Help Your Teen Become a Safer Driver

If you’re looking for a way to help your teens improve their driving skills, why not use a computer gaming experience to grab their attention? My family just finished viewing an interactive DVD, Driver-ZED (Zero Driving Errors), from the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation.  During the “game”, students are looking at a screen that is a windshield and a fully operating dashboard.  They’re  challenged to identify, assess and react to all kinds of potential risks and dangerous situations.

The best part about the drills is that it matters WHEN you decide to take action, not just the action you choose. The format forces you to evaluate what’s happening in front, behind, to the sides and even on the dashboard all at once. Your reflexes are challenged and you actually crash if you do not react fast enough.  The DVD is free to AAA members and $7 for non-members. To order a copy, go to aaa.com/teensdrive.     

How to Get an Accurate Home Inspection

Some contractors’ home inspections are more thorough than others, according to Jack Diego, President of Diego Bros. Inc., a Diamond Certified company and certified green builder. To insure you get an unbiased opinion he recommends hiring your own home inspector, not just depending on a referral from a real estate agent.

Some contractors fail to inspect the crawlspace to determine evidence of moisture, potential mold and ventilation issues. Differential settlement causing uneven floors is another oversight. Lay a marble on the floor and it tells the tale very accurately. Check exterior drainage by running water up against the house on a hard surface to see where the water goes. An attic inspection will reveal whether insulation is adequate, heat ducts are leaking and note evidence of rodents. Lots of reports leave out the roof. Mr. Diego recommends that an inspection includes the estimated lifespan of the roof surface and the condition of flashings, vents, roof jacks, and drainage issues.   

Floral and Leopard Print Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are getting stylish. You no longer only have the choice of a big, ugly, flesh- colored device that pokes out behind your ear. Dr. Laurence Solow, owner and Audiologist, Valley Hearing Center, a Diamond Certified company, says devices are now nearly invisible inside the ear. You can choose from a range of colors, including hot pink, and a range of patterns, including giraffe, leopard and tiger prints.

Your Old Eyeglasses Can Help Others See

Do your old eyeglasses get tossed in a drawer and forgotten after you get a new pair? As reported by Earth911.com, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 44% of the population in developing nations need glasses but don’t have access to them. Without the necessary lenses, correctable conditions such as far-sightedness and astigmatism keep many children and adults from reading, learning and working.

Put your retired spectacles to good use by donating them. Lions Clubs International has been collecting and recycling used eyeglasses for nearly a hundred years. To get your glasses to the Lions, mail them to: Lions Clubs International, Attention: Receiving Department, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL  60523. (Check packaging guidelines first.)

Or, drop your glasses off at any LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Target Optical, or Sears Optical location for distribution by OneSight. The foundation estimates it needs to collect and recycle 1.2 million pairs of used eyewear annually to support 20 global clinics.

Computer Repairs Require Extra Diligence

For many of us, our computer is much more than a tool for surfing the Internet or sending email. It holds our most precious photos, our tax returns and other confidential data, a painstakingly assembled music library, and important work and personal files. While it’s important to choose any service provider carefully, choosing a computer repair company may warrant extra diligence. At least that’s what one consumer realized after a disappointing experience with a non-Diamond Certified company. Here, she shares some of her tips for choosing a qualified, dependable computer repair service.

• Check out the repair company. Confirm they are in good standing with local consumer protection agencies and request references.
• Be clear about the services to be performed, such as diagnostics, optimization, hardware or software installation, cleaning, and malware scan and removal.
• Make sure all terms and conditions of service are clear and reasonable.
• Understand the estimated repair time and cost. Agree on a procedure for the service to provide the diagnosis and for you to authorize (or not) the recommended service.
• Back up all files before you leave your computer with the repair company.
• Record the registration number of your hard drive in case you need to use it for identification.

Ask how your computer will be stored and how the hard drive will be protected and identified as yours. (In an earthquake, your computer could fall to the floor, and a removed hard drive could get mixed up with others.

How Intelligent is Your Remote Control?

Do you know the difference between a universal remote and an intelligent remote control device? Ty Carstarphen, principal of High Definition Home, Inc., a Diamond Certified company, explains that the computer-programmed intelligent remote has many more capabilities, and can remove all the confusion associated with operating your audio/video systems because it understands all the inputs and settings.

An intelligent remote can handle controls for more than your big screen TV, DVD player and sound system. It can also manage your lighting, irrigation system, fireplace, burglar alarms, heating & AC. The device will ask, “Do you want to watch a movie, or listen to music?” You simply make your selection from the tabs on the device. Intelligent remotes can also be highly customized, where you can pre-select your favorite radio stations, or TV shows. With a properly designed system, anyone in the house should be able to operate your audio and video, not just your teenager.

Why Install Groundcover?

Alan Kostelnik, owner of the Gardens of the Wine Country, a Diamond Certified company, says when people ask about planting groundcover, they’re usually looking for ways to decrease maintenance, lower water use, improve erosion control, or cover a large area with difficult access.

Typically, groundcover is planted on a 6 to 12-inch grid, and it can take 12-18 months for it to completely fill in the area. Proper and routine weeding is needed until the groundcover is well established.  The type you choose depends on what you’re trying to do and your microclimate. Ask a local garden center or landscaper what works best for your area and application. In a large area, you might consider using a couple of different types of plants - one groundcover that’s functional and another for a splash of color. To see pictures of fully mature groundcover, get the Latin name from the landscaper or nursery, and Google it.

Independent Shops Can Service Cars Under Warranty

Did you know that any repair shop can perform regular maintenance on your new car, not just the dealership? Some people mistakenly think that their warranty can be voided unless the dealer does the servicing, but, according to Kris Cesena, owner of Auto Medics - Honda and Acura Specialists, a Diamond Certified company, federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975) allows you to have the work done at the shop of your choice. It even says so (sometimes in small print) in the manual that comes with your new car.

The key is to document all the work performed. Save the receipts and have the repair shop stamp and date your owner’s manual. It’s important to follow the service intervals as recommended by the manufacturer, especially if you’re leasing a vehicle, says Cesena. That’s because if you can’t prove that the service was performed at specified intervals, you can be charged for it at the end of the lease.

Designer Know-How Stretches Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget

An experienced kitchen designer can help you get the most out of your kitchen remodel. The idea is to plan how to use your space not just for today, but for the next 10 to 15 years, according to Patty Hayos, owner of Signature Kitchen & Bath Design, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. The goal is to achieve the look and feel that you want, while maximizing the use of space and overall functionality of what Patty says is the most “abused, used and loved room in the house.”

The designer will pick up cues about your lifestyle by looking at the outside and inside of your existing home, probing for information before planning the layout. She might ask what you don’t like about your kitchen right now, and if you could have one thing, what would it be? A professional designer will create a cost-effective design, and help you avoid making big, and costly mistakes.

Clean Clothes, Clean Environment

The vast majority of the country’s 35,000+ dry cleaners use perchloroethylene, a known toxin, to get your clothes clean. California has committed to phasing out “perc” by 2023. But what are your options if you want professionally cleaned clothes and a clean environment before then?

According to Green America, you have a couple of good choices. One is to wet-clean your items—even those that say “Dry Clean Only.” The secret is a computer-controlled washer that can be programmed to spin as slowly as six revolutions per minute, depending on the fabric. And no toxins are needed to get stains out.

The other option is liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. In the process, CO2 is converted to a nontoxic liquid solvent that gets out all sorts of stains when clothes are rotated in a special machine. The liquid CO2 is pumped back to a storage tank at the end of the cycle, ready to be used again. No new CO2 is generated—the CO2 used is recaptured as a by-product from other industries—so the process does not contribute to global warming. (Avoid CO2 cleaners that use Solvair machines, which utilize toxic glycol ether as a solvent.)

The Urban & Environmental Policy Institute of Occidental College offers an online directory to help you find liquid CO2 and wet cleaners in your area.

Protect Yourself from Air Bag Fraud

Following its investigation into air bag fraud, NPR (National Public Radio) is warning consumers that some car air bags are not being replaced after they’ve been deployed. In some cases, consumers unknowingly purchase a used car with no air bags. In other cases, car owners who have been in an accident receive their car back from the repair shop without new air bags installed.

The motivation for air bag fraud is, of course, money. Air bags can cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Crooked car sellers increase their profit on a used car by not replacing deployed air bags. Bad body shops make money by billing the customer or insurance company for an air bag they order but then return to the manufacturer for a refund. The typical driver can’t tell if an air bag has been replaced or not.

Here are some ways to protect yourself against air bag fraud:

• Patronize only reputable auto sellers, mechanics and body shops. Get referrals from people you know and trust, and check the business’s complaint history.
• If you have any doubts, get a second opinion.
• Before you purchase a used car, consider using a service such as CARFAX to find out if the vehicle has been in an accident or sustained other damage. (Next year, you’ll be able to access a U.S. Justice Department database that provides information about cars that have been damaged in floods or totaled.)
• Be suspicious if your car’s air bag light is on or if the seat belts don’t retract normally. Have a trusted mechanic or body shop technician check the car out.
• Look for small tears and other signs of air bag deployment or tampering around the steering wheel and dashboard.
• Report a suspected offender to the state attorney general, the state insurance department (if the air bag fraud was committed as part of an insurance claim), consumer protection agencies, and any other enforcement agency you think should know.

In California, air bag fraudsters face up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

How to Survive Your Next Remodel

Good planning helps you eliminate some of the stress of any remodel. Frank Canova, owner of Diablo Valley Cabinetry, a Diamond Certified company, recommends tearing out kitchen pictures from magazines to start. Right away you’ll able to discern likes and dislikes. Tear out the page, make a short note and put it in a file.  Even things that you know you don’t like help when you sit down to discuss your project with the designer.

Plan ahead by ordering your tile, countertops, cabinets and appliances well in advance. When decisions are left to the last minute, it becomes very stressful for everyone. Be prepared for the construction phase.  When walls start coming down and the dust is everywhere, this is when the project gets real. Expect to eat out a little more than normal, use the BBQ or visit family and friends. Start having people over before the project starts so they can reciprocate later.

Asbestos Removal Laws Designed to Protect You

Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about asbestos removal in California, according to Scott Tamayo from Environmental Remedies, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. Cal/OSHA operates under a legislative mandate to register contractors and other employers who perform asbestos-related work. Anyone who removes more than 100 sq. ft. of asbestos containing materials must be registered with Cal/OSHA. If the materials are less than 100 sq. ft., by law, homeowners can remove the materials themselves.

However, homeowners and a surprisingly high number of contractors are misinterpreting this mandate while putting themselves, customers, employees, and the public at risk. These homeowners are incorrectly assuming that because they can legally perform the removal without certification, they don’t have to follow the numerous regulations. By taking on such a project, homeowners are taking on the liability normally assumed by a professional abatement firm. Improper handling of asbestos-containing materials can lead to costly clean-ups, potential criminal charges, and fines.

Time to Talk to Your Insurance Agent?

When was the last time you talked to your insurance agent about your homeowner’s policy? Some agents, like Jim Russo, Sr., with State Farm Insurance, a Diamond Certified company, check in with customers right around the time their policies are up for renewal. This is when you can review your coverage, let the agent know about changes, and learn about new products and services.

With an annual review, you might find out that you may qualify for a discount on your premium. For example, if you have upgraded your electrical system, added an alarm system, or increase your deductible, you might see your premium reduced. The biggest discounts are available to people who carry multiple lines of insurance with the same company (car, home, umbrella), so be sure to ask about that. Mr. Russo says other new endorsements now available include a personal injury endorsement for a non-physical injury, and identity theft protection.

Make Hardwood Floor Refinishing Jobs Easier on You

If you’re putting off getting your hardwood floors re-finished because you’re dreading moving furniture and living with all the dust, here’s some good news. Companies like Norcal Flooring, a Diamond Certified company, make it easier by moving all the large items for you and using a dust containment system.

Operations Manager Cynthia Soito says it works best to move furniture into other rooms or the garage, and if that’s not possible, bring in a portable storage pod. So you won’t have to live with fine dust everywhere for months after the job,  many companies now use  containment systems with HEPA filters that eliminate 98-99% of the particles. Make sure the employees put up plastic to block off areas being re-finished. Expect the job to take at least 3 to 4 days to complete and up to a week for larger homes.

Website Helps Identify, Recover Stolen Gems

The odds of being reunited with your jewels and watches are a little better thanks to an online registry for stolen and recovered pieces. If you’ve been robbed and would like to put law enforcement personnel, the jewelry industry and the general public on alert, you can place a listing on StolenJewelry.org.

Items listed must be valuable, and they must be unique or have distinguishing characteristics. (The Jewelers’ Security Alliance, owner of the site, will determine whether your listing meets the criteria.) There is no fee to search the recovered items database or to list an item, but you must register, and you must have filed a police report before you can place a listing.

3 Expert Tips to Give Your Floors a Long Life

Lisa Sabini, owner of Floors Etc., a Diamond Certified company, says when maintaining your floors, avoid using too much water on any type of flooring you’re cleaning. Many products, floor steamers and floor cleaning machines, can damage your laminate and hardwood floors allowing moisture to seep into the wood or strip the finish. Go easy with the water, no matter what the surface is.

A second tip is to avoid cleaning products that leave a residue, which builds up over time. When you have build-up on your flooring, vinyl or wood, you then have to remove it because it too can become dull and dirty looking. Use cleaners with a neutral ph or that are eco-friendly, which contains little detergent. Her last tip is to sweep or vacuum as often as possible and always before cleaning. That’s the best way to keep them in tip top shape.

Pointers on Personal Training

If you want to take your fitness to another level, working with a personal trainer can make a huge difference. Bradley Buchholz, Personal Training Director for The Big C Athletic Club, a Diamond Certified company, suggests working with a certified and experienced personal trainer to help you reach all of your health and fitness goals.

Look for a trainer who establishes good rapport and can motivate you. These two elements are critical to a successful and long-term relationship with your trainer. Expect the personal trainer to ask you what your short and long-term goals are, what your past exercise regimen entailed, and discuss some aspects of nutrition. Be sure to inform your trainer about your previous injuries and medical history. Once you start the workout, the trainer should demonstrate proper technique and exercises that will help you reach your goals.   

Why Care About Care Labels?

Have you ever seen a clothing care label that says, “Do not wash,” and “Do not dry clean”? The cleaning instructions recommend spot cleaning, but according to Gary Casassa, owner of Marin Cleaners, Inc., a Diamond Certified company, this label is illegal. All clothing manufactured and sold in the US must be serviceable by some method, not just spot cleaning. Take the item back for a refund. Another problem for consumers and dry cleaners is that this care-labeling rule does not apply to things like bedding, placements and seat covers. How best to clean them involves some guesswork that could result in fading or shrinkage.

Your Health Records in the Digital Age

Doesn't it seem like everything is online today? And doesn't that make you feel just a little bit...uneasy? Your fears may not be entirely irrational when it comes to health records. Personal Health Records, also known as PHRs, are part of an online system dedicated to collecting, tracking, and sharing your health information. The purpose? To give you, the patient, the ability to access and modify the your record for new medications, hospitalizations, vaccinations, etc, so they can be shared with whomever you please. PHRs are not Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are maintained exclusively by health care providers.

The masterminds behind the PHR may not be the people you would expect — like, for instance, the hospitals. They can range from big names to no names, and they charge fees. Some of the third party sponsors are Microsoft's Health Vault, Google Health, or www.accessmyrecords.com.

The key thing you need to know about PHRs is that not all are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HIPAA only protects your privacy when dealing with directly health providers, health plans, and health clearinghouses. If you're using a system sponsored by a third party, be careful! You may not be protected.

Here are some other issues related to PHRs. If the website is subpoenaed for legal issues, your records could be subpoenaed as well. And don't forget about site security — there's no guarantee you won't be hacked. Finally, remember that PHRs are Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are maintained exclusively by health care providers. Don't mix these terms up.

What the Pros Know About Cleaning Products

Choosing the right cleaning product has become a lot more complicated than it used to be. Pat Belardi, owner of Molly Maids of Marin, a Diamond Certified company, says that’s because in newer homes you’re cleaning a wide variety of surfaces all requiring special products. Stainless steel, acrylic, pewter, copper, marble or any oth er stone can be permanently damaged if you use the wrong types of chemicals. In an older home, you’re probably only cleaning tile, linoleum and painted surfaces, so an all-purpose cleaner will usually do the job.

Ms. Belardi tells all her clients to read cleaning product labels carefully and follow instructions to the letter. For example, if you’re cleaning a bathroom or oven, and the label recommends a well-ventilated room, open those windows. Also, don’t apply two different products to the same grime without a thorough rinsing in between applications. You don’t want to unknowingly create any dangerous chemical interactions.

Back Up Your Computer – Today

You may not think too much about backing up data until the day comes when your hard drive crashes. That’s when I got the wake-up call, thinking I had lost everything – photos, work documents, records, letters, music. Rick Sutherland, owner of ClickAway, a Diamond Certified company, says most people are like me and don’t realize how easy back up is, and how expensive data recovery can be.

To back up data, some people use an external hard drive, where data is put onto another disc and stored in a safety deposit box, or somewhere else outside your home. You can also use an automatic on-line back up service, which is especially useful for saving data on a daily basis. The simplest method is not very expensive. You buy a 2 GB flash drive for less than $20 and a fireproof box to store it in. This small investment insures your data will be safe and sound.

Don’t Call It Dirt!

It’s soil, not dirt, says Lynn Jackson, owner of Jackson Landscape, a Diamond Certified company. Soil is a living material full of microbes and minerals, and it needs to have the right balance of those things in order for the plants in your garden to thrive. That’s why he recommends getting a soil analysis, especially if you’re planning a large landscaping project.

A soil analysis will cost you somewhere between $35 and $55, and can save you a lot of money and time in the long run. For one thing, you’ll find out how much nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous is in the soil and you’ll receive a report of recommendations of what minerals the soil needs for the type of plants in your garden. Toxic materials such as motor oil, paint and cement may be discovered in the analysis and solutions can be provided.