Archives

March 2006

Time To Replace Your Roof?

Posted at 6:07 PM, Mar. 29, 2006

It is a good idea to check your roof for damage a couple of times a year. Good times are in the fall, especially after a hot summer, for sun damage, and then again in the spring.  This will help you find any problems early, before the leaking starts. Use binoculars to check for damage

If you have asphalt shingles, look for a roof surface that is not smooth and check to see if the edges of the shingles are warped or coming up. Check for crooked shingles. Look for shingles that may have been loosened by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose. Look for bald spots.

With wood shingles, check for broken and split shingles and for spots where nails have become loose or rusted.

With tile or slate, individual tiles can chip and break and will need to be replaced.

Great Tips #1

Posted at 8:44 PM, Mar. 25, 2006

1. Sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, and then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (Hmmmmm)

2. Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

3. For icy doorsteps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it.  Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

4. Crayon marks on walls? A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort.

5. Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops?  Rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

6. S.O.S pads last twice as long if you cut each pad in half.  Scissors get sharpened this way also!

7. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry!  Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!  Now, where to put the body?

8. Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.  This way you can tell which side has the streaks.  Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day.  They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

9. Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulbs in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
 
10. Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linens.

Nevada Ranks Third in Hispanic Business Boom

Posted at 3:28 PM, Mar. 23, 2006

Every economy needs fresh fuel to keep growing and new numbers from the US Census Bureau show Nevada ranks third for growth in Hispanic owned businesses. Topping the list is New York followed by a tie between Rhode Island and Georgia

About 25 percent of the Valley's population is Hispanic and as the Valley grows overall, so do those numbers. Affordability and job availability have drawn many to the service and construction industries. Now, Hispanics are starting to develop their own companies.

Read entire article at:

Nevada ranks third in Hispanic Business Boom

Big Growth, Small Towns

Posted at 9:53 PM, Mar. 22, 2006

Brookings Institution demographer William Frey says a growing number of retirees are choosing small towns over big cities, as they look to escape high home prices,smog, congestion and crime. Many retirees want to stay close to family, work part time, start a small business, participate in community activities or focus on their hobbies.

An examination of U.S. Census Bureau data from 2000 to 2004 by Frey found that the most popular small towns among retirees were Gillette, Wyo.; Silverthorne, Colo.; Juneau, Alaska; Edwards, Colo.; and Jackson, Wyo. Rounding out the top 10 were Bozeman, Mont.; St. Marys, Ga.; RockSprings, Wyo.; Taos, N.M.; and Evanston, Wyo.

No cities in the traditional retirement havens of Florida and Arizona made the top 10.

Source: U.S. News  World Report (03/13/06) Vol. 140,  No. 9, P. 56; Brandon, Emily

Safety Tip #4

Posted at 9:53 PM, Mar. 22, 2006