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Tips
Cleaning a Flat-screen TV
(ARA) By now, your new flat-screen TV has probably
gotten pretty dirty. But don't be tempted to use the
same methods you would to clean your tube TV.
Flat-screen television sets require more specialized
care. Here are a few "Dos" and "Don'ts" to keep in mind:
- Don't reach for strong chemical cleaners like
alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners or window cleaners. They
can damage the screen's special coating.
- Don't
spray a liquid cleaner on the screen, as it can leak
into the TV casing and damage the circuitry.
- Never
use paper towels or newspapers to wipe of the screen
either. These are wood products and will scratch the
screen.
What you should do instead is look for a solution that
is specially labeled "safe for laptop screens" or "LCD
and plasma screens." Cleaners are available at thousands
of retail locations nationwide. Once you have your
cleaner on hand, disconnect the power to your TV, and
use either lukewarm water or your screen care solution
to clean your TV.
Gas Lighter Bars and Gas Log Maintenance
Those
handy gas starter pipes start a fire quickly, but they
deteriorate over time and need to be replaced (as do
their gas mixing valves). Look for excessive rust
scaling, cracks, stripped threads on the joints or
blocked gas outlet holes. Many fireplace/heating supply
stores carry them or can order them for you. Be sure to
get the proper natural gas or propane mixing valve. Gas
logs should be serviced annually (we suggest your
dealer) to help assure proper performance. Over time,
the materials that help create the realistic gas flame
will become worn and dirty, and replacing the embers and
sand/vermiculite will help your log set perform and look
like new. Consult your Owners Manual to determine the
correct type of material to use and how it should be
applied. Do not substitute materials or attempt to make
alterations to your gas log set; doing so may cause
dangerous conditions. Some helpful items to renew the
realism of your fireplace include soot remover spray,
replacement "glowing ember" lava rocks and rock wool
mixture to replace the original material that came with
your gas log set.
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Tree Damage: Trim Your Risk
(From AFI News) Falling trees and limbs cause hundreds
of millions of dollars of damage each year, as well as
personal injuries and deaths. Windstorms and ice storms
are leading causes of such damage and injuries. Wildfire
risks exist in nearly every state, and in those areas
buildings have also been destroyed by fire leaping from
nearby trees and shrubs. Tree-related damage is usually
apparent. Limbs crashing through a roof or onto
automobiles or power lines are hard to miss. Sometimes
the damage is so severe that entire homes are destroyed.
This is especially likely to happen when large trees are
torn out of the ground and topple onto a house, crashing
through the structure or knocking it off its foundation.
Remarkably, extensive tree damage can also occur
underground, out of sight.
The complete article is here.
Please see the next article for suggestions to help you
avoid inadvertent damage by pruning.
If you
Prune: Be careful
After the rash of storms many
of us have damaged trees and wish to prune them. Be
careful. The University of Florida warns "Pruning is a
double-edged sword, either helping or hurting according
to if, where, when, how, and why it is applied. When
properly executed, a variety of benefits can occur.
Benefits include reducing risk of branch and stem
breakage, better clearance for vehicles and pedestrians,
improved health and appearance, enhanced view, and
increased flowering. When improperly performed, pruning
can harm the tree's health, stability, and appearance."
See the entire article.
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Maintain large appliances
As the holiday season begins, make sure your appliances
are prepared for the demands you will place on them.
- Pull your refrigerator from the wall and clean the
condenser coils in back with a vacuum cleaner with a
brush attachment. Also, vacuum dust from the front lower
grille and clean the drip pan and the drain leading to
it (if your unit has one).
- Clean the oven and stove
drip pans on your electric range. Clean the surface
burner on your gas stove to ensure proper flame level.
- De-stench your in-sink garbage disposal by packing it
with ice cubes and 1/4 cup of baking soda; then turn it
on. After the ice-grinding noise stops, pour a kettle
full of boiling water into the sink.
- Check the
dishwasher strainer and washer arm; clean if necessary.
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NEWS
The National Association of Realtors reports
existing-home sales increased last month as buyers
responded to improved housing affordability conditions.
This marks two consecutive monthly inventory declines
since inventories peaked in July. NAR President Richard
F. Gaylord said "low home prices and low interest rates
have been attracting buyers." The recent reduction in
the Federal Bank Rate should keep rates low and some
analysts believe the residential market may have begun a
recovery although continued high inventories will keep
prices below previous high price levels. In short: a
good time for well qualified buyers.
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Fast Facts
·
A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbook can be
flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.
·
In 1899, President McKinley was assured by the director
of the US Patent Office that "everything that can be
invented has already been invented."
·
2 and 5 are the only prime numbers that end in 2 or 5.
·
A blink lasts approximately 0.3 seconds.
When you
sneeze air can travel through your nose at a speed of
100 miles per hour.
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Created by Grail Media, LLC
For information visit
www.homehintsenews.com
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