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Dining Room "Project Run-A-Way"

Friday, July 30, 2010
Sometimes everything has to be just right to bring the whole project together, especially when it comes to lighting. This was the case for Matt in Syracuse. Determining his newly installed light fixture was not centered above the dining room table, he decided to "fix it." Matt figured installing light fixtures couldn't be that hard, all he had to do was extend the electrical another two feet and replace drywall around the hole. Everything was going perfectly right until he painted the ceiling and noticed the paint texture wasn't a correct match. Unfortunately, this DIY project did not end as expected and the imperfection (let's call it "ceiling art") above Matt's dining room table is still visible. Perhaps nudging the table two feet might have been better.

Read Matt's story below, and see more DIY Disasters at www.mydiydisasterproject.com.




"Too many things going on at once and our dining room light was placed two feet away from the center of our table. Had to take it out, cut the ceiling away and put the light in the correct spot. When repainting with textured ceiling paint, a different size sand was in it so we're reminded daily of the error."

- Matt (Syracuse, NY)

A New York handyman was only a click away.

Have a similar project? Get some assistance with painting or repairing ceilings.
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Waterfall of a Toilet Leak Repair

Friday, July 30, 2010
"Always go to the bathroom when you have a chance." ~ King George V

With all due respect, your majesty, I don't think that is wise advice for this bathroom disaster.



"Drain was routed to a septic tank that no longer existed and caused a waterfall down the basement wall. I have no idea how it worked before because the routing was not discovered until the bath was remodeled. I would hate to think where it was emptying because the septic system was removed some 10 years ago."

- Robert (St Charles, MO)

That is just plain ewwww. ;) We don't want to think about it. Who was the router replacement expert behind this mess? This must have also led to other hassles with basement electrical wiring, repairing ceilings, etc.
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Cleaning Services for Two Popular Social Networks

Friday, July 30, 2010
Two popular Social Media networks have undergone major housekeeping today... the first being YouTube.

Started in 2005, YouTube has since become the second largest search engine in the world. However, after 5 years the company is ready for a face-lift. Today, the iconic brand painted the walls of its homepage giving the site a new look and logo.

According to their website, "YouTube Play is a collaboration between YouTube and the Guggenheim Museum, presented by HP and Intel, to unearth and showcase the very best creative video from around the world."
 
In yesterday's post Will MocoSpace Decrease the Need for Removing Viruses from Computers? we questioned the security concerns with social networking, raising awareness that publicly displayed information within social profiles poses a threat to the user's vulnerability of identity theft.

According to the Daily Mail, "An online security consultant who wished to highlight the social networking site's privacy issues published a list of data taken from more than 100 million users' profiles."

Why such a concern? Well Facebook has enough registered users that if the community were a nation, it would be the third most populated country in the world (surpassing the United States).

The data has since been distributed and downloaded by more than 1,000 users forcing Facebook to rethink assembly solutions for their site.

For more information, see "How to Protect Your Privacy on Facebook."
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Duct Tape Doesn't Fix Pipe Leaks

Friday, July 30, 2010
"Magnetism is one of the Six Fundamental Forces of the Universe, with the other five being Gravity, Duct Tape, Whining, Remote Control, and The Force That Pulls Dogs Toward The Groins Of Strangers." ~ Dave Barry

:) Ahh, but duct tape doesn't always work so well to fix leaks.



"A little too much tape and not enough experience turned this simple leak or what I thought was a simple leak into a disaster. Apparently I’m better off sticking to computers and programming. Luckily the super plumber showed up to save to the day after having a good laugh at my expense (in more ways than one)."

- Sarah (Hyattsville, MD)

Whoa! Was more than one role of tape used?! ;) Going with Baltimore plumbers was the right move.
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Minneapolis Handyman, Electricians, and Plumbers

Thursday, July 29, 2010
Owning a first home is never easy. There are always unforeseen fixes, mishaps and the occasional kitchen countertop installation or need to replace drywall. Cory, a resident of the Twin city burbs, needs help in several areas of her kitchen (shown below) from a few skilled pros.

From the DIY Disaster Contest, here is "The kitchen that never was..."



"My first house. The former owners had 11 kids. I though fixing the place up would be easy. I had to buy new apps, which I measured incorrectly, which led to me taking down the cabinets and counters and putting 2 holes in the ceiling and wall. I put the cutting board on the stove because that’s my counter space. The rest of the cabs are stacked up in the 'dining room.'"

- Cory (Cottage Grove, MN)
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Will MocoSpace Decrease the Need for Removing Viruses from Computers?

Thursday, July 29, 2010
Submitted by Andy F.

Internet security will always be a concern, and as more and more social networks emerge, identity theft is becoming more easier than ever. "Tweeting Thieves" may become the next generation's new label for "hacker" - and the catch is you don't need the expertise to recover data from hard drives in order to do it! This means far more people can easily rob you without even stealing information from your computer. They may still be taking it, but after all you're giving it to them!

While this generation has come to base popularity by the number of "friends" you have on Facebook or "followers" on Twitter, perhaps you should consider how well you really know these "friends." Especially if you have hundreds of friends who also have hundreds of friends who can see your profile! Mobile numbers, addresses, birth dates, everything can easily be accessible to anyone if you display it. Even worse why take the time to  "phish" on Twitter, when someone has just tweeted that they will be heading on a cross-country road trip to Yellowstone for the next couple of weeks?

Now with smartphones and mobile social networking applications and sites such MocoSpace and Foursquare, people are tending to share more "status updates" than ever. Innovative technology allowing us to be constantly connected can be beneficial, however, with everything it takes a level of common sense from the user in order to be successful.

So next time before asking yourself how to install antivirus software, you may want to think about your mobile device and question do my "friends" and "connections" really need to know where I am and what I'm doing at that exact moment.
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California Handyman Likely Need Not Paint the Walls Any Longer

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Who says antiquing is boring or unrewarding? Experts have determined (others still speculating) that a Fresno school district painter found the missing link to Ansel Adams career at a local garage sale. The handyman may have found never-before-seen authentic photographs by the famous photographer. The potential worth of the find exceeds a whopping $200 million!

"Ten years ago, Rick Norsigian of Fresno, Calif., spent $45 on 65 glass negatives that were wrapped in newspapers form 1942 and 1943. Turns out, his find may be worth millions."

Read the full article on MSNBC...

Rick will likely become unavailable on handyman lists. :)

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Another Oil Company in Need of a Handyman Plumber

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Instead of calling Detroit plumbers to action, the Michigan Oil Spill Among Largest In Midwest HistoryKalamazoo River may be in better need of cleaning services.

Yesterday, Michigan residents learned that oil spill disasters aren't just limited to the Gulf region. Recently, oil spills seem to be popping up everywhere; this is the third spill to occur this year and second to happen in the United States.

While this disaster is being noted as the largest oil spill in Midwest history, fortunately it has a better chance of containment than BP's mess in the Gulf. However, the Kalamazoo River spill has already spread 16 miles and local, state and federal government agencies are responding quickly to prevent additional pollution to other bodies of water, such as Lake Michigan (which the river empties into). Hopefully, the pipe leak can be fixed before Chicago plumbers will be needed to step in. Regardless of size, any oil spill poses a dangerous threat on the environment as it quickly impacts both human and wildlife resources.
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How to Avoid Wooden Fence Repair

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Get a pro to build it...



Beryl's DIY project ended up as a major wooden fence repair. :(

"Tried to put up over 1000 feet of stockade fence for my dogs and top keep other animals out. The first bad storm we had brought down most ot the fence because we did not have the posts dug deep enough in the ground to hold all the fence. We were trying to save by doing it ourselves and even though it looked good, we lost out by having to go through it again after the storm hit. Was a great play area for my dogs though and kept them safe so they could run free and play."

- Beryl (Freeport, ME)

We suggest at least getting some advice from a Freeport or Portland handyman for your next big project.

Beryl is not alone... Check out other mishaps and blunders on the DIY Disaster Contest.
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Know it All Hubby Causes Bathroom Chaos

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dorothy's husband is making her wonder if there's really no place like home. ;)
Suggestion: Repair toilet leak and valve by checking plumber reviews to hire a pro.



"My husband with no handyman skills started attempting to replace toilet parts. Of course by dismantling the toilet, he cannot get the new parts in without major leakage. This is the second time he’s attempted this... Now we have ended up with total chaos in the bathroom and it has been unusable for now going on 3 weeks."

- Dorothy (Gettysburg, PA)

Check out other DIY Disasters

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Homes that Look Like They Need Home Services

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Submitted by Frank J.

I love unusual and strange things and these homes certainly fit the venue. Who in their right mind would come up with the plans to build such homes? These homes, in some cases, look as though they need a home repair contractor, but they’re built like this intentionally.

Weird Blue Home – It looks like a home that was hit by a tornado.



This home looks like it came from a children’s story, but it is real and livable.



Oh my god, we are being invaded! Not really, but this house is pretty cool and it resembles that of a UFO.



Paper, scissors, rock, huh? This is a stone house in Portugal.



Why would anyone want to build an upside down house? This home looks like it needs a lot of home services work. :)



How far is the nearest grocery store from here? This is a home built out in the middle of the ocean. It sure seems quite and relaxing. You certainly wouldn’t have a need for cooling services with the nice breeze that comes off the ocean.



Cubic Houses (Rotterdam, Netherlands) – It looks like a Rubik’s cube. A very odd site, but pretty cool at the same time. I wonder how much they paid to paint the walls.



These are some of the strangest and coolest homes I have ever seen.
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Have Detriot Electricians Been Shocked by the Volt?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
General Motors (GM) made 'striking' headlines today when the company announced pricing for their first ever electric car, the Chevy Volt.

President Barack Obama sits in a Chevrolet Volt, Thursday, July 15, 2010, during a groundbreaking ceremony at Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of LG Chem Ltd., a battery plant in Holland, Mich. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)According to their website, "Volt is an electric car that uses gas to create its own electricity. Plug it in, let it charge overnight, and it's ready to run on a pure electric charge for up to 40 miles — gas and emissions free."

Does this mean that more electricians will be able to take a break from installing basement electrical wiring and head to the garage? With the switch from traditional auto mechanics to hybrid ones, installing electrical could potentially bring even more electricians into the auto repair field.

While GM has been struggling to regain momentum as an auto manufacturer, let's just hope for their sake that this publicity 'power surge' doesn't end up causing further 'lightning damage' to the iconic American brand.

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How to Install Window AC Unit

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It's the end of July and it's hot (to say the least)! If you don't have an AC it's time you find a remedy to help you relax and stay cool.  You first (if you haven't already) need to choose the right unit. Click here to read a previous post on the topic.

From ManageMyLife.com, here are 5 Steps to Install Window AC:

1. Pick a Location

If you have a choice of windows, chose one shaded from direct sun, away from objects that interfere with air circulation and away from sources of heat such as the dryer exhaust.

Inside the house, choose a location that allows the cooled air to circulate freely around the window air conditioner.

2. Prep

Cut the included strip of foam seal as wide as the window opening, peel off the backing and attach it to the underside of the lower window sash.

Remove the screws that attach the outer cabinet to inner chassis and slide out the chassis. Set the chassis aside. Insert the expandable side curtains into the cabinet's upper and lower guides and screw the curtains into place. Don't expand them yet.

Loosely assemble the sill supports by inserting the bolt and nut into the bracket.

3. Position the Cabinet

Center the empty cabinet in the open window, resting the cabinet on the inner sill.  If a storm window frame is in the way, set a 2 x 4 on the inner window sill, across the full width of the sill, to raise the cabinet enough to clear the frame.

Close the window sash onto the cabinet right behind the cabinet's upper guide, to hold the cabinet in place as you work.

Reaching under the back of the cabinet, wedge the sill support between the cabinet and the exterior sill, with the base of the support resting near the outer edge of the exterior sill. Turn the nut and bolt on the support until the back of the cabinet is about 1/4 inch lower than the front — the slight slope encourages drainage.

4. Secure the Cabinet

Drive screws through the cabinet's lower guide into the inner window sill.

Expand the side curtains to cover the open gaps on both sides of the cabinet and screw each curtain to the window sash.

Attach the L-bracket sash lock to the upper and lower sashes, to prevent anyone from opening the lower sash.

5. Install the Chassis

Insert the drain pipe into the drain pan. Slide the chassis into the cabinet and reinstall the side screws.

Straighten the vent control handle. Attach the grille to the front of the cabinet by hooking the tabs into the slots on the top of the cabinet and snapping the bottom into place. Open the inlet grille that covers the front grille, screw the front grille into place and close the inlet grille.

Plug the power cord into an outlet and follow the owner’s manual for first-time operation for your window air conditioner.

Sound like a lot of work or you just don't have time to do it on your own? Find a reliable handyman to help you out with this project or other product assembly needs.
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FDNY Helps 600 Pound Man from Apartment – New York Handyman Services Needed

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Submitted by Frank J.

New York Firefighters rescue a 600 lb man who fell down the steps and could not get up. Two stretchers were needed to support the man, FDNY officials said. Witnesses said firefighters used a ladder and ropes to get him down to the sidewalk.

There’s no information on the extent of the man’s injuries or what damage was caused by the fall. I am sure the landlord will need some handyman solutions to make the necessary repairs and to ensure that the man is safe in his own apartment complex.



Three years ago, Firefighters cut a hole in the side of a house and used a forklift to extricate a 900-pound man from his second-floor bedroom after a visiting nurse became worried about his health. I hope that the man's homeowners insurance covered all the home services needed.
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Midwest Furniture Assembly Solutions

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Refinishing furniture can be a long and sometimes painful process. Cyndi, a DIY Disaster contest participant, would concur. :) More often than not, it is a good idea to seek furniture assembly services for larger projects.



"This started out as a $100 bargain. All three pieces needed to be stripped of the awful white paint and gold accent pieces, but the wood was fantastic. Taking place in an apartment with fans blowing out the open window. I ran out of time and money, not to mention muscle!"

- Cyndi (Madison, IN)

Whether you need to paint furniture or the ceilings, think twice about doing it yourself. Check a handyman list.
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Cleaning Services, Your Spouse and Your Bathroom

Monday, July 26, 2010
From Baltimore cleaning services to San Diego cleaning services, the tips below from our friends at CafeMom will help step up any cleaner's (amateur or pro) skill set.

If you're looking for a marital hot spot, step out of the bedroom and head to the bathroom.

Fifty percent of women say they don't like the way their partner cleans -- or doesn't clean -- the bathroom, and four times as many women as men say they're doing the job better than their partner.

Are you really?

Filled with moisture, weird nooks and crannies (think behind the toilet), and a certain receptacle for human waste, this is one room that can make a master cleaner scream in frustration.

Stop screaming and use these fixes for the hardest spaces to clean:

1. Mirror. People just love to write messages in the steam, and that leaves giant streaks. Use vinegar and a crumpled up newspaper to get a streak-free clean that's green too.

2. Shower Curtain. Don't throw it away! Throw it in the washing machine on gentle with a cup of vinegar to remove all that soap scum.

3. Grout. Forget the old toothbrush trick -- it takes FOREVER. Get a grout cleaner bar so you can clean the line of grout PLUS the edges (I love the new one from Scotch Brite that was sent to The Stir because it's got a nice ergonomic shape, but check your local store for other options).

4. Shower Doors. Remove that buildup with lemon oil -- it will not only clean the scum but keep it clean longer.

5. Behind the Toilet. Buy a separate toilet brush (you don't want something you stuck IN the toilet used outside of it), and spray it with your favorite cleaner. The bristles will help clean behind the tank without you having to get back there.

6. Toilet Tank. These should be cleaned once or twice a year because the minerals in your tap water will build up inside, but first you need to empty it: Turn off the water, flush the toilet once, and allow to drain. Now get scrubbing with your favorite cleaner (vinegar works here too!).

7. Soap Dish. The soap that builds up on here needs to be allowed to dry or you'll never get it off. Scratch it off with an old toothbrush.

8. Around the Faucet. Another good time to pull out the old toothbrush, pour baking soda on them and get your toothbrush wet. Lemon juice or vinegar will help with lime scale buildup around the handles.

9. Under the Toilet Rim. Soak a disposable sponge or washable rag in vinegar and wipe around the rim. Then pull out a penknife and attack the water holes -- your toilet will run better and stay clean longer.

What are your most frustrating bathroom cleaning jobs?

 Originally posted on The Stir by Jeanne Sager.


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Million Dollar Painting that a Chicago Handyman Can Do

Monday, July 26, 2010
Submitted by Frank J.

I am so amazed at how many famous paintings are worth millions. The painting below is absolutely ugly (IMHO). I am sure most kids and even a Chicago handyman can do a lot better. What makes these paintings so expensive? It must be luck.

The Pablo Picasso, Dora Maar au Chat. 1941. Sold 2006 for $101.8 million. That’s just mind boggling to me that a painting such as the one by Picasso below is worth that much.

Picasso holds a Guinness Book record as the most prolific artist of all time; over his eight decade career he produced over a million works.

Why would a painting by someone who obviously has so much art work be worth this much? Picasso was the greatest artist of the twentieth century. I guess it’s the name of the artist that fetches the greatest reward and not art work.

The art market sometimes makes no sense, and the price of art work often does not reflect its true value.

How many houses would it take a Chicago handyman to paint in order to make $101.8 million?

Let's say the average 3000 sq foot house costs $2000 to paint the entire interior. A Chicago handyman would need to paint - drum roll please...50,900 houses!

I wonder if a San Francisco handyman would have to paint less houses due to the cost of living in San Francisco.
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Soda Bottle Drain? San Francisco Plumbers We Have a Job for You!

Monday, July 26, 2010
Is there a San Francisco handyman willing to donate a little time to fix this pipe leak/makeshift drain? Julie, a DIY disaster contestant is hoping for many votes and a permanent resolution to this plumbing nightmare.



"The plumbing broke under the sink. Since we have absolutely no budget for hiring someone to fix things like this we tried to fix it ourselves. We tried to fix it several times but it continued to leak no matter what we did. It would look fine and we would relax, only to find more water all over again!! Finally we resorted to putting the plastic soda bottle under the drain to keep it from leaking all over the place!!"

- Julie (San Francisco, CA)
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Weekend Update: Handyman Plumbers & Electricians Needed on East Coast

Monday, July 26, 2010
Washington DC Plumbers Needed at the White House!

U.S. government and military officials are rolling up their sleeves today to fix pipe leaks after 91,000 classified documents were leaked by an antiwar organization appropriately named "Wikileaks." According to new sources the leaked records "paint a dour portrait on the war in Afghanistan." The incident is said to be the largest unauthorized disclosure in military history.

Read more: "WikiLeaks Reveals Grim Afghan War Realities" from CBS News

Hot Air Balloon Causes Power Outage in New Jersey

Thunderstorms producing strong winds and lightning damage brought down the 28th Annual Quick Chek Balloon Festival. Sunny skies turned dark not long after more than 100 hot air balloons lifted off to commemorate the annual event. Most of the balloons were grounded safely, however the strong gusts entangled one balloon with a 26,000 volt power line. Fortunately nobody was hurt, although electricians in NJ are still working today to restore power caused by the impact.

Read more: "Strong Winds Blow Hot Air Balloon Onto Power Line, Causes Outage" from NJ.com
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Anyone Know an Electrician in PA?

Monday, July 26, 2010
What do you like most when the electricity goes out? :| Like many homeowners, Ron experienced some not so pleasant moments with basement wiring.

My Disaster of a Basement



"I bought this house - 4 Bedroom ranch with 2 bay garage. It had 60 amp service on 4 paper fuses. Two for the house and two for the garage and shed. And I tried to upgrade it to 100 amp and rewire the whole house. Needless to say we went without power for a few days."

- Ron (Mifflinville, PA)

Check electrician reviews and leave it to the pros.
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