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Thursday, March 21st, 2013

Your car can be one of your most important assets while moving heavy equipment or loads, such as boats, trailers, or even other cars. However, before you even consider moving the car, you should always know your towing capacity so that you can safely and legally tow a trailer. This takes only a few simple calculations, and then you will know how to determine your car’s towing capacity.

Check the owner’s manual

First and foremost, you should check your car’s owner’s manual, which usually list this information in an easy-to-understand format. However, if you’ve lost your owner’s manual or don’t have it handy, you can still figure our the towing capacity by looking at your car.

Check the vehicle data tag

The vehicle data tag should be located on the driver’s door jamb and should have the towing capacity listed in both metric and imperial measurements. If it does not list the towing capacity, then you just need to do some simple calculations to figure it out! The combined gross weight rating will be printed in the same area.

Simply add the weight of the passengers, cargo and fuel together. Subtract the combined weight of the occupants and cargo from the combined gross weight rating and the resulting number will be the maximum weight your vehicle can legally and safely tow.

Weight of passengers + cargo + fuel = Internal Weight ;

Combined Gross Rating – Internal Weight = Towing Capacity

Safest Towing Practices

In general, you don’t want to tow over 70% of your maximum tow weight, since it will cause considerable wear and tear to your vehicle. Furthermore, you should also consider the type of roads and the route you’ll be towing along, as poorly paved roads and steep inclines may cause engine and transmission problems. Lastly, don’t forget to ensure that the weight capacity of the hitch is sufficient for your load as well, since that may be the limiting factor in some cases.

How Much Can You Safely Tow?

If you have any concerns about towing a new trailer or about your vehicle’s towing capacity, you should contact a towing professional to get a personalized assessment. If your car is not fit for towing the desired weight, then you can also hire a towing professional to do it for you. TalkLocal can have you talking with up to three, high-quality, local towing professional in just minutes!

Posted in Towing | 1 Comment »

What Are Bail Bonds?

Thursday, March 21st, 2013

If you find yourself with the misfortune of needing a bail bond, you may be asking yourself, “What are bail bonds?” This article will provide you with a basic overview of bail bonds.

What Are Bail Bonds?

A bail bond is an agreement between an accused individual and the courts. Oftentimes it takes a while for the court system to resolve a legal case. In an attempt to allow the accused person to remain free, the courts will post the bail amount as collateral. This collateral is used to ensure that the accused shows up to court, and is usually backed by a co-signer. While the bond amount is determined by the court, assets such as a car title or a home deed can be used to meet the bail bond. Some courts may also allow the defendant to pay 10% of the bond amount in cash, which is often returned if there are no violations of the bond agreement set by the court. This amounts to a security deposit for both the defendant and the court.

In many cases the bond amount will be higher than some people can afford. In this instance many people turn to bail bond companies, or a bond agent. The bail bond company will guarantee the entire amount that the accused owes in exchange for a percentage of the bail amount as a service fee (this fee is usually 10-20 percent). Once the accused appears in court any collateral is returned minus the Bail Bond company fee.

Commercial bail bonding is prohibited in four states: Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

Find A Bail Bond Company

If you do find yourself in need of a bail bond company, you’re just a click away with TalkLocal. Just submit a service request on our website, and we will connect you with up to three bail bond agencies in just minutes. We find the help you need, when you need it – for free!

Posted in Bail Bonds | 1 Comment »

How to Detect Decay in Trees

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

Decaying trees are dangerous. The decay could be easily noticeable or hidden inside the tree. Even if you can see the decay, it is difficult to assess how extensive the decay damage is. Learn how to detect decay in trees by reading this article.

Why does a tree decay?

The decaying process begins with a wound in the bark that could be caused by a storm, a falling branch, or other damage to the tree. This exposes the tree to bacteria, fungi, insects, mosses, rain, snow, heat, and a variety of other natural factors which affect the tree’s survival. Many microorganisms and natural elements are involved in the decaying process.

Factors that Contribute to Tree Decay

Although all older trees have some decay, other factors determine the gravity of the problem.

1. The location of the decay is important. If the decay is located in a section of the tree that could easily crack, the tree is more likely to fall at any moment, which can be potentially dangerous.

2. The extent of the decay determines whether the damage is serious enough to merit tree removal.

3. The specific species of the tree is also important to note. Certain trees are more prone to getting diseases and fungi that cause decay. Tree species that are prone to decay and failure include:

-Red Maple

-Mahogany

-Pecan

-Southern Red Cedar

-Southern Red Oak

-Laurel Oak

-Chinaberry

How to Detect Decay in Trees

1. Tree decay detection can be obvious. Visually inspecting the tree can give you an idea if the tree is decaying internally. A tree with an unusually expanded base indicates lower trunk decay. Trees are generally under a lot of stress from natural elements and their own weight. If a tree is internally decaying, it cannot support itself as efficiently as a healthy tree. In order to handle natural stress, the tree trunk expands into a bulge, which makes it easy to detect decay in the tree.

2. If a tree has several dead branches, it is probably a sign that it is decaying. Cut dead branches to prevent decay from spreading.

3. Wood that is soft or crumbly is a sign of serious decay.

4. Fungal growth on the tree, such as mushrooms, brackets and conks are also signs of advanced decay.

What Are the Consequences of Tree Decay?

Decaying trees are weaker than healthy trees, and are at greater risk of spontaneously falling. Since decay diminishes a tree’s ability to withstand natural stress, it is fragile and the wood is more likely to crack. Keep yourself, others and your property safe by cutting down a decaying tree before it hurts anyone.

Remove a Decaying Tree

In order to ensure your safety, contact a professional tree removal service to help assess the extent of the decay in your tree. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three tree removal professionals in just minutes, eliminating the hassle of searching one out yourself.

Posted in Tree Removal | 1 Comment »

How Much Does A Butler Cost?

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

Need some help around the house? You may first be wondering, “How much does a butler cost?”

The answer to this question can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. When hiring a butler, you should be very aware of exactly what services you are getting at what cost. The cost of a butler service can depend on which company you choose to hire and the services that you require.

The following is a list of ways a butler service may charge.

By the hour: When asking yourself “How much does a butler cost?”, the answer can be estimated by the number of hours you expect service. Some companies choose to bill by the hour. If you have a small home, an hourly rate may be your best option.

By the square foot: Some butler services will charge by the square footage of your home. The larger your home may be, the more you can expect to be charged.

In-home services: An in-home butler will stay in your home with you and practically cater to your every need. These are the most expensive types of butler services available.

So, Exactly How Much Does a Butler Cost?

In many scenarios, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000 a year for the services of a butler.

The easiest way to find out exactly how much a butler service is going to cost you is to contact a placement agency. The International Butler Academy is a good option. You should not expect to pay less than $40,000 to $50,000 a year for a reputable butler service.

As stated, the price can vary from location to location. It also can be affected by how you choose to be billed.

Finding A Butler Service Is Easy

TalkLocal can connect you with butler services in your local area that meet the highest of standards. Skip the art of calling around for hours. Our intuitive search engine will have professionals call YOU in a matter of minutes.

Posted in Maid Services | 2 Comments »

Home Foreclosure Costs

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

If you are one of the millions of American homeowners who have been faced with the difficult decision of foreclosure, we hope you realize that you are not alone. Many families and individuals are confronted with the reality that their home could be seized by their lender.

Home Foreclosure Costs

Home foreclosure costs are expensive for both parties involved. The Joint Economic Committee of Congress assess that “the average foreclosure costs $77,935 while preventing a foreclosure runs $3,300” (Daily). There are practical approaches you can take to avoid a foreclosure. A number of companies across the country specialize in debt-consolidation as well as credit-rebuilding.

What You Can Do

Freedom Debt Relief.com focuses on credit-rebuilding. Prosper.com hinges their expertise on personal loans for debt-consolidation. This may help you improve your credit and get you back on the road to financial freedom.

A significant sum of businesses thrive on the promise that “We will definitely work with your lender” to either restructure your mortgage or lower your current interest rate. However, you must be vigilant and do your research before dealing with one of these particular organizations. There are a lot of so called “chop shops” or “boiler rooms” which aim to take advantage of a person’s bad situation in order to make a profit.

Another thought may include getting help from the government. The Obama Administration “offers banks incentives to modify mortgages” (Propublica). However, there are certain criteria that you must meet to earn governmental backing. If you are one of the unfortunate people facing foreclosure, you may qualify and be eligible for a modification. Many Americans may not know, but a loan modification is a change of the terms within your loan contract. Countless lenders refuse to change the fine print within their loan contracts but some are willing to work with their customers.

Many legal firms practice home foreclosure and similar types of law. However, home foreclosure costs remain high. A foreclosure or bankruptcy attorney might be able to work with your lender too. If these are two means you are taking into account, you could contact a few lawyers in your area and take advantage of their free consultations before opening your wallet.

Find Legal Advice

Depending on the foreclosure rules and regulations within your state, you may want to verify that bankruptcy is a worthwhile alternative. If you have questions and need immediate assistance, visit TalkLocal to find a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy law. We will connect you with up to three lawyers in your area, within minutes.

Posted in Lawyers - Bankruptcy | No Comments »

My Webcam Is Not Working

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

“My webcam is not working!” If you are screaming that phrase or something like it, take a deep breath, and read this article to figure out how to fix your webcam. First make sure that the webcam you are using is good by testing it with another computer. Also make sure that the webcam is connected to your computer and the power is on. Check to see that the camera cover is off, if there is one for your webcam. If all of these things check out, there may be any of a number of issues with your webcam.

Webcam Not Detected by the Computer

One of the more common problems people experience is that their webcam is disabled in their computer settings. To check this problem, go into your BIOS setup menu during your computer’s bootup process. Look through all pages of your BIOS setup menu.

Now you want to make sure that the devices are compatible with your computer. Follow these steps:

1. Make sure devices are connected and powered on.

2. Click Start, and access the Run interface..

3. Enter “msinfo32” and Click the “+” sign next to the “Components” to expand the info.

4. Click “Problem Devices”. If anything appears, the information should list the device and the type of the problem experienced. Google or seek help from the experts on solving these specific cases.

Wrong Drivers Installed

Update your drivers to check for this problem. In order to update your drivers, follow these steps:

1. Download the most recent drivers from your computer manufacturer’s website.

2. Open your computer’s device manager.

3. With your device manager, specify the hardware for which you want to update the drivers.

4. Right click the hardware and click on “Properties”.

5. Click the Driver tab inside “Properties”.

6. Click the “Update Driver” button.

7. Locate the downloaded drivers from your computer manufacturer’s website.

For more specific directions explaining this step in regards to Windows 7, Vista, or Xp, click this link: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/f/driverupdate.htm

Bad Hardware

If the above recommendations do not resolve the issue, it is likely that the hardware is damaged. At this point it is recommended that you buy a new webcam or switch the one you have for a new one, provided that the one you bought is still under warranty. You may even want to call for help from the local experts. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three computer technicians in your area who should be able to help you out.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Designing Your Outdoor Patio

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

When warm weather arrives, many of us are anxious to get outdoors and enjoy it. If you are among those warm weather lovers, designing your outdoor patio may be on the top of your to-do list this season. Here are five things to consider when designing your outdoor patio.

Location

Which way does your patio face? This is important when considering which areas to add shading elements. In addition, you may already have many trees and need to consider removing limbs or whole trees to receive the right amount of sunlight on your patio.

Function

What do you intend to use the patio for? Will you be hosting large parties or simply lounging in a chair to read in the morning? This is important because parties require certain features such as grills and fire pits that a small patio does not. It may also determine the materials you use. If you do not plan on having guests, a simple, white, concrete slab may be all you need. If you plan on entertaining, you may want to add some flare with paver stones or stamped and colored concrete.

Privacy

This will determine if you choose to add a privacy fence or prefer to remain social with neighbors. Determining your function first will help determine your privacy needs. If you enjoy soaking up sun, you may prefer a more private patio than if you are simply wanting to enjoy your morning coffee with a good book.

City Codes

Often, cities require permits to pour concrete. Generally, this is so local officials can regulate your home taxes. This should be taken into consideration so that you are aware of how much your patio may cost depending on the materials you use. It is best to check with your local inspector before finalizing your project plans.

Budget

This should be the biggest decision-maker of all. If certain materials or a permit are too expensive, you may need to look into other options. You may also need to scale down an original idea to fit your price range.

When The Project Is Too Big To Handle

As with many home improvement projects, designing your outdoor patio can become time consuming. Professional landscapers may be a better option for you. They often employ design experts to help you achieve a finished product even better than your original idea. They also can work to stay within the budget you set forth because they are familiar with local codes and material costs. To find one, your best option is to use TalkLocal. We’ll hook you up with a qualified professional in your area for free.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

How to Open Locked Car Door – Updated 2016

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

So you lost your keys, or maybe you locked them your car. You could call a locksmith, but why pay for a service that you may be able to do yourself? We have some ideas on how to open locked car door – but only if the car you’re opening is yours!

The Coat Hanger Method

1. Fully uncoil the coat hanger. Make one side of the long piece of metal into a hook about the size of your finger. Make the hook into a U or V shape.

2. You will want to slide the hooked side in between the glass of the window and the protective rubber that is pressed against the glass. By pulling the rubber back, you will have an opening to stick the hook through.

3. Slide the hook inside the window and push it down 2-3 inches, then you will want to rotate the hook so that it is facing the inside of the car.

4. Feel around for the mechanism that controls the lock. If you do not succeed at first, continue trying. It may take several attempts until you successfully get under the lever and unlock the door.

The Suction Method

1. To use a plunger, apply some cream around the edge of the plunger, giving the plunger extra suction.

2. Place the plunger over the key hole so that the keyhole is directly in the middle of the plunger. With one forceful and direct pump, the lock should pop open. This takes time to perfect, so continue trying until you successfully unlock the lock.

You can also use a tennis ball for the suction method.

1. The tennis ball should have a small hole in it. This can be done by heating up a key or screw driver over the stove.

2. Once the metal object is hot enough, stick it into the ball and rotate the ball around it to try to shred the ball and make a hole.

3. Place the hole in the tennis ball directly over the keyhole. Hold the ball with one hand, and use your stronger hand to pump the hard to unlock the car door. The air pressure created from the suction of the ball can unlock the car door.

The String Method

1. First, you will need approximately 3-5 5 feet of sturdy string, such as paracord. You can purchase paracord for as low as $3.29 from Amazon as of April 18, 2016. Make a slip knot in the middle of the string, creating a 1 to 2-inch loop. (Ensure that the knot is tight. You want it to close but not too easily.)

2. Pry the door apart with a screwdriver or similar object just enough for you to slip the knot inside the car. You may be able to do this with your hands as well, depending on your strength.

3. Once you slip the knotted string through the hole, line up the loop with the top of the lock. Lower the string so that the lock is inside of the loop. Pull the legs of the string to close the loop. Make sure that the knot is taut.

4. As you pull one leg of the string taut, pull the other leg of string straight up. Voila! Your car door is unlocked.

The string method only works on car doors that have the pull-up style locks, such as this one.

Professional Help

A insurance provider or AAA might assist you in situations like this. If you personally do not have AAA, you can ask a friend to call for you. Most of the time, the professional will not ask for your name or policy number, however you may want your friend to be with you just in case. You could also take the easy way out and just break the window, but then you have a broken window to deal with.

If you are not comfortable breaking into your own car, or you don’t want to be accused of breaking into cars in a parking lot, call in the cavalry. TalkLocal will find you a locksmith in your area who is ready to help. Use TalkLocal today!

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

How to Remove Tree Stumps

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Although you can utilize a tree stump as a table or a chair to add value to your yard, it may be better to remove a tree stump. We have some tips for you on how to remove tree stumps. The main idea behind removing tree stumps is to not try to pry it from the ground head on (as this would be disastrous unless you had the proper tools), but to let it rot and soften until you can easily break it.

How to Remove Tree Stumps

1. Drill holes into the stump – do it from the top of the stump downwards to the base of the stump. Do not drill the holes perfectly vertically – slant them so that the big holes you drill intersect with the natural linings of the tree along the stems. The point of this is to aerate the holes – the more the insides of trees are exposed to air, the faster it will rot.

2. Purchase a stump remover from your local home improvement store. This is the chemical that will begin to rot the stump. Pour the chemical into the holes in the stump generously, but do not clog up the air holes.

3. The whole rotting process takes about three to six weeks depending on the humidity of the environment and the number of holes you drill. The rotting process is much faster under hot, humid conditions.

If you absolutely cannot wait for the stump to rot away, then you need to remove it by force. Do not try to tether the stump to a car and pull it out – doing so can severely injure you or your car. Rent a stump grinder. Under proper supervision or after learning how to use the tool properly, remove the stump with extra care.

Additional Help

If you feel like you do not know how to remove tree stumps properly and safely, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, high-quality tree removal services in your area.

Posted in Tree Removal | 1 Comment »

What Is A Living Will?

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

If you are looking to get your legal affairs in order, you may be asking, “What is a living will?” A Living Will is a legal document that confirms your wishes about life-support in the situation where life-support will not help improve your quality of life. This document states whether or not you would like life-prolonging intervention, such as artificial feeding, in the event that you are not in an appropriate state to make the decision yourself.

Capacity

In order to create your own Living Will, you must first have the capacity to do so. Capacity is a legal term that denotes the ability to make a legal decision. Every person over the age of 18 is presumed to have capacity, unless otherwise determined by a professional. Persons under 18 are presumed to lack capacity unless they undergo an examination by a doctor and are found to have the capacity to make healthcare decisions. In the healthcare environment, capacity means the ability to:

1. Appreciate the nature and implications of a healthcare decision.

2. Make an informed choice regarding the presented healthcare alternatives.

3. Communicate that choice in an unambiguous manner. (There must be no doubt about what you are trying to express).

The Living Will Document

The law requires that a Living Will must be:

1. In writing.

2. Signed by you or by another person at your direction in your presence.

3. Dated.

4. Signed in the presence of two or more persons who are at least 18 years old.

5. Signed by the people who watch you sign your name. A notary public must be present to acknowledge this.

Living Will templates for each of the 50 states are available at www.doyourownwill.com.

Witnesses

The law requires all Living Will witnesses to be over 18 years old. Additionally, the law says that the following people cannot be a witness to your Living Will:

1. The person who signed your living will on your behalf and at your direction.

2. Anyone who is related to you by blood or marriage.

3. Anyone who will inherit from you.

4. Anyone who is legally obligated to pay for your medical care.

5. Your doctor.

6. The person you have named as your Medical Power of Attorney or the person named as successor Medical Power of Attorney.

The Next Step

After you have made your Living Will you should give a copy to your doctor or caretaker. If you do not have a doctor, you should give a copy to someone else to give to a doctor in case you are not able to do so. It is your responsibility to make sure the doctor knows that you have a Living Will. If you have any questions about the process or particulars of creating a Living Will, it is best to consult a lawyer. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three lawyers in your area who will be able to help you.

Posted in Lawyers - Family | No Comments »

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