Articles by Steve Thompson on ArticleSnatch.com

How to Know When Your Limo Driver Poses a Danger

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:37:02 -0400

Riding around town in a limo is certainly a glamorous way to travel, whether you rent a limo for special occasions or are a frequent customer of your local limousine service. However, if your limo driver isn't safe, you could be risking your life every time you slide onto that soft leather seat. A safe limo driver is concerned about his passengers' safety and drives more carefully when chauffeuring clients than when driving alone in the vehicle. He is cautious and observant, always paying attention to his surroundings and ready to anticipate any problems. Does Your Driver Follow Local Traffic Laws? You might occasionally forget to flick your turn signal when switching lanes or drive over the speed limit when you're late for a meeting. A safe limo driver, however, will do his best to follow the law at all times. Does he come to a complete stop at intersections? Does he provide a wide berth when passing on the freeway? These are all indications of a safe limo driver. Does Your Limo Driver Have Rules? You are paying for a limousine service, which should give you certain liberties. **End Summary** Topics: dangers of limos]]> limo cons]]> limo danger]]> limo drivers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a limo or more limo articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. How to Know When Your Limo Driver Poses a Danger

Moving Pianos, Antiques and Other Delicate or Heavy Items

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:48:23 -0400

Moving is a big job and often the source of significant stress. Not only do you have to worry about real estate decisions and packing your belongings, but you're probably concerned about the movers handling your heavy items and antiques. What if they break something? Movers are often too quick to haul things out of homes, concentrating on getting the job done rather than handling your precious, heavy items and antiques with kid gloves. This problem is easily avoided, however, by conducting research before choosing your movers. Find a Specialist Some movers specialize in heavy items and equipment, which might be a good place to start. If you have lots of heavy items and antiques in your home, such as hutches, pianos, dressers and sideboards, hiring movers who specialize in heavy equipment can give you peace of mind. Ask About Insurance Movers always carry some type of valuation insurance, but it pays to ask ahead of time what type of insurance they carry. In some cases, insurance is based on weight rather than value, which will not be helpful if you own lots of small antiques. Other insurance options include lump sum value and full value protection. **End Summary** Topics: insured mover]]> moving accident]]> moving antiques]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a mover or more moving articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Moving Pianos, Antiques and Other Delicate or Heavy Items

Don't Flush I'm in the Shower: How Your Home's Pipes Connect

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:41:01 -0400

Your home's pipes are routed to each of your appliances in a certain way, and the connections of those pipes determine how your appliances and fixtures use hot and cold water. Hot water is routed through your hot water heater. In some homes, the pipes are connected in such a way that using two appliances or fixtures can cause problems. For example, if you're in the shower and someone uses the toilet or the dishwasher, the water in the shower might turn extremely hot or cold momentarily. If someone flushes the toilet, your shower water is likely to turn immediately hot because your home's pipes are using cold water to fill your toilet's bowl. In other words, the cold water that was previously used to keep your shower water comfortable has now been funneled through your home's pipes to a different location. If you're in the shower and someone turns on the dishwasher, however, your shower water might turn frigid almost instantly. This is because the temperature of the water used in the dishwasher requires that most of the water stored in your hot water tank be routed to that appliance instead. **End Summary** Topics: bathtub plumbing]]> connected pipes]]> flush plumbing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plumber or more plumbing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.

How to Find Out if You're Breathing Radon, Mold, Carbon Dioxide or Other Airborne Killers

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:31:12 -0400

Mold isn't just something that grows on the two-week-old bread you forgot to throw out. In fact, mold can be a deadly substance in your home, apartment or office building. Unfortunately, unlike that bread you've been hoarding, some types of mold aren't immediately visible. Mold can grow in your walls, under your floors and in the basement. Do you need a mold specialist? Are There Strange Smells in Your Home? Strange smells are often an indicator of mold and other toxins. A musty, wet or foul odor in any room of your house might need to be inspected by a mold specialist. Since you don't actually see the mold, it can be difficult to identify otherwise. Have You Experienced Water Damage? Mold loves moisture. If you've experienced water damage in your home or office from a busted pipe or leaky faucet, mold could be growing in unseen places. This is especially true if water has leaked into your walls or underneath your floors. A mold specialist can detect the presence of mold and eradicate it. Are Your Doors and Windows Unsealed? Water damage doesn't have to come from your plumbing. **End Summary** Topics: airborne toxins]]> carbon dioxide exposure]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a specialist or more air conditioning articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.

Avoid Those Points: How to Fight Your Traffic Violations

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:07:10 -0400

When a police officer pulls you over in your car for speeding or any other moving violation, you have very few opportunities to avoid getting a ticket. In some cases, such as when you are exceeding the speed limit by an exorbitant amount, you might not be able to convince the officer you don't deserve a ticket. For minor infractions, however, you've got some leeway. Don't Acknowledge the Violation The first rule to avoid getting a ticket is never admit you did something wrong. A traffic violation is not a serious crime, but the same rules apply to speeders as to murderers. Acknowledging your crime serves as a confession, and you'll almost always receive a citation. For example, when the police officer approaches your car, you don't want to say, "Was I speeding a bit?" This tells him that you knew you were breaking the law but disregarded it anyway, and he'll be able to use it later if you go to court to fight it. No Sudden Moves You might be the most law-abiding citizen in the world. **End Summary** Topics: fight parking ticket]]> fight parking violations]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a lawyer or more law articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Avoid Those Points: How to Fight Your Traffic Violations

Is Your Plumber Price Gouging?

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:40:06 -0400

Most plumbers are dedicated to working hard for what they earn. There will always be scam artists, however, and the last thing you want to deal with is a dishonest plumber. But how do you know if your plumber is price gouging? Hidden Costs You've probably had to look for hidden costs in other industries. Don't assume they can't exist in the plumbing industry. One method of price gouging is to fail to tell customers about hidden costs that will eventually be added to the bill, often at inflated prices. Hidden costs your plumber might charge can include mileage for the drive to your home, time to shop at stores for parts and consultation fees. Avoid price gouging by asking for a written contract that plainly describes all the fees you will owe. It is also a good idea to know what the average plumber charges when it comes to fees. Never hire a plumber without first researching average plumber prices. Call several and ask for ballpark estimates you can compare. The actual prices might vary once the plumber surveys the problem at your home, but at least you'll have a general idea. **End Summary** Topics: average plumber price]]> average plumber prices]]> plumber]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plumber or more plumbing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Is Your Plumber Price Gouging?

The Joe the Plumber Effect

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:36:30 -0400

The concept of "Joe the Plumber" was popularized during the 2008 presidential election. The term originated with Joe Wurzelbacher, a former plumber who has become something of a celebrity after being mentioned by both candidates in a 2008 presidential debate. The Plumber Analogy The plumber profession has been used to make many negative connotations over the years, but plumbers are generally considered the epitome of the working man. They work hard, pay their taxes and contribute to society. This makes them an easy analogy to the rest of middle-class America. Of course, "Joe the Plumber" can also be "Joe the Electrician," "Joe the Small Business Owner," "Joe the Teacher," or any other respected profession in the world. The profession itself is only indicative of the mentality behind "Joe the Plumber." He might not have a fancy car or a big house, but he's proud of what he has and knows that he's earned every cent in the bank. The Role of "Joe the Plumber" "Joe the Plumber" has come to serve as a guideline for how America should be governed. **End Summary** Topics: electrician]]> embody middle class]]> joe the plumber]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plumber or more plumbing articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. The Joe the Plumber Effect