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Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Sorry for the delay since my last update, TalkLocal fans. The Seva Team got caught up in Minnesota, helping some weary survivors rebuild their homes after the military launched Operation: Clean Sweep to wipe out the undead.

I hope you found my tips to help you zombie-proof your home useful. I sure enjoyed sharing the knowledge with you, though not so much the application of it.

The good news is that it’s finally over. The zombie apocalypse has been quashed thanks to our efforts (and probably also the might of the US military).

But I have some final advice to give you, and luckily, it doesn’t involve monsters or the end of the world. Nope, now it’s time to clean up the mess left behind by the now-dead undead, so we can all get back to our mundane, zombie-free lives.

1. Get the blood out with a combination of cold water, detergent, and ammonia on carpets. Read this article for a detailed description of the cleaning process.

2. Reuse as many materials as possible. Remember all of the reinforcing and furniture-moving I had you doing? You’re going to have to undo most of that. Maybe some of the modifications will be useful to you during hurricane season. Otherwise, refurbish the furniture, or use the plywood barricades to build new furniture.

3. Work to rebuild your community. Why just stop at your home? Help your neighbors too! Some of you might need some people-to-people interaction after being cooped up in your castle for weeks. Hooray new friends!

The zombie apocalypse might be over, but the Seva Team is still here, helping everyone help themselves.

Now get to cleaning and rebuilding! And good luck! Steve out.

Posted in Seva Team, talklocal | No Comments »

Reward Yourself with Rewarding Experiences (Finally) this Labor Day

Monday, August 26th, 2013

Written by Dallea Caldwell

Let’s be honest. This probably isn’t the first time we’ve told you to treat yourself for the holidays.

Sure, you’re “Johnny on a Mission” when a clogged drain, leaky pipe, or broken garbage disposal calls for your attention. Your house might as well be on a perpetual 5 alarm fire for all the urgent care it gets.

And as for the car, the way you tune into that baby’s every sputter and groan, I’d say you may be taking the anthropomorphic term “baby” a tad too literally.

And yeah… you prioritize office deadlines as if they were the steps to disarming a ticking time bomb.

Yet, when your own mind, body, and spirit are crying for attention, you somehow turn a deaf ear.

Enough is enough!

And all that you do, for home, family, business, and community… it really is enough!

You work as hard as anybody… if not harder. You’ve earned as much as anybody… if not more.

And you deserve so much better than you’ve been getting… or, rather… better than what you’ve been giving yourself.

And if there’s one day in the year when you have every right to reward yourself… finally… it’s now.

Labor Day is NOT just an extra 8 hours for you to work twice as hard as normal to get things done before work in the morning.

It’s an official, nationally recognized reward for all you’ve done as an individual and as a nation, to strengthen this country through hard work and historically unprecedented productivity.

You hear that? It’s official.

You’re allowed to sleep in and let a maid do the cleaning, have a spa day with a lavish massage, and head home by taxicab after an intoxicating meal.

In fact, it’s your duty to treat yourself in honor of Labor Day- a well-deserved reward from a well-served public… but a reward that you can either fill with rewarding experiences, or squander with trivial efforts.

And Talk Local is here to make creating those experiences less labor-intensive. Visit us at www.talklocal.com and talk to a fellow hard-worker in seconds. They’ve made it their job to help you recover from yours, so go ahead, you deserve it.

Posted in talklocal | No Comments »

5 More “Oh Sh!t” Moments Where TalkLocal Can Help

Sunday, August 25th, 2013

Written by Steven D’Adamo

Due to the popularity of the first installment (thanks guys!), we’re bringing you five more “Oh sh!t” moments where TalkLocal can help. These are the moments when we often have to face life’s tough challenges head on, and not unnecessarily scream at the kids for something they likely had no hand in…likely.

A Tree Fell On Your Property

This can be pretty scary, especially if it occurs during a violent storm. Luckily, it’s not that hard to find a tree removal service any more. And just think, now you have all of that firewood for the fireplace that probably needs to be cleaned! This becomes much more serious if the tree falls on your house.

You Find a Nest of Pests in Your Home

Bedbugs, ants, termites, rats, mice, snakes, raccoons, alligators…A pest problem is serious no matter the size of the intruders. You especially don’t want to leave your family at risk of being hurt or your home at risk of being damaged.

You Broke/Lost a Tooth (and you’re older than 12)

Maybe you got into a stupid bar fight, or maybe you simply slipped and smacked your face on a table. Either way, a suddenly broken or missing tooth can be painful, and embarrassing. So, find a dentist to get it patched up in no time. And stop getting into stupid bar fights.

You’re Locked Out Of Your Car

This happens more often than you might think; your arms are full of groceries because you only want to make one trip. You hit the lock button as you step out of your car and hip-check the door shut. Then you see them: your keys, still in the ignition, in your now-locked car. Unless you’re a car burglar, you’ll need to find a locksmith. This moment becomes an emergency if your baby is locked inside.

You Find Two Feet of Standing Water in Your Basement

This may be the most shocking emergency to find in your home. You’ll want to find a professional immediately to find the source of the leak, patch it up, and repair any damage to your furniture. This may require more than one professional… In the meantime, grab a bucket and start de-flooding your basement.

So don’t get awe-struck by whatever just ruined your day (or week, or month). Use TalkLocal to find the help you need, exactly when you need it.

Posted in talklocal | No Comments »

Life Experience and Inexperience: Helping at Home Starts in the Kitchen

Saturday, August 24th, 2013

A blog about life experience and inexperience, written by Dallea Caldwell.

I shoved my boyfriend in the grocery store last week.

IN MY OWN DEFENSE, I was only half serious. See, this was my first time “meal planning”. I normally pick up ingredients for the meals I learned from my mom, grab whatever else looks good, and just invent new meals with whatever is left. That’s why I always kick him out of the kitchen — so that I can…think.

Now, in order to make dinner time more of a team sport, he suggested we try some new recipes together. But first, we had to find them. And researching recipes online is pretty irritating. Something looks good…until you realize it requires 50 million ingredients you can’t pronounce and none of which you have in stock. Then, after all that thinking and strategizing — adding the duplicate ingredients, removing the in-stock ones — the basics become an afterthought.

And, even though “we” forgot the bacon…I alone fell short of the expectation to remember the bacon. So, it was “You forgot the bacon.” Oh, most stubborn remaining vestige of sexism, you slay me.

And that brings me to the shoving of the boyfriend.

I got away with it because he’s bigger than me and because we were both laughing at the time. But we couldn’t find the Italian sausage, and because we couldn’t find the Italian sausage, the whole world was on the brink of disaster in that moment.

So, I shoved him to save him from the derailed train/falling building/firey comet that was headed his way any apocalyptic moment… obviously.

In the end, however, we saved $30 on our regular grocery bill! Which felt far more satisfying than I had expected.

And we really connected on a deeper level! Really learning to understand one another.

BF: “How do you ‘brown the sausage’?”

Me: “You pour olive oil in the pan and saute the meat on top.”

BF: “How do you ‘saute the meat on top’?”

Me: “You pour olive oil in the pan and put the meat on top.”

And, I taught him to wash the pots rather than put them in the dishwasher where they get damaged.

And I laughed as he cringed at the feel of the sponge. (Yes, he’s one of those).

Most importantly, the Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana was delicious, even with Italian seasoned ground turkey!

So, if you can’t stand the heat, bring your partner into the kitchen. Strategize to plan quick and affordable meals that reduce waste and impulse buying. With the money you save as a team, you can do something really great… like hire a maid or butler during the Playoffs so that your home team can enjoy a brief off season!

Posted in Seva Team, talklocal | No Comments »

What Is a Party Bus?

Thursday, August 15th, 2013

Bus parties are organized to celebrate different special occasions, like for instance bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings, personalized city tours, proms, or birthdays. Despite the fact that this is not a new concept, a lot of people are most likely asking themselves the following question: What is a party bus, and how could I find and join the best one in my area?

1) Things you should know about bus parties

Love bus rides and parties? In this case, you should definitely attend a bus party as soon as possible. These events are organized in a party bus (also known as a limo bus or party ride), which is basically a custom bus decorated to match the theme of the party, big enough to accommodate at least 10 people (usually up to 50 passengers), and driven by a friendly chauffeur. The route is established by the people who pay for the bus party.

While some passengers might prefer to spend their time in the bus partying, dancing, and listening to music, others might want to get off the luxury bus and go to clubs, bars, and different other places. A party bus is equipped with a wide range of first-class amenities, like lasers, disco lights, last-generation audio and video systems, mini-bars, and even stripper poles. Before renting one, it is advisable to talk to the driver and inspect the custom bus yourself to see if you could easily decorate it to match the theme of your party.

2) Profit from the best custom bus rental services in your area

So what is a party bus? It could be one of the greatest, most unconventional ideas for your next event. Want to enjoy a fabulous party without having to worry about annoying driving problems? In this case, decide to celebrate in style by organizing a fabulous bus party. Choose your destination, set a theme for your event, invite your guests, and rely on a truly convenient bus rental service to make the most of a unique recreational experience.

Want to Take a Ride?

Are you having a hard time trying to find the best bus party organizer in your area? Consult TalkLocal, your trusted source of information, to discover top-rated companies offering you memorable, luxury bus rides exceeding your highest expectations. The best parties you’re ever going to attend are just a few clicks away.

Posted in Bus Rental, talklocal | 2 Comments »

3 Ways to Clean Electronic Air Filters Fast and Effectively

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Electronic air cleaners are used by millions of Americans who seek to improve indoor air quality and eliminate some of the most dangerous, microscopic pollutants triggering severe respiratory problems and other health concerns. In other words, electronic air cleaners trap the tiniest contaminants and help homeowners breathe cleaner, healthier air on a daily basis.

These devices are equipped with washable pre-filters and cells, which should be checked and cleaned regularly, at least once a month. Keep reading to discover three simple, effective ways to clean electronic air filters on your own, in the comfort of your own home.

First Method: Place the dirty pore-filters and washable cells in the dishwasher

Most homeowners use their dishwashers to keep their electronic air filters and cells dirt-free and fully functional. After the washing cycle is completed, simply take out the purified components and let them dry naturally. A drying cycle should never be considered a valid option, as it could easily damage cells and pre-filters, minimizing the efficiency of your electronic air cleaner.

Before opting for this fast, hassle-free cleaning method, make sure to read the dishwasher’s instruction manual. Some manufacturing companies might not recommend cleaning pre-filters and electronic cells by washing them in the automatic dishwasher.

Second Method: Clean electronic air filters in your bathtub

You could also cleanse those filthy electronic cells and pre-filters by placing them in a bathtub filled with hot water. Add three quarters of high-quality dishwasher detergent for each cell; wait 15 or 20 minutes until the detergent manages to dissolve the dirt buildup and then let these components air dry.

Third Method: Wash pre-filters and electronic cells in your backyard, utilizing a garden hose

Last, but definitely not least, you could try to clean electronic air filters in record time using a garden hose. Wash those dirty pre-filters and electronic cells with plenty of water sprayed with moderate pressure to avoid damaging these essential parts of your device. If you are dealing with stubborn particles of dirt, rely on a good household detergent to get the job done fast and effortlessly. In the end, let these components dry naturally and put them back inside your electronic air cleaner when they’re perfectly dry.

Opt for one of these 3 easy ways to wash pre-filters and electronic cells and keep your appliance in perfect condition for a longer period of time.

Find an HVAC Expert

Looking for a real professional to complete this task on time and on a budget? Count on TalkLocal to find the best experts in your area. Whether you want to invest in professional maintenance services or you aim to conduct a DIY project, keep in mind that a monthly cleaning process is mandatory and can increase the lifespan and effectiveness of your device.

Posted in Heating and Cooling, talklocal | No Comments »

Wall Colors To Hide Stains

Friday, July 19th, 2013

Parents with toddlers know how common it can be for a wall to end up with crayon drawings, permanent marker lines, and chalk portraits on their walls. Responsible adults too, may make a mistake and end up with a stained wall. At first glance, these wall stains may not seem difficult to remove, but after trying to paint over permanent marker, a person may find it infuriating to see the same markings bleed through one fresh layer of paint after another. Fortunately, there are several strategies to cover over these pesky stains, including using certain wall colors to hide stains.

Rich Wall Colors For Easy Wall Stain Cover-Up

Using wall colors to hide stains might be the easiest fix. A parent with a child who loves to draw could find himself or herself repainting a wall several times a month, and for that reason, a one coat color — reds, blues, and chocolate browns being perfect example — will save a painter-parent time and money. Most stains do not bleed through darker colors — not noticeably anyway — and these colors should not need multiple coats to blend into the surrounding wall.

Applicable Primer Paints For Tougher Stains

However, permanent marker smudges bleed through paint, so using wall colors to hide stains is not an option. For staining products like permanent marker or oil-based foods, such as peanut butter, a stain-covering primer is the best option. One half-gallon of stain neutralizing primer should last, even parents of the most artistic children, several years.

Beware of Faded Paint

By applying a neutralizing primer, the markings below are sealed and returned to a simple paint adhering surface. After the primer has dried, a coat of fresh, matching paint will blend into the wall without notice. Painters should be cautious about how much sun and exposure to elements the wall in question endures, as most paints fade from sunlight, scrubbing, and humidity over time. A wall that has not had a fresh coat of paint in more than one year will likely have subtly changed color, and the original hue will stand out sharply against it.

Find A Professional Near You

Painters beware: stains can be tricky to address, but with careful attention to detail, most jobs are not too difficult. Or, for the toughest work, consult TalkLocal to be connected within minutes to the right professionals in your area.

Posted in Painters, talklocal | No Comments »

How To Report Power Outages In DC

Thursday, July 4th, 2013

When you want to report a power outage in your area, the best thing to do is to call your power company. Need to know how to report power outages in DC? The following power companies service the DC area:

PEPCO (Potomac Electric and Power Company)– Serves Washington, DC and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland.

24-Hour Outage Report Line – 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662)

Free iPhone App

Dominion Virginia Power– Serves Virginia and North Carolina

Report an Outage – 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)

Need Electrical Work Done At Home?

If you think your home’s electrical wiring is on the fritz (or if you notice that no one else in your neighborhood’s home is out of power) use TalkLocal to find a professional electrician near you. We’ll connect you with up to three, high-quality electricians in just minutes.

Don’t waste your time searching for a professional. TalkLocal will find one for you, and then connect you to them directly!

Posted in Electricians, talklocal | No Comments »

What Is An Enrolled Agent?

Sunday, June 16th, 2013

Do you know a reliable enrolled agent? Or, are you still asking yourself: What is an enrolled agent?

This is an important question to consider, especially when it comes to tax time. These professionals can be an enormous resource in unwinding any tax issues you may have. Here is a little bit of information on what enrolled agents are and what they do.

What Is An Enrolled Agent?

Similar to a Certified Public Account or attorney, enrolled agents are licensed by the United State Department of Treasury to help represent tax payers when they are up against the Internal Revenue Service. However, CPAs and attorneys are licensed by their respective state, while enrolled agents are directly licensed from the federal government. Enrolled agents also must specialize in taxation, while some attorneys might not be experts in that area.

This, in a nutshell, puts them at the top tier of tax professionals.

When an enrolled agent represents a taxpayer in a tax case, they are granted by the federal government a confidentiality privilege. That means whatever information is exchanged between the enrolled agent and the tax payer can remain private.

How Does Someone Become An Enrolled Agent?

Again, much like CPAs, enrolled agents must past an extensive test to prove that they have a wide knowledge of every aspect of taxation. Enrolled agents do not have a specialized area of taxation in which they are experts. They have to have a very broad knowledge in order to appropriately represent any tax payer.

However, professionals who have worked in certain positions with the IRS for five years or more are automatically eligible to become enrolled agents.

Why Might I Need An Enrolled Agent?

Enrolled agents can represent you for an audit or collection. They can also do something so simple as prepare tax returns for you as an individual or for your business. They generally are a rock-solid resource about anything that has to do with taxes.

Where Can I Find One?

There are a number of resources you could use to find an enrolled agent, but TalkLocal can help you cut through that lengthy search. Use our service, specify that you are looking for an enrolled agent, and we will connect you with one in your area immediately.

Posted in Accountants, talklocal | No Comments »

Types Of Paint Solvents

Sunday, June 9th, 2013

Paint solvents are used to thin out paint or remove it from brushes, rollers, and other tools. There are many different types of paint solvents available, and each one works differently.

Some are best suited for certain surfaces, like glass or metal, and others are versatile and can be used on anything. No matter what types of paint solvents you use, be sure to wear gloves and a mask at all times. Solvents can burn your hands and breathing in the fumes can be harmful to your lungs.

Acetone

Acetone is one of the most common paint solvents available. It is clear and has no color. It does, however, have a very strong smell. Many products such as nail polish remover have acetone in them. Although acetone should not be swallowed or inhaled, it is produced naturally by many animals and humans.

Xylene

Xylene is a type of paint thinner that works well with slow-drying paints and lacquers. Xylene is a very strong chemical and is even used in some pesticides. Be very careful when handling it and keep it far away from children and animals at all times.

Turpentine

Turpentine is one of the most popular types of paints solvents available. It can be made from pine trees or crude oil and is extremely flammable. If turpentine is splashed in your eyes, it can cause redness and severe burning. Be sure to wear safety glasses when handling this solvent and store it away from direct heat and power outlets.

If you paint often, you know how handy paint solvents can be. They are not only a convenient way to clean your tools and any paint spills, they can also be used to create a desired color or painting effect. Try the these different solvents to see which one works best for you, and remember to handle them with care.

Find Professional Painters In Your Area

If you want to just trust these strong chemicals in the hands of professionals, you will need to find a painter in your local area. TalkLocal‘s innovative new service makes this easy. Visit our website and detail the services you need. We will connect you with only professionals who are qualified to help with your specific issue. Did we mention it’s completely free?

Tags: paint solvents, painting
Posted in Painters, talklocal | No Comments »

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