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Most can use a chainsaw safely
by Tim Carter / Ask the Builder
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 12:47 PM
This lightweight chainsaw is really amazing. You would think it's a toy when you pick it up, but it chews through oak logs like they were butter.Q.I need a chainsaw and am flummoxed as to which type to purchase. I'm certain that I want a gas chainsaw, but wonder whether to get an 18-inch or a 14-inch model. I've never used one before and am concerned about my safety. Can an average person use one with little fear? What tips can you offer about buying and working with these amazing tools?
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Track Your Spinning/Cycling Fitness
by Maura Grunlund / Staten Island Advance
Tuesday December 02, 2008, 5:00 AM
Use the iSpinning program to track your fitness when cyclingIf you have a spinning bike at home or you're thinking of buying one as a holiday gift you may be interested in downloading a new iPhone and iPod touch application called iSpinning.
The iSpinning fitness application used in conjunction with iTMP Technology's SMHeart Link wireless bridge hardware allows real time data such as heart rate, calories burned and other fitness metrics to be displayed on an iPhone or iPod touch.
iSpinning also receives speed, cadence and power data from cycling sensors.
Data is presented in simple ways that the user may easily understand. With this application the iPhone and iPod basically double as heart monitors and cycling computers.
Download the application for free for a limited time or sign up to purchase SMHeart Link hardware at http://www.smheartlink.com/
Eco-Friendly Foam Insulation Tips
by Maura Grunlund / Staten Island Advance
Monday December 01, 2008, 5:00 AM
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Infrared photo of heat leaking into a house on a hot day due to inadequate insulationSpray foam insulation is a great way to save on utility bills and if the product is good for the environment that's healthier for the family.
Eco-friendly spray foam insulation is clean, "green" and long lasting. Spray foam insulation saves up to 40 percent of the energy costs over traditional insulation.
Spray foam insulation stops air and moisture from flowing inside and out of the house. Allergy sufferers will be relieved to know that the insulation also keeps out dust and pollen. The insulation also serves as a noise barrier.
A home is more comfortable to live in if it feels warm in winter and cool in summer because of proper insulation.
Quality foam is permanent and will not sag.
Spray Foam Energy Solutions is one option. The closed-cell insulation has a high R-value of 6.7 per inch which adds strength to the structure. The spray quickly expands to fill in all gaps and voids and conforms to any shape space.
Spray Foam Energy solutions is non-toxic so users don't have to worry about the emission of VOC's, formaldehyde or asbestos.
For information go to http://www.sprayfoam.biz/ http://ecohomeresource.com/
http://www.gogreencalifornia.com/
Clean Oven Saves Energy
by Maura Grunlund / Staten Island Advance
Friday November 28, 2008, 5:00 AM
Clean your oven for energy efficiencyChances are if you hosted Thanksgiving your oven is due for some simple maintenance and cleaning.
The cleaner an oven is the more efficiently it will burn gas or electricity. Bake in batches when you can rather than using the oven several times a week. When practical cook in the microwave as it uses less energy.
More than half of Angie's list members have an oven that is six years or more old and 95 percent of them have never had it serviced.
Check your oven's performance by getting a basic cake mix and following the directions exactly. If the cake isn't cooked perfectly in the time frame on the box your oven's temperature might need to be adjusted.
If moisture appears outside the oven door or the unit seems to sweat it probably is due to a faulty door gasket. Gaskets maintain proper cooking temperatures and save on energy bills and so they should be replaced at the first sign of a leak.
Be sure the oven door shuts properly. A loose seal allows heat to escape and leads to an improperly cooked meal and a higher utility bill.
Right after the holiday, rather than immediately before, is a good time to use self-cleaning cycles. On older ovens the electrical components may fail because the oven temperature reaches close to 1,000 degrees.
For information click on http://www.angieslist.com/AngiesList/
Home Theater Uncluttered
by Maura Grunlund / Staten Island Advance
Thursday November 27, 2008, 5:00 AM
Reduce home electronics clutter with a sideboard that holds and hides almost everyhingHappy Thanksgiving! The traditional holiday shopping season has arrived!
High-definition TVs are the number one item on wish lists for this holiday season and if you're shopping in Manhattan you'll have a chance to see something that organizes an entertainment room.
More than 75 percent of Americans are planning to buy a consumer electronics product and the item they want most is HDTV, according to In-Stat market researcher and GenevaSound.
However, research also shows that consumers don't like the mess and complexity of home theater. The are bewildered by the many components, the complexities of delivery, installation, set-up and operation and the decor issues of wasted space and needless clutter.
Some manufacturers, such as GenevaSound, are developing home theater units that simplify the setup and reduce the messy look.
The GenevaSound Home Theater fuses all the audio and furniture needs into one streamlined sideboard of distortion proof, hand-lacquered wood.
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Wall Mount That TV
by Maura Grunlund / Staten Island Advance
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 5:00 AM
You'll be watching TV in no time with the right installation toolsWall mounted TVs are a hot trend in home improvement as they free floor space for other things. However, it takes some skill to install these sets.
Before shopping for a TV look at the wall space and make sure that it is a safe and appropriate place to hang a TV. The wall structure needs to be sound enough for cutting, drilling and mounting such a heavy object. Plan on shutting off the electricity to the room when you do the actual work.
Confirm before purchasing a TV that it is suitable to be mounted on the wall. A sales person may be able to tell you this or you may want to look on the manufacturer's web site or in an owner's manual.
As with any home improvement you'll want to have the right tools. Gather a stud finder, screw driver, tape measure, socket wrench set, cordless drill, anchors and fasteners, according to Zip Express installations.
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