Consumers Digest

Your Home Improvement Projects News

  • This Week Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 11:29PMThere are openings in the Monday 6 - 8 p.m. Adult Wheel Class at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio with Will Byers. A class consists of six weekly sessions, along with multiple open studio times, and the lab fee covers clay, glazes, and firing. Tuition is $135 plus a $35 lab fee.
  • North Wales father-son team launches business Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 7:17PMBill Lessa says his retirement, following an eight-year stint as superintendent of the Hatboro-Horsham School District, left him with a long bucket list and a fire in his belly.
  • Kids trade pool time for hard work at Good Neighbors youth camp Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 6:25PMSomehow, Good Neighbors Home Repair Ministry founder Jay Malthaner manages to book the hottest week of the summer every year for their youth work camp.
  • Senior Advocate: It's possible to find good contractors Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 5:45PMQ: My home is in need of some repairs, but I have heard some horrible stories about contractors taking advantage of seniors and hesitate to hire someone. How can I avoid becoming a victim?
  • In Tower’s Shadow, Sylvan Avenue Gets A Shine Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 11:01AMHill neighbors wanted to rescue a former Black Panther house from the wrecking ball. Instead, they got something better: new sidewalks, fences, roofs, flowers—a transformation of a hardscrabble street where a senior housing tower has landed.
  • Mobile fingerprint readers put into police hands Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 9:48AMThe police improvement agency is pushing out MobileID handheld devices to forces around the UK, to let officers on the beat check fingerprints and identities on the spot ( ZDNet UK - Security )
  • Home Work: 5 do's and don'ts when hiring contractors Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 3:12AMWhen it comes to making improvements, it's important to negotiate with your contractor - but not to undervalue them. 1. Research pays off, but remember who the expert is.
  • Idling engines waste gas, money Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 10:19AMMy latest pet peeve: People who let their car engines idle endlessly. On a recent trip to the Olympic Peninsula, I pulled into a station to get gas near someone who was fueling up a mammoth motor home.
  • 6 ways to learn to love your job Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 9:30AMIf you can't quit, these tips will help you make the most of your work situation.
  • Summer contractor bargains continue Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 8:43AMKUSA - Home improvement is in full swing and contractors around the country are telling Angie's List they're still willing to negotiate prices to win jobs from homeowners planning to repair or improve their homes.
  • FANTASY BASEBALL: WHAT'S THE CALL - 7/18 Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 6:59AMIt’s easy to look back at the first half and hand out awards. It’s just as easy to say that you saw production coming or you expected things to happen. I’m not going to do either. We’re here to predict the second-half awards and show you a recap of preseason predictions.
  • Bright idea: Home energy audits Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 5:03AMI've got a freebie that keeps on giving: a home energy audit. It will help you determine ways to make your home more energy efficient and reduce utility bills.
  • Where to Ride My Bike Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 2:02AMAnd, no, the answer isn’t 'somewhere else.'
  • Q&A: A year in Afghanistan Monday, July 18, 2011 @ 1:28AMIt's not only American soldiers who have been living and working in Afghanistan in recent years. Lower Salem resident Darrell Leeper, a mechanic and diver for 31 years with the U.S.
  • Astrological Forecasts for 07/17/2011 Sunday, July 17, 2011 @ 4:08AMAries (March 21-April 19) : Today is a 9 -- You're learning quickly. Review your practices and systems, and invest in efficiency. Plug a leak to save energy and money. Treat yourself with the savings.
  • Investing: Home Depot's returns rely on customers, efficiency Sunday, July 17, 2011 @ 2:17AMA look at Home Depot's prospects. Also: Would Mutual Quest fund fit into a basic investor portfolio? Question: I am a customer and shareholder in Home Depot Inc. Despite the economy, are there good prospects ahead?
  • Volunteers/Donations Needed, 7/17 Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 11:36PMInternational Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology iCAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) is a local non-profit organization helping communities to use their local resources for their benefit. iCAST's projects foster economic viability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility in under-served communities and a new vision for their future.
  • Litchfield County Comprehensive: Molotov cocktails put a damper on July 4 merry-making, and other events in the county Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 11:36PMBARKHAMSTED
  • Beefing up the voting process Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 8:23PMThe Election Commission and the conduct of elections have come under scrutiny recently. Here EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof addresses some of the issues
  • 20. Beefing up the voting process Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 6:52PMThe Election Commission and the conduct of elections have come under scrutiny recently. Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof addresses some of the issues.
  • linda-black 07/17 TMS Original Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 4:00PMToday's Birthday (July 17). A character from a book inspires you. Whether fictional or living, this person has similar values, talents and qualities. But they've accomplished things that you marvel at. Imagine a future with those kinds of accolades.
  • A new way to save money and manage your energy Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 1:54PMOrcas Power and Light Cooperative members can now get a Home Snapshot Energy Assessment on their home’s systems and efficiency and then fund home improvement projects through Islanders Bank.
  • Educational expansion: Melissa preschool's reach spreads to neighboring cities Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 12:27AMPhoto Courtesy of J.J. Chapa - Mudpies and Lullabies Creative Preschool owner Danielle Dorman-Chapa plays around with her daughter, Liberty, at the groundbreaking for the preschool's third building, located in Anna.
  • Child advocacy center gets face-lift Saturday, July 16, 2011 @ 12:10AMBy Shavonne Potts spotts@salisburypost.com SALISBURY — The Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center has recently undergone a face-lift of sorts courtesy of more than two dozen volunteers. The center, a program of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan ...
  • Apps to Refresh Your Space Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 1:31PMIf you are planning a home-improvement project, adding on an addition, or moving into a new space this summer, make designing a little easier with the help of these apps on your smartphone. With a tap or a drag, find design inspiration, create your own visual lay out plan, and even search for a reputable builder to help refresh your space.
  • On the Business of House Flipping Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 12:49PMBy Adam Katz, Minyanville NEW YORK (Minyanville) -- Though I am working to build out the investment side of my real estate business to focus on developing a long-term residential rental model, I do actively manage the portfolio and "flip" a lot of projects. Because of this activity and low housing prices, I get asked about the business of being a "house flipper" pretty regularly. So, first let ...
  • Boring bathroom? Tight budget? No problem! Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 9:19AMThe current state of the economy may encourage us to downgrade spending, but it doesn't mean halting your home upgrades. Look to the smallest room in the house to make the biggest imprint, and look to yourself to make the difference.
  • Africa: From 'How Could' to 'How Should' - the Possibility of Trilateral Cooperation Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 9:15AMThrough reference to the history of Chinese medical assistance across the African continent, Li Anshan considers the differences in approaches and understandings behind Western and Chinese 'aid' and the scope for potential trilateral (West-China-Africa) cooperation.
  • Home Front: wallpaper, worst kitchen contest, FPL’s Power Tracker Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 8:14AMHome Front: wallpaper, worst kitchen contest, FPL’s Power Tracker
  • Angie’s List: Tips For Remodeling Your Bathroom Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 7:48AMBathrooms are one of the most popular rooms to renovate, and while it makes good financial sense to give them an upgrade, there are some things you should consider.
  • Carmageddon nears with 405 closure in Los Angeles Friday, July 15, 2011 @ 2:32AMThey have a name for it: Carmageddon. They have a plan: Stick close to home, if at all possible. And they have this: no idea what really will transpire when a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 405 in Los Angeles is shut...
  • Islanders Bank and OPALCO are partners in energy efficiency Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 4:53PMOrcas Power & Light Cooperative has partnered with Islanders Bank to bring energy efficiency tools and savings to islanders in San Juan County.
  • Horoscope for July 14 Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 8:28AMARIES (March 21-April 19): You may not like what you encounter at work or at home, but how you handle it will count in the end. Make sure you play by the rules. You will rise above the obstacles if yo
  • New Feature! Sudoku below Horoscopes and Ledge, play online or print it out! Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 7:47AMARIES (March 21-April 19): You may not like what you encounter at work or at home, but how you handle it will count in the end. Make sure you play by the rules. You will rise above the obstacles if you stick to your beliefs.
  • Lessons in Leadership| By John Hogan Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 7:31AMThis is titled lessons in leadership, and I am not specifically referring to one company, one brand or one country in that title. For the past three years, even in a tight economy, leading developers have been targeting previously under-served countries and the pace has hastened this past 12 months. (See this link for specifics)
  • Select IKEA stores to host Blink electric vehicle charging stations, Volts now suitable for furniture pickup Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 4:29AMNeed to pick up a foursome of Detolf display cases? Better know a pal with a pickup, bub. Unless , of course, your nearest IKEA happens to be one of ten situated in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. The famed furniture retailer has just nailed down a partnership with ECOtality, with a smattering of its western US stores to host Blink electric vehicle charging stations . Each of the ...
  • EA-18G Growlers Complete 1st Combat Deployment Thursday, July 14, 2011 @ 4:05AMTwo Additional Growler Squadrons Now Deployed The U.S. Navy's electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 EA-18G Growlers safely returned to their home base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, on July 9, after completing an eight-month deployment.
  • Letters to the Editor Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 1:51PMThe focus of last week's New Canaan News cover story about the Lakeview Bridge litigation fiasco was better communications in the future. That is admirable, but it appears that the committee investigating this matter, led by Town Councilwoman Kit Devereaux , has not received a satisfactory explanation why First Selectman Jeb Walker decided not to timely inform town officials who had a need to ...
  • Helping Out for July 13, 2011 Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 12:13PMHelping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submissions should be sent to dailyjournal@scbiznews.com .
  • The Deck Is Stacked Against Trex Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 10:16AMThis is the worst time of the year to come up short.
  • Infographic: How Much Cash Can DIY Auto Repairs Really Save? Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 9:45AMThe internet has been a boon for folks who like doing things for themselves. Need to install some tile? Transplant a tree? Fix a leaky gutter? Run a quick search on Google -- or better yet, skim the offerings on YouTube -- and you'll find that most of those projects are well within your reach. But while home improvement has been a big deal on the...
  • Top fertilizing mistakes gardeners make Wednesday, July 13, 2011 @ 7:14AMFertilizer is good nutrition for lawns and gardens, but just like human food, fertilizer diets must be strictly controlled. Gardeners often use too much or too little fertilizer or simply the wrong product, with potentially disastrous results.
  • 6 Ways To Learn To Love Your Job Monday, July 11, 2011 @ 12:16PMIf you cant quit, these tips will help you make the most of your work situation.
  • Interview: Andrew Stanton Talks ‘John Carter’ Monday, July 11, 2011 @ 10:38AM[1] In June, I visited the editing room of John Carter, the big screen adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic sci-fi novel A Princess of Mars (you can watch my video blog here [2]). At the event, director Andrew Stanton and producer Jim Morris gave a presentation explaining how they came to be involved with the project, and described the unique process they took to "shoot" the adaptation ...
  • Physician, Heal the System Monday, July 11, 2011 @ 6:02AMTwo years ago you could scarcely open a newspaper without reading about health care, and you might be forgiven for thinking (or hoping) that the debate was over. Yet the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was signed into law in March 2010 offers more concrete plans for reforming the health insurance system than for reforming the health care system. It will change how we pay for ...
  • Kichler Superstore Helps Boost Real Estate Value With Kichler Lighting Super Sale Monday, July 11, 2011 @ 2:20AMKichler Superstore urges homeowners to increase real estate value through its Kichler Lighting Sale; all sale products up to 30% off (PRWeb July 11, 2011) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/KichlerSuperstore/RealEstateTrends/prweb8587418.htm
  • Downtown parking will cost more for less time Saturday, July 9, 2011 @ 8:30PMAsking for an opinion about sweeping changes to downtown parking in Nashua is a bit like flipping a coin: You get one of two responses. People either accept or reject the idea of putting more money in a meter and having less time to park on Main Street. The cost of parking in downtown proper will increase soon, as will the number of hours that meters will operate. Conversely, the time you can ...
  • Take precautions in summer heat Saturday, July 9, 2011 @ 3:20AMAs summer temperatures begin to sizzle, home improvement tasks become particularly challenging. Take these precautions when working in hot weather to protect your health and get better results.
  • Volunteers/Donations Needed, 7/10 Friday, July 8, 2011 @ 10:25PMInternational Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology iCAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) is a local non-profit organization helping communities to use their local resources for their benefit. iCAST's projects foster economic viability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility in under-served communities and a new vision for their future.
  • 6. Brazil - from football champion to economic powerhouse Friday, July 8, 2011 @ 7:47PMBrazil is one of the current stars of the world economy and investors, including from Malaysia, are zeroing into opportunities there. Scomi Engineering recently won a bid for a monorail project in Sao Paulo and HSBC Malaysia has just launched “Am...