Saturday, May 10, 2014

Great Tips For Home Maintenance

Brought to you by:

Lee Ramey
Mold & Mildew Solutions / To The Rescue
IICRC Certified Firm , SCRT certified, IAQA member and certified ,

In this issue...
FAST FACT
Compliments of...

Mold & Mildew Solutions / To The Rescue
Cleaning For Beauty and Health

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TIPS

Light Bulb Buying Guide

Standard 40, 60, 75 and 100 watt incandescent bulbs can no longer be sold. CNET says, " With all of the new options out there (not to mention the disappearance of some important old ones), finding the perfect bulb can seem pretty daunting. New lights that promise to last 20 years and save you hundreds of dollars might sound good in theory, but how do you know which one is the right one for you? How do you know the bulb you're buying is going to be bright enough? And what if you're just not ready to say goodbye to your incandescents?” Fear not, because they've got you covered with a handy guide that's chock-full of all the information you'll need to make sure that your next light bulb is the right bulb.



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Bob Vila's Essential Toolbox

Home Improvement and DIY guru Bob Vila says," Whether you’re a rookie handyman or a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, a range of basic tools is essential to doing the small jobs around the house… What tools will you need? Your skills and the kinds of jobs you do must be your guide, but a good basic selection would include a tape measure, square, and torpedo level for measuring and setting. A handsaw or handheld circular saw; a utility knife; a cordless drill; and maybe a glass cutter will take care of your cutting and drilling tasks. For fastening, how about a small set of screwdrivers; a staple gun; pairs of electrician’s, waterpump, and locking pliers; and a hammer?" See the article.



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Install an Electrical Outlet with Built-in USB Ports

To a reader's question about installing electrical outlets with built-in USB charging ports, Popular Mechanics replied, "These receptacles are great—they eliminate the need for bulky USB adapters that hog valuable outlet space. They are especially useful by the bed, where many of us stash all kinds of USB-equipped devices, such as phones, tablets, and e-readers. That stuff competes for space on a standard duplex outlet that may already be serving a desk lamp or a clock. But to answer your question: Yes, USB receptacles are fairly easy to install, but there are a few things you should know before you switch off the breaker and remove your old outlet."

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

WHY ARE NEW HOMES GETTING SO BIG?


New post on Eye on Housing


 

Why are New Homes Getting so Big? Look at Who’s Buying Them

Preliminary data provided to NAHB by the Census Bureau on the characteristics of homes started in 2013 show the trend toward larger homes continued unabated last year, as did the share of new homes with 4+ bedrooms, 3+ full baths, 2-stories, or 3-car garages.  The average size of new homes started in 2013[1] was 2,679 square feet, about 150 square feet larger than in 2012 and the fourth consecutive annual increase since bottoming out at 2,362 square feet in 2009.
fig1New homes started in 2013 were also more likely to have additional features: nearly half, 48%, had 4 or more bedrooms; 35% had 3 or more full bathrooms; 22% had a garage for at least 3 cars; and 60% were 2-stories.  The share of new homes started with these features has been increasing consistently for 3 or 4 years, and the most obvious question is “why?” Why are homes getting this BIG?
fig2To get an answer, just take a look at WHO is buying new homes?  The typical new home buyer in recent years has been someone with strong credit scores and high levels of income.  To the first point, the graph below shows how the average credit rating of all US consumers has remained rather flat over the last few years (blue line), while the average credit rating of mortgage borrowers (red line) took a dramatic jump after 2007.  By 2013, the gap between the two measures was 58 points, compared to 33 points in the early 2000s.
fig3
To the second point, the graph below shows the rising trend in new home buyers’ income in recent years.  In 2005, the median income of new home buyers was $91,768.  By 2011, it had increased by more than 17% to $107,607.  It is not too surprising, therefore, to see home size and features continuing to trend upward, given that those buying new homes are precisely the kind of buyers who generally purchase large, feature-loaded homes.
fig4

[1] Preliminary data cover first half of the year.
Rose Quint | February 25, 2014 at 10:40 am | Tags: economics, home building, housing, housing economics | Categories: Data | URL: http://wp.me/pRufg-2B4

Saturday, January 11, 2014

The New Welfare Map




These 11 States now have More People on Welfare than they do Employed! Last month, the Senate Budget Committee reports that in fiscal year 2012, between food stamps, housing support, child care, Medicaid and other benefits, the average U.S. Household below the poverty line received $168.00 a day in government support.
What's the problem with that much support? Well, the median household income in America is just over $50,000, which averages out to $137.13 a day. To put it another way, being on welfare now pays the equivalent of $30.00 an hour for a 40-hour week, while the average job pays $20.00 an hour.
*************************************
Furthermore:
There are actually two messages here. The first is very interesting, but the second is absolutely astounding - and explains a lot.
A recent "Investor's Business Daily" article provided very interesting statistics from a survey by the United Nations International Health Organization.
Percentage of men and women who survived a cancer five years after diagnosis:

U.S. 65%
England 46%
Canada 42%

Percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes who received treatment within six months:

U.S. 93%
England 15%
Canada 43%

Percentage of seniors needing hip replacement who received it within six months:

U.S. 90%
England 15%
Canada 43%

Percentage referred to a medical specialist who see one within one month:

U.S. 77%
England 40%
Canada 43%

Number of MRI scanners (a prime diagnostic tool) per million people:

U.S. 71
England 14
Canada 18

Percentage of seniors (65+), with low income, who say they are in "excellent health":

U.S. 12%
England 2%
Canada 6%

*************************************

And now..for the last statistic:

 

National Health Insurance?

 

U.S. NO

England YES

Canada YES

*************************************
Check the last set of statistics!!

The percentage of each past president's cabinet... who had worked in the private business sector...prior to their appointment to the cabinet. You know what the private business sector is; a real-life business...not a government job. Here are the percentages.

T. Roosevelt................38%
Taft.............................40%
Wilson .......................52%
Harding.......................49%
Coolidge......................48%
Hoover.........................42%
F. Roosevelt.................50%
Truman........................50%
Eisenhower..................57%
Kennedy.......................30%
Johnson.......................47%
Nixon............................53%
Ford.............................42%
Carter...........................32%
Reagan........................56%
GH Bush......................51%
Clinton ........................39%
GW Bush.....................55%
Obama............... 8%

This helps explain the incompetence of this administration:
ONLY 8% of them...have ever worked in private business!
That's right! Only eight percent---the least, by far, of the last 19 presidents! And these people are trying to tell our big corporations...how to run their business?

How can the president of a major nation and society...the one with the most successful economic system in world history, stand and talk about business...when he's never worked for one? Or about jobs...when he has never really had one? And, when it's the same for 92% of his senior staff and closest advisers? They've spent most of their time in academia, government, and/or non-profit jobs. Or...as "community organizers."

They should have been in an employment line.

Pass this on, because we'll NEVER see these facts...in the main stream media!!!

Monday, December 9, 2013

Silver Pockets Full


This is the only time you see this phenomenon in your life.
                                      
Calendar August 2014
Zon
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Woe
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August, next year, will have 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens only once every 823 years. The Chinese call it 'Silver pockets full. " So: send this message to your friends and in four days money will surprise you.  Based on Chinese Feng Shui. Whoever does not transmit the message ... may find themselves poor.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

October Home Tasks

To prevent freezing detach hoses and remove all paints, caulks and liquid materials from garage or garden sheds. Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows and repair or replace if necessary. Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter. Clean gutters after leaves have fallen. Make sure downspouts are in good repair. Check gauges on home fire extinguishers to ensure a full charge: replace if necessary. To prevent duct fires and save energy have dryer exhaust duct and vent professionally inspected and cleaned every one to three years, depending on how often you use the dryer (remove lint from dryer filter after each use). To avoid water damage check washing machine hoses for leaks, cracks or bulging. Also prevent water damage and electrical malfunctions by inspecting water heater for rust or cracks (drain the tank every six months).

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Thought For The Day

Some people are never free from troubles, mainly because they keep their minds attuned to worry.  the mind attracts what is dwells on.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Surprising News about Botox!

Surprising News
One Cosmetic Procedure Found to Have Unexpected Benefits

Surprising News -  One Cosmetic Procedure Found to Have Unexpected Benefits
Botox, long-time staple of anti-aging culture and infamous for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles (and sometimes at the expense of genuine facial expression), is getting a medical reappraisal.

A closer look at Botox reveals actual, factual, and startling medical benefits for the following medical conditions:

Muscle aches due to arthritis or dystonia (a neurological disorder causing painful spasms) can be successfully treated with Botox according to early studies by the Mayo Clinic. Botox is injected into the muscles of the affected areas to relieve the aches and spasms. This FDA-approved procedure is also eligible for financial assistance from the manufacturer.

Cerebral palsy was proven to diminish in spasticity when Botox was injected into children's gastrocnemius muscles at the back of their legs. This resulted in an increased range of motion in their joints.

Bladder control issues are significantly improved by Botox injections, which increase the capacity of overactive bladders. This is useful for those with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, both of which can result in bladder problems. One injection can provide a reduction in symptoms lasting from a few weeks up to a few months.

Excessive sweating occurs when too much acetycholine stimulates sweat glands, resulting in hyperhidrosis. The FDA-approved treatment is effective in stopping production of the offending chemical. Botox armpit injections are an often sought after Hollywood treatment: ever notice how celebrities never sweat on the red carpet?

Relief for migraine headaches and tooth grinding has been reported by scientific studies and patients alike and is also FDA-approved. For migraines, injections into the forehead, neck, and shoulder muscles can reduce tension and reduce pain associated with these crippling headaches. For severe tooth grinding, injections in the jaw muscle can significantly prevent further tooth enamel damage.

Eye treatments also approved by the FDA include small-dose injections to help conceal lazy eye (strabismus) and twitching eyelids (blepharospasm) and in some cases offers permanent eye realignment.

And there's even more. Learn all about about Botox, its range of uses and known side-effects from the National Institute of Health website. And make sure to check with your doctor before starting any treatment regimen.

Friday, August 16, 2013

The richest persons are those who give most in service to others.

Financial wealth is only one measure of success. The truly happy and successful individual is the man or woman who is healthy, financially secure, challenged in his or her career, and is making a difference in the lives of others. It isn’t always easy to render service to others. The world is a cynical and dangerous place where others are likely to mistrust your motives. They can be convinced only by consistent, sustained, outstanding service that is enthusiastically and cheerfully offered. In time, even the most cynical individual will come to accept your willingness to go the extra mile if you are sincere in your offers of assistance and in the service you provide.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Thought For The Day - Aug 9, 2013

If you have something you don’t need, give it to someone who needs it. It will come back to you in one way or another.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Monday, June 10, 2013

GBAHB - BIRMINGHAM MARKET IMPROVING FOR THE 4TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH


Birmingham makes Improving Markets Index for fourth consecutive month
The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), included Birmingham as a housing market on an upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive month. The list expanded by a net of five markets in June, for a new total of 263 improving markets - including entrants from 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB) Executive Vice President Matt Morrow said Birmingham's consistent presence on the index since the market's IMI debut in March is additional confirmation that the local housing rebound no mirage.

"Every market that appears on this index is getting better," Morrow said. "But not every market remains an "improving market" for consecutive months. Each month some markets are added, and others fall off. Birmingham's run of four consecutive months is just one more indication that the housing recovery here is for real.

"With each month of documented improvement, builders increasingly gain confidence that home building recovery is here to stay," added GBAHB President Alicia Huey, owner of AGH Homes, Inc. "That confidence leads to increased construction activity, more new home options for consumers, and, ultimately, more job creation and a robust, growing local economy. An improving home building market is good news for every single person who lives in the Greater Birmingham area."

The IMI identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. Twenty-nine new markets were added to the list while 24 others were dropped from it this month. New entrants included such geographically diverse metros as Salinas, Calif.; Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago, Ill.; Topeka, Kan.; Baton Rouge, La.; Laredo, Texas; and Philadelphia, Pa.

"This is the fifth consecutive month in which the IMI has designated more than 70 percent of U.S. metros as improving," observed NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. "While that's a good sign that the housing recovery is on solid footing, we know that various challenges are slowing its progress - including continuing issues with credit availability for builders and buyers, as well as appraisals that aren't keeping up with the rising cost of construction."

"As market conditions improve across most of the country, some metros have moved onto the IMI list while marginal seasonal fluctuations have nudged others off of it," noted NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "This is to be expected as the recovery expands. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the number of improving markets is now more than three times what it was in June 2012."

"The continued strength of the IMI is an indicator of the ongoing, positive momentum in housing markets nationwide as consumers move to take advantage of historically favorable interest rates and affordable home prices," added Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company.

This news coincides with recent reports from the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE): "Birmingham metro area residential sales reached 1,064 units in April, an improvement in sales growth of 9.4 percent from last April. Year-to-date (YTD) residential sales through April are up a solid 7.9 percent which is consistent with the positive YTD statewide sales growth."

The IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. The index measures three sets of independent monthly data to get a mark on the top Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The three indicators that are analyzed are employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau. NAHB uses the latest available data from these sources to generate a list of improving markets. A metro area must see improvement in all three measures for at least six consecutive months following those measures' respective troughs before being included on the improving markets list.

A complete list of all 263 metros currently on the IMI, and separate breakouts of metros newly added to or dropped from the list in June, is available at www.nahb.org/imi.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thought for the Day

Before opportunity crowns you with great success, it usually tests your mettle through adversity.


Adversity provides the resistance necessary to develop the strength to overcome great obstacles. This strength consists of self-confidence, perseverance, and, very importantly, self-knowledge. For if you do encounter a setback, it is a clue to a personal weakness. You may have been hasty in judging a competitor, or you may have been too timid in your vision of what needed to be done. Let adversity be your guide to understanding where you mis-stepped and which qualities you need to cultivate. No one rejoices in disappointment, but if you are success-conscious, you can turn the situation into a chance for improving your character, an opportunity you otherwise would have missed.







Monday, May 13, 2013

Spring Outdoor Home Hints

Mulch with old newspapers to stop weeds. Wet the sheets and put the layers around plants and garden beds, covering with soil as you go. Weeds won't be able to pierce the wet newspaper layers. You know how kids eat things that aren't good for them? Ants do, too. If you have an ant problem, put small piles of polenta where you see ants; they'll gobble it up, return 'home' and won't be able to digest it. Your ant problem will soon be gone. Use this homemade cleaning formula to scrub your decks: one cup of powdered laundry detergent, a gallon of hot water, and 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach (to kill moss or mildew). Check shrubs and trees for winter damage and prune accordingly. Remove dead wood or broken branches. Replant any shrubs that have heaved out of the soil before the roots dry out. Check your garden hoses for cracks and leaks and examine the washers at the connectors.



Monday, April 29, 2013

WD - 40 WOW...CHECK OUT WHAT IT CAN DO!

A lady got up very early one morning and went outside to pickup the Sunday paper she noticed someone had sprayed red paint all around the sides of the neighbors brand new beige truck. She went over and woke him up and gave him the bad news. He was, of course extremely upset.


And they stood there trying to figure out what could be done about the problem. They decided there wasn't much recourse but to wait until Monday, since nothing was open. Just then another neighbor came out of his house, surveyed the situation and immediately went to get his WD-40 out and cleaned the red paint off with it. Guess What! It cleaned up that paint without harming the original paint on the truck! I'm impressed!!

Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for A rust preventative solvent and de greaser to protect Missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three Technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.

Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you...' IT IS MADE FROM FISH OIL' . When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It is a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... It is now shinier than it has ever been before.


1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4) Gives floors that `just-waxed` sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.

10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40!

20) It gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, well as vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain

37) Florida 's favorite use 'Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'

38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.

40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.

Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Awesome Father & Musical Son

Take time to watch this video from beginning to end.

I guarantee that this phenomenal young man will put you in a better frame of mind today!
And -- what an incredible father!
After viewing this video -- you will be so much more appreciative of your life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Parade of Homes

Please visit us during The Parade of Homes this weekend (April 20 & 21) and next weekend (April 27 & 28). We will have all of the homes we have available open during the day on both Saturdays and on Sunday afternoons. Hope to see you then!





Thursday, April 11, 2013

Villaggio Restaurant to open @ Ross Bridge Today 4/11/13

Below is the annoucement from the Villaggio Restaurant:

"The Villaggio Restaurant & Bar at Ross Bridge is proud to announce that we will celebrate our first day of business tomorrow, Thursday, April 11 beginning at 5 pm. If you would like to be one of the first to dine at Villaggio please make reservations by calling 205.290.4343. We will launch with a pre-selected menu during this inaugural weekend and dinner hours from 5-9 pm. We will keep you posted when our hours change and the full menu is available. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TheVillaggio and LIKE our Facebook page at The Villaggio Ross Bridge to stay up to date.

If you know of anyone interested in employment please have them contact our GM Jasmine Reyes at (205) 201-9994 or via email at jrcaliente@hotmail.com.

We cannot tell you how excited we are to serve you and your family memorable meals for years to come. Keep in mind that we have a private quaint dining room as well as a larger dining room for your special events. Our spectacular bar seats 20 guests along with floor seating in the bar area, and the patio outside is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful view offered at Ross Bridge.

We look forward to meeting you and hope to see you at Villaggio real soon! Ciao!"

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Black Eyed Peas "The Real Story"

If you grew up in the south or southwestern parts of this country, then you can relate. Black Eyed Peas "The Real Story," is much more interesting and has gone untold in fear that feelings would be hurt. It’s a story of war, the most brutal and bloody war in US history. Military might and power pushed upon civilians, women, children and elderly. Never seen as a war crime, this was the policy of the greatest nation on earth trying to maintain that status at all costs.


An unhealed wound remains in the hearts of some people of the southern states even today; on the other hand, the policy of slavery has been an open wound that has also been slow to heal but is okay to talk about.

The story of *THE BLACK EYED PEA* being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was led by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on Nov. 15, 1864, when Sherman's' troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta, Georgia and ended at the port of Savannah on 12/22/1864. When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue-belly aggressors had looted and stolen everything of value, and everything you could eat, including all livestock.

Death and destruction were everywhere. While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors. There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn’t take it all.

The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman's bloodthirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas. At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn’t take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities, assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.

Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat.

From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.

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