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In This Issue:

1) The Never-Ending Christmas Party… a message from the Natural Handyman

2) Back at ya’… in appreciation for media citations or web 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...
“Tile Your World” by John Bridge

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The Never-Ending Christmas party… a message from the Natural Handyman

Ebenezer Scrooge, the hated and beloved miser of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, was heard whispering at his first Christmas party to Bob Cratchet, “The problem with Christmas parties is that they eventually end and everyone goes home!”

This year, my wife and I had the honor of hosting our church choir’s Christmas party. Though we’d like other members to host the party on alternate years, no one seems to pick up the gauntlet. And such a gauntlet it is! Having a party is a lot of work! For example, it forces you to clean… really clean. How embarrassing would it be to have a choir member disappear amidst the clutter!

I’m not complaining. My wife and I both agree that house cleaning renews the spirit… plus it provides a nudge to get the house decorated earlier than the “night before Christmas”! I also enjoy parties and being the host for these many years has helped me understanding a little more about the real secret to a happy life. The secret is simply to stop expecting returns on investments; spiritual investments, that is!

If there is any time of year loaded with opportunities to be let down, when expectations can be unrealistic, the Christmas season is surely at the pinnacle! Giving is a huge part of the season, but also is “receiving”… the surprise gifts, the hopefully huge bonus at work, the office parties, the stolen kisses under the mistletoe. You could even say that a “gracious receiver” is also a giver.

And though we would like to think ourselves generous, there is always a return on giving. It is the nature of the return we desire that defines us, not the gift. Spiritual returns are more highly regarded than barter. Spiritual gifts are more enduring and hence more valuable to heal souls.

Before his Christmas Eve epiphany, Scrooge was a wicked, grasping money-grubber who only saw people for what they could give him… or what he could take from them! But once faced with his maker via the metaphorical spirits who gave him insight into the evils of money worship, he realized that it was not what he got from people that made for happiness. It is the things you give that make you happy. And one of his first gifts was… a Christmas party!

Scrooge knew there was no “thing” that anyone could give him, ‘cause he really had it all. But love and compassion cannot be extracted from others, they must be freely given. Those who give are also those who get the most important gifts.

A few thousand years ago, a carpenter wanted and needed to give the gift of his insights and beliefs. Like a soft, healing mist his philosophy spread to those who were willing to listen. From all accounts, he never became wealthy, never collected a tax or fee for his services and was loved by those who knew him. He’s been gone these many years, but his party goes on.

Perhaps next year, at your house?

NH

==== 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. Just think of it… your own devoted and skilled handyman ready, willing and able to help you with those pesky home repair chores!

Our network does not charge a fee to our handymen… or you! Our only goal is to help you find the home repair assistance you need!

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/network

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

BEADWEAVING.COM is the website of Bearcat & Co., manufacturers of the "Bearcat Loom", a very reasonably priced quality loom available in various sizes. Their custom design is top notch! They also have a variety of beadwork supplies including threads, silver clasps and thread bobbins.
http://www.beadweaving.com 
 

MOVING COMPANIES DIRECTORY can help you find fully qualified vendors including long distance, local and international movers, auto transport, storage rental, rental trucks, and moving insurance providers. Get estimates from up to 10 qualified moving specialists - and watch that stress just melt away. Find local or long distance moving companies, self storage, supplies, truck rentals & more.
http://moving-companies-directory.com
 

EASTERN CORNER has decorative furnishings and home decorating accessories including antiques and antique replicas for authentic home decorating and improvement. Imported from Eastern Europe and Asia Minor, all merchandise is exclusive to their catalogue for unique home decorating.
http://www.easterncorner.com
 

ALLIED WIRE & CABLE is a distributor and manufacturer of electronic and electrical wire and cable as well as custom tubing and cable assemblies. They specialize in custom-made cable and wire for all requirements including flexible cable. Very reasonable minimum order size!
http://www.awcwire.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

CONTEST CLOSED
Our GEL GLOSS CLEANUP CREW giveaway ended on 12/1. We’re still waiting for the last few winners to verify their addresses, so we’ll announce the full list next newsletter!

CURRENT CONTESTS…

(1) Win a $50.00 gift certificate from LAMPS-LIGHTING.COM (ends 1/1/05)
(2) Win a case of LOCTITE POWER GRAB adhesive from Henkel Consumer Adhesives!
(3) Win the 2-CD set HANDYMAN BUSINESS (ends 1/1/2005)
(4) Win the 2-CD set “How To Build Your Own Custom Spa or Hot Tub” from “CUSTOM BUILT SPAS” (ends 2/1/2005)
(5) Win a Do-It-Yourself basement LEAK STOPPING SYSTEM from WEBAC (ends 5/1/2005)

TO ENTER CONTESTS on our website, follow this link:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/contest

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4) News from THE BASEMENT ANNEX

NH IS GOING ON VACATION so we will not be sending a January, 2005 newsletter. However, we hope to post loads of new articles for the New Year as we rev up for the spring home repair onslaught! Have a safe and Happy New Year and see you in February!!

HOLIDAY SAFETY IS THE GREATEST GIFT
Why not take a few minutes and make sure you are providing a safe holiday for your family. Here’s a timely article on decorating safety from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infholidaysafety.html
 

HOW TO IMPROVE GARDEN SOIL
This may seem like an odd article with winter snows settling in many parts of the country. But hey… some of our readers are hiding under umbrellas and sipping Pina Coladas! So lighten up! Spring will be here before you know it, and ANY gardener will tell you that you can’t have too much knowledge, or too many earthworms!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/inflandscaping/infimprovesoil.html
 

POWDERPOST BEETLES is from one of our newest contributors, Jack DeAngelis, an expert in insect control and extermination! As one of the most destructive wood-eating pests, these beetles can destroy your home… or even your furniture! This bug needs a close look, for sure!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infpests/infpowderpost.html
 

USING RAISED PLASTER STENCILS TO DECORATE YOUR HOME
The newest craze in wall décor is now finding its way in to the handcrafted furniture industry by providing a simple and inexpensive way to create raised designs in styles ranging from simplistic to highly ornate.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infdecorating/infplasterstencil.html
 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM
Nothing’s nicer than a warm bathroom floor on a cold morning. But what system is the best for your home? Here is a primer on selecting a radiant system to suit your home and your budget.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infhvac/infselectradiant.html

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5) Q&A WITH OUR READERS...

Dear NH,

I read your article on Boiled Linseed Oil & found it very helpful,
but it don’t mention using it on metal. I believe my father used to use it
to prevent rust on tools, garden implements, etc. Any insight? Thanks
much for your time.

RS from Broadview Heights, OH

RS,

Linseed oil would not be my first choice, since it would gum up any tool
moving parts as it dried. My father always coated his tools with a very
thin layer of 3-in-1 oil (from an oily rag) to both prevent corrosion and
lubricate them. Linseed oil has no significant lubricating properties once
dry.

If you don’t like 3-in-1 oil (it can be messy, for sure), the “BullFrog” line of metal protectants are one of the best ways to stop rust on bare metals without actually painting them. You can probably get their products locally, but here is a link to their website in case you want to purchase online:

http://www.rustbloc.com

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Dear NH,

Do I need to have the inside door open in order to install a storm door?

DM from Kittery, ME

DM,

It's not "absolutely" necessary to have the inside door open, but for the sake of a quality installation I always required the owners to have the door open for me.

Though you can install the door frame without any inside access, there are certain parts of the installation that run more smoothly with the inner door open, such as leveling the door closer(s) and installing the latch. Since you would have to lean through the storm door with the glass removed, the chance for alignment errors is greater. There is also the chance you could scratch or bend the door leaning through it.

Furthermore, some installation instructions require the latch and closers be installed with the glass installed, making the door more rigid. Obviously, with the glass in you can't possibly align the latch or install the closers with any accuracy.
………………………………………..

Dear NH,

I live in a ranch house that is on a concrete slab. My laundry room is situated so that I cannot vent my dryer outside without going up into the attic and over to the louver. The problem is that condensation keeps filling up my hose right where I turn up into the attic. Is there any indoor vent system that works?

DH from New Castle, DE

DH,

There are a couple of indoor vent types. One incorporates a filter to catch the lint that would otherwise send you on a sneezing fit every time you tumbled a load! There is another type that blows the exhaust into a container filled with water, ostensibly to catch the lint. I like the filter-type best, since it’s too easy to forget to refill the water in the reservoir. Also, the water-type seems to miss a lot of lint.

Whichever type you choose, you must contend with the damp air they blow back into your home, as well as the odors from detergents, fabric softeners, etc. Though I haven't shopped for one in a while, I'm sure you can probably get one at any home store and some hardware stores. Your local hardware store could also order one for you, I'm sure!

Regarding your problem with condensation within the hose, I have two suggestions that might make the problem go away. First, cover the exposed vent hose in the attic with insulation. This will keep the temperature in the hose a little higher and reduce condensation.

Second, run the dryer for about 5 minutes on high temperature before putting in the first load of wet clothes. This will preheat the hose and eliminate that initial condensation that occurs when damp air meets cold hose. This will also help to evaporate any existing condensation in the hose.

NH

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6) LINKMEISTER’S Corner

These are the latest additions to our “Links Library”. Don’t have time to visit them now? Don’t worry… every link has been saved for future reference by category at:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkslibrary
 

1A AUTO sells quality aftermarket auto parts online, both on eBay and on their website. Their focus is not to be the "lowest price guy", it's on the quality of their parts and their amazing customer service, with over 150 collective years of automotive experience. Their eBay feedback rating is outstanding!
http://www.1aauto.com
 

The TEXAS AMERICA SAFETY COMPANY offers secure online ordering for a wide variety of safety glasses, work gloves, hard hats, and other safety products to individuals, distributors, and industrial facilities.
http://www.tasco-safety.com 
 

FILTERSAMERICA.COM is your resource for all of your indoor air quality needs. Whole house air cleaners and humidifiers, portable room air cleaners and humidifiers plus a full compliment of replacement filters. Great savings on multi-pack specials.
http://www.filtersamerica.com
 

HAZELMERE MANTEL COMPANY features fireplace mantels, mantel surrounds and overmantel designs, custom made in your choice of wood or double primed and ready for color. Order Online via Paypal!
http://www.hazelmeremantel.com
 

SHUTTER MEDIC ships do-it-yourself plantation shutter repair parts and kits nationwide. Repair kits are designed for the average homeowner and do not require and specialized tools.
http://www.shuttermedic.com
 

SAFETY PROTECTION WAREHOUSE specializes in flame resistant apparel for the oil, gas and petrochemical Industry along with electrical arc flash fire protection and firefighting coverage. NOMEX coveralls available!
http://www.coverallsale.com
 

NO MORE SCREWS.com is an electrical warehouse that supplies the fastest installed devices on the planet. All of their wall plates are completely screw-less, which saves money and looks great! You will be happy with this innovative "Cheetah Speed System”.
http://www.nomorescrews.com
 

K L TILE MURALS produce custom hand-painted ceramic tile murals for home, commercial, or marine use. Tropical murals, seascapes, lighthouses, landscapes, palm trees for kitchen, bath, barbeque islands, pool, or patio.
http://www.kltilemurals.com
 

BOLT DEPOT offers one of the largest selections of bolts, nuts, screws and fasteners you will find anywhere, on or offline! If there's an "oddball" screw or bolt you need, they probably have it! They have just added new free fastener tools which allow you to print of a full size image of US and Metric bolts so you can lay a bolt right on the page for easy identification. No order too large or small!
http://www.boltdepot.com
 

With a GARAGE DOOR SCREEN, the garage is transformed into extra living space, allowing users to enjoy fresh air and sunlight without worrying about bugs, pests and dust. This newly created space can be converted into a workshop, a more convenient laundry area or an exercise room, making life more enjoyable for the entire family. The screen's innovative design is also ideal for use in gazebos, decks, boats and trailers.
http://www.garagedoorscreens.com
 

CLA GRILLS sells replacement parts and BBQ accessories for Ducane and most other major brand grills. Family owned and operated since 1986, they only sell exact fit replacement parts, high quality parts that were made specifically for your model grill. They do NOT sell cheap universal (bend 'em till they fit) parts that may not last a season.
http://www.clagrills.com
 

LITTLE GIANT SALES is a great place to purchase your own "Little Giant Ladder", the safest and most versatile ladder on the market! They have great pricing, shipping is free within the continental US and no sales tax is collected outside of Utah.
http://www.littlegiantsales.com
 

i-MAILBOXES.COM features unique and beautiful hand-painted mailboxes by artist Sandra Davis with themes including flowers, birds, and butterflies. Choice of post-mount, wall-mount, or locking mailboxes and accessories.
http://www.i-mailboxes.com
 

GAVIN HISTORICAL BRICKS is the nation's premier supplier of antique brick for residential, landscaping, and commercial projects. All products are shipped direct to your project, nationwide. They specialize in new constructions with an old world look as well as historic restoration projects. Custom brick matching is available.
http://www.historicalbricks.com
 

EZ-STAIRS is a major, new advancement in building stairs. The patented product has received impressive reviews from contractors and carpenters in controlled field testing. EZ Stairs features patented adjustable parallel brackets that allow skilled carpenters, as well as the do-it-yourself handyman, to save time and money, while building quality stairs of superior strength and structural integrity.
http://www.ez-stairs.com
 

ALL-WALL is the industry’s preferred source for drywall tools and equipment. Literally thousands of drywall tools and the best selection of texture spray equipment is just a click away. Sales, service and repair.
http://www.all-wall.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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7) PASS THE HAMMER, WOULD YA? ... NH’S readers speak out!

Dear NH,

The first time I looked at your site I was in total awe. I have never given a donation to a web site before, but I had to give one to you. The help you put out there for anyone to take for free is really an old fashioned thing to do.

I also put all my heart and soul into doing best I can do for my clients. But you can't win for losing. If you give them a good rate, the next time you do a job and it cost a little more they complain.

My dad taught me that if you do your best you will never be out of work. I think your web site is great and I thank you. I have learned a lot from you. Thanks again

JL

JL,

Here’s a toast to you and your dad. The world of business seems to hold a different morality than that of personal relations. It makes me think of the pickpocket who works the streets Saturday night and goes to church on Sunday. Principles and morals cannot be turned on and off depending on the situation. Otherwise, they are not principles… they are “optionals”.

How can a person expect to be trusted when they stand for nothing? Regardless the business, our clients may desire perfection, but they demand trust. Without its delicate lubrication, all relations squeak to a dismal halt!

…………………………………….

Dear NH,

Please relay to D.S that many people (like my family and me) do appreciate and are impressed by quality work. There is nothing better when I'm trying to fix something, than to see forethought in design and quality of work. And the converse is certainly true, too. I live in the Portland, OR area, and D.S. sounds like the kind of contractor I would like to have doing my projects. Would you be able to pass this email to D.S. or forward a name & number?

SO

SO,

I soooo understand your sentiments! However, I can’t begin passing personal notes in class! If you’re out there, DS, join our “Handyman Network” and make yourself available to all our Portland area readers!

……………………………………..

Dear NH,

Regarding the comments from a reader, "Does it really eat up that much profit to add some shut-off valves here and there or to make some access panels where you know full well someone will need to get into someday?"

The answer is Yes!, considering that in national averages, net profit varies from only 5% to 7%.

As a remodeling contractor for over 30 years, now semi-retired doing small repairs and mentoring my peers, there is absolutely no reason to sacrifice any part of one's "net" profit to do 1st class workmanship. One only needs to include said 1st class workmanship time and material in his/her estimate or T&M work.

Thank you for a great site for home owners.

SL

SL,

Well said! Both quality contractors and their potential clients have to somehow agree on a “language of quality”. Despite the nightmare stories each year of poor quality work, homeowners still insist on the “low bid”. Contractors have no choice… if their survival depends on that 1%, what can they do? Go out of business?

Some homeowners don’t realize that quality costs money. They also think that hard price bargaining doesn’t affect quality. Hello… it surely does! I always charged top dollar for my work, and my clients appreciated my quest for perfection. If they couldn’t afford what I offered, there were always lower priced contractors to do the work.

Often hired to redo the repairs of other “professionals”, I know firsthand how easy it is to blame the other contractor. Unfortunately, a system which depresses prices without rewarding quality forces good contractors to sometimes make poor cost-cutting decisions.

NH

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8) Featured in the NATURAL HANDYMAN BOOKSHOP...

“Tile Your World” by John Bridge

If you are looking for a single book that will guide you through all aspects of tile installation and repair, this is it! John Bridge must be hated in professional tile circles, as he gives away the secrets of the pros and providing even the rankest amateur with the courage to attempt his first tile job… and succeed!

The fact is, tile work is fairly easy once you understand the basics of tools and materials… and this book will get you there with little pain and lots of gain!

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

HELP US HELP YOU!! Purchase your Amazon.com holiday presents and goodies through us! You will pay exactly the same price, but a small part of your purchase will come back to us to make our website bigger and better!!
Click below for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/amazon

"The Handyman Letter", formerly the "Natural Handyman Newsletter", is a publication of The Natural Handyman website.  This newsletter is sent to subscribers only by request.  Our mailing address is:   Natural Handyman; 16 Hilltop Drive; Canton, CT 06019

The Natural Handyman is a project of G. George Ventures, Inc.   Please visit the The Natural Handyman for information concerning terms of use, copyrights, liability, and other such information.

This newsletter and its contents are for informational purposes only. Because we cannot control the conditions under which our advice or suggestions are implemented and we cannot anticipate any unusual or unique circumstances of your situation, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage that may occur because of their use.

Home repair can involve dangers from tools and situations that can cause severe bodily harm or death. Many chemicals used in home repair can be dangerous or deadly. Please use good judgment and caution in undertaking any home repair, read all product instructions and cautions, and do not attempt any repair or project that you are not mentally or physically capable of doing. Not even professionals are immune to injury!

All advertisements, sponsors, website links and their descriptions are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information offered at those sites. Each site is responsible for its own content, design, software and privacy policies.

To send comments or questions about this newsletter or our websites, click HERE. You may also mail positive comments, helpful suggestions, or donations to:
The Natural Handyman; 16 Hilltop Drive; Canton, CT 06019

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                    COPYRIGHT 2005 G. George Ventures, Inc., All rights reserved.

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