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In This Issue:

1) When is the “perfect time”?… a message from the Natural Handyman

2) Back at ya’… in appreciation for media citations or reciprocal links!

3) Sweepstakes Central... win great home repair stuff!!

4) News from the Basement Annex!!

5) Q&A with our readers

6) Linkmaster’s Corner

7) Pass the hammer, would ya?"... NH's readers speak out!

8) Featured in the Natural Handyman Bookshop...
“Renovation: A Complete Guide” by Michael W. Litchfield

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1) When is the “perfect time”?… a message from the Natural Handyman

The quicksand of indecision is perhaps the greatest impediment to personal and business success. Even in the face of opportunity, avoiding success by simply standing still can be too, too easy! In this guest message, Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler offers inspiration to help us all move forward in our lives… one step at a time!

“The Zen of Taking Action” by Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler

"To be or not to be, that is the question!" From Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

You've probably had the experience at one time or another of feeling "stuck" in your life. Of just sitting in one place -- unclear of what decision you should make.

How can you move forward in life when you feel unclear about the next step you need to take? Admittedly, such a lack of clarity can cause some pretty extreme stress!

It's difficult to move forward if you don't have clarity, since clarity of purpose often controls your supply of life energy.

Knowing what you want generates the energy to pursue it! While not knowing drains your energy.

So what can you do if you lack clarity? What are your options?

If you're afraid of making the wrong choice, you can wait and hope for clarity. Or you can try to think your options through in your own mind.

But the truth is, you'll never really "figure life out." In terms of "life-questions" -- life has a way of just resolving itself, with or without our conscious intervention or so-called decision-making!

And even when we think we've got everything all "figured out" -- life will seldom deliver a perfect replica of our mental picture.

One good way to conquer uncomfortable indecision is to simply make a choice from among your "unknowns."

Whether or not you feel certain your choice is the "right" choice -- just take a small step in what seems to be the "best" direction, in spite of your doubt or confusion.

There is great power in action. Movement in any direction will break you free from the "cement" of indecision -- and provide new information and experiences.

Action sends ripples of energy and change out into the world. And since life is so totally unpredictable, who knows how your situation will change once you get some "action energy" into motion.

You may even want to think of your life as a novel you're reading. You're only part of the way into the book -- and you really don't know what's going to happen next. How could you know? The book is still being written!

The challenge you face is this: Dare you move forward in the face of uncertainty? Can you "handle" taking action without knowing whether it's the "right" action?

You may feel confused or anxious, and wonder if you're making the "right" decision. But somewhere along in your "life novel" you may discover there was no "right" decision.

Here's what I've learned in my own "roller coaster" version of life: If you find you've stepped onto the "wrong" path, you can always adjust your direction.

And any so-called "mistakes" simply add to your personal wisdom about what doesn't work -- thus taking you closer to discovering what does work!

There is great power in action!

Go for it! Even if you make the wrong choice, at least you'll generate some "Zen action energy" and break free of the painful, mind-numbing cement of indecision!

(Boost your mindpower at Quantum-Self. Motivating and uplifting articles, brain teasers, and free self tests. Subscribe to sizzling ezine and get FREE DYNAMITE ABUNDANCE COURSE.
To subscribe:     http://www.quantum-self.com )

==== Find a QUALITY HANDYMAN Of Your Very Own!! ===

Our nationwide NATURAL HANDYMAN NETWORK reaches thousands of cities and towns from sea to shining sea… even Hawaii! (We’re still trying for those Alaskan handymen!) Just think of it! You own devoted and skilled handyman… ready, willing and able to help you with those pesky home repair chores!

Visit us today at http://www.naturalhandyman.com/network

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2) BACK AT YA’.. in appreciation for media citations or reciprocal links…

VINTAGE TUB & BATH is a family-run, full service reproduction bathroom supply company based in Hazleton, PA. In addition to blueprint and rough-in information for the clawfoot tubs we offer, our website also has a series of "How-to" videos detailing how to purchase a tub, how to choose a drain, and how to install supply lines.
http://www.vintagetub.com
 

1ST CHOICE WINDOWS DOOR AND TRIM provides windows and doors for home owners and residential contractors throughout Southern California. AAMA certified installers available.
http://www.1stchoicewd.com
 

Want to “LINK UP” with the NATURAL HANDYMAN?
We REALLY appreciate links to our site… you might even get your site mentioned here! Click below for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkmeister.html

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3) SWEEPSTAKES Central

WINNER Announcement…

We have LOTS of winners this month with not one… not two… but THREE groups of winners selected from recently closed contests!!

(1) Many thanks to all who entered our last CUSTOM BUILT SPAS CD GIVEAWAY! The winners are:
M. Goodman of Au Gres, MI
A. Case of Alton, MO
S. Jones of Norwood, MA
T. McPherson of Milford, DE

Don’t be “spa-less”! Learn to do-it-yourself by purchasing your own copies at the CUSTOM BUILT SPAS website at http://www.custombuiltspas.com/t.asp?a=403149
 

(2) “A WORLD OF TREASURES” GIVEWAY also ended last month. Here is a list of winners:
R. Richardson of Dallas, TX
B. Birkenstock of Hamilton, NJ
S. Capela of Union City, PA
C. Free of Fort Wayne, IN

For the best in decorative light switchplate covers, accent lamps and home décor accessories, visit A WORLD OF TREASURES at:
http://www.worldoftreasures.com
 

(3) “E-Z SPREAD N’ LIFT’s” giveaway of a CabinetPRO premium cabinet support tool (with case and optional lift extension) was won by…
D. Monson of Eau Claire, WI.

In writing back to confirm her address information, she informed us that this great tool will help immensely in a kitchen renovation they have planned for the near future. If you have cabinet hang in your future, or just need a second pair of hands, look into their line of support tools at E-Z Spread N’ Lift. Visit their site at:
http://www.e-zspreadnlift.com
 

Contest CLOSED…
On July 1, our giveaway of the new “EZ-LIFT” cabinet installation tool closed. The lucky winner will be announced in a future newsletter! Good luck to all who entered this contest!

New CONTESTS…

We have two contests restarting this month! We have 5 copies of the popular HANDYMAN BUSINESS CD SET available and 4 copies of the latest CUSTOM SPAS do-it-yourself spa and hot tub CDs!!

Other CURRENT CONTESTS…
(1) Win a $50.00 gift certificate from LAMPS-LIGHTING.COM
(2) Win a copy of the popular do-it yourself guide “DARE TO REPAIR” by Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet (ends 10/1/04)
(3) Win copies of “WIRING SIMPLIFIED” and “PRACTICAL ELECTRICAL WIRING” from PARK PUBLISHING (ends 8/1/04)
(4) Win a “CLEAN-UP CREW” from GEL GLOSS (ends 12/1/04)
(5) Win a “BAR KEEPERS FRIEND TOTE”, an in-the-cabinet storage basket filled with Bar Keepers’ most popular products (ends 9/1/04)

TO ENTER CONTESTS follow this link:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/contest 

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4) News From The BASEMENT ANNEX

Do You Have “AMERICA’S TACKIEST ROOM”?
If the best looking legs in your house are found on the lamp on your living room end table, you just might have what it takes to win a $10,000 complete room makeover. Click on the link below to see if your room has what it takes to be named "America's Tackiest Room"!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/contest/tackiestroom.html
 

TREX COMPOSITE LUMBER Attacked By VICIOUS, BLOODSUCKING ATTORNEYS!
Thought that would get your attention! Actually, some of my best friends are lawyers. If you have a deck that uses TREX composite wood products, you may be interested in this press release from PRNewswire. Apparently TREX has not proved to be as “maintenance free” as advertised, and the company is being taken to task! You be the judge at…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infpressrelease/inftrexlawsuit.html
 

REMODELING TRENDS Emphasize Personal Needs
With over $180 billion spent by homeowners on remodeling projects, where is the money going? According to Gail McCauley of the Paint Quality Institute, homeowners seek to personalize their homes with an emphasis on personal spaces and quality products!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infpai/pqi-june04.html
 

DROWNING PREVENTION Campaign Launched
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is launching a drowning prevention campaign as part of an intensified initiative to prevent the tragic drowning of 250 children under the age of 5 annually in swimming pools. Are your kids at risk? Read this article. Video and audio clips available at the CPSC website.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infpool/infpoolsafety.html
 

LIGHT BULB Trivia
Burnt out? Feel like a dim bulb? Never fear… let the light shine in with some new and interesting articles on light bulbs…
1) “The History Of The Light Bulb”… goes well beyond Thomas Edison!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/lightbulbhistory.html
 

2) “How Light Bulbs Work”… you still won’t be able to fix them, but at least you’ll know what you’re getting angry at when the lights go out!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/howlightbulbswork.html

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5) Q&A with our readers...

Dear NH,

I have noticed in recent years several types of drill bits available on the market. Could you give a brief assessment on the quality/value of titanium vs. cobalt. Are they worth the extra money? I have not bought bits in over twenty years- before all these different kinds were made. Thanks.

RQ in Carrollton, GA

RQ,

Not being a product tester (I leave that to the pros at Family Handyman and Consumer Reports) doesn't leave me "opinionless"!

In my years in home repair I have used all types of drill bits... titanium, cobalt, both cheap and expensive. My humble opinion is, for most people and most drilling situations, buying the cheaper "name brand" bits is the best way to go.

Are the more expensive "specialty" bits worth the money? Perhaps if you were doing jobs that require their extra toughness, which is mostly needed for metal or ceramic tile drilling. Drilling anything other than metal does not really utilize the exceptional properties of these bits. Even when drilling into concrete or masonry, most homeowners will not need expensive bits for these occasional jobs.

Add that to the fact that, especially with the smaller diameter bits (under 1/8"), you are more likely to break the bit than wear it out! Again from personal experience.

So I would say that, unless you are going to be doing a lot of metal drilling, stick to the less expensive standard drill bits... especially if you are considering buying a set. Then, when that “tough” drilling task drops into your lap, buy an individual high quality bit in the size you need.

Or, even better, two… just in case. (You can always return the extras!)

NH

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6) LINKMEISTER’S Corner

HOMEPLANS.COM is more than home plans! They also feature plans for decks, sheds, garages and backyard projects such as play structures and dog houses! Sharpen that hammer and get started today!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkslibrary/houseplanlink.html
 

MOLD… MILDEW… What Can I Do!?
Mold is nasty, even outside on your home or deck. First, it must be removed… then prevented. (Painting over mold does not kill it… it only hides it for a little while!)
To clean mildew, there are a number of commercial products. The most versatile product I’ve found is JOMAX. From the Zinsser Company, concentrated JOMAX is mixed with bleach and water. It activates the bleach to make it kill kill KILL that mildew… while special detergents clean without scrubbing in most cases. I’ve gotten results similar to a powerwasher on all but the most crusty dirt… without having to rent one!
http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=65
 

PREVENTING MILDEW Is Another Story…
What can be done to prevent mildew on already finished surfaces, such as siding or roofs? One answer is ANTI-GROWTH from GSI/Camden Products… a preventative treatment for mold, mildew, algae & moss. It utilizes the same quaternary solution used in hospitals to disinfect equipment and create germ free environments. Now, through a unique new process, the "quat" has been encapsulated into a clear vinyl liquid coating that creates a long-term protective barrier against algae and fungal growth with no change in appearance to the surface it protects. Way cool!
http://www.anti-growth.com 
 

We REALLY appreciate links to our site. We also accept suggestions of quality websites we may have missed! Click below to suggest a link or for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkmeister.html 

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8) Featured in the NATURAL HANDYMAN BOOKSHOP...

“RENOVATION: A COMPLETE GUIDE” by Michael W. Litchfield
When I first stumbled across this book over 15 years ago, I had borrowed it from the local public library. I was so impressed with the depth of information and excellent organization that I never wanted to return it. I just had to have a copy for myself. So I had my local bookstore order one for me.

This is a colossal work, covering not only construction basics but virtually all crafts involved in renovation. The style and flow of the book are tremendous, and offers many insights into the travails of renovation... making that old house of yours into a work of art!!

See this and other fine books in our BOOKSHOP at:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/bookshop

PURCHASE ALL YOUR BOOKS ONLINE THROUGH US!
By making a special AMAZON.COM bookmark through our site, you not only get the finest books available but also help our site with a small, essentially free donation with each purchase! Click below for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/amazon

                    COPYRIGHT 2004 G. George Ventures, Inc., All rights reserved.

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