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California
Contract Law Protects Immigrants
Immigrants
who do not speak English often negotiate a used car sale in their
own language. But they then cannot read the contracts they sign
because the agreements are in English. It is illegal if the terms
of the written contract are not what was agreed upon verbally, according
to Laurel Pallock, a consumer protection investigator with the San
Francisco District Attorney's Office. California law, for 30 years,
has required that negotiations conducted in Spanish be finalized
with a written contract in the same language. And just a year ago,
the law was amended to also cover Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog and
Chinese.
The
law covers contracts for new and used car purchases and leases,
apartment rentals, legal services fee agreements, retail installment
plans (for televisions, refrigerators, etc.), and unsecured consumer
bank loans. If you find a seller in violation of the law, please
report it to your local district attorney's office.
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Be
Your Own Driveway Detective
I
was on my hands and knees the other day, investigating a puddle
of water underneath my car. That's being a driveway detective, according
to Larry Hecker, President of the non-profit Motorist Assurance
Program. Mr. Hecker says most people only pay attention to their
gas gauges, and don't bother to notice noises or monitor tire pressure
and dripping fluids.
The
water under my car was nothing more than condensation from the air
conditioner. But watch for other fluids that are colored, oily and
often thick. Leaking coolant is usually green, yellow or orange.
Transmission fluid is red or pink. Windshield washer fluid is always
blue, and dripping motor oil is usually dark or black, and dirty.
Too many drips of any color mean that you need to take the car to
your mechanic. Meanwhile, clean off the driveway with an abrasive
cleanser like Comet. Sprinkle it on, let it set, and hose it off.
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Fluorescent
Lights Have Come a Long Way, Baby!
When
was the last time you shopped for fluorescent lighting? Years ago,
people were nervous about fluorescent light bulbs because the flickering
bothered the eyes. The light given off was cold and pale, not flattering.
Now, according to Michael Ricciardi, CEO of MARS Lighting and Design,
a Diamond Certified company, new technology has eliminated earlier
problems. New and improved fluorescent lighting emits warmer color
and doesn't flicker anymore.
Because
they're energy efficient, state building codes now require that
some fluorescent lights be used in all kitchens and bathrooms in
newly constructed homes. These light bulbs are three times brighter
than incandescent bulbs and much more energy efficient. Mr. Ricciardi
says regular bulbs will last about 750 hours, while a fluorescent
bulb lasts 10,000 hours. You can buy fluorescent bulbs in other
colors now besides white. Also dimming ballasts are now available,
which is a great feature, especially for kitchens.
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Spiffing
Up Your Car's Exhaust System
Do
you want your sports car or truck to have that deep throaty growl
when you take off at an intersection? Vroom, vroom, vroom! It's
easy enough to do by having an exhaust system installed that lets
the exhaust from the engine flow more freely out the tailpipes.
Kurt Nelson, General Manager of Babe's and Lightning Muffler Service,
a Diamond Certified company, says this type of upgrade will make
your engine sound a lot more powerful and even improve gas mileage.
Two
popular systems, which can be installed for less than $400, are
Magnaflow and Flow Master. The muffler is changed and dual tailpipes
with special tips are added. Some of the tips even have patterns
on them. The louder exhaust systems do comply with California law,
but be aware that you can be ticketed for driving around with a
muffler, which you have modified yourself, that makes too much noise.
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Designing
Your Own Engagement Ring
Custom
designing your wedding rings is not as difficult as many people
think, according to Jay Cresalia, graduate gemologist and President
of Cresalia Jewelers, a Diamond Certified company. You begin by
looking around at jewelry stores and pictures in magazines, and
talking to friends to get ideas for your creation.
Mr.
Cresalia says a good designer will ask you about the thickness and
weight of the ring, what is comfortable on your finger, and what
type of settings and stones you like. The designer should build
on and clarify what you say and then create a sketch, wax model,
or the actual ring. Metals are pliable so minor adjustments are
easy to make. Get a clear understanding up-front on the metals to
be used, completion date, guarantees and the final price. Be sure
to sure to ask if an appraisal is included because it's a good idea
to have one for insurance purposes.
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Expert
Advice on Sizing Up Used Cars
When
shopping for a used car, most of us know to look for low mileage
vehicles, and to watch out for things such as obvious body damage
and low tread tires. But how do experts like Gary Anderson, Managing
Partner of AutoSource Motoring, a Diamond Certified company, evaluate
an older vehicle? Besides reviewing the service records, Mr. Anderson
recommends getting a report from CARFAX for $24.99, which will show
the title history, and whether the car's been in a major accident,
has a salvage certificate or been returned for being a manufacturer
buyback or "lemon." The report also includes information
on recalls.
It's
best to avoid used cars with mismatched tires, scuffed leather interiors
and pet smells. Other red flags are signs of rust, poor paint and
body repairs, and pervasive cigarette odor. Any type of smoke permeates
the carpeting, headliner and venting system and is about impossible
to eliminate.
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What
to Expect With Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
So
you like the layout of your kitchen, for the most part, and you
don't want to spend your entire remodeling budget on just one room.
Then consider refacing your kitchen, according to Carmen Gage of
KitchenWorks, a Diamond Certified company. "Cabinet refacing
is not cabinet refurbishing, staining, or refinishing. You'll see
a dramatic change in your kitchen when the old cabinet doors and
drawer fronts are removed, the cabinet surfaces are renewed, and
your custom crafted doors, drawer fronts, and new hardware are installed."
In
a mini-remodel, a designer can help you make your selections and
find materials compatible with the style of your home. You can add
new countertops, an island or pantry, new appliances, or even have
additional cabinets built for extra storage space you need. What's
unique about cabinet refacing is that the job is done quickly, usually
in one to two weeks, depending on what amenities you add to your
new kitchen. The other good news is that updating your kitchen this
way will cost you about half as much as a complete kitchen remodel
and will increase the value of your home.
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Comparison
Shopping for Custom Cabinets and Closets
When
you make a substantial investment in custom cabinets or closets,
it's important to get several bids, but it can be tricky. Peter
Chan, President of Aloha Closets, a Diamond Certified company, says
he frequently runs into customers trying to comparison shop who
don't realize that in order to do an apples-to-apples comparison,
they need to ask the right questions.
Customers
often forget to request a detailed breakout of the items selected,
such as type of drawer slides (full-extension, over-travel, and
3/4 extension), interior material (melamine or plywood), or door
hinges (multi-way adjustable or clip-on). These options can sometimes
make-up more than 20% of the bid and could mean the difference between
using high quality components and someone who is cutting corners.
Mr. Chan suggests spending the time to understand the material and
accessories being provided in order to make a fair assessment of
the estimates and not just go with the lowest bid.
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Boost
Your Home's Selling Price
Most
homeowners want their homes to sell quickly for the highest price
possible. To accomplish that, Jane Brown, owner of Diamond Certified's
Optimum Realty, a full-service real estate firm, strongly recommends
that sellers consider staging their homes before posting a "for
sale" sign. Staged homes stand out from the others, and evoke
an emotional response from prospective buyers.
New
home developers originally introduced staging by fully furnishing
their models. The concept is now applied to existing homes. Once
you remove your clutter and furnishings, the walls get a fresh coat
of neutral colored paint. Then an experienced interior designer
creates a motif with temporary furniture and just the right accessories.
The idea is to maximize the use of space and create immediate curb
appeal. According to Ms. Brown, this approach works well on almost
any property and in her experience, results in an increased selling
price of somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000.
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Scientific
Tree Care is a Sound Investment
Trees
can add significant value to your property. By taking an informed
approach to caring for your trees, you can minimize problems before
they occur. According to Jonathan LoGiudice, a Certified Arborist
for Bartlett Tree Experts, a Diamond Certified company, "A
scientifically trained arborist is better able to identify tree
problems and help prevent them.
Problems include tree failure, damage from storms and decline from
insects and diseases. Arborists are also trained to help improve
tree health and aesthetics." The arborist should also be receiving
continuing education to stay current with the latest research and
training in the field.
"With
a sound scientific approach, your trees can be converted from a
liability to an asset", says Mr. LoGiudice. Scientific care
is proactive and helps protect your trees long term. Therefore,
when deciding how to care for your trees, consider the knowledge,
experience, training and scientific background of the arborist examining
your trees.
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Low
Voltage Lighting's Many Benefits
Low-voltage
halogen lighting does a great job of saving energy and providing
good quality light. On top of that, the fixtures are fun and stylish.
"You can have it all when it comes to lighting in your home,"
says Tal Mashhadian, owner of Lite Line Illuminations, Inc., a Diamond
Certified company. Halogen lighting is of such high quality and
shows colors so well that many art galleries and jewelry stores
are now using it.
The
best news is that you do not need to make any changes in your electrical
system at home in order to convert to halogen lighting. No special
wiring is required. The fixtures themselves are designed to handle
the lower voltage and provide a steady light over the life of the
bulb, unlike an incandescent bulb, which steadily becomes dimmer.
Another benefit is that you can adjust halogen lights with a dimmer
switch and you won't get that awful buzzing sound!
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Mosquitoes
- A Threat to Your Pet
This
year's abundant winter rains are expected to increase the mosquito
habitat, bringing two threats to your pet's health. Local veterinarians
like Dr. George Walters, DVM, from Northbay Animal Hospital, a Diamond
Certified organization, are warning pet owners that both West Nile
virus and Heartworm disease are spread by mosquito bites. Heartworm
disease infects dogs, cats, and other small animals, while West
Nile only infects horses and humans.
Dr.
Walters says Heartworm disease is much less of a risk for dogs and
cats taking a monthly treatment such as Heartguard. Infected dogs
can be treated, but no safe treatment has been developed for cats.
Dogs can pass the infection to other dogs, cats, and even humans
by mosquitoes. Eight-five percent of dogs rescued from Hurricane
Katrina areas and brought here tested positive; they could be spreading
the disease. Watch for symptoms which mimic a heart condition, such
as coughing, weakness, and/or shortness of breath.
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What
You Didn't Know About "Test Only" Smog Centers
"Test
only" shops are not only for those vehicles pre-selected by
the Department of Motor Vehicles. Greg McBee, shop manager for AAAAA
Smog Center, a Diamond Certified company, tells me that anyone can
get a smog check at one of these places. The test will be a little
more expensive; some people prefer "test only" facilities
because the service is completed in just 15 to 20 minutes. The price
is not set by law, so shop around before choosing a test center.
Cars
more than 10 years old and/or high mileage vehicles are randomly
selected for "test only" smog checks because they have
a high emissions profile. However, according to Mr. McBee, the DMV
also selects 2% of all vehicles for such testing, so even a new
car could be referred to a "test only" facility. Smog
checks are not required for any car made in 1975 or earlier.
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Who's
Really Going to Do the Work?
According
to David Lincer, owner of Rollin' Along, a Diamond Certified company
which sells and installs lifts and ramps,
"This is one of the most important questions to ask when you're
shopping for a contractor, plumber or skilled technician. Many customers
forget to inquire when pricing a job whether work will be done by
a licensed and trained expert, or whether it will be subbed out
to a less skilled employee who is nominally supervised." This
alone may account for price differences between bids. Having someone
with more skill can often make a big difference in the quality of
the job.
When
collecting bids, make sure you understand what the bid includes.
Mr. Lincer suggests that you always ask whether such things as freight,
labor, measurements, and a service contract are included. You might
be surprised to find out what kinds of extra charges show up on
the final bill.
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Time
to Chuck Your Old Hearing Aid?
Does
your current hearing aid sound like your head is in a bucket? Does
the sound of your own voice make you feel like you are shouting
when you talk? Is it hard to carry on a conversation when you are
chewing? These are common complaints from people with traditional
hearing aids according to Robert Baker, M.S., FAAA head Audiologist
at Hearing Health Care of San Francisco, a Diamond Certified company.
Most of these problems can be eliminated by digital hearing aids
with "OPEN EAR" technology.
This
new technology allows the Audiologist to use your natural hearing
in combination with an "OPEN" ear canal fitting that channels
the sound you need to hear, not what you do not want to hear. Patients
can be very satisfied with these high quality devices as it is easier
to adjust to new hearing aids that provide natural hearing.
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Use
Better Manners to Get Better Service
One
of my best strategies for getting excellent customer service is
nothing mysterious. By simply using good manners and kindness when
I deal with service people, I consistently get superb results. When
I call my doctor's office for example, I ask for the receptionist's
name and ask how her day is going. Recently I gave the office nurse
a Starbucks gift card for her exceptional service. Now you're no
longer a stranger, so when you beg for a last minute appointment,
they find a way to squeeze you in.
And
how about offering the plumber, painter, carpet cleaner or gardener
a cup of coffee, a glass of water or a soft drink? Who doesn't appreciate
a kind word at the end of a long day? Why not thank someone for
the hard work or extra effort? Staff will be competing with each
other to come to your house the next time you call for service!
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Big
Fuel Savings With Diesel Cars
Now
that fuel prices are rising meteorically, people who would have
never before thought of buying a diesel engine car are reconsidering.
The newer turbo-diesels made beginning in 2004 are cleaner than
older ones, and these later model cars can run on BioDiesel with
no alterations, according to Dave Sutch, owner of My Car Guy, a
Diamond Certified company.
You
can't buy new diesel cars in California; they can only be registered
once they have 7500 miles on the odometer. The engines are powerful
and they don't need tune-ups or smog tests, only oil and filter
changes. Diesels also last a long time. Mr. Sutch estimates that
if you're doing primarily city driving, the engine will last about
400,000 miles - more if highway driving. The cost of diesel is now
about the same as regular gas or mid-grade, but the real savings
come from getting at least 40 miles to the gallon, depending on
model and driving habits.
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Buying
Diamonds on the Internet?
In
the past few years, jewelers like Sarkis Sarkissian, Operations
Manager for Giraux Fine Jewelry, a Diamond Certified company, have
noticed that more customers are purchasing diamond rings over the
Internet. On occasion, consumers may save a few dollars, especially
sales tax, when dealing with out of state companies. But are they
getting all that they bargained for?
Mr.
Sarkissian says what you miss when buying a diamond from a website
is the chance to compare the beauty and brilliance of the gems.
Up to 80% of a diamond's characteristics can be quantified by the
information provided by a certificate like those provided by the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The other vital 20% of the
evaluation must be done based on the aesthetic appearance of the
diamond. How does a diamond shine in comparison to another? No certificate
can replace the valuable information provided by the human eye.
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Removing
Pet Urine Stains from Hardwood?
To
prevent pet urine stains on hardwood floors, the key is to catch
the problem when the urine is still fresh. Wayne Highlander, owner
of Legend Hardwood Floors, a Diamond Certified company, recommends
using paper towels or cloth to dry the area. Then apply white vinegar
and wash the area thoroughly a couple of times. Wash again with
warm water and soap. Don't flood the floors; you don't want them
to cup. Dry thoroughly. You should pay extra attention to cat urine
because the odor is more harsh and cats will return to the same
area to urinate if the scent remains.
If
the urine has penetrated into the floor and turned it dark, there
are two possible solutions. One, the area may be sanded down to
bare wood, re-stained and refinished. Two, if the boards turn very
dark, or even buckle, the boards will have to be replaced and professionally
sanded and refinished.
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Correct
Alignment Saves Tires and Gas?
It's
time to get your alignment checked if you have noticed unusual tire
wear, a shake in the steering wheel while driving, or the sensation
that your car is pulling to the right or left. Bob Berndt, President
of Pacific Tire Sales, a Diamond Certified company, says a professional
wheel alignment will most likely solve these problems and at the
same time, extend the life of your tires and improve fuel economy.
New
digital imaging technology is now used to precisely measure the
position and orientation of reflective targets mounted on each wheel
of your vehicle. The data from four cameras are the basis for calculating
the car's current measurement, which is then compared to the auto
manufacturer's original specifications. Now the technician has the
exact information to make proper adjustments. These professional
alignments are extremely accurate; they're also inexpensive and
can be done quickly, often while you wait.
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Protecting
Natural Stone at Home?
Natural
stone continues to be a popular choice for countertops, islands,
vanities and floors. Knowing how to protect and properly care for
these surfaces can help you preserve your investment. Because natural
stone is porous, it requires a protective sealer and special care
to prevent stains and scratches. Paul Beaton of Cleaner One, a Diamond
Certified company, recommends sealing stone surfaces and regularly
maintaining them with a neutral pH balanced cleaner (formulated
for stone's unique mineral composition). Avoid general cleaners,
such as vinegar, bleach, Comet® or ammonia; these cleaners can
break down the sealer, etch away polish, discolor and scratch the
surface.
Mr.
Beaton also suggests using coasters under glasses, especially for
alcoholic drinks or citrus juices. He further recommends placing
trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware, blotting up spills
immediately to minimize permanent damage, and placing a small area
rug at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
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Your
Refrigerator May Need a Steam Bath!?
You
may think you're cleaning your refrigerator by simply putting an
extra box of baking soda on the shelf, but eliminating odors is
the easy part of the job. Stanley Costa, President of SonoMarin
Cleaning Services, Inc., a Diamond Certified company, says a thorough
cleaning must eliminate spoiled foods and include a top to bottom
hand washing with steam and sometimes a mild detergent. Never clean
the inside with products such as ammonia, Windex, 409 or bleach.
The chemicals will soak into your food, especially protein-based
foods and veggies, in an enclosed environment, so avoid them.
Outside
refrigerator surfaces can be wiped down with a damp cloth and use
a de-greasing product for fingerprints around the handle. The new
stainless steel fridges with brushed finishes can be especially
challenging to clean. They require a specially formulated stainless
steel cleaner. Then use a cloth to wipe with the grain, rather than
against it.
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