Livingston Reporting - page 298

Finding a Knife That Meets Your Expectations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to picking out a knife that is right for you it all comes down your personal preferences.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are looking to finally spend money on a quality knife.

The first question and perhaps the most important; how will the knife be used?  There are knives designed for all purposes from backpacking and hunting to opening boxes and cutting twine.  They also have knives that are for collecting and some for saving lives.  Obviously the knife you choose will depend on what you are using it for.  It is important to define what you are looking for as far as the use of the knife.

Significance is also found in the features that matter to you in a knife.  One feature to look into is the type of blade that you prefer.  Fixed blades are superior in strength, dependable and always ready to use. However, folding knives are compact and easy to carry.  With today’s technology and locking blade options, folding blades are becoming more desirable than ever before. Other features to think about with the blade include tolls such as gutting, skinning, thickness, sharpness, double blade or saw blade edged.  The blade features are considerable.  One knife may not have everything you are looking for.  That’s when you buy two or three!

The handle is another area to consider when choosing the right knife. A solid knife handle is important.  The more durable the material of the handle, the more you can plan to spend on the piece.  You will want to test the handle in your hand to make sure the fit is correct and that the construction of the piece is what you would expect from the price.   You will find several materials and styles to choose from when it comes to the knives handle.  All weather knives will come textured or with rubber to help with the grip.

Craftsmanship and quality are important as well.  A knife is something that you need to be able to rely on. Check to make sure the knives design fits the intend purpose of the knife.  A small fixed blade knife is not going to be suitable for survival purposes.  Also check to ensure the materials will hold up to the demands that you will put on the knife.  A plastic handle on a gutting or skinning knife will not withstand the stress.

If you have chosen a folding knife is it durable as well as being easy to open and close?  If the knife is a folding lock back knife does it lock properly?  Does the knife seem to collapse and open seamlessly?  Check out the edge of the knife blade and make sure it is able to be sharpened to the original quality.  A characteristic that should come with all superior knives is a lifetime warranty against any defects and craftsmanship.  When you are spending money on a quality knife you will want a guarantee to back what they are advertisers are marketing.

 

Longton Law

Selecting A Proper Camping Knife

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

What does a knife represent to you?  As a sportsman and avid outdoorsman a solid knife can mean the difference between life and death.  A quality camping knife can not only save you from a zombie attack but also can assist in building a shelter, creating a fire, killing food, digging holes and so much more.  If you dream it your knife can help you accomplish it.  It is essential for all hunters, backpackers, mountaineers and fisherman to carry a knife meant to be of assistance and aid in surviving the outdoors.

When choosing a survival, hunting or camping knife you should consider the blades size.   In the case of knives size matters especially when it comes to the blade.  There is not an ideal or perfect size blade for everyone.  The size blade that you decide upon will depend upon how you are going to use the knife.  If the knife is to be used for a bunch of different purposes consider purchasing more than one knife.

A large sturdy blade is essential in a camping knife that is intended to cut through limbs and larger wood pieces to build fire and shelter.  A large knife blade is also useful when it comes to spearing food and for clearing pathways; all crucial when it comes to your survival in the elements.

A small knife blade is better suited to help you with skinning fish and dressing small game.  A delicate knife blade works to carve tools that assist in survival as well as creating animal snares.  Large knife blades would be too bulky and cumbersome for more delicate purposes.

Whether the knife blade is foldable or fixed is also important when it comes to a knives strength and dependability.  A fixed blade knife is by far more durable than a folding knife.  Folding knife mechanisms tend to create weakness; tools with joints that bend they are more likely to rupture.  If you will be using the knife to cut, pound or pry it is important that the blade is stable and unwavering.  This can be found in a fixed blade knife.

When choosing a fixed blade knife, only consider a full tang knife blade.  A full tang blade creates the best bond available in a knife.  A full tang knife blade is all made form one piece of steel from the handle to the blade.  It is nearly impossible for a full tang blade to split where as a fixed blade knife that is created from two pieces can come apart easily.

Think about dagger style knives verse single edge knife blades.  A dagger style appears to be tough, powerful and mighty however a traditional style blade with one sharp edge and one dull edge is better for the outdoors.  In the wilderness a knife needs to be able to crush, pressure needs to be applied to the blunt edge to create enough force to cut through the desired object.  If the knife is dagger style this is not possible.

Finding a knife that matches your wants and needs is the most important goal in choosing an ideal camping and survival knife.   Using the tips above should leave you finding a perfect camping knife in no time at all.

Knife Mule

Benefits To Purchasing A Home During The Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Winter is a true buyer’s market for real estate.  Spring and summer sales show that homes are in high demand during those seasons. What this means to buyers is that even though more homes are on the market more people are looking to buy.  This makes winter home purchases a better option for buyers, especially ones with a limited budget that don’t want to have to settle because of the competition to buy homes.  The pool of homes available is not as large in the winter and holiday months however the amount of people looking to buy a home is much smaller.

 

With spring and summer being the most popular time of year for real estate most sellers will wait to put their home on the market until then.  This of course means fewer homes for sale during the winter months however when a seller puts their home on that market in the winter there is usually a really good reason that they need to sell.  Reasons such as a job relocation can motivate sellers which can serve as a great advantage to buyers.

 

With fewer winter home buyers the competition to purchase a home is less which means that you aren’t in as big of a rush to put an offer in on a home.  It alleviates the stress that goes along with buying something without having adequate time to consider the decision.

 

Another bonus to purchasing a home in winter is that it allows you to see how the home holds up through the cold temperatures.  Many homes have issues in the winter that would not be visible in the summer such as a chill in the home or drafty windows. Winter allows you to really check out the homes heating system to ensure that the home heats each space evenly.  Winter fitness for your home is something that is incredibly important especially for homes in the north and north east regions of the United States where temperatures often drop below zero.

 

Purchasing a home during the off-season also means that real estate agents are a bit more flexible to meet with you and to focus on your needs.  With fewer buyers and sellers to focus on their attention can be on you and finding a home that fits with all of your needs.  It also means that people within the sector of helping facilitate a home purchase and a move will be more accessible.  A closing date and time on a mortgage in the dead of winter is a lot more flexible than one that is being made to accommodate several other lenders, buyers and sellers.

 

Although the curb appeal of most homes is a lot bleaker in winter the advantage of buying a home is that you can ensure that the neighborhood is maintained during the winter months.  It is probably to say that a neighborhood in which roads are plowed, driveways shoveled and sidewalks cleared is more likely to have pristine landscaping in the spring and summer.

 

The ice and snow might make your picture something other than the wonderment that comes with purchasing a new home.  However, you can be guaranteed to see things a bit different when you are free of the hassle and stress that comes along with the competition of buying a home in the summer.

 

Lake and Land Real Estate

New Roof Installation In Any Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Is there one time of the year that is better than another to have a new roof installed on your house?

This question is one that roofing contractors get all the time.  The truth is that we work year round.  When you need your roof replaced we are there to serve our clients.  If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced during the winter, summer spring or fall we will be there to make it happen.  We know when it comes to replacing your roof that most homeowners try to extend the life of their roof for as long as possible leaving it dire when it finally needs to be done.

As a roofing contractor the best time for me to replace your roof is a time in which you are prepared.  A new roof is not a decision that should be rushed into and ought to be planned for.  The spring, summer and fall seasons are the busiest time for us as roofers as such I won’t be able to cut you the type of deal we can in the colder months.  Most people don’t consider getting a new roof in the winter months as a viable option.  This is however not the case.

In the winter we have more flexibility to accommodate your new roof or roof repair.  In the warmer months there is often a number of roofs that need to replaced often leaving us to have to schedule your roof up to a month out.  This is also when unqualified roofing contractors come out of the wood work.  During the summer if a roofer is able to squeeze you in right away chances are that roofer is not someone you actually want doing your roof.

Another advantage to installing your new roof during the winter months above and beyond price and availability is that you will get to choose from the cream of the crop of local roofers.  With winter being a slower time of year for roofers you can interview several and make a decision based on their price, time frame and previous work done.  Winter roof maintenance or an entirely new roof leaves you with options where as other times you are left getting what is available instead of what you necessarily want.

Homeowners are often concerned about the warranties on their new asphalt composite shingles.  Put your mind at ease with the knowledge that roofing material manufactures do not base their warranties on the temperature or time of year the roof was installed.  Roofing material warranties are the same whether they are installed in the mild spring, hot summer or chill of winter. One thing to note though is that shingles need to go through a sealing process which does take temperatures over forty degrees Fahrenheit.  Believe it or not this is not unfathomable even here in the north.  A solid day of warm temperatures will seal your new shingle roof.

Most local roofing contractors are happy to assist their clients any time of year.  Their best services should be their only services so no matter if roofing is done in the dead of winter or the middle of summer your roof ought to be installed properly and efficiently.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Ridding Homeowners Of Wildlife Intrusions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Winter time in the north is prime time for wildlife intrusions in your homes and barns.  Squirrels, mice, raccoons and even a stray cat or two will all be on the lookout for a warm place to lay their head.  This does not mean that your home has to play host or hostess to any of them.  The question lies in how to safely remove the extra wildlife that has taken residence without harm to your existing pets.

Neither invasion of your home is easier to get rid of then the next.  However, prevention is often simpler when it comes to ridding a home of spiders, cockroaches or bees.  When it comes to larger wildlife we try to remove them and preventing them from returning in the most humane way possible.  Trapping is the most common way to catch the culprit.  The problem with wildlife in the winter is that you are most likely not dealing with a lone squirrel or one mouse you are dealing with a family.

As an exterminator I have seen this scenario played out all too frequently; a squirrel at home in your attic is caught and the area sealed off and yet a few days later you are still hearing that all too familiar sound in the attic.  The squirrel isn’t back but the nests of babies are hungry and without mom and dad coming in and out to feed them they are getting restless.  Worse yet, weeks later the over powering smell of decay and dead animals.  Don’t fall victim to this.

A trained professional will come in to your home, evaluate the scene and proceed accordingly.  An exterminator knows exactly what signs to look for when dealing with wildlife invading your home to track if you are dealing with more than one menace.  They will help determine points of entry and remove the entire nest with the mom relocating them to a place other than your home.  Relocating the mother or babies on their own will create different problems.  A mother squirrel will do anything she needs to do to rejoin her family even if that means pulling up roofing etc.  Once in your home again, where she does not find her family, she will be left to creating the havoc she was before you trapped her.

This is one reason it is important that homeowners look to the professionals when it comes to removing wildlife from their homes.  Winter brings out wildlife looking for warmth and the thaw of spring brings on more common pest and insect infestations such as ants, spider and fleas.  Spring is the time for all of those nasty pests to awaken out of their winter slumbers.  Prevention is the key in extermination.  Yes, we can treat and remove all pests from cockroaches to bed bugs but preventing the homeowners the hassle of dealing with the pest in the first place is our first priority.  Call a local pest control company before issues arrive.  Exterior power defense applications can be applied to your home making your home undesirable. We provide homeowners with the best case scenario when it comes to common pests, none at all.

Best Pest Removal LLC

The Added Value In Your Landscape Design When Hiring A Professional Landscaper

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

It is hard to believe but spring is right around the corner.  Many homeowners get the itch for an upgrade to their landscaping when spring hits the north.  It may be our itch to get outside or our desire to see lush green lawns with dark brown mulch after the white landscape we grow accustomed to in the winter.  When contemplating a new landscape design consider if you are going to do the work yourself or if you are looking to hire a professional landscaper.  There is no right or wrong answer to this question as there are definite advantages and disadvantages to both.

There are certain conditions it is better to hire a landscaper.  One of those is if you are planning a major change to a larger area of your lawn.  At first it might seem like it would be more expensive to hire someone however, when you take into consideration the amount of time and money you will spend trying out different options you are probably saving yourself a chunk hiring someone.  A professional will make sure things are done correctly the first time.  There is no need for trial and error.

It is also better to hire a professional if you have a particular style in mind for your new lawn.  Creating a theme or particular style is often difficult and a professional landscaper will be able to design and layout the different options available before money is spent on plants and accessories for the landscape.

A landscape designer does all of the work from preparations to final installations.  This flow allows the lawn to develop more naturally. Their experience is necessary when choosing appropriate plants to thrive in your lighting and soil.  Think of all the time and money that is wasted if you install plants that are not appropriate for the level of sun, rain or soil nutrients you have.  All of this is foreign to most homeowners.  Even with research we often over calculate the sun shade ratio and water allotment that will be needed to grow a beautiful landscape.

I do believe that most homeowners can take on the challenge of landscaping on a smaller scale such as when you are looking for a little change.  Installing a Koa pond for instance is not a huge monetary investment and is something that is easy enough to achieve in a long weekend.  Home supply stores sell kits that basically make it fool proof.

When you are looking to create an oasis in a small backyard and have the time to learn the art of landscape then by all means as a homeowner take it on.  When your canvas is small there is not a lot of room to make mistakes.  Large designs require detailed instructions that are just not necessary when talking about a smaller space.

Hiring a lawn maintenance team is well worth the extra funds when you are lounging on the beach instead of pruning trees or mowing lawns.  Once the initial design for your lawn is in place consider hiring a lawn care company to maintain the art that was created in your landscape.  Curb appeal is the number one seller of homes and trust me lush well maintained green lawn enhances the curb appeal of any home.

CBA Outdoor Services

The Do’s and Don’ts of Purchasing Insurance Coverage for Your Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

The list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to owning your own business is long.  At the top of that list of do’s is to budget for adequate insurance to cover your business from the unexpected.  This will ensure if something does occur you are covered and will not lose everything you have worked so hard to accomplish.

 

When looking into insurance for your business there are some things that will help you lower your risks and obtain insurance that fits your company’s needs.

 

The do’s of purchasing business insurance

 

The first and most important tip in purchasing insurance for your business is to find an agent with is expertise in all types of insurance policies.  An agent with experience is necessary when it comes making sure you have enough coverage for your business.

 

Your business insurance coverage should include all the basic coverage such as property insurance with equipment coverage, auto insurance on business vehicles, workers compensation and general liability.  It is important to make sure the coverage that you purchase is inclusive of all of this.

 

When you finally do get insurance for your business it is important that you store all of your business records including all insurance paperwork together off site.  This way if something does occur all the necessary paperwork is in a place you can get too easily and claim your money without difficulties.

 

It is important to know who the insurer is as well.  Do research on the company that you plan on getting insured through. It is important to know who you are working with when it comes to insurance and every decision in business.

 

The don’ts of purchasing insurance for your business

 

When it comes to insurance for your business never go without.  It may seem like a good idea due to a limited budget to go without insurance to save money but it is never a good idea to go without insurance.  If a catastrophe occurs and you are under-insured or not insured at all then all your efforts will have been in vain.

 

It is also important to disclose all information to your insurance agent upon getting insurance and when any changes are made to the business.  You need to keep your insurance agent up to date on the changes with your business to make sure that you are never caught without enough insurance.

 

Tips to help lower business insurance premiums

 

Insurance premiums, even those in business, are based on the risks involved in the business.  Agents will make evaluations on your business to determine the profit and losses involving your business situation.  In order to bring your risk down, therefore lowering your premium here are some general tips.

 

Make sure the lighting in and around the office and premise is more than sufficient.  When people can see the world around them they are less likely to have an accident.

 

Keep the office’s electrical wiring, equipment and all machinery in mint condition.  When the office machines and equipment is kept in good condition, the result will be that the overall condition of the office will be better.  A clean, well-kept environment within your business will result in reduced premiums.  When everything is kept in prime working order and kept organized the environment in general is safer.

 

Install safety devices such as smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the business setting.  An alarm system and sprinkler system that is monitored will also help to lower premiums.

 

As stated above, in regards to paperwork make sure you keep everything associated with the business.   Every purchase that is made along with upgrades to the premise, equipment and such should be documented and kept off premise.

 

The most important thing in regards to business insurance is to budget for the appropriate amount and variety you will need. Everything from workers compensation to general liability will help to protect you in case of an incident.

 

Cobb Hall

Maintaining Cleanliness In Your Inground Pool

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

A home with an in ground pool is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy your backyard.  Building a custom pool has never been easier than it is now days.  Whether you are looking for muscle relaxation and massage jets or LED lights that dance to the rhythm of music a custom design, a pool can be customized to your specifications and budget requirements.  Backyard pools and landscape can turn an ordinary home into a paradise of fun however the commitment to keep up on cleaning and maintaining the pool is a huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Here are some steps to ensure that your backyard pool is maintained after it has been installed or resurfaced with fresh pool plaster.

 

One part of pool maintenance is to drain the pool.  In order to drain your pool you will want to check with local municipalities to see where the water can be properly drained.  Most often you cannot drain your pool into the road way as this can cause bigger issues.  There are two places that people ordain their pools into; a clean out or into the lawn.  A clean out is the most preferable place as most landscape cannot tolerate the chlorine or salt water from pool being drained.

 

Plaster pools need to be resurfaced every seven to ten years.  Some newer plastering products such as Hydrazzo can allow the pools plaster surface to last upwards of twenty years.  You won’t see this type of plaster on many pool surfaces however; as the expense is double that of regular gunite pool plaster.

 

Resurfacing requires that the old plaster be chipped off and separated from the gunite.  The gunite is the concrete base of the inground pools structure. A mixture solution of muriatic acid and triple parts water should be used to clean the pool.  After the pool is thoroughly cleaned a new base of plaster will be installed by a professional pool plastering company.

 

After the pool plaster is dry the pools water can be refilled.  A pool can be refilled using a garden hose, faucet or a bulk water delivery.  If using a hose make sure to wrap a sock or piece of clothing to the end.  This will help to trap the larger pieces of sediment so that they will not enter the pool and ruin the surface.  When the pool is filled it important that all the right steps are taken in keeping the chlorine levels correct and the pool filter system working.  A clean, balanced pool is one that will endure the test of time.

 

Now that the pools structure, plaster base and water are in order the next step is to maintain this level of clean. The best way to ensure that you are keeping the pool in new condition is to know exactly what you are doing when you are cleaning the pool.  Hire a pool cleaning professional to come in and give you step by step instructions on how to keep up with what you have started with.  The clean slate that comes from draining, resurfacing and filling a custom pool is something that can last a lifetime with careful upkeep.

 

Pound Pool Plastering

When It Comes To Purchasing A Survival Knife Quality Is Key

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When deciding upon the best survival knife there are arguments that can be made for several different styles of knives as well as brands.  The discussions are likely to become heated and intense as outdoor enthusiastic are passionate when it comes to their tools.  There are several hundred survival knives to choose from.  Countless hours of research have gone into the issue regarding the best survival knife.   Numerous reviews have been read.  The conclusion, the best survival knife for you depends on what you are looking for.

 

Each knife is unique and as such has viable pros and cons that come along with owning it.  Each person has a characteristic unlike that of another so we will never agree on which one is “the best” for everyone.  There are however, some important characteristics to look for that create a survival knife that will become an everlasting family heirloom.

 

When it comes to purchasing a knife for survival purposes you have two choices in blade styles; fixed blade and folding blade.  I would never recommend a folding knife blade to a true survivalist.  Folding knives have improved over the years however are not as well built or resilient as a genuine fixed blade knife.  When choosing a fixed blade knife look for a full tang instead of a partial tang.  The difference is that in a full tang the blade metal extends the full length of the knife into the grip-portion of the handle.  A partial tang, in my opinion, does not offer the strength or stability that a full tang survival piece can.

 

Another significant portion of the knife that needs to be considered is the steel in which the blade is made.  This could be the most debated part of the knife as well.  Knives can be manufactured out of variety of steels or combinations of such.  When looking for a long-lasting knife for survival purposes the best option for the blade, in my opinion, is a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel.  Carbon steel allows for the knife blade to stay sharper longer as well as being incredibly durable while stainless steel looks sleek and is a non-corroding, rust resistant material.

 

A considerable feature when it comes to purchasing a true piece meant for survival you will want something with some girth.  A thick blade is a must have when it comes to finding the perfect survival piece.  When you are out in the back country living off the land you need a knife that will slice, hack, split, bone, skin and save your life. You should be looking for a blade that is at least an eighth of an inch thick.  A knife being used to save your life should be made in such a manner that failure is not an option. If the blade fails it could mean your life.

 

The last piece of advice I will give you on the topic is to purchase a brand name knife from a reputable outdoor gear company.  Brand names in knives are plentiful.  Outdoor knife suppliers range from brands such as Ka-Bar, Cold-Steel, Buck and Becker just to name a few.

 

 

 

 

Knife Mule

Enhance Your Kitchen and Meal Preparations with Superior Kitchen Cutlery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Quality matters when it comes to the tools you use to prepare meals in your kitchen.  When choosing tools for your very first kitchen it is important to realize that the quality of the pieces you are purchasing is far more important than the quantity of pieces.  Let’s talk about kitchen knives as an example of where quality really matters over the number of pieces owned.

Quality knives can be purchase in sets.  Block set kitchen knives are incredibly popular.  The problem with purchasing a complete set all at one time is that it is pricey and requires a substantial financial commitment.  It also comes with the prospect that you are purchasing pieces that you won’t necessarily find useful in your cooking.  One way around both of these obstacles is to purchase an empty knife block and take your time filling it with quality pieces that you are sure to use.  This saves you from dishing out a lot of money right away as well as purchasing items you won’t necessarily use in your meal preparations.

Another benefit of growing your knife set is that it allows you to experiment with different brands.  If you are like me I like certain brand name knives for certain jobs.  There are several stores that now allow you to come in and test out different knife brands before you purchase.  Before I purchase anything for my kitchen that requires a substantial outlay of funds I try to test the product.

Start with the essentials.  Purchase a knife block and a chef’s knife.  I would choose a chef’s knife as it is an all-around easy knife to use.  Another knife I would look into getting sooner than later is a paring knife.   This knife is perfect for all the small jobs in the kitchen.  A Utility knife and bread knife would be my third and fourth choices.  To be honest, before I bought a bread knife, which isn’t essential to the cooking process, I would purchase a few paring knives.  During meal preparations I can go easily use four paring knives.  This way I don’t have to worry about washing them in between projects.

When looking at choosing kitchen knives make sure you purchase a knife with a superior blade.  The best material for kitchen knife blades is carbon steel, ceramic and titanium in that order.  All of these materials hold a sharp edge over a period of time.  Ceramic knives are incredibly sharp and easy to clean although a bit fragile.  Carbon steel is incredibly durable and withstands a lot of use and abuse however can turn colors over time.  Titanium is a great material but often a bit tougher on the pocket book.  There will be advantages and disadvantages to all material used in knives.  I do prefer ceramic for paring knives as they do the delicate work wonderfully but when slicing through a big chuck of meat I would take carbon steel every time.

Getting a great set of kitchen knives comes with patience and perseverance.  You truly don’t have to have ever knife to get started.  You will find growing your kitchen knife collection turns into a hobby of sorts.

Knife Mule