Shingles Shingles Update

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   What is best way to Cover large home upkeep costs?
   I am currently looking at needing new shingling and an updated air conditioning unit in the next few years. My home is 1800 square feet and the roof is not very steep at all. I fill comfortable doing my own shingling, but will need a professional to update my home AC from R22. Any ideas on cost and the best way for me to go about getting work done if I do not have the cash. I am considering borrowing from my home equity or perhaps from my 403. Any other ideas would and are appreciated.

   • ANSWER:

2. QUESTION:
   What should I include in a term paper about the disease shingles?
   Hi I have to write a 5 page paper about shingles ( 1 pg coversheet, 1 pg bibliography). My teacher didn’t say what to include and just rambled off a few sections. She wrote that we should have introduction, history, diagnosis, treatment, updated info, and etc. Am I missing anything? I want to get a really good grade on this project. How should I go about writing this. I don’t know how to organize my outline. Help please.

   • ANSWER:
     You should have it properly organized. First, some history of the disease, who discovered it, why is it named “shingles” etc. 2, what is its appearance and where does it normally appear, what are its symptoms, what kind of discomfort or incapacity does it cause,3 how soon should diagnosis and treatment be sought, and who should be seen(gp, specialist, dermatologist?), 4 what is the standard treatment protocol, and what is going on in research for advancing treatment regimens, or dealing with really extreme cases that do not respong readily to the standard program. Conclude with prognisis for further improving treatment options, and suggestion for preventing recurrence.

3. QUESTION:
   How does a land contract work if repairs need to be made?
   We are looking into a Land Contract with the house we are renting now. The landlord was asking 150K but I think he will go down some. However it needs a new roof (just shingles estimate was 00), window updates (estimate on widows is 00, however if I do some I could cut out about 00 in labor) and an updated well and pumps (00 for new system pump, tank and gages). The house was built in 1979 so everything is original. Our largest concerns are the pump and the roof. So can these issues be discussed and included or should the owner take care of these first. The owner has already stated that sense we have been wonderful renters for two years now he would not ask for a down payment. So do we ask him to do the roof, window and pump and add it to the price of the deal. The house has been appraised at 199K. So it is already a good deal. But remember the house was built in 1979 and it still looks 70’s and 80’s inside. The appraiser said right now if the inside alone, Kitchen and baths were updated it would appraise around 250K to 275K.
   Any help or insight on these issues?
   Thank You

   Additional Details
   I have been told fair market value is 138K, the Landlord is willing to get what he can just to get out of it because of bad memories form a bad divorce 5 years ago. he said he’s not wanting to have to keep putting money into it. it has been inspected too and is sound and generally is good shape just needs some updating and repairs.

   • ANSWER:
     The fair market value should be the same as the appraisal. Something is wrong here. And since land contracts are not standard it could me you are being cheated somehow here. I would involve a lawyer that you pick out and pay yourself. Ask them this question and others,
     All your answers will be found within the contract itself.

     Also ask your lawyer what happens if the owner goes bankrupt or he owes the IRS a bunch of money- or how you can be sure the title is clear and will remain clear until you can actually take ownership.What if he is unable for some reason to make the payments on the underlying mortgage?

4. QUESTION:
   What color house would look good with green shingles?
   My Old Man wants to update the house but he wants green shingles… We are trying to decide on what color to paint the house… Any ideas? And maybe having the front door green also…

   • ANSWER:
     Try a light yellow, or “almond” color.

     help me! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100531174516AAcvClG

5. QUESTION:
   How to restore the wooden exterior of my house?
   My husband and I just moved and my new house was built in the 1970s. It hasn’t been altered and it’s been barely maintained / updated since, up until we bought it. We’re all out of money since we bought this big but run-down house, so we’re doing things ourselves.

   This is what our house’s exterior wall looks like (not my photo, same thing though):

   http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-wooden-scales-image189037

   There’s a dirt on it and the colors are very uneven. It’s never even been painted or varnished. The wood is very dry and old. Some parts where the wood overlap are hard and black, as if it’s been burnt. Replacing it will be very costly, so we hope to restore it.

   It looked more natural and less dried up after we sprayed it with pressurized water, but the colors are still very irregular, though better. Before it looked more like this:

   http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/1812663/2/stock-photo-1812663-wooden-roof.jpg

   The wood itself is very uneven and textured, so it’ll be hard to clean + paint.
   Any tips on what techniques & materials to use?
   I want to restore it, so I only intend to stain / varnish it.
   I personally don’t know what to look for in good exterior paint though, so please recommend some paints. Color suggestions also welcome.

   • ANSWER:
     You can use a wood brightener to help restore the wood and even out the colour. After you’ve done this, you should most definitely stain the wood to protect it’s longevity and maintain all the hard work you’ve done! You should know, however, that this will be a very labour intensive job- comes with having a beautiful, shingled home! Here is a quick step-by step guide:

     1. Sand each shingle down with an electric sander and a finer grit (120-180 grit) sand paper JUST to take off the very, very top layer. What this does is get rid of the deteriorated layer of wood (similar to scrubbing in the shower to get rid of dead skin), and opens the pores of the wood so that it accepts the brightener well. Then, the brightener can do it’s job properly! This step is optional, but is imperative if you really want the best results!

     2. Apply a wood brightener or conditioner (such as the one I’ve included the link to in ‘sources’, below), according to the application instructions for the product. I recommend a product from ‘Flood.’ Flood specializes in this technology, and I have had wonderful success with their products. They also have fantastic warranty programs. After this is done, the colour should be a little more even (it will never be perfect), and the wood should look significantly more ‘restored.’

     3. Finally, apply a stain of your choice for protection. Again, Flood provides some great products on their website (www.flood.com). A clear stain/varnish is available HOWEVER I highly recommend using a stain with colour (called a ‘semi-transparent’ stain). You can pick out a natural colour and maintain the natural look if you’d like, or you can choose a ‘solid’ stain that looks just like paint (complete coverage). This step is the important ‘finishing’ step for your shingles- now that they are ‘cleaned,’ they need to be protected.

     Examples of semi-transparent stain: http://www.flood.com/wood-care-solutions/products/view-product.do?productId=9&retailer=

     Examples of solid stain: http://www.flood.com/wood-care-solutions/products/view-product.do?productId=10&retailer=

     This is important because the protection your wood gets from the product you choose changes with the amount of ‘colour’ in the product. The pigment that goes into the product is what provides most of the UV protection. So, if you choose a clear stain, the suns UV rays will break down the stain much faster than a semi-transparent or solid stain. After these UV rays break down the stain, they begin to break down the wood (this is what turns it grey). Clear stain needs to be re-done approximately every 2-3 years, where semi-transparent can last 5-6 years, and solid, up to 10 years.

     You should NOT use paint if you want the solid colour look. Paint sits on top of the wood, and will peel much sooner than stain will wear off. Stain, however, penetrates the wood, and soaks in so that it does not peel, but ‘wear’ naturally, instead. It will last far longer and be much better for your wood.

     Best of luck, this is going to be a HUGE job. Maintaining your shingles will be expensive and time-consuming, so if you do your best to do the job properly the first time, and to be proactive in it’s maintenance over the years, you will save yourself thousands in the long run.

     When you begin to notice that some shingles are drying out/starting to ‘grey’ again in the future, have your shingles re-finished sooner rather than later!

     Good luck!

6. QUESTION:
   What should I do with old linoleum floor in renovation?
   I am remodeling a business, and as with old houses, there is layers of flooring from previous owners. The original building was built in 1930, completely gutted in 1970′s, and updated in the late 80′s. In the last update, they added peel & stick linoleum to the top of the 70′s linoleum, which was on a pad and glued to the wooden sub floor. I have removed the peel & stick tiles, but now I am left with a sticky mess on the 70′s linoleum. The 70′s linoleum is as hard as a rock, and I’ve tried everything from a /gallon adhesive remover to a heat gun, with no luck. I want to add carpet or carpet tiles, but the carpet installer said the old glue has to go because it may react with the new and not stick. I am worried that there is asbestos in the old flooring, so I’m trying to be very careful. I don’t have the budget to add a new sub floor, so what should I do? Thank you in advance!

   • ANSWER:
     Old linoleum that hard needs to be pried up and scraped off using an adz or a long-handled scraper like they use on roofs to remove shingles. You can buy that tool in the roofing department of the hardware or home improvement stores. It’s very hard work. You’ll have to cut a chunk out big enough for the adz to get into the hole, then literally push the adz under the lino in small pieces and break it off the subfloor. It’s backbreaking, but it’s the only way to get it off. I’ve done this before–prying up 1930′s quarter-inch thick lino from the subfloor. Once you get it off, then you can sand off the old glue. Wear a mask if you’re worried about asbestos–but in the 70′s, there probably wasn’t any-linoleum is made from linseed oil and other materials, but not usually asbestos. ( Old Tile is however). However the glue, during sanding, will form a toxic dust as well. Use your shop vac to get rid of the dust.

7. QUESTION:
   Have you ever walked away from buying a house after inspection?
   I paid for a house inspection (about 0) and it turned out to be really bad, the third floor they did the insulation wrong since they added it on so the roof will keep “cupping” and leaking. They said the whole third floor will need to be reinsulated. Along with this the outside needs to be redone (abestos shingles) since the shingles are starting to deteriorate, the inspector quoted me about ,000 to vinyl side it so I wouldn’t have to worry. Along with this, the heating system is a old furnace system that will need to be updated or replaced soon since servicing it each year will be costly according to the inspector.

   I added up the need to do things and it is almost ,000, the seller already won’t budge anymore on the price since he already dropped the listing price by 5% , so my only option is to walk away.

   The problem is, I feel like I invested 400 already into the house already for the inspection (I know it sounds stupid) which is kind of making me not want to walk away

   • ANSWER:
     400 is nothing. A shopping cart of groceries costs that.

     Price the repairs out independent of the inspector. Some things, like the shingles, may not even really have to be replaced. Or other things can be done, such as stucco the exterior and just buy a new heater. Both of those would be less then 10,000.

     Your inspector is also a contractor, drumming up business. Some are snakes.

8. QUESTION:
   What kinds of hidden defects should I look out for when Buying a new house?
   I am a first time buyer and therefore anxious about buying a house. Are there any things I should be looking out in a house, for instance damp, cracks etc, what else could sellers try to hide from buyers?

   • ANSWER:
     First things first.. as a buyer and a seller I have seen that 95% of sellers hide something. there are a multitude of things you need to look for. Cracks in the foundation which could lead to water damage. the footings around the foundation. look in the crawl spaces for water stains or rot in the wood work don’t be shy about this. It might be your home for many years. look where the sideing meets the foundation for trails where termites may be hideing. look at the roof and see if it level check the shingles, some might be multi layered. Water stains are a good indication of a leak. ask the year of the home and if any additions have been added. look in the attic for insulation make sure it is to code. check the outlets for three prongs. (you can even buy a cheap testor from wal**rt to see if the wiring is correct). ask what size the electric service is and look at the panel to make sure it is updated with no wires visable. look for insulated windows. a foggy window or cloudy is a sign that the window has lost its vaccume and will be cold. Look for water stains in the sill or bubbly paint which could be a sign of water seeping in through the window. run the water see if the drains are working correctly. flush and run the sink to see if you have good water pressure. NEVER ever be afraid to ask the seller a question.. they should have a disclosure statement of any defects on file with the real estate office. and being a first timer check into a rual development loan. it has different standards than a conventional loan, more insulation septic test, water test, ect, ect, I hope this helps you on your way to getting your new home. best wishes. Ix

9. QUESTION:
   What should I look for when buying a modern old house?
   By modern old house I mean it was built with indoor plumbing, electricity and natural gas for heating and cooking. Probably built sometime in the 40′s or 50′s and is on piers (pillars), has or had an attic fan for ventilation/cooling.

   Is there a check list on how to inspect a house before buying somewhere on the net that I can print?

   • ANSWER:
     OF COURSE…..You should always get a proffessional inspector, but if you want to know a few things to look for on your own these are some biggies.

     The biggest problems with old houses are the following:

     Wiring: Look at the breaker box. What type of fuses does it have? Srew in type or long cylinder or older. You want to see that it has the type you plug in that indicates it is newly wired. Old wiring in an old house is often a problem. It is not rated to handle the watts of a modern day house and will “kick off” when you have too much stuff running. The worst is when you are taking a hot bath and someone has the tv on and then goes and makes some popcorn and BOOM you are in the dark.

     Floor Joists: Does the house appear to sag in the middle. Any trouble closing the doors or doors that when you pull them to and don’t close them reopen or swing open. This indicates the joists may be weak or compromised and the house frame is out of balance.

     Insulation: Many older houses have asbestos siding or the older unhealthy insulation, has it been updated?

     Lead Paint: Many pre 70′s houses have lead based paint. Any peeling paint?

     Pipes: How old, and are they metal? What kind, lead?
     Look under the house for leaks, DEFINITLEY.
     Look for signs of leaks like mold in kitchen or bathroom.
     Check around toilets by jumping up and down on the floor to see if there may have been a leaking ring that compromised the subfloor. Do the same around bathtubs. Look under cabinets to see if there are water rings or rotting wood or heavy mildew smell.

     Duct Work: Under house, have someone check for leaks in duct work. Check air conditioner filter to see if it is clean and has new filter. Look in the vent holes to see if they are really nasty.

     Septic: Definitley get a perk test if it applies.

     Roof: Does it have metal flashing. If there is wood work, is there any softening in the wood or rotten places. Any loose shingles if metal any rust? Check the tightness of the shingles.
     Also look for any patch jobs with tar on top. Look at the ceilings for any rings or indications of a leak.

     Windows: Are they double paned? Storm windows? Old houses are notoriously drafty and expensive to heat and cool. Single pane windows don’t help.

     Air conditioner/Heat pump: How old is the unit? Go look at it. Old heat pumps are notorious for problems. You would like it to be less than 10 years for most reliability. The filter condition will indicate to some degree the level of care. Not changing filters will ruin a unit.

     Power outlets: are they all 2 prongs, with no 3 prongs. This indicates older wiring. Could be problem. Also check to see if there is the right outlets for your washer and dryer.

     Pests: any mouse droppings in the lower kitchen cabinets or dead cockroach bodies under fridge or behind dishwasher. Leave a donut on the counter and come back the next day and see if you don’t have any ants, roaches or mouse droppings and if the donut is intact. Older houses are suseptible to mouse infestation in the walls. Also check the attic to see if you have a squirrel problem. You will smell it, trust me!
     Don’t forget the termite inspection, of course. Older houses with lots of wood or paneling are also suseptible to spiders. Look for signs of brown recluses or other venomous spiders. The webs are usually really intricate and fussy looking.

     Fireplaces: older fireplaces can have problems, check for leaks on the roof line, floo cleanliness and general maintainence.

10. QUESTION:
    What are the pro’s and con’s of buying a brick home over a wooden one?
    We are looking to buy a small brick cottage and I was wondering how they are on energy efficiency, and what problems do they have.
    This home is 20-30 years old. Also we are thinking about a much older stone cottage anyone know about them?

    • ANSWER:
      jingersnaps, we looked into this extensively before we bought our present house.

      Brick costs more. It’s harder to update with room additions, new wiring, plumbing, windows, etc. and those changes will cost more than on a wood structure. Its color is impossible to change, except for shutters and trim, and if you ever need repairs, you’ll almost never get new brick to match.

      However, brick insulates better. It lasts much, much longer (especially if problems are dealt with early). It requires substantially less exterior maintenance; siding or shingles require paint every 5-10 years. It’s impervious to termites and carpenter ants. It’s cooler in summer. It withstands high winds, ice storms, etc. better than wood.

      So if brick is within your budget and you like it pretty much the way it is, I’d say go for it!

11. QUESTION:
    what is a colonial house? How is it different from the other style?
    i’m looking forward for buying a house, and i’ve seen alot of house flyer that said Style: Colonial, i want to know how is it different from the other style? Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      I live in a colonial home, and it certainly has a very particular style. The colonial homes you see are either “re-makes” or real homes that have been around since the colonial period (1600- 1775). The true houses of the colonial period have obviously been updated for modern use, but still have many of the old structures and beautiful aspects of the old colonial house it used to be. Re-makes are homes that are either colonial looking on the outside and modern inside, or a colonial-modern mix throughout the home. The typical colonial design consists of large, set apart windows, wood furnishings, brick or wood siding or shingles, and a large hearth or fireplace. They can be either small homes or large ones, and are prevailent in New England America. I have always lived in colonial homes, and adore the style and feel of them (I have moved a few times). I hope you see the beauty, too!

12. QUESTION:
    What is the economic strength of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana?
    I really need this and any sites that might help. I also need like the percent of the strength compared to others, in the year of 2006. PLEASE HELP!

    • ANSWER:
      An article that I found, which is titled below, gives an extensive overview of issues related to the economies of South Central Louisiana where Lafourche Parish is located. The additional information that I have included comes from that article, but much more can be found by accessing the article via the link I’ve provided below. Good luck on your paper…we, Louisianians are always flattered when any part of our great state is studied and explored.

      SOUTH CENTRAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
      COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)

      Economic History
      The economic history of South Central Louisiana (including Lafourche Parish) is tied to the region’s abundant natural resources and assets. Fisheries and wildlife made it possible to live off the land and the waters. Rich soils and a mild climate were suitable for a variety of crops. Natural waterways like the Mississippi River and the bayous along former distributaries of the River supported waterborne commerce. Cypress lumbering and milling and sugar cane cultivation, milling and refining became early economic mainstays. In pre-highway days, the river was the sole trading link between the nation’s bread basket in the upper Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico. This region’s cypress forests once supplied railroad ties and wood-shake shingles to the nation. Its wildlife and fisheries provided food, as well as furs and other items for trading. Later economic activity shifted to oil and gas exploration and production, with an extensive system of pipelines constructed to transport raw products for processing. Man-made waterways like the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) have supplemented the natural water arteries.

      Current Economic Details:
      The rising demand and price for oil has continued to drive the economy. Port Fourchon, in Lafourche Parish, is the hub of deep-water drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Lafourche and neighboring Terrebonne Parishes are home to numerous oil field service, ship and boat building and repair and fabrication companies that support activity at Fourchon. In 2007, this MSA qualified as the fastest growing in the state.

      http://www.scpdc.org/scpdc/Documents/2008_CED_Update_Draft.pdf

13. QUESTION:
    information on for sell by owner in Stillwater, Oklahoma?
    Need & wanting to sell my mother’s house without a realtor. She is disabled and recently widowed. We need to downsize her into an updated handicap accessible house.
    Need to know how to go about starting this FSBO and getting the most money for it.
    What are the guildlines and what are most people looking for?
    The house needs many repairs, approx. ,000. We are asking 0,000.
    House is on 7 acres country setting, in city limits. Wildlife in front yard. 2 wells, but can get city water. Many fruit trees; pears, concord grapes, grafted walnutnut trees The house is a wood /shingled English Cottage. Built in the 40-50′s.
    How do I begin?

    • ANSWER:
      Start by checking out these sites on-line. They have good instructions, checklists, etc. to help you do the job right. Even an on-line site to list with. Search under “selling your own house” for more sites to help you. Good luck!

14. QUESTION:
    How do you get the lowest home owners insursnce rates on an old house with poor credit?
    Home built in 1937 with 3 year old Bankruptcy on credit history.

    • ANSWER:
      If the house has been updated (wiring, plumbing, heating and shingles) then you should not have a problem. The one thing that you need to look for is a company that does not do credit scoring. There are a few out there. Your best bet is to contact an independent agent, explain your situation and see what they can do for you. I have helped people in your situation before. It can be done but you are not going to be able to get “low” rates.

15. QUESTION:
    I am in the process of purchasing a new house?
    The house is brand new. It was finished in 2008, so i assumed that the seller put all new appliances in it since it was just built. Well i found out that the furnace is 12 years old. I realize they probable did it to save money, but it makes me wonder what other corners he cut to save money. Does anyone have any advice?

    • ANSWER:
      You can negotiate the cost of having a new furnace (water heater, heat pump or anything else) installed as part of your offer on the house. You can also hire a professional house inspector (for a nominal fee) to inspect the home for all of the things you might be concerned about. Check for things like making sure the house isn’t in a flood zone, make sure it has a clear title, hasn’t been in a fire or had internal water damage, have them check the electrical & plumbing to see if it’s been updated throughout, find out how old the roof is and whether or not it was completely re-roofed or just had a new layer of shingles added on top of the old ones. There are tons of things to look into and just because a home owner tells you that the house was newly built, doesn’t always mean that everything is going to be fail-proof. Buying ahome is a HUGE investment so don’t be too hasty…take your time and investigate everything.

16. QUESTION:
    average cost of building a house in Florida?
    I am considering having a house build on a lot I own in southwest Florida, north Naples area, near Naples Park. Can anyone provide me with an estimate of the average cost per square foot to build an approx. 2,000 square foot house on a quarter acre lot with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath an 2 car garage? Nothing special. Just the basics.

    • ANSWER:
      The cost will vary considerably depending on the amenities and fixtures you want. A basic plain floorplan with linoleum/carpet flooring and standard (cheap) kitchen and bathroom fixtures and a asphalt shingle roof should cost to p/sq ft. If you want high end flooring(wood/tile) stainless steel kitchen appliances and granite counter tops plus high end fixtures plus tile roof and updated electrical/entertainment wiring you can figure 0 to 0 p/sq ft. Any special grading,sewer or utility problems would be separate. In today’s market you might save money buying a resale home or foreclosure rather than building. Good Luck

17. QUESTION:
    How much energy could the US save if cities stopped putting up x-mas lights?
    What is the carbon-footprint of Santa, the elves, baby jesus ann drunken carolers?
    Christmas was celebrated prior to electricity, I believe…

    • ANSWER:
      How many jobs would it create if all Xmas’s crap sold could only be solar powered? If all new construction had to have solar shingles or if commercial, solar panels? If the government flipped the bill for the updating cost on all new roofs being converted to solar shingles? Over a million small bridges and dams being rebuilt this year, what if they all had to include some turbines in them? What if the government mandated that all products used for any government job, had to be american made and was opened up to bid to non Union as well as union shops?

18. QUESTION:
    Graphic Designers please help.. How do you design pieces to promote / brand yourself?
    I am a graphic design graduate and I have been unemployed for a year, I know the market is tough so I need to design myself some good promotional stationery.. business card, letterhead, CV and website. I wanted to know how you go about the process of creating imagery to brand yourself, because I find this so difficult when compared to the process of doing it for a client (I have done a few freelance projects) Many thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Freshness and variety. Don’t get stuck in a rut, but keep “pounding the pavement” so that your name and what you do is never forgotten.

      Your ongoing campaign should include but not limited to:

      Business cards
      Postcards
      Website with your own domain name
      Portfolios, both full size and smaller formats
      Brochures and flyers where appropriate

      The important thing is to update ALL of these regularly, such as three or four times a year and then send them out again, even if it is to the same potential customers as before. The only time you STOP sending them to a potential client is if he flat out tells you to stop.

      Meanwhile, do some research to find the more potentially lucrative market. Go to your library’s reference desk and ask the librarian to help you find lists of businesses and information on what they spend on advertising, marketing or other design services. Hit the ones that are known to spend money on this and target your samples and mini-portfolios with the type of work that is suited for THEIR needs. (if you do lots of work simulating chromed machinery and industrial images, don’t send these to fashion design houses)

      Be careful in trying to brand yourself too tightly. You may end up branding yourself OUT of some good markets.

      Remember that the first, PRIMARY job of a freelancer is MARKETING. It’s not the kind of job where you can just set up shop, hang up a shingle and customers come to you. You have to go out and find those clients, sometimes one at a time and SELL them on the idea that they NEED your services. Sometimes even THEY don’t know that they need this. Convince them.

      Here’s the thing: If you can’t do this for yourself, then you have no business going freelance.

19. QUESTION:
    What is the scale called you measure a tornado with?
    Science homework…measured by the _________ tornado scale?

    • ANSWER:
      Fujita Intensity Scale.

      But now it has been updated as Enhanced Fujita Intensity Scale

      Keep an eye on the news as we go into Tornado season, you will see them mention EF-2, or EF-3

      F1 = Tree Limbs
      F2 = Roof Shingles,
      F3= Rooftops, trees down
      F4= outer walls of houses knocked down, leaving the inner parts somewhat ok
      F5= Cleans out house foundations

20. QUESTION:
    How bad will Hurricane Irene hit Long Island?
    I live in Huntington, Long Island, NY….I’m 13 and really scared. What can I expect? How can I prepare? Should we board up our windows and doors?

    • ANSWER:
      I live on the island too, don’t worry too much. To prepare do the following

      1) make sure you and your family know where to evacuate too if needed
      2) make sure your phones and electronics are charged before the storm
      3) don’t duck tape your windows, it doesn’t help and it’s a waste of time and money
      4) have emergency items on hand: batteries, flashlights, water (one gallon per person per day, have enough for 3 days), canned foods, food for your pets (if you have any), full tank of gas in the car and an emergency radio if it’s not lightening you can watch the weather channel (lightening can come through the TV)
      5) Do not use candles, many fires can be started if it gets knocked over, use flashlights instead
      6) Turn off and unplug electronics when the lightening starts
      7) During the storm, try and stay away from windows, the interior of your house is safer
      8) DO NOT leave your house once the storm has begun, it is too late to evacuate and it will be safer to stay where you are
      9) After the storm do not go outside to inspect damage, and if you must, be aware of fallen power lines, trees and other dangers
      10) Don’t panic, it’s only a CAT 1 (at worst CAT 2), people have lived through much worse

      Okay what to expect:

      It should rain for a few hours, on and off. Sometimes there is a tornado warning or watch. When the storms hit strong winds may come and there may be damage to your home such as broken windows or shingles missing off the roof, but don’t worry it’s only minor and not strong enough to cause major damage. If the eye of the storm comes your way (which it might) there will be a break of clear skies, it will be beautiful and appear to be over, but PLEASE DON’T GO OUTSIDE!!!! it could start up again very soon, or you can step on a power line, also remember there is still debris that could fall on you. Stay indoors until it’s deemed safe. Listen to your emergency radio for updates. Mainly, just stay calm.

21. QUESTION:
    What is the dumpiest vacation town/resort you have ever been to?
    In Chicago, that would be Indiana Beach. Not only do they have this really obnoxious crow for a mascot, that is a blatant ripoff of the Maxwell Smart character in Get Smart(rest in peace, Don Adams),

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IndianaBeach_logo.gif

    But, the whole place has been falling apart for years. We’ve
    always wondered where the people come from that go to the park.
    They look all stinky and hard-up. We think they must come from little hamlets around the state.

    The food is gross……the rollercoaster should be condemned

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IBeach_HurricaneDrop_DSCN9199.JPG

    The”water park” is shut down with e coli outbreaks about three times a week. Last time we were there, we saw brown stuff coming out of the pipes, so maybe the sewer of monticello, indiana bleeds out into there somehow.

    They have a tacky “Midway” that hasn’t been updated since
    the depression(1932).

    http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2

    Let me tell you about gatlinberg. We were
    at this ripley believe it or not museum
    (not making any of this stuff up), and two
    hungarian midgets came up to our family and asked us if we wanted to see something amazing….thinking, what cana hungarian midget do to amaze me, and intrigued, I said, sure, show me something
    amazing. He, and a lady he said was his wife, proceeded to take out a felt canvas,
    with little colorful felt pieces, and placed
    them upside down to form a picture.
    Then, he turned it upside down, and,
    it was simply another picture, like that lady that looks like a witch picture

    http://www.broughtons.net/images/Optical%20Illusion%20-%20Old%20Lady%20or%20Young%20Lady.jpg

    Then we applauded. They came all the way from Hungary to do felt tricks at the
    ripley museum in gatlinberg?
    I didn’t know what was sadder, the hungarian midgets, or our family shelling
    out 40 bucks!

    Yes, gatlinberg is a whole with a view,
    sorta like a room with a view, but tackier.
    Olive and Haley, great area for bad amusement parks…the redneck riv
    oozes with them, with the same vermin
    that I described at Indiana beach. Take a bunch of ugly, fat, rude kids and adults,
    add cheap rides that shuld be condemned,
    and garbage strown all over the place, and you have just about any “amusement park’
    in the redneck riv…if anything, spring break
    cleaned it up a bit!

    All you see for miles in the “redneck riviera”
    are tattoo parlors, beer joints, crab shacks,
    tee-shirt stores seemingly everywhere, pick-ups, Harleys, and toothless hillbilly
    chicks with three teeth and their boobs hanging out. They make the infield at a Nascar race look like a polo crowd.

    Oh yeah..and every night you get miles
    of rednecks tailgating and flashing their
    narly boobs at each other.

    The worst is Miracle Strip Amusement park

    http://www.miraclestrippark.com/,

    which is on a par with Indiana Beach

    http://www.indianabeach.com/

    Here’s a better link to Miracle strip amusement park

    http://www.miraclestrippark.com/

    I’m SO glad to see our British friends across the pond are blessed with hellishly
    tacky, flea-bit, clip-joint “amusement parks”.
    I have a link to the places our good British
    friend is talking about. Notice how plug-ugly
    the kids and adults are in the pictures, just like the american scuzballs and just as fat too!

    http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/

    Have a good laugh at look at the hellishly
    awful “entertainment schedule”,
    “Wow mum, wow dad, there’s Bob the builder! There’s all my best friends from the telly! And they’re doing a show especially for me”!
    Sorry kid, they’re only doing it cause they’re getting paid for it. They want to rip off that suit and quaff some ale at the pub as soon as possible, believe me!”
    The british must be hardy SOB’s beacuse
    this park is open, as you can see, through
    November! Bob the builder must be freezing his arse off in november! LOL

    Look at the awful bands that play at Butkins! Abba forever? Does the world
    really need another abba cover band? Does
    the world really need ABBA itself, for that matter?

    And the wonderful theater possibilites!
    The andrew lloyd webber-inspired
    “Rent-a-ghost”. Sure to please all Beefeating village idiots and factory
    workers from Leeds to Manchester.

    http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/microsites/Sept_6Whatson/index.cfm?page=5020&wt.sv

    • ANSWER:
      A butlins resort somehwere in wales (can’t spell it) utterly revolting. The mattresses were like carboard, the roast chicken was more like burnt rat, the nightlife was a flea-ridden cinema with one screen, and their in-resort entertainment left a hell of a lot to desire.

      I hate those little resorts like Butlins, I’ve been to three in my life (as a child) and they were all just hideous. I don’t know why us Brits insist on going to them. The weather here is atrocious, and its double the price of actually going abroad to somewhere nice with nice weather and beaches that aren’t covered in shingles! Crazy….

22. QUESTION:
    how much do you think this would cost?
    lets pretend that i bought a 1200 sq. ft. house from the 1950s.
    I gut everything out, walls, ceiling, insulation, bathroom, kitchen, ect….

    how much would it cost to put up new walls/ceiling, completely redo the bathroom and kitchen, install new windows, new shingles on the roof, update the plumbing, heating/cooling system, ect…

    im just looking for a high and low price.. doesnt need to be precise

    cost should include parts and labor to please… thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Funny you should ask, Kevin, we’re doing that right now to a house. It’s not cheap, especially if you’re NOT doing the labor. Demolition as you gut out the house can be quite costly depending on what your local dump charges per pound of trash. PLUS who knows what problems you will encounter as you tear things apart: asbestos, woodrot, rodents, etc.
      But lets start with a totally gutted out house and assume you still have all the framing and wiring with siding still intack.
      Very rough estimate:
      New windows(vinyl framed)9500
      plumbing.00
      heating/ cooling system.,000
      insulation&labor.4000
      drywall & paint labor incl.8000
      roofing&labor.7000
      new cabinets.15,000
      Granite countertops(35 sq ft).5000
      _______________________________________
      sub total:.,000

      Not included is trimming out the windows exterior, flooring, bathroom trimout (faucets, sinks, etc.) There are huge differences in prices depending on what your choose. Choosing the cheapest of everything could be from a total of ,000 to 0,000(choosing higher end material).

      If this is overwhelming or if you are in need of living space, try doing part of the house at a time. It can be a fun and interesting project or a nightmare depending on how you tackle challenges. If you do it in phases try this:
      1rst: Roofing and windows
      2nd: kitchen
      3rd: bedroom and bath
      4th: rest of the house

23. QUESTION:
    Red Spots and Multiple Issues What Should I do?
    I don’t want to freak out over this but my parents deny that there’s anything wrong with me so maybe I’m just overreacting. My skin is sensitive and we’ve been using some new fabric softener lately, and I’ve been getting rash dots and rash clusters over my body. However this is where it gets weird, because I thought it was an allergic reaction I switched out my washed clothes with the fabric softener for some of my old clothes in the closet that weren’t washed by it. Assuming that everything was going to get better (I also changed my sheets) it only got worse and now it’s starting to be really painful and itchy. I’ve had chicken pox before so it’s possible but unlikely, however that’s not all. My gums just tonight have bled when I brushed them but they don’t usually do that (probably not relevant but still reasonable). On top of this my stool has been discolored (greenish) ever since I started having the rash. Now I just recently had my blanket torn off my bed because it could still have the fabric softener on it, however can allergic reaction get this bad?

    More details are that the rash is mostly over my chest, and the spots are highly developed on my stomach. It’s most painful on my arms and back however there are barely any spots there. There no spots or rashes on my hands and feet and I’m almost always wearing socks. I’m seventeen years old and I’m female (maybe that will kind of rule things out).

    Is this an allergic reaction or an illness? If it’s just an allergic reaction should I see a doctor about this, because my parents seem to think I don’t need to see one? Please answer I’m slightly worried and would like to get to the bottom of this. I’ll update any additional info if it continues to get worse or if I start to get better.
    Also I would like to tell my parents if I need to see a doctor or not because I’m not too sure myself if it’s a big deal or not. They said they’d take me if I really felt that I need to see one.

    • ANSWER:
      If the rash is getting worse even after discontinuing the fabric softener, then I would absolutely go see the doctor (preferably a dermatologist.) You say the spots hurt and you mention having had chicken pox before, so I wonder if you could have shingles. You should do some research on shingles and see if it sounds like what you have.

      Definitely see a doctor. Especially since it has gotten worse. I sure hope you feel better soon!

24. QUESTION:
    Anyone a substance abuse counselor or in human services field?
    I am pursing a degree in human services in substance abuse. If anyone is in this field tell me about a typical day and how much education you needed and any other info.

    • ANSWER:
      SAC’s usually may or may not have a college degree and if so the field of endeavor varies.

      Currently the states require certification in order to practice as a SAC….there are several different levels of certification. The initial level is SAC I. You will need to take classes [I took class once a week for 2-/2 hrs for one year]; you will need to do supervised field work; you will need to then pass a state and association approved exam. You are then required to update your certification with courses from time to time.

      A typical day depends on the venue in which you practice as SAC. If it is a treatment center/rehab facility you would be conducting 1:1 sessions with patients; drug testing; facilitating groups; and conducting educational classes.

      If it is in a sobriety house – you would facilitate 12 step meetings; conduct groups and provide 1:1′s and do drug testing

      If you were to ‘hang up your shingle’ you would do a bit of everything….mostly 1:1, but education also.

25. QUESTION:
    After you get licensed as a psychologist, have a doctorate etc… can you get work right away?
    Say you go to school to get a Psy.D., graduate, get an internship, do internship, pass license test with flying colors etc etc, can you usually get a job or start a practice right away?
    I know in science if you get a PHD you have to do a bunch of post-doc work which is NOT what I’d want to do

    • ANSWER:
      After you graduate with a doctorate, you need 1500 post-doc hours of supervised work before you take the licensing exam. You can’t just graduate with a doctorate and then take the licensing exam the next week (or month). You do have to work under supervision first. However, you will get paid more than you did working as a pre-doc (but not as much as you’d get as a Licensed Psychologist).

      After you are licensed (which means passing a national exam as well as a state exam – I know, I know, hoops hoops and more hoops), THEN you can officially “hang your shingle” and start your private practice. However, if you’ve been planning, you should be able to have networked your way into laying the groundwork for your job or private practice, so the transition should be pretty easy.

      Update: Wess LB, you are incorrect. In order to legally present yourself as a psychologist, you need to have graduated from a doctoral program in psychology (or a Master’s Program for a school psychologist). In order to practice independently (and legally), you need to have passed the licensing exams at the national and state levels. If you haven’t done so, then you either need to be working under supervision, or you need to have been licensed in some other area… for instance, I know people that have their doctorates, but obtained an MFCC first (Marriage and Family Counseling license)… and “practice” under that… however, they cannot legally present themselves as licensed psychologists. “Therapists,” on the other hand, is a generic term for counselors or therapists who have different degrees, such as an MFCC, LCSW (social work) or even clergy (pastoral counseling). As long as they are not misrepresenting their credentials to the public, then they are ok.

26. QUESTION:
    buying our first home. roof is asphalt. is this bad? how much to update to a newer roof or should we bother?

    • ANSWER:
      Per-say there is nothing wrong with an asphalt roof, they last about the same as a shingle roof. You understandably may not like the look. It is up to you how much it bothers you. You can certainly wait until it needs re-roofing.

27. QUESTION:
    How do i beat a hair sample ?

    • ANSWER:
      So What Is The Truth About Passing A Hair Drug Test?

      The truth, like most things, is somewhere in the middle. Hair test labs and products designed to help pass a hair drug test all have something to gain by making absolute statements like “99.9% effective” and “no way”.

      The truth is that there are too many factors that come into play to guarantee you’ll pass a hair test 100% of the time with any products used. But below are some facts you should know about passing a hair drug test:

      · Some lab hair drug tests are easier to pass than others

      · Masking or temporary products that coat the hair no longer work. All hair labs now thoroughly wash the hair, rinsing away all masking agents before the hair is tested.

      · To have a chance at passing a hair drug test, you must effectively detoxify the hair with a strong cleanser and not mask.

      How Does A Lab Detect Drugs In Your Hair?

      Any toxin, like drug metabolites in your body, grow into the hair shaft. The inner shaft of the hair is called the cortex. This is initially where drug metabolites are found once deposited into newly formed hair strands.

      The cortex is filled with pigments and proteins, and as the hair grows the metabolites are pushed towards the outer edge of the cortex. On the outside of the cortex are cuticles, that resemble shingles on a house.

      The cortex is very hard to penetrate and only certain substances can get in or near the cortex. But to be able to even get near the outer edges of the cortex where the drug metabolites are stored, to wash them away, you have to open up the cuticles or shingles.

      Introducing The Newly Formulated Precision Cleanse™

      Hair testing and the ability to pass a hair drug test have changed dramatically since late 2005. Hair labs can detect just trace amounts of drug metabolites.

      Whether you are a full fledged drug addict (you should get help if you are) or just someone who used once and are faced with a hair test, the results are the same. A failed test. And the employer who gave the test will see the same results for both people and consider you both the same.

      These new advances in hair testing technologies forced us to go back to the drawing board and completely reformulate our product. We consulted with hair experts, from renowned hair salon stylists to toxicology experts to devise a product that will give the best results.

      These consultants know more about the science of hair than anyone today, and their knowledge went into the new formulation of Precision Cleanse (formerly called Afterburner). Precision Cleanse is a true hair detoxification product and not a masking agent.

      Will Precision Cleanse Work 100% of The Time?

      The answer is no. It’s simply impossible to pass a hair drug test 100% or “99.9%” of the time as they say. But our results have dramatically improved since the reformulation and we are proud to show you the true results below. The numbers below are based on a 350 test sampling. We constantly monitor and update the numbers below on a monthly basis:

      THC – 94% success rate

      Opiates – 89% success rate

      Cocaine, Meth – 89% success rate

      While the product is not 100% successful you can at least have a realistic idea of what to expect. Of course, factors like usage level, type of lab doing the test, your ability to follow directions, and recontamination factors all have something to do with varying the success rate. The numbers shown above are an average of all different scenarios from heavy to light users and different labs.

      While we can give you a very good chance to pass a hair drug test we can not guarantee it. However, we do offer a 100% money back guarantee if your test does come back positive. We just require you provide us with the failed lab test results.

      http://www.testingclean.com/hairfollicle.asp

28. QUESTION:
    How does a new roof cost?
    I’m looking to buy my first place. I looked at a short sale today. It could use updating but aside from that is in good condition. I was told it needs a new roof, though its not leaking or anything at the moment.

    The shingles seem to be flapping up in patches in a couple spots. It’s a duplex so its a relatively small place.

    http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n303/Jblaze123123/house.jpg

    • ANSWER:
      Roofing contractors bids will vary by about three-fold from low to high bid and the amount of additional work can increase the price quite a bit. Most will bid by the number of “squares” which is the area of the divided by 100 sq ft. Avoid fly-by-night crews since a bad roofing job will not have clean lines and there is very little you can do if they decide not to be in business after August 31st.

      The roof does not look that bad in the photo. One thing to check for is grains from the singles getting the gutters. Once that happens, it’s a good sign that a new roof is due.

      Expect to pay 0-0 per square with the removal of the old roof. I’ve seen bids online for more like 0/sq but that seems crazy.

      Nowadays the cost of ripping up the old roof adds a lot to the cost depending on your local landfill rates for C&D.

29. QUESTION:
    My elderly parent has been diagnosed as having shingles?
    This is a follow on from my previous question – My dad saw the doctor today as he had painful legs which have now turned into sores, he feels he has to keep moving as when he sits the pain is not good, the doctor has told him that he will have to wait until it goes with time and told to take paracetemol – many of the responses I have already rec’d indicate that he should be on some anit-viral, or other medication – should he return to the doctor? I live 100 miles away and cannot keep a close eye. When will the high temperature set in? I am quite concerned as you can imagine – any further advice would be appreciated – and I have to say a big thank you to advice already rec’d.

    • ANSWER:
      Here is some more information:

      Are shingles catching?

      Yes. Shingles can be spread from an affected person to children or adults who have not had chickenpox. Instead of developing shingles, these people develop chickenpox. Once they have had chickenpox, people cannot catch shingles (or contract the virus) from someone else. Once infected, however, persons have the potential to develop shingles later in life.

      Shingles are contagious, to persons that have not previously had chicken pox, as long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. Once all of the blisters are crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread.

      What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care worker?

      There are several effective treatments for shingles. Drugs that fight viruses (antivirals), such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir) can reduce the duration of the rash if started early (within 48 hours of the appearance of the rash). The addition of steroids may also limit the length of time that a patient has pain with shingles. However, the benefit of both of these drugs is limited.

      In addition to antiviral medication, pain medications may be needed for symptom control. The affected area should be kept covered and dry. However, bathing is permitted and the area can be cleansed with soap and water. An aluminum acetate solution (Burows or Domeboro’s solution, available at your pharmacy) can be used to help dry up the blisters and oozing.

      What are the complications of shingles?

      Generally, shingles heal well and problems are few. However, on occasion, the blisters can become infected with a bacteria causing cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin. If this occurs, the area will become reddened, warm, firm, and tender. You might notice red streaks forming around the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care professional. Antibiotics can be used to treat these complications.

      A more worrisome complication occurs when shingles affect the face, specifically the forehead and nose. In these cases, it is possible, although not likely, that shingles can affect the eye leading to loss of vision. If you have shingles on your forehead or nose, your eyes should be evaluated by a health care professional.

      It’s difficult to help someone 100 miles away. Perhaps, it would help to be able to talk to his doctor via phone and you can voice your concerns as well as getting a firsthand update on his treatment. Don’t let this fall through the crack.

30. QUESTION:
    when i thinking of buying a house i went to my insurance agent at state farm and he told me that he inspected?
    the house and that everything was fine…roof, house, wiring, said t it was all new i was covered….six years later the roof is leaking, he comes back out to the house and looks at the roof and says that it was constructed with the wrong materials. just by looking at it..why didn’t he tell me that six years ago when he took my money….can i sue him or the company…Jeff Cline or state farm ins co
    i did hire an inspector. raintree inspections. said the roof was new and satisfactory…

    • ANSWER:
      An insurance agent’s general inspection includes looking for missing shingles, obvious rot, low lying tree branches touching your home, general maintenance of your property, dogs running loose, signs of prior damage that havn’t been repaired, updated wiring, etc.

      The insurance agent is not a home inspector and he/she doesn’t normally inspect the materials the home was made of or how it was built unless it’s something obvious such as a leaning structure. They are looking for potential claims. Hidden damage such as poor construction materials is not usually obvious and he/she certainly wouldn’t have climbed on your roof, gone in your attic, inspected your pipes, etc for a normal insurance inspection. The inspection the insurance agent is doing is for the company he/she represents, not for you. They are trying to avoid claims, not make any guarantees about workmanship to the homeowner or renter or business owner.

      If your home was built six years ago and the roof is leaking, you’ve had storm damage, limb damage or a poor contractor. You should be contacting the contractor and most definitely the licensed home inspector. Average roof materials and construction should last an average of 15 years if there is no storm damage.

31. QUESTION:
    Buying a starter home that’s not a money pit?
    My boyfriend and I have been talking about buying a home rather than renting a place, but our finances are extremely limited. Does anyone have any advice or tips they could give on where a naive couple just wanting to settle down could look for an affordable house and not get completely taken?

    • ANSWER:
      Well there are many questions that you would have to ask yourselves in choosing the right home for you. What part of town, what are your must have’s IE 2 bathrooms, garage etc. Once you decide on that contact a realtor and start looking. I assume you want to look at older homes, which can be a very good thing. Here are a few tips on things to look for in an older home. ASSUME NOTHING, Test and check EVERYTHING, better yet get a home inspector to do it for you…..Furnace, Hot water heater, How old? These typically last between 10 – 25 years any older and you can count on replacing them. Windows? Newer doors and windows can save truckload of money on your heating and cooling bills. Roof? When was the shingles on the roof last replaced? Depending on the type of roof and the type of roofing material these typically last 25 years. If the home has a basement ask about water problems. Electrical… Now here’s a biggie some older home have the same electrical wires and vintage fuse box that the home was built with, and are perfectly safe and fine if not disturbed. (I would avoid old knob and tube wiring) A decent home inspector will check this for you. Plumbing… It’s gotta work again a home inspector will check this for you. There are numerous items to look at everything from structure to maintenance. Now with all this being said I’m not saying you won’t find a nice home I’m just warning you to assume nothing and get a home inspection done before you sign anything. Many older homes have been well maintained and updated you just don’t want one that is going to need everything replaced a month after you move in.

      Good Luck

32. QUESTION:
    What are the most profitable ways to increase my property value, landscaping, additions? please be specific.?

    • ANSWER:
      If only from a property value (Property Valuation Assessment) they only judge from the outside over the years, they already have the information on number of rooms, baths, etc.

      To raise it, yes, landscaping, curb appeal are best. Make sure the bushes, trees are not over grown, limbs are trimmed in early years to extend the height, The shrubbery is not all say 6 cedar bushes, mixed up to bayberry bush, with other types. But do not overkill the yard with flowers, trees and shrubs, that you appear that you have a heavy maintenance of upkeep.

      The house, update roofing if older, rust stains are running down the shingles, do a re-roof to give it a fresh appearance. If the home is older, take out older sash windows and replace with the kind that pop in to wash windows. Trim work, soffit, can be update with vinyl versus wood, which cuts down on paint up keep.

      General yard that is always mowed, no weeds or dandelions, green as can be, edged by driveway and walkways.

      Spruce up with lighting at specific areas outside the home, accent the entry way, or some landscaping, nice porch lamps are a must, and same for hardware on the door, a long handle to entry , brass gives classy feel, same with kickplate.

      I could go on, but depends on a budget, and type home you have. Hope this helps.

33. QUESTION:
    Update on previous shingles question – please help?
    Re: my father’s on-going shingles problem. He is getting better as the days go by, the spots have blistered, scabbed and are slowly disappearing so it would seem he is going down the right track. But he complains of the most awful burning pain in his leg, it is very red and putting a cold flannel on after a while the flannel is warm. He has re-visited the g.p. – a different one this time, again he was only offered pain killers – but I have been reading on the internet that there is help out there for this pain which could now be PHN has anyone got any experience of pain relief at this stage in shingles? Dad is now 4 weeks into shingles. Any advice would be more than helpful – thanking everyone who answers and thanks to everyone who has helped thus far, your thoughts and advice have been more than appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      Post herpetic neuralgia, which is how I would label this after 4 weeks is fairly common, can be very unpleasant and I am sorry to say VERY long lasting. As he still has healing local lesions topical preparations may not be suitable just now. They may be helpful later when the skin is healed and have the advantage of having few side effects. Axsain ( based on chili ) or Versatis ( a newer preparation based on lidocaine. These are probably the trasnsdermal patches mentioned by ‘ manbear1 ‘ but I stess they CANNOT be used until the skin has healed!) are the drugs of choice.

      If he is in a lot of pain just now, my drug of choice would be carbamazepine, but, it has a number of drug interactions and side effects and must be used with a lot of care, and its dose titrated up very slowly to reduce the risk of problems. My second choice of drug might be ‘ fran’s ‘ amitriptylline.

34. QUESTION:
    LOOKING FOR THE LAWS CONCERNING LICENSING AS A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR VS. A SECULAR COUNSELOR IN WISCONSIN?
    looking to open counceling service in wi, as a christian councelor not as a state licensce councelor need to find the statues concerning this… thanks

    • ANSWER:
      According to Wisconsin code, a professional counselor requires a license. One may not call themselves a counselor without a license. A “Christian” counselor would be a subset of the professions “Counselor” or “Pastor.” “Christian Counselor” would fall under the caveat in the civil code as “or other similar title,” which still requires a license and many hours of supervision. Below are the law and the State Website.

      That caveat is there so someone cannot think up some other kind of name for the job Counselor and stick up a shingle like any old quack without training, licensing or experience.

      James – Wicca, don’t leave home without it.

      Here is a reprint of the Wisconsin code:

      Professional Counselor
      Administrative Code (Code Book)

      Individuals who wish to practice professional counseling or who wish to use the title “professional counselor” must be licensed as a professional counselor or hold a temporary license or professional counselor training certificate, pursuant to s. 457.04(6) and s. 457.13 of the Wisconsin Statues. This requirement applies to those individuals who are accruing their 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice, a necessity for licensure.

      Professional counseling means applying a combination of human development, rehabilitation and either psychosocial or psychotherapeutic principles, procedures or services that integrate a wellness, pathology and multicultural model of human behavior in order to assist an individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and adjustment through the life span of the individual, couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or community.

      No person may practice professional counseling or use the title “professional counselor”, “professional rehabilitation counselor”, “vocational rehabilitation counselor”, or “rehabilitation counselor” or any similar title unless the person is licensed as a professional counselor by the Professional Counselor Section of the examining board.

      Last updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

35. QUESTION:
    Getting a new roof, metal or shingle?
    What are the pros and cons to each option? We like the look of the metal but we would stand out in the neighborhood, is it worth it? Should we just stick to the good ol shingles?

    • ANSWER:
      Rember one thing in updating your home…DO NOT put more money in your home today that you CANNOT get out of it for tomorrow.. Jobs can disappear or downsize and you may have to sell… Some metal roofs can cost a whole lot more shingle roofs.. Also metal roofs can also be HEAVY. It is YOUR choice but the main purpose of a roof is to shed water, snow, sleet, hail and other elements.

36. QUESTION:
    3 weeks into shingles and burning is getting worse?
    my 77 year ol dad complained of pain at top of his right leg 3 weeks ago today, the day afte he noticed spots appearing and visited the doctor imediately he was diagnosed as having shingles, doctor said he could give him nothing to help, he has spots all down his leg and up his side, the lower leg appears to be clearing up and is less painful but the burning on his upper leg appears to be getting worse and is now spreading across hi tummy – just wondering if anyone can advise if this is taking the right course or should we be concerned? he is using calamine lotion as advised but nothing is helping this awful burning, he also puts a flannel in the freezer to lay on the burning area – he lives 100 miles away and as my son has’nt yet had chickenpox we cannot visit until he has been given the all clear, so, i ring him everyday for moral support and to keep updated, but I could really do with some advice – anyone had singles who can let me know how it went with you or if you are knowledge

    • ANSWER:
      the doctor was incorrect
      the following medications are used for shingles and are effective even for the elderly they are available in pill and topisal cream form
      zorviax
      elavil
      valtrex are but 3 of the medications used for shingles
      there are 6 others
      unless it is medically contraindicated
      shingles are very painful so tylenol #3 is usually ordered also

37. QUESTION:
    Just been diagnosed with shingles?
    Anyone else had this can give me an update on what happens next

    • ANSWER:
      “Shingles” is the layman’s term for herpes zoster. An h. zoster outbreak can be mild, moderate or severe.

      Do you already understand what’s going on? You had chicken pox once and perhaps before you were 12 months old. The virus that causes it is varicella-zoster virus, or VZV. VZV is part of the herpesvirus family. Like Epstein-Barr virus, like cytomegalovirus and like herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Once in your body, these are there for life. After acute chicken pox symptoms resolve, VZV retreats into spinal nerve tissue and goes dormant. For reasons not completely understood, the virus can be reactivated at a later time. It can occur during childhood, adolescence or adulthood. If and when it reactivates, it’s often after the age of 50. Often but by no means always. During a reactivation, the virus moves out along the pathway of a spinal nerve. The nerves most often affected are along one side of the trunk in a narrow strip, and wrap from front to back. But spinal nerves in the cervical spine (the neck) can be affected instead causing an outbreak at the neck or face.

      “Anyone else had this can give me an update on what happens next” — Never had herpes zoster. What do you mean ‘what happens next’??? You were diagnosed and you didn’t ask??? You haven’t done any online research? You have painful burning and tingling, usually in a narrow strip on one side of the trunk. Red patches appear. Over the next few days, the red patches form blisters. The blisters break open, drain and form crusty scabs. The crusts fall off in 2 to 3 weeks. There shouldn’t be any scars left. There can also be abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, fever/chills, a crummy, yucky feeling, headache and joint pain. A second outbreak is rare but can happen. There can be nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) along the affected spinal nerve that can last from months to years. Postherpetic neuralgia is more likely to occur in people over age 60.

      The condition, herpes zoster, is NOT contagious. One must have had chicken pox first to develop this. But the virus, VZV, is in the blister fluid and the virus IS contagious. However, it can cause only chicken pox in some one who has never had chicken pox nor has been vaccinated against it. Viral transmission requires direct repeated or prolonged contact with the blister fluid. Because most times h. zoster is very painful, it’s unlikely that a person having an outbreak would encourage touch to that area. And it’s equally unlikely that this person would have the affected area unprotected and exposed.

      I have no idea what was discussed between you and your provider. Perhaps an antiviral such as Zovirax, oral and topical, to reduce your symptoms and shorten this outbreak. If you’re 50 or older, once you recover you can request a Zostavax vaccination to suppress the possibility of any future outbreaks. Did your doctor tell you that? Some of ‘what happens next’ depends entirely on what you choose to do about it, my friend.

38. QUESTION:
    What are some eco house ideas?
    Can someone list some ideas that would be good for an eco house? e.g. solar panels???
    thanks:)

    • ANSWER:
      If you are modifying an existing home, then the size of dumpster you need to order for the demolition is a key indicator of the environmental impact your project makes. Try to keep or re-use or donate as much as possible. This is often more expensive in terms of labor costs than throwing away the old and replacing with new. In new construction you can use some of these reclaimed or recycled items in your building materials.

      Energy star appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, HVAC system) and tank-less water heaters and eco light bulbs, efficient doors and windows and lots of insulation in walls and attic all make a huge impact on your use of electricity. Those items have far more impact than solar water heating panels. Maintain your appliances properly to keep them working efficiently. Things like cleaning the filter on your HVAC system monthly can have a huge impact. You can have old appliances recycled when you replace them. Your electric company probably has programs to help with the cost of all of these items and there may be tax benefits as well.

      Landscaping choice of plants and proper soil preparation can have a huge effect on water consumption, and well placed trees can provide shade to reduce cooling costs. Trees that lose their leaves in winter are best if winters are cold, allowing the sun to help warm the house and provide more natural light. Recycled materials can be used in landscaping, the mulch and pavers made from recycled car tires are especially earth friendly as car tires are not biodegradable. Here some residential areas have reclaimed water available for landscape irrigation.

      Choose building materials that will last. Here in Florida, termites are a huge issue. Dumpsters are filled as houses are regularly repaired or re-built due to termite damage. Use of pressure treated lumber instead of white pine only costs a few pennies extra, and will prevent the filling of dumpsters in the future because it resists that termite damage. Concrete block construction is also a good option and block homes are always worth more here and in higher demand. Likewise, choose roofing materials with a longer life to keep those shingles out of the landfill. A high quality roof will also give you a return if you sell the home.

      Avoid trendy style choices in permanent installations. Avoid furniture and cabinetry that is not durable – even if it is made of eco-friendly materials. Think in terms of things that will last and be wanted for 50 years instead of 15 years. If you are building a new house, 2,000 square feet of house has about half the environmental impact as a 4,000 square foot house.

      Most of these suggestions point to the same thing. Do it right the first time. Update anything that is inefficient or be prepared to spend a little extra for new items that are more efficient. Look at your utility bills and look to your utility companies for suggestions or incentive programs to reduce your consumption. It all adds up. Make every little and big decision along the lines of the environmental impact.

39. QUESTION:
    After inspection of my property/home we found that that are over ,000. in updates we need to do.?
    What is too much to ask for allowence twords the updateing that needs to be done.
    He is already paying 00 in closing.
    He has already agreed to fix a/c unit in home, Because it is broken. He said either he would give us a allowence tword it or would have it fixed.
    My husband is a plumber and is very handy, I know most of the work he can do himself, or knows someone who can.
    The relectrical work if we hired someone to do it all would cost about 10- 15,000. but we could do about half the work ourselves and maybe spend 2 or ,000 for the whole job.
    The roof needs to be replaced. It will cost about ,000.

    what is to much to ask for from the seller to help update the home? as of now the wiring is a fire hazard, but most of the homes in the neighborhood have the same type of wiring and roofs( which the shingles were stapled in but there are no leaks as of now.
    Im paying 0,000 for the home, and all the homes with the same issues are going for the same prices.
    The home is in great shape and is perfect for us, We really dont want to back out.
    Im paying 0,000 for the home, and all the homes with the same issues are going for the same prices.
    The home is in great shape and is perfect for us, We really dont want to back out.

    • ANSWER:
      I say find another house .. but I thing 10,000 to 14,000 would not be too much to start with and then he will come back with how much he is willing to pay and that will give you a range. Just negotiate until it is right for both parties ..

      Good Luck!

40. QUESTION:
    Those of you with metal roofs….what do you think?
    Anyone that has lived under a traditional shingled roof AND a metal roof.
    What are the pros & cons based on your experiences?
    We’re considering buying a home with a newly installed metal roof. I like the look of it on this particular home. I hear they are low maintenance & last forever.
    What kind of maintenance needs done on metal roofs & how often?
    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      My father in law has a metal roof, and where we had our weekend home they were very common. Our house was new, but other people had houses that were 30+ years old and the roofs had never needed any maintenance at all. It’s true that they last a really really long time and are low maintenance. Depending on the exact roof, you usually are able to paint a metal roof. The finish on the metal does fade over time, particularly if it’s in direct sunlight, so it’s nice to know you can paint it eventually if you really need to. You can also change the color to match a color change on your house, or to get a more updated color, which are things you can’t do with a shingle roof. On the negative side, metal roofs are noisy when it rains, which may or may not bother you. In my father in law’s house, when it rains it sounds like golf balls are pounding the roof. On our vacation home, it was a bit tinny sounding a a bit loud, but not too bad and we got used to it. I don’t know if we just had a better roof or if ours was insulated differently.

41. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know the listen and win for WGAR 8/29?

    • ANSWER:
      Good afternoon , I hope you all have a great day!
      I will try to update the blanks throughout the day.
      I hope the following trivia, songs and words are the ones you need.

      Could you graduate from the 4th grade?WAITED
      Country Music Trivia – WORK ON THEIR HAIR
      Classic Rock Challenge – ASTHMA ATTACK
      Earn 600 Points with HSW New Design Quiz – Shingles:BOTH ANSWERS (BOT)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW New Design Quiz Lower Water :NONE(NON)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW II New Design Quiz – BOTH ANSWERS ARE CORRECT (BOT)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW III New Design Quiz-IT IS GREEN (GRE)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW New Design Quiz – Solar Air :10 TO 20 YEARS
      Earn 600 Points with HSW IV New Design Quiz – SHINY SURFACES REFLECT HEAT (SHI)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW V New Design Quiz -UNPLUG IT
      Earn 600 Points with HSW VI New Design Quiz – THE HEATING ELEMENT SENSOR WILL DETECT OVERHEATING AND SHUT OFF THE POWER. (HEA)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW VII New Design Quiz- HANG THEM ON THE LINE TO DRY FIRST (HAN)
      Earn 600 Points with HSW VIII New Design Quiz -5
      Music Challenge Trivia -CINCINNATI
      Name That Question – PHOTOCOPYING
      Sleuth Trivia -RECIPROCITY
      Sports Trivia – OXYCODONE
      This Day in Canadian History Trivia – 1964

      COUNTRY 105 SONGS
      7:00 AM :CHATTAHOOCHIE
      First Song After 10:00am :I’M GONNA MISS HER
      LL – Ten in a Row to starts at 11:50am :SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
      Last Song of the 10 to 3 : ROCK THIS COUNTRY
      QWS : HONEY BEE

      Q107 SONGS
      7:30 AM – PINBALL WIZARD
      Legends Lunch – ROCK AND ROLL HOOCHIE KOO
      2:00 PM -ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
      AC – SWEET CHILD O MINE

      CHQR AM 770

      Insider Intel 7.12am -APPEASE
      7:45 AM GUEST – JOSEPH JONES
      Insider Intel 5:12pm -COUNTRY
      Calgary Today’s 5:45pm guest -MICHELLE DASENGER
      Insider-Intel 7:08pm – COLUMBIA
      9:05pm guest on The World Tonight –
      Insider-Intel 9:08pm –

      WAXX
      6:12 – CALIBER
      7:12 – VERSA
      9:12 – STEEL
      1:12 – MAGNOLIA
      4:12 – MARSHFIELD
      Tripper Trivia: PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
      Big 5 Rewind(correct answer to reward question) : HOMEBOY ERIC CHURCH

42. QUESTION:
    home insurance for a home that was built 107 years ago…?
    why on earth did i get a quote of 3500-4000 for 300k insurance on this home? Is the home that damn old?

    • ANSWER:
      I’m an insurance agent and I also have an old home. My house was built in 1903. There have been a lot of updates to the house including the wiring, heating, plumbing and shingles. The reason the premium is higher is because they can’t place you in their best program due to the age of the home and the reconstruction cost of a home that old is much much higher than the same size house built in the past 20 years. What you need to do is ask them to use modified replacement cost. Not all companies will do this so you have to find a company that will. With modified replacement cost you are agreeing that if there is a loss you will replace with today’s materials. (ex. woodwork that comes from a home improvement store instead of having it hand milled to match all the rest of the woodwork in the house. When you use modified replacement cost is brings the replacement cost of the house down considerably so your insurance is cheaper. I have done this with my house. If your house is on the historical register you probably will not be able to do this but you should check it out.

43. QUESTION:
    Hurricane Gustav? Houma Damage?
    Is anybody in Terrebonne Parish that can give us an update of the damage? We live in Bayou Estates. Bourg, La.

    • ANSWER:
      I live on chase drive in bourg, had someone check my house and have roof damage, shingles gone to the plywood in places, fence is completely down, and my shed was knocked off its foundation. Water leaked through the roof into the garage.

44. QUESTION:
    Worst Tornado in San Diego or near by it?

    • ANSWER:
      Water’s answer is correct (except maybe the exact date). From the following National Weather Service publication, A History of Significant Weather Events in Southern California (updated in February 2010):

      On April 5,1926…

      “A waterspout comes ashore to become a tornado in National City resulting in the most damaging tornado on record in San Diego County”

      “8 injured. Two homes were totally destroyed. Roofs were torn off homes and numerous roofs were damaged. One shingle was driven into the side of a building “as if it had been shot from a gun.” Trees were downed and power was knocked out.”

      http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/document/weatherhistory.pdf

      Update:
      The repoorted date difference maybe due to the fact that this event occurred around 5 minutes after midnight local time.

45. QUESTION:
    Can I put a 3rd layer of shingles on my home?
    I live in Indiana and was told that you can put a 3rd layer on your roof. We have 2 layers now and were going to sell this summer and wanted to put another layer on to update the look of the roof. We painted it and the colors just dont go and I want the curb appeal to draw in when people pull up. To me it just stands out like a sore thumb, and the way the market is now I just want every advantage. I just don’t know if it is an option in my state or at all. I hope someone knows and can help or give me a web site to find the answer or to just double check the person that told me it was ok to do. Thank you so much, and if I get the info I am looking for I will def. give best answer for your trouble.

    • ANSWER:
      I would tear it all off if your going through the trouble. Three layers is getting up there in weight as well. Tear it all off and start from the bare wood. Maybe you could add a few more grand to the price of the house if you tell the intrested party that it has a brand new roof.

46. QUESTION:
    How long is an “updated” roof on a house supposed to last in normal coniditions?
    When I use the term “updated” I mean nailing new shingles on top of old shingles. Thee is a house I am interested in purchasing. The real estate listing advertises a “new roof.” However, I know that the roofing company did not replace the shingles and the wood under the shingles. They just nailed new shingles on top of the old ones. Around here they call that a “new roof.” LOL I call it an updated roof. Anyway, how long is an “updated” roof supposed to last under normal conditions, meaning no major hail storms, just the occasional thunder storm and average or above average snow fall?

    • ANSWER:
      i have replaced thousands of asphalt shingle roofs and the second layer always lasts half as long, especially with newer shingles. the second layer is “cooked” from the front and the back by the first layer radiating heat. 15 years would be a stretch with newer shingles weather they’re 25, 30, 40 or even 50yr shingles. over the last couple decades, asphalt shingles, the already cheapest, most temporary form of roofing available today, have gotten cheaper and cheaper in quality while going up and up in price due to their petrochemical nature.

      by taking the average of hundreds of 2 layer roofs i’ve torn off in michigan, i’d say to expect 10 to 15 yrs from a “roof over” with asphalt shingles, less in southern climates. good luck

47. QUESTION:
    Shingles At 39 Weeks. Can I Request An Induction?
    I am 39 weeks pregnant today and have had shingles for the last ten days. Spots are still coming up daily so I fear I am no closer to the end than I was ten days ago!
    I am unable to sleep due to the discomfort and not eating half as much as I normally do due to an upset tummy.
    The main reason I wish to be induced is in order to receive treatment.
    Does anyone have any experience or been through similar circumstances?
    I have been to hospital 3 times in the last week. Diagnosed on the last visit. Doctors say baby has my immunity so he will be fine throughout. However because my obs were satisfactory I was sent home. Noone has taken into consideration how generally run down I am and the distress I feel, especially as I am single mum and do not know how I can possibly look after a new born feeling as ill as i do

    • ANSWER:
      So sorry that you are suffering at this time when you should be enjoying your last few days of pregnancy! Are you sure it is shingles and not chickenpox – shingles has blisters rather than spots?

      http://shingles-symptoms.biz/shingles-treatment/

      Double check with your family as to whether you had chickenpox when you were a child or not.

      With regards to treatment I understood certain anti-viral drugs were frequently given to mums-to-be, especially when, for example, they suffer from herpes.

      Please do call up your doctor or your clinic to explain the situation to them, and they will probably ask you to come in and make sure you receive the right and best possible care! It’s a terrible thing to be ill when you are about to have your baby. You are so close now to your due date that the baby will not be at risk if they decide to induce you.

      I do hope that you feel better as quickly as possible, and that you have a wonderful birth!

      Just seen your update – feel very badly for you – it must be awful! Can you call them back and ask them if they can give you something? Get you started on treatment? If they could give you something to make you feel better NOW so that when the baby comes you are ok? IHave you got any friends or family who are able to help you out physically as well as emotionally right now? You might be surprised at how willing people are to help out when there are difficult circumstances.

48. QUESTION:
    Call me maybe parody on 106.1 kiss fm Dallas?
    Today, I heard a song on kiss fm. It was a Christmas call me maybe parody. I don’t know where I can find the song. Some of the lyrics were. ” smelly reindeer, don’t soil my shingle, I’ll call my lawyer, and sue Chris Kringle.” can anyone help me find this song on YouTube or anywhere else.

    • ANSWER:
      Parody- Carly Rae Elfsen – Sue Kris Kringle

      I did the exact same thing tonight. Heard it on the radio while driving home, and started searching for it like mad on my iphone. No luck at all yet though, which I find quick strange for this day and age.

      I was able to find the name on kissFM’s website in a playlist. I think the playlist is updated every so often though so the link to the play list may not be accurate in a few days. If I manage to find it anywhere I’ll update this question page

      See the last source for a screen shot (as long as tinypic keeps it hosted)

49. QUESTION:
    How to give a metal shed a new look? Adding shingles to a metal roof.?
    I would like to update my metal shed to match my house. I would like the roof to be black, to match my black shingles. The roof on the shed is not completely flat, some ridges from the design. I would like to apply a black material to it but I’m not sure if shingles are the best idea. Would shingles be too heavy for a metal roof? it’s 10′ x 14′.

    Here is a photo of the shed off the lowes website: http://images.lowes.com/product/026862/026862100245.jpg

    What is the best material to apply to the metal roof and what would I use to attach it?

    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      You will not be able to put shingles down directly onto the metal roof due to the ridges in it. As an alternative, you could put plywood on top of the metal roof probably and then shingles on the plywood. Might be more than you’d want to spend just to have them match though, good luck!

50. QUESTION:
    Omaha Beach Measurement?
    I am creating a diorama for my friends and I need some measurements. What is the distance from the landing point on the beach to the cliffs. Secondly how tall are the cliffs? I have gotten an average height of 100ft but I wanted a second opinion.
    Thank you.
    Also this may take a few years but…if you send me an email I may keep you updated on the project.
    Thanks.

    email:adamhurtz@rocketmail.com

    • ANSWER:
      The following might help. It’s copied directly from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omaha_Beach

      Bound at either end by rocky cliffs, the Omaha Beach crescent presented a gently sloping tidal area averaging 300 yards (275 m) between low and highwater marks. Above the tide line was a bank of shingle 8 feet (2.4 m) high and up to 15 yards (14 m) wide in some places. At the western end the shingle bank rested against a stone (further east becoming wood) constructed sea wall which ranged from 4–12 feet (1.5–4 m) in height. For the remaining two thirds of the beach after the seawall ended the shingle lay against a low sand embankment. Behind the sand embankment and sea wall lay a level shelf of sand, narrow at either end and extending up to 200 yards (180 m) inland in the center. Steep escarpments or bluffs then rose 100–170 feet (30–50 m), dominating the whole beach and cut into by small wooded valleys or draws at five points along the beach, codenamed west to east D-1, D-3, E-1, E-3 and F-1