WSI Consolidated Blog

Three Days Left of the Fireplace Insert and Stove Sale

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Spring is just around the corner, but it is never too late to buy yourself a new stove or insert. If you are selling your home soon, an efficient fireplace increases your home value. If you are not going anywhere, well, there are plenty of New England winters to come! Keep your home warmer, make your home more valuable and make it more beautiful and cozy, add a new stove, or fireplace insert. But the sale only last 3 more days!

Right now you can get up to $400 rebate on any qualifying wood, pellet, or gas stove or fireplace insert by Hearthstone.

Cooler spring evenings are on the way, and nothing adds coziness and comfort to them like a gas stove or fireplace inserts. Flick a switch and enjoy the ambiance. Hearthstone gas and wood burning fireplace inserts are the focal point of any room. But they also make your fireplace more efficient, making your home more valuable too.

Gas is the Less Expensive and More Convenient Way to Heat

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:03:00 +0000

While natural gas prices have plummeted to 10-year lows, heating oil prices have been steadily rising for years and have reached record levels this winter. The Energy Department projects a price of $3.79 a gallon over the next few months, more than a dollar above the winter average for the last five years. Analysts do not expect much relief in the longer term, either.

Despite the more mild winter this year, homes still need to be heated. Gas fireplaces and inserts and stoves are an economical, efficient and stress free way to heat your home. No firewood, no hassle, just flick a switch and have a roaring fire. Perfect for cool spring and summer evenings too.

“The people who have been unable to switch off of heating oil will be increasingly penalized in the coming years,” said Jay Hakes, a former administrator of the Energy Information Administration. “There’s going to be a continuing incentive to get off heating oil, because every day the headlines and experts say that over the foreseeable future, we will have natural gas at attractive prices.”

Nationwide, the average household using oil spent $2,298 on heat last year, compared with $724 spent by gas users and $957 spent by electricity users, according to the Energy Department.

This year, heating oil users are expected to spend 3.7% more than last year, while natural gas customers are expected to spend 7.3% less.

International Moving - Don't Get Stuck at Customs

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Moving is not usually on a homeowners' list of favorite activities, but international moving has its own unique challenges. International moving has become much more common for people because of work opportunities. In fact, many US companies have locations in other countries, and they frequently transfer employees from site to site.

Incomplete paperwork or improper content declaration can get house hold goods locked down by U.S. Customs or foreign customs. When moving internationally, choose a moving company that has experience with international shipping.

Marathon Moving is an international moving company that can expertly handle international moves, either large and small. Our crews are fully trained in all areas of international moving. Your crew will be familiar with not only how to pack certain items but also which items are not to be packed for transport.

We can also carefully process your special handling items such as cars, motorcycles, and boats. Let us provide full coverage for your goods while in transit and customs assistance and information for any country. Your belongings will be in good hands while being transported across the world, relax and contact Marathon Moving.

Get Your Mind and Body Ready for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 +0000

Get ready for spring by clearing out those winter cobwebs from your hips, back, neck and head. How? With yoga. Join Fabienne at Answer is Fitness for 6 Special Viniyoga classes, Sundays, 11:00am to 12:30pm, March 18 to April 29.

Viniyoga is a therapeutic yoga practice designed to alleviate pain and promotes health in the lower and upper back, sacrum, hips as well neck and shoulders. The therapeutically oriented yoga style of Viniyoga is more effective than traditional exercise for improving function and pain in patients with chronic low back pain.

Viniyoga is using repetition for both muscular and neuromuscular benefit. In order to change the condition of a muscle, it is not enough to stretch it but you need to alternate between stretching and contracting using. This process brings more blood circulation to the muscle which helps relax the muscle and make them stronger.

Get your body and your mind ready for spring through Yoga.

For your body:

Stretches and tones muscles
Releases chronic tension
Improves circulation
Energizes and refreshes

For your mind:

Calms restless thoughts
Cultivates concentration
Supports mental clarity and confidence
Promotes self-awareness

Vinyl Name Badge Holders for Everyday or for Events

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:39:00 +0000

If your company needs security badges, name badges or ID holders, make sure they are well made and can stand up to everyday use. Name badge holders and ID badges are vinyl pouches. They can be made to be worn by your employees with pins or clips or on lanyards. Going to a trade show or convention? These are perfect. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Atlantic Poly has ID badge holders, security badge holders, and medical badge holders, whatever you need to keep your name badge protected from daily wear and tear.

Vinyl pouches, sleeves, envelopes and wallets are also available as are ID badge holders for multi day events or trade shows. Use vinyl badge holders for attendees and promote your brand. Atlantic Poly can supply them to your business in multiple sizes.

What is Arb/Med?

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Mediation is the facilitated negotiation of agreements between parties to a dispute. In divorce, for example, a mediator sits with the spouses, or the spouses and their lawyers, and works through the issues that are necessary to “settle” the case, and lead to a written and signed agreement. In a will contest or a damages case, the mediator may help the parties come to agreement on a “number” to be paid by one party to another. The parties themselves are the final decision-makers. The lawyers advise. The mediator supplies the environment in which the parties have an enhanced opportunity to speak, listen directly to each other; and the mediator intervenes as appropriate to inquire, to support, to inform, to provide focus and to generate ideas.

Arbitration, by contrast, is a process that is used when the parties cannot reach agreement themselves. They ask the arbitrator to make the decision for them after a “hearing” at which the parties and/or their lawyers give the arbitrator information that is generally called “evidence”. This includes the oral or written statements of witnesses by formal or informal means, and relevant documents. The arbitrator then writes and issues what is known as an “award”. The award is then usually brought to court for confirmation and a concluding court order, generally called a “judgment” or a “decree”.
Both mediation and arbitration are out-of-court processes that Levine Dispute Resolution Center LLC (LDRC) provides.

So, what is “med/arb”? It is a solution that people choose when they really want to try to achieve a negotiated settlement, but are determined to obtain finality in a timely and efficient way, even if their facilitated negotiated does not result in an agreement. People agree at the beginning that the same person will work as a mediator first to attempt to resolve matters by agreement, but if it fails, the mediator will “change hats”, and make a decision. Sometimes, the mediator turned arbitrator simply makes a decision with the information gained in preparation for and during the mediation phase; and at other times, after a follow up hearing.

Two common examples that are similar to this are called “parent coordination” and “discovery master” proceedings. In the former, the PC’s job is to try to stimulate agreement, but will make an ultimate decision, subject to court review, if the disputing parents cannot agree. In the latter, the master tries to get lawyers to settle on how information will be exchanged in litigation, but makes a “recommendation” for a solution if they do not ultimately agree. Then a judge enters an “order” if he or she agrees with the master’s recommendation.

Med/arb is broader and is intended to be final (see our earlier blog post about arbitration of child custody and child support matters regarding some limitations.) It can apply to any kind of dispute, large or small. A judge cannot order it without the parties’ consent. It can be quite efficient, though some people worry about the arbitrator’s judgment being swayed by what he or she heard from the parties during the mediation phase, from information that was given less formally and maybe less reliably in the mediation stage than might be required in arbitration. The parties need to consider this and plan their rules and process to provide the protections that they feel they need. Remember, the parties make the rules in these private, consensual forms of dispute resolution.

Be Unique - A New Style of Commercial Awnings and Shade Structures

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:19:00 +0000

Have you seen Sail awnings? They are a newcommercial awning style for outdoor spaces that make a stunning statement. For expanding your indoor spaces outdoors, and a unique look, you should consider these types of shade structures.

Sail awnings are designed by Morgan Awning and make beautiful outdoor spaces. Custom made and innovative, these shade awnings give your outdoor area more potential. If you really want to set your business apart, here is the answer. For business owners who want something different in their commercial awnings have your architects and designers contact us.

Morgan Awning and Corradi USA together create sail awnings with comfort and design. They can be rolled up in a few seconds with a motorized or mechanical mechanism. Sail awnings can protect against sun, wind and rain and are resistant to the salt air. With a definite nautical look and feel, sail awnings are the perfect solution for the islands or location on the water in the Boston area and Newport.

For relaxing outdoor spaces that completely set your business apart while increasing your bottom linecontact Morgan Awning. These completely new and unique sail awnings will have your customers commenting on your style, and coming back.

Questions to Consider in Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging for the person diagnosed and for their family members and loved ones. Each day can bring new demands as the Alzheimer’s patient and family tries to cope with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can often seem overwhelming, but the more information you have, the better you can handle the future. Start by learning about ways to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as where to find support, and how to determine the long-term care options that are best suited to you and your loved one.

There are some Alzheimer’s care preparations that should be done in the early stages of the disease. It may be hard to consider these questions, however, making preparations early helps for a smoother transition for everyone. Depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s at diagnosis, it is important to include the patient in the decision-making process as much as possible.

Questions to consider in preparing for Alzheimer’s and dementia care:

Who will make healthcare/financial decisions when the person no longer can? While a difficult topic to bring up, if your loved one is still lucid enough, getting their wishes down on paper means they’ll be preserved and respected by all members of the family.

How will the memory care needs be met? Sometimes other family members assume that a spouse or nearest family member will be the caregiver, but that is not always the case. Caregiving is a large commitment that gets bigger over time. The patient will eventually need round-the-clock care. Communication is essential to make sure that the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient are met, and that the caregiver has the support to meet those needs.

Where will the person live? Is his or her home appropriate, or is it difficult to access or make safe for later? If the person is currently living alone, for example, or far from any family or other support, it may be necessary to relocate or consider an assisted living community with support and custom care plans based on the level of memory care needed.

Curb Appeal Sets Your Home Apart in the Real Estate Market

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:55:00 +0000

It is not officially spring but it sure feels like it and spring is when home sales really pick up. If you are in the process of putting your home on the market, investing in home improvement projects to give you the upper hand in this volatile housing market where competition is intense.

If you are putting your home into the real estate market, you know there is plenty of competition and the prices are very low. With so many choices for potential home buyers, it is important to set your home apart. What can you do while being confident you will get back your investment in the sale of the home? Copper Gutters.

Every home needs curb appeal. As prospective buyers arrive, the front of your home will make a first impression. It is important to make an effort in your homes outside appearance. Copper gutters are sure to set your home apart. Copper gutters are a popular choice. More people are choosing copper gutters because they are durable, unique and look beautiful. More importantly, they are very low maintenance.

Imagine when buyers arrive for your open house and see copper gutters, they will love your house before they even step inside. Contact Custom Insulation for information and pricing.

Do You Need Roof Repairs or a New Roof?

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:19:00 +0000

There may be some indications that you have some problems with your roof. Do you need a roof repair or a new roof? Obviously, roof repairs are less expensive.

Replacing your roof is more expensive, but depending on your circumstances it is often the better choice. However, sometimes there are long term costs when you opt for one or the other. There are some things you should consider when considering a new roof.

If your roof is fifteen years or older, a new roof is on its way anyway. Don’t want to waste money on repairs, just replace the roof. If severe weather causes the roof damage, the damage is probably extensive. If you opt for roof repairs, they may help for awhile, but do you need a new roof? We can confidently say that if moisture or mold is an issue, a new roof is the best choice.

A new roof is often the best option for serious roofing problems, however, roof repairs are a good option If the damage is limited, or if you are moving in the next six to twelve months, a new roof is not worth the costs when a repair can keep your home in good shape for the time being.

If you are still not sure whether your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, contact SB Roofing.

Modular Home Construction Costs

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Modular home construction, when comparing apples to apples, almost always costs about 20% less than traditionally built homes. As you understand, modular homes are built in a factory and shipped in modules to the building site and then assembled and “buttoned up”. So there are no hidden fees in the construction of your modular home.

90% of the cost of building a modular home is those off-site construction costs. However, there are other costs in building modular homes, just like in building traditional homes, and it is important for you to know what those are. On-site costs can include:

Building Lot
Financing and Closing Costs
Legal Fees
Building Permits
Utility Connections
Water and Sewer/Septic
Site Preparation
Excavation
Foundation
Crane
Garages (if not included with your modular home package)
Exterior Completion—siding, gutters, etc
Plumbing Tie–Ins
HVAC
Electrical
Interior Completion
Temporary Housing

Security in Renting

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:16:00 +0000

In uncertain economic times, many people are considering where they want to live more carefully in regards to buying and renting. Everybody wants their home to be a safe haven and there is a great deal of security in renting an apartment in Lynchburg and sometimes buying a home comes with its own financial challenges.

Many younger people and new college graduates are struggling to own a home today because of difficulty in obtaining a mortgage or saving enough money to put down a deposit. This means that they are choosing to rent for longer, and they are additionally seeing the benefits of renting.

Many people who rent like the opportunity to cut costs. Whether you are renting with roommates in a two bedroom or three bedroom apartment or renting a one bedroom apartment on your own, it is always a cost saver to rent with no home maintenance costs or property taxes.

In addition if you have just moved to Lynchburg, this can be a great way to make friends and get to know others. The biggest advantage to renting however is if you have any maintenance issues as a renter you just call your landlord to get the problem fixed, saving money on plumbers, electricians and other handymen.

For information on renting in Lynchburg, contact Walden Pond Apartments.

Recycled Materials Used in New Ford Escape

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Ford described their car at the Jacksonville International Car and Truck Show as a "hunk of junk."

In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the redesign of the popular Ford Escape includes many recycled materials. There is denim in the seats, wheat straw used to reinforce plastics and soy beans that make the headrest.

"Ford's researchers are also working on coconut fiber enforced plastic," Fernando Cenra with Ford Motor Company said. "There's no material that's off limits for researchers. They have great imaginations and great science and they're always at work."

It's unclear exactly what percentage of the car is made out of recycled material, but Ford said on average about 25 used water bottles are built into the interior. In fact, all of the carpeting inside the car is made from recycled plastic bottles.

The use of recycled materials is intriguing to many drivers who said they are more likely to buy a Ford Escape that's eco-friendly.

"I think it's definitely interesting," Tyler Brown said. "I think if manufacturers can utilize products that we put to waste, then it will be better for the environment and it will reflect better on the company too, as a whole."

News 4 Jax

Save More Money By Renting

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:09:00 +0000

That is what smart money columnist advises. Forget the conventional wisdom about renting. It turns out that renting is one of the smartest investments you can make.

In fact when economists run the numbers they find that renters save an average of $560 every month just by choosing to rent rather than buying.

And don't worry about losing out on the investment potential of a house. Renting allows you to use your "down payment money" for other investments, which provide a higher return than real estate, even in a booming housing market.

As a case in point, a $100 investment in housing in 1985 would be worth $293 today, while that same $100 placed in stocks would be worth $1146 - nearly four times as much.

When you add up all of the potential liabilities of home ownership - hidden maintenance and insurance costs, rising property taxes and potential price drops - renting is a smarter choice from the start.

Live smart; rent from the leading Lynchburg apartment home community: HHHunt. For more information on apartments or townhomes in Lynchburg, VA contact Old Mill Apartment Homes.

National Multi Housing Council

Can You Tell the Difference Between Traditional and Modular Construction?

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Modular construction has been widely misunderstood. Custom designed homes that are made with strength and quality is what you get when you opt for modular construction. We think you won't be able to tell the difference between a modular home and a traditionally built home. Look at the two photos below. Which is stick built, which one is a custom modular home?

Both homes are were built by Tidewater Custom Modular Homes. The casual observer cannot tell the difference between custom modular homes and stick-built homes. If you were a builder, and if you really inspected the construction, you would be able to tell the difference. And you would find modular homes are better built. Contact Tidewater Custom Modular Homes for a factory tour and we will show you the difference.

Positive Outlook for Small Businesses in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:14:00 +0000

...by Warren Kirshenbaum

Small business owners have more confidence and see growth ahead in 2012, according to the latest Citibank small business survey released today.

“The survey revealed an increase in hiring intentions from small business owners – the largest we’ve seen in two years,” said Raj Seshadri, Head of Small Business Banking at Citibank. “Whether it’s confidence in consumer spending or planning for growth, our survey shows momentum for small businesses in 2012.”

While a majority of small businesses see consumer spending holding steady (53%), a third see an uptick on the horizon. Almost half of those surveyed think 2012 will be a better year for business (46%) and 41% think things will remain the same.

“We are very encouraged by the survey findings,” said Seshadri. “Small businesses are a key driver for the economy. The prospect that small businesses are stabilizing or expanding in 2012 is a positive step in the right direction.”

Plans for Growth:

Nearly half (48%) foresee that they are holding steady and “poised to grow when conditions are right.” An additional one-third of small businesses believe they will be growing rapidly or moderately in 2012.
Five years from now, 56% of small business owners predict they will be larger than today, while 34% believe they will continue to hold stable through that same time period. Only 1 in 10 owners anticipate they will be closed in the next five years.

To achieve expected growth for their businesses, planned steps include:

Increase marketing to attract new business (65%)
Introducing new products or services (59%)
Obtaining better pricing from suppliers, vendors, landlords (59%)
Expanding business in a greater geographic area (35%)
Pursuing partnership opportunities with other companies (27%)

Passion about their business:

Small business owners show a continued passion for what they do. When asked what they see as the benefits of running their own business, even after the challenges of the last few years, business owners cite:

Being their own boss (85%)
Making strategic decisions about the company (83%)
Relationships with customer (81%)
Providing jobs and opportunities for their communities (75%)
Living their dream (65%)
Stability and job security (62%)

“While challenges certainly remain in the economy, this survey is consistent with what we’re seeing and hearing from our clients, in that they are optimistic about 2012, take pride in what they do and are always looking for ways to grow their business,” said Seshadri. “Our goal for 2012 is to help small businesses grow by providing the capital and services they need.”

CITI

Rats In The Holiday Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Rats: Holiday Spirit, in Rodent Form

During the holidays, if kids become brats, you can shout with a straight face, “Start acting like rats!’’ According to a study in the journal Science, University of Chicago researchers discovered that lab rats can show empathy — a quality not previously demonstrated in rodents — at levels that are rare even in primates.

Free rats sensed distress in caged rats and worked tirelessly to free them. When chocolate chips were added to the experiment, the free rat did not selfishly gobble them up and let the caged rat languish. It still freed the other rat and shared the sweets. Researchers hope their observations will inform studies of human empathy. Despite the rat’s image as the first creature to abandon a sinking ship, the new finding may inspire a rising tide of concern for one’s fellow beings, especially during the holidays. If even rats put others first, surely humans can, too.

Source = Bostonglobe.com

George Williams,
General Manager - Staff Entomologist

Pest Control, RI, Pest Control, MA

REIT Earnings Rising in Boston

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:36:00 +0000

...by Warren Kirshenbaum

The majority of real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to post positive earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011 as rent growth continues, according to analysts.

REITs, which are required to pay 90% of taxable income to investors each year, have outpaced the broader market, with average annual returns surpassing 10% over the past decade. REITs focus on renting properties -- generally either office, residential, industrial or hotels -- which has partially sheltered them from plunging real estate prices. Most profits are reinvested into building improvements or acquisitions, but the sector also has high yields for investors.

"We think REITs are in a good spot," said Alexander Goldfarb, senior REIT analyst with Sandler O'Neill + Partners. "The current economic environment is conducive to them."

Economic growth has boosted demand from tenants, but hasn't been strong enough to encourage excess development, restraining the amount of empty space on the market. Around a third of proposed development projects are unable to secure financing.

Each subsector of the REIT industry faces different conditions, but analysts see upsides across the industry.

IBTimes

Selling a Home with a Wet Basement

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

The real estate market has been performing a bit better, and more than a few real estate agencies had a pretty good January. The market usually starts to pick up in the spring in Massachusetts, however, with the mild weather; homeowners are starting to think about selling their homes now.

If your home has had basement water problems and you are thinking of selling your home, those problems need to be fixed and they can only be fixed by a professional waterproofing company. With the real estate market as it is, low home prices and an abundance of homes on the market, your home needs every advantage in order to sell.

No matter how many times you have had a wet basement, this information needs to be shared with potential buyers. Ensure you get top dollar, and that your home stands out by showing the basement water problem has been remedied.

In home sales, there are more problems with wet foundations and basements than any other physical problem in a house. Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you the same thing. Spend a little money to fix the problem and make more money back in the long run.

To get your home ready for the market, solve you basement water problems by contacting A-1 Foundation Crack Repair.

More Men as Alzheimer's Caregivers

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

In the last 15 years, the number of men caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia has more than doubled, from 19 to 40%, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The trend mirrors the higher number of women over the age of 65 in the U.S. with the disease - 3.4 million compared to 1.8 million men. Those demographics have changed the tone of local support group meetings by adding a chorus of male perspectives.

It has also prompted an outpouring of new books, organizations and online resources for men learning how to be nurturers.

Experts attribute the increase in male caregivers to several societal changes, including evolving gender expectations as well as new life expectancy rates.

“Men say, 'this is hard. It's challenging, I didn't realize we would ever be at this point, but I'm not giving up,'" said Edrena Harrison, a social worker and specialist for the National Caregiving Center.

The sentiment is shared by some husbands, who find themselves making dinner, doing laundry and coordinating doctor's appointments for the first time as senior citizens.

In 2010, doctors diagnosed Patti with frontotemporal dementia. She is now unable to drive, perform simple household tasks or follow and participate in conversations.

Since then, her husband has sharpened his cooking skills. He took over the household duties and has grown used to guiding Patti through conversations with friends and family. He also joined a support group for caregivers of those with dementia to learn how to cope with and handle the new lifestyle.

He fears the day when she needs more help than he can provide, and he wants to find an assisted living facility for memory care that he can trust.

But for now, he said, he does what he can for his wife.

Philly.com

Modular Homes Mean Strength and Quality AND Custom Designs

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:53:00 +0000

There is a question we always get asked, "Can you build the customized home we want"? Well, the answer is yes. That is what we do. Modular homes are not all alike, in fact you would have a very hard time telling the difference between homes built with modular construction and a traditionally built home. In fact, we think maybe you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart at all.

It is often believed that if you want a modular home, you have to pick from some set amount of floor plans with few options. Completely untrue! We have professional designers on staff who can help you create the modular home you want. If you have an architectural plan in any stage of development, we can build it.

With modular construction you get quality, strength, detail, AND your dream home. Contact Avalon Building Systems to get started.

Cure for Sleepless Nights

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:22:00 +0000

It does not matter where you live, in Washington DC or in an apartment in Lexington Park, MD, If you suffer from insomnia, it can really take its toll. However, sleep aids are not always the answer. It may be where you are sleeping that is the problem. Here are some tips that can help you get a better night’s sleep.

As the days become longer, you don’t want those rays of early morning light to steal the last few hours of sleep you need. Blackout curtains or shades block out any light.

Keeping cool at night makes for better sleeping conditions too. People sleep better when it is cooler at night, so program your thermostat between 60 and 68 degrees. You will sleep better and conserve energy.

You need to be comfortable. A new mattress may be necessary for some, but sometimes all that is needed is a mattress pad. Pillows with polyester stuffing tend to wear out after a year, so try a new pillow too.

Sometimes, soundproofing is a good idea. Try a white noise machine which can replace the sounds of outside life and neighbors.

Did you know that you should not use your bedroom as a TV room or office? When you use your bedroom for other things, your brain associates your bedroom with activities other than sleeping, which may be what’s keeping you up all night. Give your brain the chance to wind down before bed and don’t use the computer or watch TV.

Fox news

Ask These Questions When Deciding to Rent or Buy

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Perhaps you are relocating to West Columbia, SC and you have just started the search for a home. Regardless of where you are in your home search, consider some questions before you decide between renting and owning a home. Buying a home is a big commitment both financial and otherwise, so take the time to weigh pros and cons.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

Will I own it for at least five years?

The most important question you should ask yourself is whether you will own a home for a long time. People buy homes to increase wealth and five years, maybe even more today, is about the break-even point for earning appreciation in value. If you don’t plan on holding the property for longer than five or more years, don’t buy it! Renting a home is NOT throwing money away. Buying and selling quickly will usually leave you worse off financially.

Can I afford it?

It is more expensive to own a home than you think. Even if the mortgage lender qualifies you for the loan amount, you need to make sure YOU can afford it. Consider home maintenance costs, child care expenses, health care expenses, expensive lifestyles and habits, on top of the monthly mortgage payment. So make sure that you can comfortably afford your housing payment, still pay your other bills, and still save at least a little more for retirement. Also, if you are not sure of your continued employment situation, don’t buy a home.

Do I know about the neighborhood?

Did you do adequate research, look at enough properties, and learn the neighborhoods. If you just moved into town or if you don’t know the area, rent an apartment in West Columbia, SC for a while. Get to know the city.

For information on Abberly Village in West Columbia, SC, contact us.

Excerpts from Onlinesentinel.com

Increase Trade Show Success

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:26:00 +0000

The first thing that comes to the mind of many small and medium small business owners when thinking trade shows is “expensive”.

That doesn't mean that trade shows can't deliver a great return on investment. The key to trade show success is how hard you are willing to work.

Many businesses are willing to spend big bucks travelling to and from and exhibiting at trade shows, with little other than a hope of traffic, orders and success. They certainly book appointments, but do they pull out all the stops?

A successful trade show can be measured in less quantifiable ways than orders written on site, such as new leads, enhanced customer relationships, brand building, product demoing, and sales training.

However, as well as these successes, it never hurts to get a show to pay for itself. Here are some ideas:

1. Contact your existing customers with a personalized message asking if they will be attending the show and requesting a formal appointment time. A call to action needs repetition from several methods to be most effective.

2. Contact the trade show association or organization and request a pre-registered buyer’s list for the upcoming show. Then, repeat the first suggestion about contacting customers with an introduction to your key product or service and how it can help run or grow their company. Request a formal appointment time.

3. Offer a free gift with a high retail value that can be acquired by you factory-direct at cost as a reward for showing up on time for a pre-booked appointment.

4. Overcome objections like; “I’m not booking appointments but I’ll stop by” with simple logic: “With all of our key staff on site and best products on display, we don’t want to run the chance of not being able to speak to you when you drop by. An appointment will guarantee you get our undivided attention.”

5. Use an online calendar to make sure no one gets double-booked and independent sales reps, if you have them, can see your availability in real time.

6. Advertise in a daily show magazine if there is one published on site. This is as captive an audience as you are going to get and the most likely chance that a print ad will translate into immediate action.

7. Offer show only specials.

8. Offer a daily prize in exchange for business cards dropped at your booth.

9. Rent the bar code scanner that some trade shows offer so you can scan the badges of buyers at your booth to ensure you get the most up to-date customer data. That’s your key to post show follow-up.

10. Deliver annual awards for “dealer of the year” or “distributor of the year” so that lesser-performing customers have something to aspire to.

11. Capitalize on celebrity endorsers, if you have them. Have them come for a picture and autograph signing or a meet-and-greet to draw attention and reward clients.

If this all sounds expensive, it is likely a still a fraction of what you are paying for floor space, flights and accommodations. A lot of it requires sweat equity more than dollars.

Using these ideas will allow you to book a couple hundred or more meetings over a four day show. That kind of result practically guarantees the show’s success and return on investment.

An “if we build it, they will come” attitude is no more likely to work at a trade show than it is with a business idea. Exhaust your opportunities to confirm success before you get there.

Original article – The Globe and Mail

Troubleshooting Lawn Equipment Engines After Winter Storage

noreply@blogger.com (elmoncada) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:58:00 +0000

It is almost time for spring, and many of you are checking out your lawn equipment, eager to use it once again.Unfortunately, many homeowners find that after winter storage, lawn care equipment has some engine problems. Here is a list of common problems and most of the possible causes.

1. Engine will not start or is hard to start.

Possible causes:

Fuel tank is empty or shutoff valve is closed, or fuel line is clogged.
There is water in the fuel.
Carburetor is over choked.
Carburetor is adjusted wrong or needs service.
Ignition system or its wiring is defective or ignition switch is off.
Deadman or other cutoff switch is open or defective.
Spark plug is damaged.
Engine compression is poor.
Operator needs to read user manual.

2. Engine starts but dies after a few seconds.

Possible causes:

Fuel tank is empty or shutoff valve is closed, or fuel line is clogged.
Carburetor is over choked.
Carburetor is adjusted wrong or needs service.

3. Engine idles roughly, unevenly, or surges.

Possible causes:

Carburetor is dirty.
Air leak in carburetor or intake manifold.
Carburetor is adjusted wrong or needs service.

4. Engine vibrates a lot.

Possible causes:

Engine is not mounted securely.
Blade is unbalanced.
Crankshaft is bent.
Counterbalance shaft is not timed correctly.

5. Engine lacks power or lacks power after warmup.

Possible causes:

Old gas, bad spark plug, very thick/dirty oil.
Choke is partially closed.
Carburetor needs adjustment or service.
Ignition not timed correctly.
Air filter is clogged.
Lack of engine lubrication.
Valves are not sealing properly.
Piston rings are not sealing properly.
Head loose or head gasket is blown or damaged.
Exhaust ports on a 2 stroke are blocked.

While this blog lists many problems, it is does not cover everything that can go wrong. We’ll talk about some more issues next week. If your problems are not listed here, or you can’t fix your lawn equipment, contact J&J Small Engine Clinic, we can help.