Random thoughts, everyday observations, for those who know me - a little bit of those random facts and figures I seem to collect. This does not represent the opinions of my consulting clients.
Friday, March 28, 2008
My Scratchitti Element Is Finally Fixed
Not an option for a $22,000 Element.
Not an option for me to shell out for a vandal's handy work.
Last summer I had a thought, why not call a car wrapping company? Wrap the car with an advertisement or just black wrapping.
I stopped by Sign Language last summer and spoke with the owner, Jack. He thought it was possible and would run around $200. Much better deal than a new paint job and the wrapping material should last at least 5 years.
Finally I motivated and brought the Element in today to have it wrapped. An hour later, you can hardly notice the black wrapping. Diana couldn't tell the difference. Diana and I no longer drive in a card with "bitch" scratchitti on three sides.
If you have a scratchitti car this is a cost effective way of covering up.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thoughts from Mountain View
I planned on flying into San Jose which required a connection at LAX, shockingly the connecting flight was canceled. Instead I flew to SFO where I picked up my rental car.
A rental Prius.
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I had trouble getting the car to move. A quick look in the manual fixed that and I was on my way. Having never driven a hybrid before it was certainly interesting to not hear an engine running. A few time the combustion engine did turn on and it jolted the car a bit. I guess I could buy one, it had some good acceleration.
Now as I write this I'm listening to a traveler ask the counter person if he can change the side of the plane he's sitting on. Apparently he only sleeps on his right side and he's on the wrong side.
Good luck with that one!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Preparing to prepare (Restoring Steel Casement Windows)
One of my neighbors has redone all of her windows and she'll be sharing some of her secrets, but I'm also doing some research.
First, who actually specializes in fixing these types of windows:
Seekircher Steel Window Repair - Peekskill, NY - they restore and repair old windows. Here's an article in the New York Times about John Seekircher.
Re-view - Kansas City, MO - has a nice step-by-step instruction of how they restore steel windows.
J Sussman - Jamaica, NY - they craft custom steel windows.
Second, what how-to articles are out there:
ThisOldHouseWeb - Someone writes in asking how to fix cold and drafty steel casements.
ThisOldHouseWeb - A detailed article describing the restoration process.
The Steel Window Institute - Who's who of steel window manufacturers
Third, the pictures:
Here's a standard steel casement window from the 1930s.
You'll notice here that the outside glazing on the glass is worn away and missing a protective coat of paint.
Here you can see rust forming on the inside of the window as well as it not closing completely.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
My Most Popular Page
The post ranks on the first page of Google results for "replacing stairs" and "replacing staircase." My next home improvement project is to restore our steel casement windows throughout our apartment. I'm planning on using a combination of video, pictures, and text to detail the project.
I took the first step today and more detail will be coming.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Save Money - Stop the Earmarks
Visit the Citizens Against Government Waste website and easily send emails to your Senators telling them to support the amendment. Get Washington focused on fixing real problems instead of how to hide pork spending for each state.
Click HERE
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Too Many Cold Showers
My wife and I purchased an apartment late last year in a 70+ year old building. We’re on the 5th floor, the top and we’ve noticed the showers don’t get hot enough. We’re having work done on one bathroom, so since January 1st we’ve been showering in the other bathroom where the water has never gotten warm enough. We essentially have a cold shower every time. The other shower is slightly warmer.
I purchased the set, headed home and off with the handle. Viola! The hot water setting was not maxed out. All this time, all those cold showers, it was a simple Internet search away.