How to Soundproof Your Car

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Have you ever thought about soundproofing your car in a cost-effective manner? This great change would definitely make you feel more comfortable during your car rides, enhance the quality of your audio sound, minimize vibrations and annoying outdoor noise, and even increase the resale value of your vehicle.

These days, you have the opportunity to check out a wide range of high-quality soundproofing products and so-called echo absorbers that could help you spend a wonderful time in your car in any given set of circumstances, without having to listen to those awful sounds coming from your trunk, panels, hood, and various other sources of phonic pollution. Read on to learn how to soundproof your car fast and easy by following a few simple steps.

First Step: Count on the right mix of damping materials

Why settle for just one damping material when you could always choose more and create a perfect mix of elements, ensuring a superior sound quality and an effective barrier against noise pollution? Invest in first-class products, including insulation, sprays, foams, and damping mats. Are you having a hard time trying to select the best materials? Contact a competent handyman and discuss your options.

Second Step: Apply damping mats on your car panels to reduce vibrations

Your car panels are lightweight; this enables them to vibrate and create an annoying sound. Want to find the quickest fix for this problem? Apply damping mats, which come with a layer of adhesive on their backside, on the panels of your vehicle.

Third Step: Use sprays and special foams for tighter, hard-to-reach areas

If you are truly interested in learning how to soundproof your car rapidly and effectively, you should know that the devil is in the details. Do not neglect tighter areas that might bring the outdoor noise inside your vehicle. In this case, it is recommended to rely on foams and premium sprays designed especially for doors and tiny engine compartments.

Fourth Step: Apply insulation

Insulation will help you soundproof your automobile in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. Measure the surface that you plan to insulate, then cut the insulation and the damping mats you plan to apply based on your measurements. Make sure to remove the carpeting before starting to apply the soundproofing insulation. Use special adhesive to keep the insulation and the matting in place and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Want to Soundproof Your Car?

You might be willing to learn how to soundproof your car, but do you actually have what it takes to complete this relatively complex assignment on your own? When in doubt, keep in mind that you could make the most of professional services brought to you by a savvy handyman specialized in auto soundproofing.

Find the best specialists by consulting TalkLocal, your number one source of information. Profit from the best deals, curb noise pollution levels, and start enhancing the quality of your music today.

Tags: soundproof car
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Rochelle’s Goodbye

Monday, August 12th, 2013

Written by Rochelle Cecil

Welp, it’s that time of the year. Everyone is packing up their rooms at home and filling the car with new bedding, plastic shelves, and a few unbreakable plates. It’s halfway through August, and in just a couple of short week,s I’ll be back in my small hamlet in the Middle of Nowhere, New York.

Really, I’m one of the last ones to leave. A number of the other Seva Call interns have given up their desks and gone home to do the dreaded task of packing. I just happen to be the first blogger to leave you.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading all the Seva blogs this summer. It’s definitely been a blast to write for you and to be a part of the Seva press team. We’ve done a lot this summer, and we’ve learned a lot this summer. My portfolio is definitely getting an update soon!

On September 1 I’ll be headed back to Houghton for my final semester of college. It’s quite a strange feeling. I’m starting to feel a bit old. Also, a little dazed. I have no idea what I’m doing come December 14 when classes end. Maybe I’ll go galavant around Europe for a bit. Who knows. If I do, I’ll be sure to send the Seva Team some pictures to share with you.

Thanks for spending the summer with me learning about Seva Call, entrepreneurship, zombies, and so much more.

See you around!

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5 “Oh Sh!t” Moments Where Seva Call Can Help

Sunday, August 11th, 2013

Written by Steven D’Adamo

We’ve all been there. You’re busy, going about your day, killing your daily to-do list with your before-11 am-wake-up, and that extra cup of coffee with a protein-heavy breakfast. Everything is going smoothly. That is, until a disaster situation throws a wrench in your proverbial task management machine.

Now you have to deal with a potential emergency, throwing your entire schedule out of whack. But don’t let the stress get to you, because we are here to help. Here are five such moments where Seva Call can help.

Your Computer Crashes

Is this a real emergency? Probably not. But it’s still a hassle to deal with; viruses, spyware, blue screens of death, weird beeping sounds for no reason. These things happen, and none of us wants to be disconnected from the “real world” for longer than we have to. So go ahead and find a computer technician so you can get back to looking at funny pictures of cats.

Your Neighbor’s Kid Hit A Line Drive…Straight Through Your Window

And now there is a gaping hole in what was once your pristine view of the outside world, not to mention the broken glass on your floor. Now, this could easily be fixed by some efficient duct-taping, but why wait? Find a window repairman on the spot! Then go tell Dennis the Menace to play ball on the diamond, not over your fence.

You Forgot To File Your Taxes

Don’t panic! The IRS will not be knocking on your door on April 16th just because you forgot to file your taxes. But this is not something that you want to put off any longer. You may suffer a penalty fee, but filing your taxes late is better than not filing at all. And you can take solace in the knowledge that your accountant will not be as busy as he/she was on April 14th.

Your Dog Eats a King-Sized Chocolate Bar

Yes, your greedy, curious, garbage disposal of a dog got into your stash of decadent stress-relief. This can be dangerous to any dog, especially if they consume a large amount. Dogs eat stuff they’re not supposed to all the time, which is why keeping your vet on speed dial can be helpful.

Your Roof Is Leaking

You might have experienced this already this summer since it seems like there’s a torrential downpour every few hours here on the East Coast. A leaky roof can cause some serious damage if ignored, so you’ll want to contact a roofer or handyman a.s.a.p. to get it fixed. Then you might want to contact a painter…and a carpet cleaner…and a furniture upholstery service.

That does it for the five moments where Seva Call can help. You can always count on Seva Call to find the right professionals in your time of dire need.

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28 (Mis)Adventures: The Petty Theft Auto Edition

Saturday, August 10th, 2013

A blog about life experience and inexperience, written by Dallea Caldwell.

I can’t remember the last time I approached my car without a sense of impending doom. A flat tire is my biggest fear. The first and only time I tried to change a tire alone, I almost lost an arm before some kindly stranger rescued and then proceeded to hit on me.

As paranoid as I am about car trouble, you’d think I would have been more cautious than to leave my laptop on the passenger side seat. But, it was the early-morning-end of a long day, an equally long drive, and my befuddled brain that caused me to throw caution to the upholstery.

I met the resulting busted window and missing bag with a sense of resignation and went through the motions of calling insurance, calling cops, and calling out of the office. The insurance company gave me a choice of driving 45 minutes for an immediate window repair or waiting until the next day for an at-home repair.

The clouds looked about ready to burst, so I worked from home and waited for next-day service.

The next day I received a call. The window repair guy said he was up the street, but there was a problem.

“You don’t have a garage, do you?”

“No. But, I’ve got an upgraded kitchen with ample counter space. What’s your point?” (Light paraphrasing)

“It’s raining. My equipment is electrical.”

I mentally reviewed my middle-school physics class on conductors. Then, the lightbulb went on. The repairmen then said that if the weather cleared up within a four-hour time frame, then he would do the job.

The weather was fine, and I’d been waiting 145 minutes when I called to check on his status. He said I’d have to wait another day or book elsewhere, because he’d already left the area. I went off.

I wasn’t that bad considering the fact that I’d been the victim of petty theft auto, it had rained all night, and my car window was still covered in plastic wrap like it was last week’s dinner.

My tone was a bit abrasive, but my baby cousin could not have cited me for even a single Swear-Jar-punishable offense at any point in the discussion. Even as I expressed my supreme dissatisfaction to the insurance company, I was grace under fire.

Could it have been because I was simultaneously submitting a Window Replacement service request at www.talklocal.com? No, not at all. I’m a saint who doesn’t have a neurotic bone in my body.

I even sounded chipper about the whole thing when I spoke to an available pro, but he saw right through my act and was extra sweet. Best part, the skies cleared up just long enough for the job to get done about 45 minutes later.

The only drawback was that I had to wait for my insurance company to reimburse me rather than merely pay the deductible. But, it was worth it getting my car back after its stint as a Reynold’s Wrapped glass sandwich.

I’m still out of a laptop and the heavy leather Coach bag I’d been storing it in. Oh well, I guess I can’t have everything.

Check out more 28 (mis)adventures here.

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Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Arthritis

Arthritis plagues many people worldwide. It is a condition wherein the joints are inflamed and stiff, causing pain. It usually comes with age, but there are other forms of arthritis, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which troubles the young. Does physical therapy help arthritis? The answer is yes. Physical therapy is used by a lot of pain management doctors to help those with this condition. Read on for more information.

5 Ways to Help Physical Therapy Work for You

1. The first step is to work with a professional. Being in good hands is always a safe bet, especially when it comes to health care. Contact a professional to help you relieve your pain. A chiropractor is a good source of reliable treatments.

2. The second step is to make no excuses when it comes to physical therapy. There are days when you will be tempted to say that you are in too much pain after physical therapy, and you will use this as an excuse. Don’t. Instead, rest the part of the body that is painful for now but work on another body part.

3. For stiff joints, there is nothing like heat therapy. If your joints are stiff from sleep, a warm shower can do you wonders. Additionally, you are more likely to follow through with physical therapy if you are soothed by a warm bath.

4. The fourth step is to always include aerobic exercises. Not only do these exercises help strengthen muscles and bones, but they also release endorphins that help you with the pain.

5. The last step is to set your own personal goals for physical therapy. This way you can keep track of your progress and you can motivate yourself.

Still in the Dark? Give us a call!

TalkLocal is here to help you. Contact us today for help in finding a physical therapist near you! We not only find the professionals; we connect you with them directly, for free!

Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

Prepare Plants for Nitrogen Rich Soil to Get a Beautiful Garden

Friday, August 9th, 2013

As all gardeners – even novice ones – know, the key to a beautiful garden is the soil. You can create enticing arrangements and surprising ornamental designs, but if you want to ensure the health of your plants, it’s important to know a few basics about the optimal levels of nitrogen in the soil. Here are a few things to keep in mind on how to prepare plants for nitrogen rich soil to maintain the beauty of your garden.

Why Is Nitrogen Important for Plant Growth?

Just as we need food and sleep to function, plants need light, water, and nitrogen to thrive. Nitrogen is a fundamental macronutrient that plays a vital role in making plant cells work. Moreover, as a component of chlorophyll, nitrogen takes part in photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn sunlight into energy to fuel their growth.

How Can You Prepare Plants for Nitrogen Rich Soil?

Balancing the levels of nitrogen in the soil is essential for your plants. The right level of nitrogen in the soil makes them vigorous and improves their appearance. But nitrogen is volatile, which makes it difficult to maintain appropriate levels in the soil. It can evaporate in the air or dilute if plants are watered more than necessary.

What Are the Signs That Show a Nitrogen Imbalance in Your Plants?

If your plants seem to grow slowly, have poor foliage, and turn yellow, they might be nitrogen-deficient. Too little nitrogen inhibits plant development. On the other hand, nitrogen excess can lead to plant burning. Yellow, shriveling leaves that eventually turn brown indicate too much nitrogen in the soil. Reddish leaves also suggest that the amount of nitrogen might be too high. However, when you see that the leaves of your plants are turning yellow or brown, don’t rush to pour a bucket of water on them. You might be dealing with a nitrogen deficiency or nitrogen excess, which needs to be corrected.

Need Gardening Tips?

Want to find out more about how to improve your garden? Or maybe you need a professional landscaper for your gardening projects. Visit TalkLocal. This way you can find the info and the professional help you need in no time. For free.

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Wiping Computer Clean

Friday, August 9th, 2013

If your computer is loaded with viruses or is running extremely slowly, the best way to deal with it may be to completely wipe your hard drive clean by reformatting it and installing a new operating system on top of the old one. You will need your recovery disk that came with your computer and product key (for Windows) in order to format your hard drive. Before wiping computer clean, make sure that you back up anything important, because formatting your hard drive will delete everything on your computer.

Wiping Computer Clean on Windows

1. First, put the Windows recovery CD in your computer and restart it. When the computer starts up again, it will start up from the CD. Press any key when prompted.

2. Enter your language and set any preferences that you would like on the computer.

3. Read the licensing terms and click “I Accept the Licensing Terms.”

4. When asked what type of installation you would like, choose “Custom.”

5. When asked where you would like to install Windows, select Drive Options (Advanced), then select your drive.

6. For the option “type of file system to apply when formatting,” select NTFS.

7. When your computer has finished formatting, click “Next” and follow the on screen instructions that follow.

Wiping Computer Clean on Mac

1. First, put the OS X system CD in your computer and restart, hold down the C key on your keyboard while it is booting up.

2. Select your language.

3. On the “Installer Menu Bar,” click on “Open Disk Utility.”

4. On the left side of the “Disk Utility” window, select the drive you want to erase.

5. On the right side of the “Disk Utility window,” select the “Erase” tab.

6. Click on the “Volume Format” drop-down menu and select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled).”

7. In the “Name” text box, delete the text that is already there and type what the name of the hard drive is to be called after it is formatted.

8. Select the “7-Pass Erase” option

9. Click “Ok” and then “Erase.”

10. Confirm that you want to erase.

After You Wipe You Computer Hard Drive Clean

If, after wiping your computer hard drive, you realize that you still need something that was wiped, it may be possible to retrieve it with the help of a computer professional. By using TalkLocal, you can receive phone calls from computer professionals in your area, that are available when you are, within minutes.

You should also keep in mind that data deleted in a format can be retrievable if you are planning on donating your computer. If you have any sensitive personal or business information on your computer, you may want to either purchase a program or hire a computer professional to more securely wipe your computer.

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Some of the Best Uses for Wd40

Friday, August 9th, 2013

WD-40 has been one of the greatest accessories for those who love their tools. If you would like to keep your tools free from rust, corrosion, oil, and grease, using WD-40 can be one of the best ways to do so successfully and quickly. Nothing is a bigger turn-off than tools that are rusted, greasy, or simply refusing to work. It can greatly delay your home improvement project, and cleaning can be quite a messy process that takes a lot of time and patience. Instead, just let your tools have a little bath in WD-40 before you begin or after you finish to keep tools looking and working great every time.

Cleaning Your Tools

If you open up your tools and find them corroded or covered in layers of oil and grease, the quickest and easiest way to get them clean and shiny, and ready for use, is to let them take a quick bath in WD-40.

Here’s How

1. Take a metal container of a size in which you can easily place your tools.

2. Fill it up with WD-40, and carefully immerse all of your tools in the solution.

3. After a few seconds, take them out and wipe with a dry cloth. You will see that they are now absolutely free of any grease or grime and can be used immediately.

To keep the tools looking great every time you open them up, it’s always a good idea to follow the same procedure after finishing your task, before packing your tools off until the next use. This will keep them clean and prevent the formation of rust, allowing your tools to last longer and maintain their performance and durability.

WD-40 Spray

The WD-40 spray is another great product that makes it even more convenient and effective. Just spray your tools with some WD-40 and wipe them down with a dry cloth. Once again, this will ensure complete safety from rust and corrosion, as well as render your tools absolutely clean and shiny.

You can use the WD-40 on a variety of tools. There are also a few other uses for wd40 that can come in extremely handy at times. For instance, you can use it to easily remove rust or watermarks from any metal surface, including your car or bike. In short, WD-40 is an extremely effective product that, when used well, can keep your tools newer for longer.

Get Expert Help Here

If you have any handyman jobs lying around that you haven’t been able to finish for a long time, simply because you just don’t have the time, you can hire a professional handyman who can perform your tasks more effectively and in minimal time. Just drop us a line and we at TalkLocal will make sure that you are connected to the absolute best handyman in town.

Tags: oil, Wd40
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How to Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Most homeowners will sell their home through a real estate agent or broker. However, many others will venture off to try and sell their homes on their own. By doing so, they have been able to successfully save a ton of money in the process. If you too are in the market to sell, then here are a few tips on how to sell your home for sale by owner.

Step 1: Prepare Yourself Mentally

In today’s market, it is extremely important to understand that you may not actually get what you feel your house is worth. Unfortunately, none of the sweat, blood, or tears that you’ve put into your precious home are going to dictate what you get out of it. The single most important thing that will dictate what you will actually get for your home is the “market.” What people are actively paying for comparable homes within a half mile of your home is the single most important thing that will help you in determining what your property will sell for. And if you’re not ready to face that number, assuming that it is less than what you expected, then you may just need to hold onto it a little while longer until the market shifts and people start paying more.

Step 2: Staging

Once you’ve come to terms with a fair and realistic asking price, then you’ll need to start getting your property ready for buyers to look at it. The first impression is everything, so you may need a few home improvements – this includes anything from the curb appeal to the paint on your walls. Most home buyers are drawn to clean, spacious, and uncluttered homes. They’re also drawn to neutral wall colors and warm, cozy spaces. So, as you prepare your home for selling, it may be a good idea to make a checklist of everything you need to do, while keeping these particular things in mind each step of the way.

Step 3: Marketing

If you’re not getting the word out there about the sale of your home, then no one is going to buy it. Here are a few ways to let people in the area know that your home is up for sale.

Use yard signs. You might place 1 or 2 signs in your yard, but you might also want to place a few on busy streets within a mile or so of your property.

Take tons of photos of the property. Video is even better. Share your photos or video online via classified ad sites such as craigslist and backpage. Place new ads every day until it sells.

Plan an Open House. Place classified online ads inviting potential buyers to the open house. Also, invite everyone you know, including friends, family, and neighbors. Be prepared to hand out brochures displaying the features of your property to each and every guest.

Step 4: Negotiate, Sell, & Profit

Once you start receiving offers, you can then begin negotiating the price. Average acceptable offers are typically between 91%-97% of the asking price. You may also be asked to contribute to closing costs. If that’s what it takes to close the deal, then it may be a good thing to consider. Also, be sure to close with a reputable title agency or closing attorney. They can assure you of a smooth closing. Upon title transfer, you may close escrow and take your check to the bank.

Need Some Sound Real Estate Advice?

If you are in need of professional real estate assistance, give us a call. TalkLocal will connect you with a real estate professional in minutes. Call today!

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Packing Up and Heading to Green Bay

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Now that Seva Call heading to Green Bay, Wisconsin, Seva Man has been trying to score tickets to one of the legendary Green Bay Packers Games.

Turns out that’s kind of impossible.

Seriously, have any non-Green Bay natives read the ticket waitlist stats?

There are currently 105,000+ names on the season ticket waitlist. Which means if you added your name to the waitlist today, it would take roundabout 900+ years to get season tickets. People put their infants’ names on the waitlist as soon as the birth certificate is signed. If you die while on the waitlist, you are allowed to bequeath your spot to your next living blood relative. Say you just want to see a single game; it’s nearly impossible to buy a pair of single game tickets from the venue vendor. Nine times out of 10, you’ll be buying your tickets from a Packers fan.

If you’re lucky.

Packers fans have been consistently voted the most loyal football fans in the NFL, and here at Seva Call, we know a little bit about loyalty.

Seva Call Is Heading to Green Bay

We get calls from small town residents all over the US searching for local service professionals. When you’re getting your roof repaired, your car tuned up, or your teeth cleaned, you’re going to want to find a trustworthy professional to take care of the job. You know, someone you can rely on for the next 900+ years or so.

Seva Call has created an innovative algorithm that will sift through local Green Bay service professionals and find the most trustworthy small businesses to take care of jobs in over 50 different categories.

If you give us a call or go on our site and put in some basic details of your service request, Seva Call will take care of the rest. Check out this quick video that explains the simple process. We will find the right professional who can do your job, on your time, and connect you to them directly by phone. Better yet, we’ll keep all of your personal contact information completely private.

There is no waitlist to get our top quality service. We will find a professional for you in 90 seconds or less, whether it’s a job you need done in the next hour or next week.

So Cheeseheads, become part of another nationwide fandom growing in over 45 major cities, and put your name down for team Seva Call today.

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