April 2013 Archives - 14/17 - Talk Local Blog

Archive for April, 2013

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

Wondering how to replace your motorcycle seat? This article is here to help you work on your own motorcycle. Check out these steps on how to replace your motorcycle seat. There are many different types of motorcycles. Each make and model will differ, so follow these steps according to your specific motorcycle.

1. Secure your motorcycle. Make sure your motorcycle is in a secure position to operate on. Use the kickstand or other support to keep the motorcycle from tipping over or becoming damaged.

2. The easy way: If your motorcycle has a key lock on the seat, you are in luck! Simply unlock the lock and remove the seat from its position. This is the simplest way to remove a motorcycle seat.

What to do if you don’t have the easiest way out – try the second easiest method!

3. Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the on position but refrain from pushing the key down as you normally would to start the motorcycle. If you push down the key, the motorcycle seat will become locked. When the key is in the on position, slide the seat off of its original position.

Still no luck?

4. Use a wrench (and socket set, if needed) to remove the bolts that hold the seat in its place. Remove any other parts of the bike that you need to in order to provide room to take off the seat. If there are levers and additional bolts on your bike, remove as necessary to loosen the seat.

5. Once you have the original seat removed, you can replace it with your new seat using the same method.

Need Professional Help?

If you still need help with your motorcycle seat or any other part of your motorcycle, check out TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, local, high-quality auto repair technicians who will be able to help you – at a time that is most convenient for your schedule!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

What Is Dental Bone Loss Regeneration?

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

One of the worst fears is having no teeth. Bone loss in the teeth occurs from age or improper care of our teeth. One of the main causes of bone loss is periodontal disease (gum disease). This deteriorates the gum line and causes infection. These infections cause the bone loss. But before considering dental implants or dentures, there are surgical operations available to regenerate dental bone. So, what is dental bone loss regeneration? It turns out that there are multiple types.

Guided Bone Regeneration and Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration are among the most common regeneration procedures. Both of these procedures use a bio-synthetic barrier between the gum and tooth. For guided bone regeneration, the barrier provides an optimal environment for the tooth to regenerate bone. For the guided tissue regeneration, the barrier is focused on healing soft tissues that have been damaged from gum disease to encourage bone regeneration. If you select this procedure, remember to follow post-treatment procedures for the best results.

Bone Graft

Bone graft uses healthy tissue and bone or synthetic substance from another area of the body to help bone regeneration. The procedure inserts tissue and bone to attach to the tooth and encourage regeneration bone. The results of the bone graft may take time depending on how invasive the tooth is to the newly inserted tissue and bone.

Bone Loss Prevention

– Brush your teeth twice per day. If you can only tolerate brushing your teeth once per day, then brush at least for two to three minutes.

– Floss once per day.

– Schedule a dentist appointment every six months for cleaning and exams.

– Do not use tobacco products, as these can cause serious, long-term damage to your gums and teeth.

– Lessen your intake of sugary products. Use fruits as an alternative to candy for your sweet tooth.

Find An Oral Surgeon

If you think you have dental bone loss, you’ll need to find an oral surgeon in your area. Your dentist can recommend an oral surgeon for you, or you can find the specialist who is right for you. To schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon, just use TalkLocal. TalkLocal can connect you with up to three dentists or oral surgeons in you area, in just minutes.

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How to Take Care of A Pregnant Dog

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

If your dog is an expectant mother, it is important that you know how to take care of a pregnant dog. A dog will typically be pregnant for around 63 days, and it is vital that you pay extra attention to her health while she is pregnant. It is also important that you take proper care of her while she is giving birth, and after she has given birth.

A Pregnant Dog Should Be Active

It is important that your dog remains active while she is pregnant. You do not want to overly exhaust you dog during pregnancy, but you should not lower her activity. Continue walking her as normal, and allow her to continue any other exercise that she engages in, such as active play. Exercise will stop her from developing health problems during pregnancy, such as obesity, that could endanger her pregnancy or cause long-term problems for her after she has given birth.

Keep Your Pregnant Dog Away From Other Dogs During the End of Her Pregnancy

During the last three weeks before your dog gives birth and the first three weeks after she gives birth, it is imperative that she does not come in contact with canine herpes. Canine herpes will not result in death in mature dogs, but it can endanger your dog’s pregnancy and may be fatal to her puppies.

Caring for a Dog in Labor

Make sure that you are around when your dog gives birth. Begin monitoring her temperature when it comes close to her due date. If her temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, labor will likely begin within the next day. Your dog will likely remove the membrane around each puppy after she gives birth to it, but if she does not you should remove the membrane or the puppy will die. Also, make sure that you have string on hand in case she needs help cutting the umbilical cord. If this is the case, take the string and tie a knot in the cord. Cut the umbilical cord just above the knot.

Find A Veterinarian

You should not worry if your dog takes a few short breaks while in labor, but if she goes over four hours in between birthing puppies, or delivers less than one puppy per hour, there may be a problem. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian. If you do not have a veterinarian, you can use TalkLocal to be on the phone within minutes with up to three, high-quality veterinarians in your area, that are available when you are.

Posted in Veterinarians | No Comments »

How To Store Paint Rollers Overnight

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

Adding some color to a drab room, or covering up some wild colors from a previous homeowner, can be an inexpensive way to refresh the look of your home. What do you do, though, if you’ve done all the preparation and find your project looks like it will take longer than a day? If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, you may be wondering how to store paint rollers overnight. It is actually pretty simple.

You Will Need:

– Plastic — either grocery bags, plastic food wrap, a garbage bag, or some other form of throw-away plastic

– A cool, dark place to store the roller

– Cardboard or old newspapers

1. Make sure the roller is not extremely saturated. Roll out as much paint as you can on the wall, or use some of your cardboard or newspapers to roll out the excess.

2. Cover the rollers completely with plastic. You can leave the handle on, but mash the plastic to the roll to eliminate any air in the bag. It will do you no good to store the roller if air is left in the bag to dry it out.

3. Place the roller in a cool, dark place (preferably the refrigerator) on top of a piece of cardboard or old newspaper. The cold and lack of air will ensure the paint does not dry out, and the cardboard will prevent any unwanted paint from getting in your refrigerator.

Call In The Painters

Once you learn how to store paint rollers overnight, you will drastically cut down on your clean up time. Paint rollers can take quite a bit of water to completely rinse free. If you’re worried that taking on a painting project might be too much to handle, you should consider calling a professional. TalkLocal can help you find a qualified one in your area for free. Check out our easy-to-use service, for free!

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Chromebook vs Windows 8

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

If you thought all you had to do was decide between Mac vs Windows, then Google has thrown you for a loop this time. Their new operating system, Chrome OS, runs on their specialized Chromebooks, offered through Samsung and Acer. Chrome OS is completely different from the Windows operating systems of the past.

However, there is now a new Windows OS that might be what you’re looking for if Chrome OS is not. This leaves you with a choice: Chromebook vs Windows 8.

Chromebook:

– Chrome OS is completely different from your typical operating system. It is based on cloud technology, meaning the majority of your information is saved via Google’s online cloud. This is great, because you can access your data pretty much anywhere. However, you must rely heavily on internet with this operating system.

– Chromebooks are set up differently from laptops and netbooks with Windows 8. The keyboard is different and features a whole new key based on Google’s uses.

– Chromebooks essentially use everything Google. Microsoft Office does not come on Chromebooks because these machines rely on the Google devices for similar uses. If you are not comfortable using something other than Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, you may reconsider the Chromebook.

Windows 8

– Windows 8 is the first Windows OS that is operable on all tablets. This means you are not very limited to a certain device.

– The interface is tile-based, meaning everything is organized into tiles on your screen. It might look terrifyingly new, but it’s really just a more animated version of Windows 7. It has the same features of Windows 7 that you love, but they are organized in a modern format.

– Windows 8 runs Microsoft Office just like all other Windows operating systems. That said, without the cloud technology of the Chromebook, you’ll have to find other ways to make your information accessible in other places.

In a nut shell, Windows 8 is an upgraded, animated, modern version of previous Windows operating systems, while Chrome OS is completely new. Depending on your storage and device needs, your answer to the Chromebook vs Windows 8 battle is completely based on personal preference.

When In Need Of Computer Help…

If you need more assistance with your computers or more information on computer operating systems, TalkLocal can help you figure out what works best by connecting you with professionals in your area. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and your availability, and we’ll connect you with the right professionals.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Cruise Control Repair Troubleshooting

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Cruise control is one of the most innovative features offered in cars. It allows the driver to set a steady speed for long drives so that they can maintain their pace without having to constantly manually accelerate and brake. The benefits of cruise control are endless. Not only does it allow for less active driving, but you save money because it increases your car’s gas mileage. Here are some tips for cruise control repair troubleshooting when you’re not sure what’s wrong.

Cruise Control Components

There are a couple different components to the cruise control system, any of which could break down or malfunction.

– There is the vehicle speed sensor that is attached to the transmission, which detects how fast the vehicle is moving, and maintains that speed.

– The cruise control module has many functions. It stores the speed you set to cruise at, it constantly compares the current speed with the desired set speed, and it signals the actuator to move the throttle in order to match the two speeds.

– This actuator is another part of the system that moves the throttle.

– There is also a brake switch which decelerates the car, and clutch switch that disengages the entire system when the driver presses on the brake.

Each individual car manufacturer has a different process for making and installing the cruise control system. Therefore, the following are simply guidelines and should be adjusted depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Usually your car’s manual will have a diagrammed section that shows the flow chart of cruise control and addresses different diagnostic problems.

Cruise Control Repair Troubleshooting

If the speed sensor fails, then the cruise control will not be signaled with the speed. This is easily identifiable because the speedometer will typically stop working simultaneously. In the case that the cruise control module stops working, it will not understand what is being recorded from the speed sensor, and therefore will not send any signals to the actuator. Blown fuses and broken wires can prevent the cruise control module from working. Actuator’s can stop working because there is a leak inside one of its parts. Finally, links, wires, or connections that break or disconnect will cause the cruise control to stop working.

Find A Quality Mechanic

If you have more questions about cruise control repair troubleshooting, you should talk to a professional so that you can get the help you need. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, reputable auto repair professionals in your area. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and when you’re available, and we’ll find the professionals for you, in just minutes!

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

How to Find A Bail Bondsman

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Finding a bail bondsman can be simple if you know where to look. And finding a reliable bail-bonding agency can be as easy as finding a reliable service company. In general, bail bondsman are easy to deal with — it’s just a matter of knowing how to find a bail bondsman.

How to Find A Bail Bondsman

The quickest way to find a bail bondsman is to go through your local phone book’s business pages and look for the bail bondsman section. Contacting multiple agencies is your best bet if you want to look around for the cheapest price. Collect some of these numbers from the phone book and start calling around.

When you speak with the bail bondsman agency, the things you want to find out are:

– What their fees are (and if there are any hidden fees).

– What their process is.

– What jurisdictions they work within.

– The degree of help that is offered to guide you through the judicial system.

What to Look Out For

There are a few situations which may raise an alarm with regards to the bail-bonding agency. A bail bondsman who loiters around courtrooms trying to solicit business should be avoided. A desperate bondsman is good for no one. Others may pay commissions to jail inmates who ‘refer’ others to a certain bail-bonding agency. You should avoid these, as their tactics are to simply prey on people in desperate situations.

Instead, the bail bonding agencies you want to look for are the ones who are licensed by the state and not part of any suspicious affiliations. In general, smaller agencies provide better customer service as they are providing bail bonds for less people. Before entering into a contract, make sure you are clear on all of the bonding agency’s policies and procedures, and ask for help if you need any.

Let Us Find A Bail Bondsman For You!

If you or someone you know requires the services of a bail bondsman, consider using TalkLocal to find a top-quality bail bondsman in your area. TalkLocal is a FREE service that connects you with the best professionals in just a few minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location, and availability, and TalkLocal will contact multiple agencies who will then call YOU directly, ready to help. Save time, stress, and pain from searching for the right, most affordable bail bondsman, and let TalkLocal do it for you!

Posted in Bail Bonds | 2 Comments »

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Most people grind their teeth from time to time, but this habit can cause some big oral health problems when it happens on a regular basis. Teeth grinding, which medically is called bruxism, usually occurs during sleep and can be brought on by stress, anxiety, or more typically, an abnormal bite.

Why Prevent Teeth Grinding?

Since bruxism usually occurs during sleep, most people are unaware of their habit. Many people find out that they grind their teeth from loved ones who hear them at night. A sore jaw and a dull constant headache are other signs of bruxism.

Teeth grinding can cause serious oral health problems. The habit can cause fracturing, loosening, loss of teeth, and in sever cases, temporomandibular disorder. Chronic teeth grinding can even lead to painful root canals or the need for dentures.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

To prevent serious oral heath problems, you should take steps towards teeth grinding prevention. If stress is causing the problem, you should ask your dentist or health professional about options to reduce stress. Some options may include regular exercise, seeing a physical therapist, or even prescription medicine. You should also ask your dentist to fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night to protect your teeth from further damage. Some other preventative tips include:

– Cutting back on foods and drinks containing caffeine

– Avoiding alcohol consumption

– Avoiding chewing on anything that is not food, like gum, or objects such as pens.

– Relaxing your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm cloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe

Want to Find A Quality Dentist?

If you want to know more about teeth grinding prevention, or would like to speak with a dentist, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, reputable dentists in your area, who are available to help you when you need them most.

Posted in Dentists | No Comments »

Connect Sony Bravia to the Internet

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Being able to connect your TV to the internet opens up so many more options of activities to yourself. You can watch Youtube videos, Google your questions, and do various other things all while sitting on your couch, in front of a much larger screen than your laptop. In order to connect Sony Bravia to the internet you have to take a couple of steps.

The Bravia comes equipped with an internet video link that should stream from the internet directly at no extra charge, and should require no additional devices. In some cases people have issues getting their internet to connect with their TV.

Problems

There are a couple things going on that could affect your ability to connect your Sony Bravia to the internet

1) Your internet is too secure.

2) You need to Ping the internet.

3) The TV isn’t receiving the right IP address.

Solutions

If you have a password protected internet network you may need to take the security measure off in order to be able to connect with your TV. Usually the television will ask for the password but in the case that it cannot connect to do even that much, you will need to change the settings of your Internet security. You could also try to reset the Internet router to see if the TV will connect after that.

If you still cannot connect you should try to Ping the IP address of the TV from your computer. This way your TV will simply act like a computer monitor and show whatever is going on on your computer screen. You can use a VGA or output cable to connect the television and laptop.

A third problem could be that the TV isn’t receiving the right IP address information, and therefore is unable to connect with the internet. You will have to manually configure the network settings. You can reset the IP address and try connecting your TV to the internet again.

Need Additional Help?

If you cannot seem to get your Sony Bravia connected to the internet it may be time to get professional help. If you are looking to get in contact with a local computer technician, just use TalkLocal. All you have to do is input your problem, your availability, and location and TalkLocal will do the rest. We’ll find the professionals for you, and them them to you directly!

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Buying Vacation Rental Property

Friday, April 5th, 2013

Vacation rental property can be an amazing convenience. Instead of searching around the Internet for an expensive hotel room in your favorite vacation destination, you can just pick up and leave knowing that you have a place to stay. Plus, when you are not using it, you can rent it out to someone else, which could potentially cover the cost of buying the property.

Many people find that buying vacation rental property is well worth the investment, but first, you must know how to do it properly.

Here are a few things to consider when buying vacation rental property.

Take Into Account ALL Expenses

Buying vacation rental property might sound easy — you write a check for the property (assuming it fits your budget) and you’re in the clear. It’s not quite that cut-and-dry. There are many expenses tied in with owning and maintaining a vacation property. These are expenses you will have to account for when you adjust the rate for your renters.

These expenses include, but may not be limited to:

– Furniture: Tenants are not going to want to stay in a vacation home that is completely empty, and it can cost quite a bit to furnish a home.

– Repairs: Various things on the property will eventually break, and it takes money to have those repaired.

– Utilities: Be prepared to pay for water, gas, electric, cable, and all of the other monthly bills that come with owning a home.

Choose The Right Area

Just like in real estate, the No. 1 factor to consider when buying vacation rental property is “location, location, location”. It is generally wise to visit the area before you purchase property there. Take into consideration the attractions and amenities in that area to ensure that it is a place families will want to vacation. If there is nothing to do there, chances are, people are not going to want to rent from you.

Make Sure You Are Financially Equipped

You are about to take out a whole other mortgage, so make sure you are on steady financial ground before doing this. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to rent out the property easily. Be prepared financially in case no one is interested right away.

Get Help From An Expert

Don’t be afraid to consult an expert on the matter. This process is not entirely easy. When it comes to contacting professionals, TalkLocal is your best option. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area, in just minutes!

Posted in Accountants | No Comments »

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