Do Yourself Foundation Repair Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Is there an easy way to fix the lining to a lamp shade?
   I have a cute, decorative lamp in my daughter’s room. It has monkeys on it. It has gotten dry rotted, and tipped over. Needless to say, the liner got broken. The material with the monkeys is still intact and nice. Is there a way to repair the liner?

   • ANSWER:
     http://www.lampshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=08_13_FOUNDATION_LININGS

     http://www.lampsplus.com/htmls/shades/splash.asp

     It is easy to do. At the second site, go to the shades section and learn how to measure and cut a liner properly. The first site, if you cannot find liner at your local stores, sells it on-line. Your local lighting store/supplier usually sells them ready made as well. Rings, laminates, tape seals and glue are all easily available.

     I have also found that Arts and Crafts stores sell kits like these as well.

     I have fun with it. Just remember buy a bigger roll than you think you need. As experienced as I am, I still make mistakes when measuring and cutting. Spend an extra dollar or two and save yourself the frustration of returning to buy more…lol.

2. QUESTION:
   How can you reduce the effects of earthquakes?
   From death tolls to building structures, anything, as long as it would reduce the impacts/effects of earthquakes…

   • ANSWER:
     Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes

     Six Ways to Plan Ahead

     Check for Hazards in the Home

     Fasten shelves securely to walls.
     Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
     Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
     Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
     Brace overhead light fixtures.
     Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
     Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
     Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
     Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

     Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
     Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
     Against an inside wall.
     Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
     In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

     Educate Yourself and Family Members

     Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
     Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
     Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

     Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

     Flashlight and extra batteries.
     Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
     First aid kit and manual.
     Emergency food and water.
     Nonelectric can opener.
     Essential medicines.
     Cash and credit cards.
     Sturdy shoes.

     Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

     In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
     Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

     Help Your Community Get Ready

     Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
     Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
     Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
     Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
     Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
     Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

     What do you do during an earthquake?

     If indoors DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

     Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

     Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

     Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.

     Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
     Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
     DO NOT use the elevators.

     If outdoors

     Stay there.

     Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
     Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

     The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior wa

3. QUESTION:
   Will there be an earthquake in California after the Chile one?
   My concern is !! we had one earthquake around Central America, then another one in South America, will those earthquakes generate another one in North America,? should we (citizens of California)be worried, and be prepared ???
   Thank you

   • ANSWER:
     Yes, definitly! but know one knows exactly when. Worrying about it won’t help. Preparing for it is a good idea. Here is some ways to prepare.

     Six Ways to Plan Ahead Before an Earthquake

     1. Check for Hazards in the Home

     Fasten shelves securely to walls.
     Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
     Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
     Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
     Brace overhead light fixtures.
     Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
     Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
     Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
     Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

     2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

     Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
     Against an inside wall.
     Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
     In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

     3. Educate Yourself and Family Members on Earthquake Facts

     Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
     Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
     Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

     4. Have An Earthquake Survival Kit on Hand
     Flashlight and extra batteries
     Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
     First aid kit and manual
     Emergency food and water
     Non-electric can opener
     Essential medicines
     Cash and credit cards
     Sturdy shoes

     5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

     In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.

     Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. GOOD LUCK!
     FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VIDEO GO TO:

4. QUESTION:
   Best way to repair a foundation crack?
   I noticed a crack on the outside…and when the gutters aren’t cleaned out and we get a downpour and the gutters overflow right above the crack..water gets in the basement. What’s the best repair…is it a do it yourself kit. The water that gets in isn’t allot and its rare..

   • ANSWER:

5. QUESTION:
   Do tumbleweed tiny houses require permits?
   Do tumbleweed tiny houses require permits to build? I live in Milford New Jearsey.

   • ANSWER:
     BOX BUNGALOWS
     Undue expense and red tape have been cut to keep the Box Bungalows user friendly and affordable. Most municipalities mandate that a permit is not required to put a building of less than 120 square feet on your property. You can purchase plans to build it yourself, order a kit, or buy it ready made and delivered to your site. The interior is left up to your imagination. Finish it as a guest bedroom, office, artist studio, or cabin.

     Note: Although some work is exempt from a building permit, additional permits or review may be required. Before a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished, it is important to contact the appropriate staff at the Permit and Resource Management Department (PRMD) to determine if any other permit or technical review is required.

     Although work may be exempt from a building permit, it may be subject to other county regulations (Well and Septic, Zoning, Drainage, Sewer, etc.). Although a building permit is not required, the exempt construction/work must be code compliant. For example, re-striping a commercial parking lot is exempt from a building permit, however, the striping must conform to building code standards for accessibility and Zoning standards for parking lot design. Failure to comply with code requirements may constitute a violation.

     Building:
     1.Accessory Structures: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses when located on a parcel which contains an existing single family dwelling or other permitted primary use or structure. Such structures shall not have a floor area that exceeds 120 square feet and the height above grade shall not exceed 12 feet. No more than one structure may be allowed under this exemption unless separated from another permit exempt structure by more than 50 feet.

     Note: Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work in connection with such structures requires an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit even though a building permit is not required for the structure itself.

     To read the complete document go to When is a Building Permit Not Required
     This document tells me that I can build up to a 120 square foot structure without a permit. It can’t be higher than 12 feet and if I choose to put in electrical or plumbing I will need to get a permit for that only.

     So technically I could build a Tumbleweed home that is less than 120 square feet on a foundation as long as it met these requirements. I would need a permit for the wiring and plumbing.

     What if it is on wheels or considered an RV?

     I was unable to find anything regarding this on the Sonoma County website. To my knowledge each town or neighborhood has its own rules regarding this. Some places allow you to park an RV at your home or on your property but only allow you to live in it for so much time and than you must move it. Others say it can only be parked but not lived in, and other areas don’t care one way or the other.

     What About a Remote Area?

     Often you can build in a remote area without permits. Here again it is important to check with your county requirements.

     Many people just build and some areas are so remote that no one knows about your cabin or home. If you are reported by neighbors or someone else you may have to deal with the local codes and/or remove or tear the structure down.

     Hopefully this article has given you some idea as to where to start looking for this type of information and also what to look for. Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

     Kent Griswold publishes the Tiny House Blog

6. QUESTION:
   How to predict an earthquake?
   I live in Southern California, and I would like to know how to predict an earthquake.
   In case that it will happen.
   So I can make preparations.

   • ANSWER:
     You can’t predict earthquakes in advance. You know about it the last minute. Watch how animals react to earthquakes. Theres many reactions. I’ll give you tips on how to prepare for an earthquake since it is essential for you to know.

     1. Check for hazards in the home
     *Fasten shelves securely to walls.
     *Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
     *Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
     *Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
     *Brace overhead light fixtures.
     *Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
     *Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
     *Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
     *Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves

     2. Identify safe places both indoors and outdoors
     *Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
     *Against an inside wall
     *Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
     *In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

     3. Educate yourself and family members
     *Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
     *Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
     *Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

     4. Have disaster supplies on hand
     *Flashlight and extra batteries.
     *Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
     *First aid kit and manual
     *Emergency food and water.
     *Nonelectric can opener.
     *Cash and credit cards.
     *Sturdy shoes.
     *Essential Medications

     5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
     *In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
     *Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

     6. Help your community get ready
     *Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
     *Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
     *Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
     *Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
     *Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
     *Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

     Hope I helped!!

7. QUESTION:
   learning repairing computer hardware?
   i want to learn computer hardware. not for any kind of degree or certificate. but for practical knowledge and start my own h/w repairing/selling business
   how can i get good practical knowledge without going any institute or any hardware company.
   which tools/ kit needed for learning that.
   i want to practical on my old pc
   how can i know which are latest products in the market, which are the best one and difference(technical/practical ) between them
   thanks

   • ANSWER:
     most university courses or adult education courses wont teach you what you need to know…and to be honest there is no easy way to learn it.
     Ive been building.repairing pc’s for the last 15 or so years…and each and every one i look at is slightly different in fault and cause. The only way to gain the knowledge you are after is to work for it.
     Try to find yourself a part time/work experience job in a repair company somewhere….itreally is the only way to get the “hands on” experience that will give you the technical knowledge you need for the job. Try schools! thewy have large IT departments and usually alot of older hardware that requires cleaning up and fixing..ad they will be all to happy to have some help.
     The trouble with magazines and books on the subject is that no two pc systems are ever the same….you can have “ball park” problems..ie dust in slots, faulty fans, duff hdd units…but that is base knowledge that you will only gain through trial and experience. on top of that you have the software issues that you will only ever be able to resolve with your own foundation of years of work knowledge. Even now after 15 years, i occasionally have to spend an hour trawling the internet to even get an idea of what might be causing a software problem….chances are if somebody has it…then somebody else has had it to…so that can help you get started on a particular issue.
     as for what is modern technology and how to stay apace of it..again its through customer requests for new hardware and pc builds….and also through your own knowledge….for instance…on my own pc i keep it as up to date as i can….i run VISTA, a dual core Intel, the latest graphics card…later this year it will go Quad core….all of this allows me to know the software and hardware that my customers wil be buying and using. Again internet research from places like TomsHardware, Nvidia, Amd,….trusted sites which keep you abreast of the latest tech…..
     finally sometimes you just have to take the plunge…by yourself a cheap pc in its sum parts…ie motherboard,cpu,ram, etc…go to a decent store that can advise you on compatibility of those products…then built it yourself….there are plenty of online guides to building your own systems…..once you have built it…pull it appart and build it again! and again! and again! its daunting..but its also the only way you will learn the job.
     if i can help you more the let me know

8. QUESTION:
   repairing brick steps?
   Bought a do it yourself pvc stair rail kit from Home Depot. Began installing the posts into the brick stairway and one of the bricks on the edge where I drilled and bolted the post receiver to came loose. Obviously I’ll need to re-set the brick using mortar, however I’m wondering the feasability of driving a couple wedge anchors sideways through the brick to reinforce it from popping off again since it’s supporting a stair rail post.

   • ANSWER:
     You definately need reinforcement. A small foundation underneath the brick would be best. Use concrete underneath the brick then of course mortar the brick back in place. It might be wise to cover as much area as possible underneath the brick area as possible. This will involve digging underneath the brick.
     You do not want to use the wedge anchor thru the brick. It will only reduce the strength of the brick which is supporting the post. You want that area in particular to be strong enough to use the rail for supporting extra weight.

9. QUESTION:
   edit these poems please?
   I have seen the fire,
   she greeted me so kindly.
   Her marriage suit, so lush,
   So real,
   So fervent.
   Its wretched to say it got too strong,
   too punitive,
   so excruciatingly dramatic,
   it’s disquieting to proclaim that the marriage suit has coarsened,
   And here I find myself bewildered,
   covering myself in ice.

   Thank gd,
   as your tears slowly embrace that sweet passion
   that has willfully turned cold,
   and endorse this inevitable truth
   that should calmly lift u off your feet,
   and drop u upon reality,
   reminding you that your future lies there for all eternity,
   and that pain can no longer reach you.
   Its wind,
   so soft, so calm,
   its waters, mystic,
   and its spark to life,
   so real.
   Embrace its sweet passion
   that has promised to u
   freedom,
   and willfully turn it into your own.
   Mutter to yourself,
   life is a test,
   weighing itself,
   purely for this.

   Was it my fault that my hatred was embedded in your envy?
   You were the one who mercilessly threw your love to me,
   then, as if it was nothing, alleged that it was I who captivated you,
   making it as if you had done nothing,
   and watching me,
   as my tears burned,
   waiting, as months passed,
   beginning to trample upon my passion
   was it my glory, that threw you so off track,
   your lies that you felt saved you?
   I asked you to leave,
   And you just stood there,
   impassive,
   As if it had always been nothing.

   I begged of you to mercy hate,
   As I entered, solemnly I lay, crying
   yearning, ever so passionately for love.
   but here he sat,
   so dragged
   his lips so yellow,
   his face so pale,
   and here I only prayed to gd for mercy,
   and here is what he gave

   • ANSWER:
     Poetry does not have to rhyme, but rhythm is important.

     You must read as much as you can and as many different styles as you can, classic and contemporary; free verse and structured forms. Two good anthologies: Staying Alive, Real poems for Unreal Times edited by Neil Astley and Garrison Keillor’s Good Poems. Two books on writing that will help guide you are Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook and The Poetry Home Repair Kit from Ted Kooser.

     There are many good sites on line where you can read poetry daily or browse the archives:

     Academy of Americans Poets
     Poetry Daily
     Verse Daily
     The Writer’s Almanac
     Ploughshares
     Rattle
     Poetry 180
     Poetry Foundation

     And if you’re looking for more poets, here’s a very short list. Have fun!

     William Stafford
     Li-Young Lee
     Gary Snyder
     Dorianne Laux
     Lucille Clifton
     Mahmoud Darwish
     Seamus Heaney
     Anna Akhmatova
     Stanley Kunitz
     Yusef Komunyakaa
     Kay Ryan
     Jane Kenyon
     Yehuda Amichai
     Tony Hoagland
     William Matthews
     Emily Dickinson
     Grace Paley
     Wislawa Szymborska
     Donald Hall
     Jimmy Santiago Baca
     Bob Hicok
     Floyd Skloot
     Mary Oliver
     Ruth Stone
     Jane Mead
     Countee Cullen
     WCW
     Robert Frost
     Brendan Galvin
     Linda McCarriston
     AE Stallings
     Dylan Thomas
     Richard Wilbur
     Naomi Shihab Nye
     Ted Kooser
     Galway Kinnell
     Rita Dove
     Mary Jo Bang
     Gjertrud Schnackenberg
     Rhina Espaillat
     Allen Ginsberg
     Charles Simic
     Czeslaw Milosz
     Joy Harjo
     Eavan Boland
     Elizabeth Bishop
     Les Murray
     Federico García Lorca
     Pablo Neruda
     Robert Wrigley
     John Ashbery
     Dean Young
     Major Jackson
     Terrance Hayes
     Patricia Smith

10. QUESTION:
    Should I buy a home that needs these repairs or not? what do I do?
    we found a home we like,in escrow, should close n fund soon, but we have not yet signed last final docs. 2003, beautiful landscaped front and back yard. back yard, is big with, very nice patio n slab, nice sprinkler system. house is 2230 sq ft, 4 bed, 3 bath, with loft and office. needs new carpet, paint, throughout. house needs a lot of cleaning as far as scrubbing bathrooms, windows and floors, garage has lots of mice droppings and kitchen n house has some. the inspection was yesterday and there are some things…..leak in attic at spare bathroom, small leak at near water heater vent on top of house, deck in master bed unsafe railing and floor is lil loose, rest were minor such as loose bolts, rusted frame in shower, loose toilets, dryer vent clogged, pipe vent in attic for condensation needs to be cleaned/blow out…they had a spa but it has leaks, and it kept kicking on n off, inspector said we needed to have a someone come look n give us an estimate to see if it can be repairable, may be too much to bother with. oh and noticed lots of big spiders in house that were caught on sticky pads we left out a month ago, and a saw a huge live one in the house, spiders are big and scare me too. but i guess terminex or someone like that can take care of that?
    my feelings are, we love the area/city….it is on a very nice cul de sac, sits near the end of one, school is walking distance for spring n summer ( 1 mi). we would walk our kids/i would drive other wise, house is not open when you come in, like it lacks a family room, formal living lacks dining room. there is just a small living area with electric fire place that is open to kitchen, open to the sliding door that leads to the back yard. so you can see kids playing in yard from kit and living room (good). master bedroom small, but bath area big, one of my child’s room is small, plus their bath is super small. we have been looking for months, and cannot find a yard that big with privacy, there are nicer homes that are open and have move in ready feel, but neighbors house are close together and most lots are very small front n back. in the house we are looking at, we have to put in carpet + paint+ fix repairs here. hubby is very picky on yard tho, likes large yards n privacy. we would have to finance the carpet and repairs.

    OR we buy a brand new home that are not yet built will be built this spring, we are renters, so no pressure on moving with in a time frame….prices are at top of our budget, a lil smaller, will lack loft and office,school is on other side of freeway, no park near by to walk to, larger living room but No formal, or formal dining,larger kitchen and eating area, may be able to choose lot, lots nice new features such as…..

    All these premium features come standard in The New House at no extra cost.
    In the kitchen

    • Granite counter-tops
    • Euro-style cabinetry with knobs
    • Whirlpool stainless steel appliances
    – Energy Star dishwasher
    – 30” 5-burner gas range
    – Microwave with built In ventilation
    • 20 gauge stainless steel sinks
    In the bathrooms

    • Integrated sink with cultured marble tops
    • Vanities with built In drawers
    • Tri-view style medicine cabinets
    • Dual flush toilets
    • Separate tub and shower
    Mechanical technology

    • Tankless hot water system
    • Non-corrosive PEX plumbing
    • Optimized heating and air conditioning
    • Home Run electrical harnesses
    • CAT5 and RG6 cable throughout
    Premium trim work

    • Dual pane low-e vinyl windows
    • Paneled window boxes with casings
    • Extra tall 3 1/4” baseboard trim
    • Raised panel interior doors
    Structural enhancements

    • 2″ x 6″ exterior walls with R-21 insulation
    • Structural sheathing around the entire house
    • Reflective radiant barrier attic sheathing
    • 11” R-30 attic insulation
    • Laser-leveled foundations
    Outside the house

    • Electric garage door opener with remote
    • Vinyl maintenance-free fencing
    • Lanscaped front yard with xeriscape watering
    none of these repairs were disclosed and it is a short sale, bank will not pay for repair, due to they have lost over 100k from sellers not keeping up on it.
    kids tub is small not bathroom, they have double sink as well.
    there is room to “add on” to 2003 home in living room, in future.. out side on side is large to put a extra 20×20.

    • ANSWER:
      If the price is right, and if you both agree this place would be great once fixed up, I would not let the problems you saw deter me. However, if the lot size is going to make your husband unhappy, let it go.

      Before moving in, pull up the carpets or pay someone to do it. (We do it ourselves, but it’s not fun at all.) Next, either do the work yourself or hire a cleaning service to scrub the place clean. When all that’s done, schedule the exterminator for mice and insects/spiders, including blocking points of entry. Let a few days go by for odors to dissipate, then it’s time to get in there and paint while repair people come and go, doing what needs doing. Deal with gas and water issues first, since they can be damage-makers or dangerous.

11. QUESTION:
    I need opinions? Self Confidence problem! I a poet at age 13!?
    I like writing poetry. I am 13 years old, just in case. People like my poetry, so I a calling a poetry readers. I will put down a poem I want you guys to read. I really do need some opinions. Other people says that my poetry is not good and they don’t get it. One more thing. I am A Christian, so this includes God in it. Well, here goes!

    This poem is called: Red Tiger

    You think you are so fierce
    So powerful, so scary,
    You look so big you are tiny.
    You bite into your prey with iron teeth,
    Leaving a big scar behind,
    But not a bad scar
    A scar of emptiness
    Like your personality
    Your red paws strike at me like a dragon’s claw
    But leaves no blister on me
    When it strikes
    God protects me
    From the evil of life
    But when you look in the mirror
    You may see evil yourself
    To all of you
    That has been blistered from evil
    God will heal you
    God will give you the power
    To strike back at the Evil
    And give this world peace again

    So, what do you think? I need some self condidence, so put your answers in as soon as you can!
    ok, how about this?

    This one is named: Life

    Life is like a string
    It can be tied,
    It can be loose
    God has created all living things

    Life is like sugar; it can be sweet
    God will treat us all equally
    He gives us a Zing (i mean tartness)
    As long as we are all living things

    Life is like weather
    Life can be cloudy,
    It can be sunny
    And the life that He creates is quit clever

    Life is like your mood
    It can be ungrateful
    It can be nice
    Life is together sewed.

    Life is like a book
    It can be written out alrealdy
    Or He can still be working on it
    Books have all different looks

    Life is a soul
    God have created
    Life teaches you lessons
    Don’t let your soul be cold.

    How about that? Is that rhyming rhythm?
    to Emma Gryte Member: What does cadence mean! I ust write poetry from the way I feel. What does that mean?

    Thanks guys! I’m glad I’m not the only 13 year old poet here!

    • ANSWER:
      Poetry does not have to rhyme, but rhythm is important.

      You must read as much as you can and as many different styles as you can, classic and contemporary; free verse and structured forms. Two good anthologies: Staying Alive, Real poems for Unreal Times edited by Neil Astley and Garrison Keillor’s Good Poems. Two books on writing that will help guide you are Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook and The Poetry Home Repair Kit from Ted Kooser.

      There are many good sites on line where you can read poetry daily or browse the archives:

      Academy of Americans Poets
      Poetry Daily
      Verse Daily
      The Writer’s Almanac
      Ploughshares
      Rattle
      Poetry 180
      Poetry Foundation

      THE TYGER (from Songs Of Experience)
      By William Blake

      Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
      In the forests of the night,
      What immortal hand or eye
      Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

      In what distant deeps or skies
      Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
      On what wings dare he aspire?
      What the hand dare sieze the fire?

      And what shoulder, & what art.
      Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
      And when thy heart began to beat,
      What dread hand? & what dread feet?

      What the hammer? what the chain?
      In what furnace was thy brain?
      What the anvil? what dread grasp
      Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

      When the stars threw down their spears,
      And watered heaven with their tears,
      Did he smile his work to see?
      Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

      Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
      In the forests of the night,
      What immortal hand or eye
      Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

12. QUESTION:
    I’m tripping…. Opinions on my blog?
    Is this actually good or deep? Read it :

    Idk if it’s day or night
    What’s out the window deceives me 
    I have the urge to go
    But go what
    Out, running, chill, to sleep.
    All 
    All of them
    But like being cornered into the wall by a hoard of zombies
    I’m stuck 
    I’m stuck here
    And now
    I tell you about the bittersweet of it all 
    I’m content
    I laugh about my frustration 
    I’m what one may call completely mad… If they have known what happens in my life that I just shake off. Ohh, the leeches I shake off. 
    I couldn’t start from the first shake of the first leech, too many leeches and not enough words. I think I lost, but I only lost your battle. My battle is about me. Not about anyone who enjoys putting leeches on me. And I laugh at the action of that. Well played. But I’m still playing.  
    And although some leeches have stuck too long I do what I can do for myself. Greedy? Selfish? No. Why should I hold myself down from success because of anything or anyone. They tell you don’t let anyone hold you back then they hold you back. There’s no you in me. You must be worthy for me. Conceited. no. But what do you contribute. What worth do you have for somebody else. Do you appreciate you own life. Are you doing anything for yourself. 
    So them leeches stay, scars of love, but they stay until in time I have my own. 
    For now, and for always, I just laugh. 

    • ANSWER:
      Not very good, certainly not “deep”. Anytime you start a piece of writing with a portion of text speak “Idk” it’s an insult to the form, poetry is all about language and communication. Just putting down your thoughts and letting them tumble down the page is quasi-line form, does not make what you have written a poem.

      Poetry does not have to rhyme, but rhythm is important.

      You must read as much as you can and as many different styles as you can, classic and contemporary; free verse and structured forms. Two good anthologies: Staying Alive, Real poems for Unreal Times edited by Neil Astley and Garrison Keillor’s Good Poems. Two books on writing that will help guide you are Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook and The Poetry Home Repair Kit from Ted Kooser.

      There are many good sites on line where you can read poetry daily or browse the archives:

      Academy of Americans Poets
      Poetry Daily
      Verse Daily
      The Writer’s Almanac
      Ploughshares
      Rattle
      Poetry 180
      Poetry Foundation

13. QUESTION:
    I’m giving myself a summer makeover…?
    Here’s my checklist:

    1. I weigh 152 & I’m 5’8. I want to loose 25 to 30 lbs. I want to be around 125 lbs. I’m giving myself about 5-6 weeks to do it. I really want to be done around the first week of July, so I have a few weeks left to enjoy my summer, without worrying about my dieting and exercising.

    2. During that, I really want to get a deep tan, from laying outside a lot. I’m going to use little suscreen, and alot of tanning oil. I have some mild body acne on my arms, so do you think the sun will clear it? Also, what are some good skin care tips for the summer, like how to maintain my tan?

    3. I have a high forehead. When I see pictures of myself, all I notice is how big my forehead is. With that in mind, I am going to get bangs/hair cut to frame my face. My hair is a little past my boobs, and I’m hoping that it will grow longer this summer. What are some good home remedies for repairing damaged hair? I haven’t straighted it since April, and I’m not going to all summer. Because I know thats not good for your hair. Also, I am thinking about dying a dark brown, to make my blue eyes POP ! What are the best drugstore hair dying kits? I was thinking about Garnier Frutis (sp?) becasue I know that their shampoos and conditioners are really good.

    4. I really want a natural makeup look. I use Bare Minerals and it works great! But, I really want a fresh summer look. What are some good make up tips or products I should try?
    here some things I already own:

    -Lash Blast
    -Covergirl Lipstain
    -Bare Minerals basic foundation kit
    -Black liquid eyeliner
    -Brown pencil eyeliner

    5. Do you think this is too much to aim for? I don’t really have anything to do this summer, and my weight has bothered me for years. So I can really work hard at this, cause I have the time. I’m going into 11th grade, and I want to turn heads. I have my eyes on a different guy, one of my bestfriends’ friends, Kyle, but right now he doesn’t even know I exist. I’m ready for a new relationship, but I just need to love myself first. Any confidence/love/style tips?

    PLEASE HELP ME !
    any diet, exercise, makeup, tanning, love, confidence tips?

    anything is greatly appreciated !

    🙂

    • ANSWER:
      1. Heres the normal weights of women:

      5′ 0″ 97-127
      5′ 1″ 100-132
      5′ 2″ 103-136
      5′ 3″ 107-140
      5′ 4″ 110-145
      5′ 5″ 113-149
      5′ 6″ 117-154
      5′ 7″ 121-159
      5′ 8″ 124-164
      5′ 9″ 128-168
      5′ 10″ 132-173
      5′ 11″ 135-178

      2. Careful with the sun, it’s verrry dangerous. You can easily hurt yourself. Look at this article:
      http://www.wikihow.com/Tan-Safely

      3. Wht about one of those ah-dorable french girl haircuts. Kinda like lady gaga?
      http://www.headkandy.com/blog/php/Ladygaga%20hair%20extensions_1239042628.jpg
      I also no this sounds gross, but u can but either oil or avacado in ur hair. It helps alot.

      4. I would go a light foundation with a slightly darker shade of eye shadow than ur skin color. Use clinique for a natural look. Mango Tint lipgloss is awesome for natural looks.
      http://www.clinique.com/index.tmpl?ngextredir=1

      5. Boy advice:
      -Be admired from afar.-
      -Mysterious, never give free answers-
      -Watch John Tucker Most Die and Mean Girls, there kinda superficial but have great confince tips. So does the clique movie/books.

      To lose weight:
      http://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-Safely

14. QUESTION:
    What to order from bare minerals? New to this?
    So I’m wanting to order some makeup from bare minerals but I’m not really sure what I need to get. I’ve had skin problems for years and in my early teen years had bad acne. It’s gone away but my skin has really got a beating from it. I want to only order the foundation but would like to get a kit. Which is the best thing to order? Dont want to spend a lot but want a good coverage while still looking natural. I don’t wear eye makeup so I don’t want to waste the money on it, if you could help me that would be great!

    • ANSWER:
      The women of the Berber tribes, world renown for their legendary beauty have been using nothing but argan oil for their skin, face and hair.Check this out: argan oil that comes from the argan tree which grows only in Morocco is the nearest thing to the fountain of youth! It’s loaded with more than twice the vitamin E present in olive oil and is composed of 80% essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and Omega 9) this oil will not only nurture and hydrate your skin and hair but will also repair damaged cells. Make sure you get the pure stuff. We get ours at Berber Gold. Treat yourself and be kind to your face. When you get the pure stuff you can put a few drops in any organic shampoo/conditioner and you’ll get fantastic results. Good luck and much happiness.

15. QUESTION:
    Earthquake safety problem….?
    Suppose you are living on condominium and you’re 15 floors up, which is better when an earthquake is happening – to go up the stairs, or to go down the stairs?

    • ANSWER:
      Here are some tips on how to protect yourself during an earthquake.

      What to do BEFORE an Earthquake:
      Six Ways to Plan Ahead:
      1. Check for Hazards in the Home
      Fasten shelves securely to walls.
      Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
      Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
      Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
      Brace overhead light fixtures.
      Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
      Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
      Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
      Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

      2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
      Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
      Against an inside wall.
      Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
      In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

      3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
      Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
      Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
      Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

      4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
      Flashlight and extra batteries.
      Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
      First aid kit and manual.
      Emergency food and water.
      Nonelectric can opener.
      Essential medicines.
      Cash and credit cards.
      Sturdy shoes.

      5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
      In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
      Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

      6. Help Your Community Get Ready
      Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
      Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
      Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
      Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
      Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
      Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

      What to do DURING an Earthquake

      IF INDOORS
      DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
      Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
      Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
      Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
      Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
      Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
      DO NOT use the elevators.

      IF OUTDOORS
      Stay there.
      Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
      Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

      IF IN A MOVING VEHICLE
      Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
      Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

      IF TRAPPED UNDER A DEBRIS
      Do not light a match.
      Do not move about or kick up dust.
      Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
      Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

      What to do AFTER an earthquake

      Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

      Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.

      Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

      Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

      Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

      Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.

      Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

      Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals

      Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

      Inspect utilities.

      Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

      Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

      Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

16. QUESTION:
    Help! Earthquake is going to hit..?
    Hi! I live in Los Angles and an earthquake is supposed to hit sometime in the next couple days according to www.quakeprediction.com. It’s supposed to be around 7.0 which kind of scares me.. I mean that’s how big the earthquake in Hati was. So, is there anything I should do to get prepared? Where should I hide if it hits, secure my house, food? I know I might be over reacting but I’ve only been in very minor earthquakes so I have no clue what to do. Thanks for all your help! Any tips will be appreciated. (:
    By the way, some of you probably think the site is fake, but the last week there’s been a lot of smaller earthquakes in the middle of the night, it’s weird. Is it a sign that a bigger one is coming?

    • ANSWER:
      How do they know when it is going to hit? I have to ask.

      I have always heard to get under a sturdy table or in a doorway or to go outside away from buildings.

      Here is something that tells you allot about how to secure things and what to do in an earthquake.
      http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

      •To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
      •Fasten shelves securely to walls.
      •Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
      •Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
      •Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
      •Brace overhead light fixtures and top heavy objects.
      •Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.
      •Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
      •Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
      •Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
      •Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.
      •Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
      •Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.
      •Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on.

      I live in the midwest and we have had a few and no big one. http://www.ehow.com/how_2267100_know-naturally-earthquake-will-strike.html talks about
      Even experienced seismologists cannot accurately predict exactly when an earthquake will hit a specific area. However, we can watch for changes in the natural environment for some clues. Also, dogs, cats and other animals react in different ways, and they can sense when an earthquake is coming. Learn how to watch for natural signs before an earthquake strikes so you can better prepare yourself.

      Realize that that these MIGHT be signs, but it doesn’t mean there is going to be one.

      Trust in God to help you keep prepared and safe if it does happen. Ask God to help ease your fears also. We are suppose to give our worries to God, not keep them and fret over things that you cannot control.

17. QUESTION:
    Finishing a basement….waterproofing,carpeting etc.?
    I have a huge unfinished basement (60×30)that I can do virtually anything to but dont know where to start, how to do it or have the money.
    I would like to go the cheapest way possible,but still look nice, any ideas on where to buy trim,ceiling,carpet etc?
    Should I use some sort of sealant on the walls,poured walls?
    Is that hard,easy?
    Should we put padding under the carpet? I heard you shouldnt, but I just started checking around yesterday.
    Any suggestion would be helpful,we plan on doing the work ourselves.
    Also let me know what themes, etc. you did in your basement if you want. I can always use ideas.
    Thanks In Advance

    • ANSWER:
      Your question is like someone asking what should I do with my life. It is hugely broad. The best I can do here is give you some initial pointers and suggest you look among answers, web sites and catalogues for further explanation and finishes.

      A basement can be a smart alternative to putting on an addition to the house as you don’t have to worry about exterior walls or a roof. But you do have other considerations. Foremost is the question of water. Is it dry and can humidity be controlled. If you don’t address this first then you run the risk of losing your subsequent investment to water damage. I have posted elsewhere on water issues at length which you should easily be able to find. Next is the issue of Radon gas. You can get a test kit for this.

      When starting with an empty basement, several times I have pressure washed the walls and if necessary sucked up the run off with a wet/dry vac set up for wet pickup. This will clean out any musty odor and allow any needed applications to the walls prior to finishing.

      By “poured walls” I take it to mean your foundation is poured concrete. Most of these that I have seen have had cracks in the walls. Any cracks should be repaired. If you are ready to dig on the outside, this is the best way to fix/waterproof the foundation. For a compromise treatment you can “paint” the interior walls with products (thoro seal, dura lock, etc)found where you buy your paints.

      Your basement type (high, deep, or sloping), climate, and intended usage will all tend to dictate choices. No matter what stylistic choices you make, Insulation, ventilation, and lighting will be very important considerations.
      I usually recommend insulation only down to the frost line to take advantage of typical basement coolness in summer and natural earth as insulation. Because you usually don’t have the windows available on upper floors I suggest specific ventilation solutions separate from any Radon gas considerations. Often I suggest a fan that comes on with a light to exhaust some air. Usually I recommend more than adequate lighting and especially light color schemes. High hats may not work very well as the distance from floor to ceiling is usually less than upstairs and the light does not have a chance to spread out. Flourescent lights work well because they start spread out but not everyone likes what is available. A dark basement can feel rather creepy.

      However there might be other considerations. I have built darkrooms in basements and saw a very unique finish designed by one who’s passion was caving. Typically a basement is for “being used” hobbies, relaxing, hanging out, kids place are all possibilities. One thought many have is to put a laundry in the basement. Sometimes a shoot is installed to allow laundry to go to that room. A better option is to install machines where the laundry is used, typically by 2ed floor bedrooms. But a basement installation is usually more economical.

      While I wouldn’t recommend padding on any basement that had any chance of water damage I would recommend it on steps leading to the first floor. The exception might be an area where you expect to do a lot of standing for a long time (workbench etc) where you might not want to be standing on a concrete floor for a long time. For that area perhaps not a wall to wall but an area rug with a pad might be good if carpeting is desired.

      Frequently people will divide the space and finish it differently, utility areas will receive little finish while TV rooms will receive more.

      First you need a plan. You might pay someone familiar with basements to help you plan your project. If that person is a knowledgeable builder they may also be on call to assist while you begin construction. If doing the work yourself takes more than a season at least you have a plan that you can keep coming back to. It is a worthwhile project so, of course it is worth doing right. As you refine your questions you can post specifics and give some a better chance of a targeted response.

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