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Ask The Pro Newsletter
- Tips to keep in mind when hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor.
- Tips for Keeping your computer clean.
- How to choose your Home Electronic Equipment.
- Are you ready for your close up?
- Oil Change Myth - BUSTED!
- Top 10 places every traveler should see!
- The " Dog Days" of Summer
Volume I, Edition 4
Hello Ask The Pro Listener,
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today. To view more information about
a company click on their logo!
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show every Saturday 11am-
12pm central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Air Express
David Svoboda
Here are some great tips to keep in mind when hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor.
1.Referrals are a great way to start. Ask family, friends and neighbors about their experience with
heating and cooling contractors in your area. Inquire about customer service, job performance, and if
the job was completed on time.
2.Every state is different when it comes to license and insurance requirements for contractors. It’s
important to do some research before you get started.
3. Have your contractor assess your needs within your home. Your contractor should spend time
evaluating your current system, including duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and
measure air flow to make sure it meets manufacturer specifications.
4.Recognize the Energy Star logo. Energy Star qualified products meet strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products offer long term energy
savings.
5.When getting an estimate make sure it’s in writing and itemized. Compare contractors proposals
including warranties, energy efficiency and cost.
6.Before a contractor gets started working, be sure to sign a written proposal. This will specify the job
schedule, warranty information and cost.
_______________________________________________________________
Impress Computers
Roland Parker
Tips to keep your computer clean!
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnecessary files
and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your anti spy ware program regularly. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to
both run the program and delete the files that it finds.
3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and
when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your
anti spy ware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides
in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your
anti spy ware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your anti virus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and
that it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your anti virus
program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described
above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage.
If you do not have an anti virus program you can download from the link to AVG above, but be warned
that if your machine is already infected you may have to bring it into the store as some viruses will
disable the anti virus program as you are downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for
you.
5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and
that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to
close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and
then run your anti spy ware program in safe mode*
*Example: You see a pop up. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the
download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99
per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill.
What happened? The "X" was fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a
link to the "drive-by download".
How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent pop ups in the first place. If you do get
a pop up though, close it using the "Ctrl - W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl key and
press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.
____________________________________________________________________
Leisure Electronics
Bill Bresett
How to choose you Home Electronic Equipment
Getting control of your home electronics equipment these days can be a daunting task. Every
component in the system has it’s own remote controller, which means there are several lying around
most viewing rooms today.
Fortunately the industry has responded with a variety of new system controllers that really simplify and
enhance your audio and or video use. Whether you have a simple system with just two or three devices
or a very complex multi-room multi-zone system there is a system controller out there to simplify your
life.
Some of these can be purchased at your local electronics store and some have to come from a custom
installer but all are designed to make "the remote " more user friendly.
The thing to ask for, or look for if you are going to do this yourself is a remote that does macros. That is
to say will do several functions with the touch of just one button. That is where the easy comes in for the
user. if you have a little tech ability you may want to try one of the ones you purchase and program
yourself. You enter in what type of equipment you have and answer a few questions about how you use
it and download this to the remote and your done.
I find more often than not my clients would rather have me do the programming on one of the products
that I sell and that way they have someone who will be there to answer their question, make changes ,
or deal with problems should they come up.
With these new system controllers you no longer have to wait for your kids or spouse to turn on the
system and make it operate, you simply press one or two buttons and it’s on and in full operation.
The real beauty is they are more reliable than most cell phones or computers and once properly
programmed do simplify your home theater or music experience a lot.
Just think next time you are getting ready to watch your favorite show you don’t have to start ten minutes
early just to have your system on and running. and you won’t have to call your children, even those that
are grown and have left home, to ask " how do I watch a movie on my DVD player again"?
_____________________________________________________________________
Mary Kay
Kim Barcomb
Are You Ready for Your Close Up?
Spring has sprung: The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and
there is a feeling of renewal and happiness in the air. Is it any wonder
that the season is linked to romance and that June is the most popular
month for weddings?
The majority of weddings may occur in June, but they are planned well
ahead. In fact, statistics show that most brides plan their weddings for 7
to 12 months*. More than any other event, every detail of the wedding must
be picture perfect, including the bride herself. For many brides this
includes purchasing the perfect dress, and trying different hairstyles to
find the most flattering one to complement the look well before the event.
Another facet of the look is makeup, however many brides may overlook the
most important aspect which is the condition of their skin.
The skin is the canvas on which makeup is applied. If you have properly
prepared your skin for at least a couple months prior to the wedding, the
makeup applied can be sheer, providing a flawless and natural look - truly
picture perfect. This means finding a quality skin product and regime that
will work to correct common flaws in the skin, whether that’s blotchiness,
dark or puffy circles under the eye, or occasional acne.
So, if you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, don’t forget this
important area. A proper skin care routine started early enough will
absolutely bring out your natural beauty and allow the makeup to do its
job. When the makeup is professionally applied on your newly “primed”
canvas, the results are a truly confident bride, beautiful both inside and
out!
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Westside Pitstop
Curtis Moore
Oil Change Myth - BUSTED!!
Have you heard the following?..."When it comes to maintenance, all you’re going to need to do is get
the oil changed every 7,500 miles, you won’t have to worry about anything else for the first 100,000
miles." That is a new car salesmen pitch, but is it true? If you look closely at the owner’s manual you’ll
notice that the 7,500 mile oil change applies to "normal driving conditions".
What are normal driving conditions? *Sunny driving with 70 degree weather *Highway driving *Clean
air-few pollutants, minimal dust, dirt and sand. Doesn’t sound like Houston driving to me!
Remember, changing your oil is simply about replacing the oil before it breaks down.
Oil needs to be changed because it collects particles that can damage valuable and expensive moving
parts.
Oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles in Houston PERIOD!!
Here’s the math: *Engine repair = $1,500 to $4,000 *Oil Change cost $25.00 *Cost of oil changes, if
keep vehicle for 150,000 miles = $1,250.00.
So you tell me, what’s smarter: investing less than $1,500 over 10 years to keep your vehicle humming
or plunking down a single payment of $4,000 so you can get to work on Monday?
The Westside Pit Stop can help! Oil Changes for Katy Pros readers are $14.99 plus tax up to 6 qts of
oil, gasoline vehicles only., just bring in a copy of this newsletter! Or print our coupon from the Katy Pros
Website.
________________________________________________________________________________
U Travel EZ
Dolores Loyd
Top 10: places every traveler should see.
What are the must-see destinations for any world traveler? Check out our list of places you have to see
to believe!
1. Paris, France
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Venice, Italy
4. Mayan Ruins, Mexico
5. Stonehenge, United Kingdom
6. Athens, Greece
7. New York City, N.Y.
8. The Great Wall of China, China
9. Grand Canyon, Ariz.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
________________________________________________________________________________
Waggin tails Pet Ranch
Denise Enkauf
The “Dog Days” of Summer by Denise Einkauf
The “dog days” of Summer are coming and with them comes the vacation
season. For most families, this means traveling and boarding their four
legged family members. This can be very stressful for the family and the
pets. There are several ways to relieve some of this stress by following a
few simple guidelines.
One of the first, and most important, steps to boarding your pet is
finding the right facility. One good way to research a kennel in your area
is to use a website like the American Boarding Kennel Association website
(www.ABKA.com). This site offers a pet services locator and an owner’s
guide to selecting a pet care facility. Once you locate some facilities in
your area, you should contact them for availability and for their policies
on tours. It is important to tour an establishment before leaving your
pet.
Once you have chosen a pet care facility, there are several ways that you
can make the actual boarding experience easier for you and your pets.
• Ask what paperwork will be needed and try to complete it in advance
• Be calm and positive at drop off. Pets can sense owners’ anxiety. Hand
over your pet’s leash with a quick and loving good-bye. Long good-byes
only upset you and your pet.
• If packing stresses your pet- try to make arrangements to have the pet
dropped off before the suitcases come out of the closet.
These are just some of the guidelines that families can follow to relieve
some of the anxiety of boarding pets and enjoy the “dog days” of Summer.
________________________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I volunteer at a local non-profit children's center that provides free or low cost child care for low
income families while they are at work or school. They have two portable buildings with galvanized
steel roofs. For several years the roofs had piles of redwood tree leaves on parts of the roof and
several large spots have started to rust. The trees and leaves are gone, but I don't know what to do
about the rust spots. They're not leaking now, but it's only a matter of time.
A: I would sand them down, clean the roof off with a mild cleaner and then consider using a product
called roof coat to put a white coating that helps keep the roof tight and dry.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com. All Check A Pro members have
been pre-qualified through the following:
-Reference Check
-Local Business Bureau Review
-License Check w/ the Sate of Texas
- Tips for Keeping your computer clean.
- How to choose your Home Electronic Equipment.
- Are you ready for your close up?
- Oil Change Myth - BUSTED!
- Top 10 places every traveler should see!
- The " Dog Days" of Summer
Volume I, Edition 4
Hello Ask The Pro Listener,
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today. To view more information about
a company click on their logo!
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show every Saturday 11am-
12pm central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Air Express
David Svoboda
Here are some great tips to keep in mind when hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor.
1.Referrals are a great way to start. Ask family, friends and neighbors about their experience with
heating and cooling contractors in your area. Inquire about customer service, job performance, and if
the job was completed on time.
2.Every state is different when it comes to license and insurance requirements for contractors. It’s
important to do some research before you get started.
3. Have your contractor assess your needs within your home. Your contractor should spend time
evaluating your current system, including duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and
measure air flow to make sure it meets manufacturer specifications.
4.Recognize the Energy Star logo. Energy Star qualified products meet strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products offer long term energy
savings.
5.When getting an estimate make sure it’s in writing and itemized. Compare contractors proposals
including warranties, energy efficiency and cost.
6.Before a contractor gets started working, be sure to sign a written proposal. This will specify the job
schedule, warranty information and cost.
_______________________________________________________________
Impress Computers
Roland Parker
Tips to keep your computer clean!
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnecessary files
and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your anti spy ware program regularly. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to
both run the program and delete the files that it finds.
3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and
when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your
anti spy ware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides
in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your
anti spy ware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your anti virus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and
that it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your anti virus
program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described
above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage.
If you do not have an anti virus program you can download from the link to AVG above, but be warned
that if your machine is already infected you may have to bring it into the store as some viruses will
disable the anti virus program as you are downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for
you.
5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and
that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to
close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and
then run your anti spy ware program in safe mode*
*Example: You see a pop up. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the
download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99
per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill.
What happened? The "X" was fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a
link to the "drive-by download".
How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent pop ups in the first place. If you do get
a pop up though, close it using the "Ctrl - W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl key and
press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.
____________________________________________________________________
Leisure Electronics
Bill Bresett
How to choose you Home Electronic Equipment
Getting control of your home electronics equipment these days can be a daunting task. Every
component in the system has it’s own remote controller, which means there are several lying around
most viewing rooms today.
Fortunately the industry has responded with a variety of new system controllers that really simplify and
enhance your audio and or video use. Whether you have a simple system with just two or three devices
or a very complex multi-room multi-zone system there is a system controller out there to simplify your
life.
Some of these can be purchased at your local electronics store and some have to come from a custom
installer but all are designed to make "the remote " more user friendly.
The thing to ask for, or look for if you are going to do this yourself is a remote that does macros. That is
to say will do several functions with the touch of just one button. That is where the easy comes in for the
user. if you have a little tech ability you may want to try one of the ones you purchase and program
yourself. You enter in what type of equipment you have and answer a few questions about how you use
it and download this to the remote and your done.
I find more often than not my clients would rather have me do the programming on one of the products
that I sell and that way they have someone who will be there to answer their question, make changes ,
or deal with problems should they come up.
With these new system controllers you no longer have to wait for your kids or spouse to turn on the
system and make it operate, you simply press one or two buttons and it’s on and in full operation.
The real beauty is they are more reliable than most cell phones or computers and once properly
programmed do simplify your home theater or music experience a lot.
Just think next time you are getting ready to watch your favorite show you don’t have to start ten minutes
early just to have your system on and running. and you won’t have to call your children, even those that
are grown and have left home, to ask " how do I watch a movie on my DVD player again"?
_____________________________________________________________________
Mary Kay
Kim Barcomb
Are You Ready for Your Close Up?
Spring has sprung: The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, and
there is a feeling of renewal and happiness in the air. Is it any wonder
that the season is linked to romance and that June is the most popular
month for weddings?
The majority of weddings may occur in June, but they are planned well
ahead. In fact, statistics show that most brides plan their weddings for 7
to 12 months*. More than any other event, every detail of the wedding must
be picture perfect, including the bride herself. For many brides this
includes purchasing the perfect dress, and trying different hairstyles to
find the most flattering one to complement the look well before the event.
Another facet of the look is makeup, however many brides may overlook the
most important aspect which is the condition of their skin.
The skin is the canvas on which makeup is applied. If you have properly
prepared your skin for at least a couple months prior to the wedding, the
makeup applied can be sheer, providing a flawless and natural look - truly
picture perfect. This means finding a quality skin product and regime that
will work to correct common flaws in the skin, whether that’s blotchiness,
dark or puffy circles under the eye, or occasional acne.
So, if you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, don’t forget this
important area. A proper skin care routine started early enough will
absolutely bring out your natural beauty and allow the makeup to do its
job. When the makeup is professionally applied on your newly “primed”
canvas, the results are a truly confident bride, beautiful both inside and
out!
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Westside Pitstop
Curtis Moore
Oil Change Myth - BUSTED!!
Have you heard the following?..."When it comes to maintenance, all you’re going to need to do is get
the oil changed every 7,500 miles, you won’t have to worry about anything else for the first 100,000
miles." That is a new car salesmen pitch, but is it true? If you look closely at the owner’s manual you’ll
notice that the 7,500 mile oil change applies to "normal driving conditions".
What are normal driving conditions? *Sunny driving with 70 degree weather *Highway driving *Clean
air-few pollutants, minimal dust, dirt and sand. Doesn’t sound like Houston driving to me!
Remember, changing your oil is simply about replacing the oil before it breaks down.
Oil needs to be changed because it collects particles that can damage valuable and expensive moving
parts.
Oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles in Houston PERIOD!!
Here’s the math: *Engine repair = $1,500 to $4,000 *Oil Change cost $25.00 *Cost of oil changes, if
keep vehicle for 150,000 miles = $1,250.00.
So you tell me, what’s smarter: investing less than $1,500 over 10 years to keep your vehicle humming
or plunking down a single payment of $4,000 so you can get to work on Monday?
The Westside Pit Stop can help! Oil Changes for Katy Pros readers are $14.99 plus tax up to 6 qts of
oil, gasoline vehicles only., just bring in a copy of this newsletter! Or print our coupon from the Katy Pros
Website.
________________________________________________________________________________
U Travel EZ
Dolores Loyd
Top 10: places every traveler should see.
What are the must-see destinations for any world traveler? Check out our list of places you have to see
to believe!
1. Paris, France
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Venice, Italy
4. Mayan Ruins, Mexico
5. Stonehenge, United Kingdom
6. Athens, Greece
7. New York City, N.Y.
8. The Great Wall of China, China
9. Grand Canyon, Ariz.
10. Machu Picchu, Peru
________________________________________________________________________________
Waggin tails Pet Ranch
Denise Enkauf
The “Dog Days” of Summer by Denise Einkauf
The “dog days” of Summer are coming and with them comes the vacation
season. For most families, this means traveling and boarding their four
legged family members. This can be very stressful for the family and the
pets. There are several ways to relieve some of this stress by following a
few simple guidelines.
One of the first, and most important, steps to boarding your pet is
finding the right facility. One good way to research a kennel in your area
is to use a website like the American Boarding Kennel Association website
(www.ABKA.com). This site offers a pet services locator and an owner’s
guide to selecting a pet care facility. Once you locate some facilities in
your area, you should contact them for availability and for their policies
on tours. It is important to tour an establishment before leaving your
pet.
Once you have chosen a pet care facility, there are several ways that you
can make the actual boarding experience easier for you and your pets.
• Ask what paperwork will be needed and try to complete it in advance
• Be calm and positive at drop off. Pets can sense owners’ anxiety. Hand
over your pet’s leash with a quick and loving good-bye. Long good-byes
only upset you and your pet.
• If packing stresses your pet- try to make arrangements to have the pet
dropped off before the suitcases come out of the closet.
These are just some of the guidelines that families can follow to relieve
some of the anxiety of boarding pets and enjoy the “dog days” of Summer.
________________________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: I volunteer at a local non-profit children's center that provides free or low cost child care for low
income families while they are at work or school. They have two portable buildings with galvanized
steel roofs. For several years the roofs had piles of redwood tree leaves on parts of the roof and
several large spots have started to rust. The trees and leaves are gone, but I don't know what to do
about the rust spots. They're not leaking now, but it's only a matter of time.
A: I would sand them down, clean the roof off with a mild cleaner and then consider using a product
called roof coat to put a white coating that helps keep the roof tight and dry.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com. All Check A Pro members have
been pre-qualified through the following:
-Reference Check
-Local Business Bureau Review
-License Check w/ the Sate of Texas
| Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays 11am - 12pm on CNN 650 CALL IN LINE (713) 965-0650 |
