There are many different types of ovens, but all of them serve the same purpose. If you are looking to buy your first oven, or you are ready to replace your old one, you may want to know the average cost of a new oven. There are several different factors that determine the cost of a new oven. Here are a few of them.

Countertop Oven

Countertop ovens are convenient because they are portable and can be placed anywhere in the home where there is counter space. They are especially convenient for small or cluttered kitchens. Countertop ovens work much like traditional ovens and can heat and cook a variety of food items. They come in all different sizes and colors that will match your kitchen.

Electric Oven

Electric ovens can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Traditional electric ovens with few features are cheap, while large commercial style ovens are more expensive. You can choose between wall ovens or freestanding ovens, as well as the colors or size you need. Electric ovens with features such as self cleaning or special cooking temperatures can be purchased, but expect to pay a lot for these extra features.

Gas Oven

Gas ovens cook foods at a much more even temperature than electric ovens and are therefore the most popular choice. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are any more expensive or cheaper than electric ovens. Gas ovens have many of the same features as electric ovens and are usually in the same price range. Gas ovens are harder to install than electric ovens, and if you plan to have a professional install your gas oven, you should consider the installation fee as part of the cost.

Finding (Or Fixing) The Right Oven

There is no way around buying or owning an oven so you may as well choose one that you like. Set a budget when shopping for an oven and keep in mind the many factors above that determine the cost of a new oven. Compare prices and shop around until you find the perfect oven for your home. Also, make sure to bookmark TalkLocal‘s website in case your oven acts up and you are in need of a repair professional.

Posted in Appliances Repair | No Comments »

Happy Fuss Over Father’s Day

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Written by Dallea Caldwell

Quick! Before he barricades himself in his man cave until this whole thing blows over, attack your dear old dad with your full nuclear family arsenal: kisses, hugs, and the kind of mushy stuff that you can’t use to pave the driveway.

And, for the love of dads: do something different this year. Every year poor dad gets tied down, cuffed, or smothered. He already has more patterned strips of fabric than you’d need to hogtie a herd of elephants, so no more ties. And gold cufflinks? He may be worth his weight in gold, but his sleeves aren’t designed to bare that kind of weight. Lastly, if you don’t like his smell after he finishes investing another bucket-worth of sweat equity into the house, don’t cover it up with more cologne when you can just feed the honey do list through the shredder, turn on the fan, blow a kazoo, and toss his worries to the wind like so much confetti!

Fuss Over Father’s Day No More

You know that emotionally stirring moment when dad presses his fingers to either side of his nose, and a single tear slips down his cheek, but then he pulls it together, but everybody is full-out bawling because if dad cries then it’s totally a big deal? You know what we’re talking about. Now, did it ever happen after you gave him a tie? Of course not.

So, because he deserves much better than a case of Dadja vu, consider these great gift ideas:

– Give dad a hand with needed repairs, hand them over to a handyman.

– Kick-boxing anyone? Kick his heart health into high gear with some personal training sessions.

– Take away that tension trapped in his back and shoulders with a professional massage.

– If he’s bending and lifting with difficulty, that makes cleaning a challenge. So, hire a maid to clean every nook and cranny of the castle.

– Does dad dress like a 1950’s panhandler with ill-fitting jackets and trousers? Bag him and his baggy suits and drag them to a tailor.

In fact, Seva Call has over 50 service categories, and he’d be happy to see just about anything get done with one exception: he’d probably hate dentists, so wait until after Father’s Day to book that cleaning.

Seva Call Has You Covered

Other than that, you can spoil dad right out of his shell with unforgettable gifts and experiences just by going to www.talklocal.com and submitting a service request. Then, stand by to talk to a top-rated pro in seconds. You’ll make dad wish he could hang your present on the refrigerator, but he can’t… the magnetic force isn’t strong enough. He will be, however, happy that you were so thoughtful… for once.

Happy Father’s Day from the Seva Call Team.

Tags: father, Father's day, holiday
Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

Are Birdhouses Good For Gardens?

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Not only do they look beautiful, they sound beautiful, too. It’s no coincidence that birds singing and chirping represent a happy day in modern movies and television. Because of this, a lot of people have been building birdhouses in the hopes that these majestic little creatures will take up permanent residence in their yard, complementing gardens full of flowers. This leaves some asking — are birdhouses good for gardens and the environment? The answer is a resounding “yes”.

Why are birdhouses good for gardens and the environment?

Population: Since people started building more and producing more toxins in the atmosphere, the bird population has steadily declined. Removing the trees in which they live makes it harder for them to reproduce. Infecting the air they fly in with smoke and soot makes it hard for them to survive when they do reproduce. If a bird chooses to nest in a birdhouse, it’s a safe place where they can let their eggs hatch, so long as no one tears it down.

Pest Control: Since there are more birds located in your garden, there will be fewer bugs and pests in your garden, as well. Adult birds may either snack on these bugs or scare them away, helping your plants grow. Contrary to popular belief, most birds don’t actually eat earth worms, either. Since we know earthworms help our gardens, a lot of people worry that having birds around will hurt their gardens. That’s not the case.

Pollinating and Fertilizing: Birds help keep your plants pollinated and fertilized. Both of these processes are natural and will most likely happen without birds, but having birds in your garden will help speed them along.

Ask A Landscaper

In the end, you are not only helping the birds, but also the environment and your own garden by building birdhouses. Even if birds don’t choose to nest in your birdhouses, they still add aesthetic value and beautify your garden a bit more. If you have more questions about gardening, plants, or birds, TalkLocal can connect you with professionals in your area that can offer invaluable information.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Best Stitches For Denim

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you have ever bought a pair of jeans that were too long and had to be hemmed, or you tried to sew a patch or embellishment on, you know how hard it can be to stitch denim.

Even after you have sewn it, the denim can unravel, and the hem or stitch can come undone. The best way to make sure that you do not have this problem or a similar one is to choose the best stitches for denim.

Hand-Sewn Stitches

If you do not have a sewing machine, or just prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, you may want to hand-sew your jeans. The best stitches for denim that are done by hand are made tight and even. This will help hold the thick fabric in place and prevent it from coming undone. Using a thick thread will help make your stitches tighter and hold the denim better, as well.

If you’re double rolling a hem, generally a traditional straight stitch will get the job done.

Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is capable of making your stitches tight and helping to keep the denim from unraveling. Some sewing machines have special settings on them which can be used for denim. If your machine does not have a denim setting, look for a heavy fabric setting instead.

This setting allows the needle to drop down far enough to penetrate through the denim and pull the thread back through it. Other settings may not be able to sew a stitch in the denim. You may also want to use a larger needle in the machine. A smaller needle could break from the pressure.

Regardless of what way you decide to sew your denim, it is important that you keep your stitches straight and even. The best stitches for denim not only look good, but they are durable as well.

Need A Tailor?

We’re not all crafty enough to alter our own clothing. If you are on the lookout for a tailor, TalkLocal can put you in contact with some immediately. Once we receive your request, we relay that to experts in your area, then connect you with the right professionals directly.

Tags: clothing alteration, Denim, sewing, stitching
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Install A New C Drive

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

Many of you might refer to your computer’s hard drive as the C drive. This stems from the fact that Windows assigned this letter to the primary portion of your hard drive. Learning to install a new C drive is as simple as installing a new hard drive, with one added twist.

Here are the basic steps that can help you install a new C drive.

Back Up Your Drive

Since the C drive contains so much valuable data, you will want to back up your existing drive. This will that ensure your computer retains all important programs and files.

You can back up your information either to an external hard drive, or else many companies offer online storage back-up options. Just make sure the information is correctly stored before going through with your C drive replacement.

Identify Your Existing Hard Drive

Open your computer and find where your hard drive is. Make sure to note all the cables that are running to and from it.

Unhook the cables from the hard drive and replace it with your new one. You will want to hook up the same wires and cables to your new hard drive. There will likely be a place to mount your new hard drive. Make sure it is secure, and use mounting rails if your new hard drive has them.

Add Partitions To The Hard Drive

You can’t install a new C drive unless you partition your hard drive. Each letter indicates a partition of the hard drive. So, the C drive is one partition of your hard drive.

In most versions of Windows, you can partition your new hard drive by taking the following path:

Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management

You can then run a partition wizard which will partition your hard drive.

Use Seva Call For Computer Help

If you are not confident with fixing computers on your own, find professionals who can help. TalkLocal specializes in tracking down qualified professionals in your local area. Don’t waste time searching — place a TalkLocal!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

How To Connect A Trailer Hitch

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

If you have a trailer that you would like to tow, but do not know how to connect your trailer hitch to your car, fear not. This article will help you learn how to connect a trailer hitch.

How To Connect A Trailer Hitch

1. The first thing you have to do is determine the gross trailer weight of your trailer. To do this, you must fully load the trailer and then weigh it on a vehicle scale. It is important that you are positive that your car, the trailer hitch, the ball, the ballmount, and the safety chains have the capacity for at least as much weight as the gross trailer weight of your trailer.

2. Measure the tongue weight, which is the pressure that the coupler applies to the ball. It is important that the tongue weight is 10-15% of the trailer’s gross trailer weight. If your trailer is small, you can measure the tongue pressure on a bathroom scale by putting the coupler on the scale on a level surface raised to the height that it would normally be at for towing. If your trailer is bigger, you will need a tongue weight scale in order to get the tongue weight.

3. If the percentage of the trailer’s tongue weight is not big enough in comparison to the trailer’s gross trailer weight, you may have a problem with your trailer swaying back and forth as you drive. To eliminate this problem, you can put the heaviest things in your trailer towards the front axle of the trailer, in the front of the trailer. Additionally, you can place any cargo in the center of the trailer (as opposed to either side). You can also tie the cargo down so that it will not slide around the trailer.

Find Towing Help

If you need help towing your trailer, you can contact a professional to help you. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality towing professionals in your area who know what you need and are available to help you right now, or whenever you need them.

Posted in Towing | 1 Comment »

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