Livingston Reporting - page 291

Protect Your Business Risks With Commercial Insurance

When it comes to protecting yourself and your business against the uncertainties in life it is good to know you can rely on commercial business insurance.  As the owner of any business no matter how big or small you will face risks that you didn’t even know existed before becoming an entrepreneur.  Before cutting the ribbon on your new business it is imperative that you meet with an insurance agent that specializes in commercial insurance coverage.  They will be able to help you identify and define the risks within your industry as well as your specific needs.

Insurance for your business takes the risks involved and transfers them to a third party that you pay for.  It works just like insurance policies that you have on your home and automobiles. The insurance company chooses a set amount of money to charge for policies depending on the amount of coverage that is needed and the determined likelihood that it will be needed. Business insurance is risk management for owners.  If a loss occurs the business owner will establish a claim with the insurance company and their losses will be covered.  Without this coverage a business owner would be on their own to cover the loss occurred which could possibly bankrupt your business.

When it comes to insurance for your business there are several types of policies to consider.  An insurance agent will help you determine exactly which insurance policies are specific to your business.  From commercial property damage to professional liability this article will provide you with a brief description on what each does to support your business.

Worker’s Compensation

A worker’s compensation policy covers lost income as well as medical expenses to an employee if they sustain an injury or work related illness.  This policy pays to sustain the employee while hiring someone to cover the work that is in need of being done while the employee is healing.

General Liability

General business liability insurance provides coverage against negligence, product defects, and damage to property.  General liability is important in today’s lawsuit happy climate.  The protection provided to the business is to cover lawsuit expenses, medical payment and any other expense occurred in preventing loss to your business.

Commercial Property Damage

Property damage insurance provides coverage and compensation to business owners in case of loss due to natural causes including from weather created issues, fire damage as well as theft.  The coverage not only covers the physical business property and structure but also loss of equipment and materials that allow your business to function and exist.

Professional Liability

When it comes to certain professions professional liability is a must.  This type of insurance is provided for consultants, attorneys, tax advisors and other service industries. If you give advice or offer services of technical advice professional insurance protects you and your business against lawsuits stemming from that advice.

These are the four most basic types of coverage offered to business owners.  More in depth coverage may be needed or wanted.  This can be determined by consulting a local commercial business insurance agent.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com/business.php.

Learning More About The Perfect Pocket Knife

In the latest pocket knife installment we talked about the different blade types available on pocket knives including the plain edge, the serrated edge and the combo.  When it comes to choosing a pocket knife the sky is the limit when it comes to combining your favorite aspects into one perfect knife.  Today we will talk more about the blade lengths available for pocket knives.

There are a wide range of pocket knife blade lengths from big, seven and a half inch blades to small, two inch blades.  It may seem insignificant when talking about a few inches but when it comes to a pocket knife blade it can make a colossal difference in what it can do for you.

A small pocket knife is classified by a blade that is less than 2.75 inches in length. A small blade is advantageous for many reasons.  The first is that they are small and not cumbersome to carry.  They are also widely acceptable to carry without having to worry about knife laws.  The problem with the small blade is that it can tend to be a bit weaker than larger blades.  Another issue is that due to their small size the locking mechanism is often left off of these knives.  Small pocket knives are perfect for everyday light use.

A pocket knife with a medium blade ranges between 2.75 inches in length and 4 inches.   This is where the average length of pocket knives most Americans carry falls. A medium size pocket knife is easy to carry and provides the benefits of a versatile larger knife blade.  The blades in this range also have the best options in locking mechanisms when it comes to pocket knives.  The locking mechanism promotes safety when doing more strenuous activities; helping to assure the blade doesn’t accidentally shut. Knives this size is more difficult to find than their smaller counterparts due to restrict knife laws that ban their use in certain areas.

Larger pocket knives with blades over 4 inches are also available.  Larger blades in pocket knives are more convenient to carry than their larger counter, the fixed blade.  A large pocket knife is mainly used for self-defense and tends to be impractical for everyday. The large blade tends to make the knives heavier which can make them cumbersome to carry in your pocket all the time.  You will also need to look into local knife laws that regulate the size of a knife blade that can be concealed within your pocket.

In our series so far on the pocket knife we have taken an in-depth look into the number of blades, the edge of the blade and now the blade length.  In our next edition we will look into the cost of pocket knives and the differences between the knives and brands at each price point. We will also look in greater detail into the blade type and what each is used for.  From there we will look at the different options in materials to create the ideal knife blade.  Be sure to check it out.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pocket Knife Prices and Blade Types

In our series on pocket knives so far we have explored a great deal about the common pocket knife; the number of blades, the pocket knife edge varieties, and the different blade lengths available.  In this installment we will talk about the different price point options available as well as the different blade types and their ideal uses.

When it comes to price point and pocket knives they can range anywhere from a few dollars upwards into the hundreds.  Pocket knives that are in the price point under thirty dollars are considered to be economical pocket knives.  Some common brands in economical pocket knives include Colt Knives, Schrade Old Timer and Gerber Knives.  Economical pocket knives are limited in some of the extra bells and whistles of more expensive brands however they are good enough to get the job done.

Knives that fall in the thirty to seventy dollar range where you will find most anything you want when looking for a pocket knife.  The sky is the limit and the variety is plentiful.  The majority of pocket knives will fall into the price point.  Although the dent in your pocket book will be small the jobs that can be done with these knives is not.  When looking for a mid range knife to purchase look for top brands such as Buck Knives, SOG Knives and Ka-Bar Knives.

Between seventy and a hundred dollars you are looking at top brand name pocket knives such as Spyderco Knives and Kershaw Knives.  The higher end price tag comes with better materials than the mid-range price point.  You can find a deal of knives at this price point.  The difference between these knives and the ones at the price point above is that these will cost you more to replace when they are in need of replacement.  The better materials are really the only difference besides the price.

Pocket knives upwards of a hundred dollars are considered premium knives.  The blade may be etched with a design; the details will be more intricate.  These knives are more of a piece of art then other pocket knives.  Boker brand knives carry a great deal of high end quality knives.

There are a number of blade types to choose from including: clip point, drop point, tanto point, spear point, trailing point, hawkbill, straight back, sheepfoot, wharncliffe, needle point, pen and spey.  The most popular options in blade types is the clip point, the drop point and the straight-back blade.  These are all ideal for everyday uses including piercing, skinning and slicing.

A needle point is really only useful for piercing, spear knives are good for piercing and slicing and the tanto point blade is the perfect design for piercing tougher materials and push cuts.  Sheepfoot blades are good for carving wood and cutting where as the spey point is great for skinning and gets its name from old times and being used to castrate animals.

The hawkbill is very distinct in design and is not a wonderful everyday pocket knife but is useful when opening boxes, stripping wires and cutting cords.  The point in discussing the different blades available is that a blade type perfect for one person may not serve the needs of another.  Consider what you are looking to do with the pocket knife before picking a blade type.  A pen knife is not a good survival pocket knife.

When we continue on our series about knives we will look into the steel options for the blade, the knife handle materials, and the different option in opening and locking mechanisms.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Buying a Pocket Knife Part Two

We left off our last installment on choosing the perfect pocket knife looking at the options available in blades for your new pocket knife.  As mentioned pocket knives are sold with single blades, two blades and multi-blade often referred to as a Swiss Army Knife.   In this installment on the pocket knife we will look deeper into the edge of the blade you are looking for in a pocket knife.

The great debate continues on the edge that makes up the perfect pocket knife.  There are three main types of blades to choose from including: fully serrated, partially serrated as well as plain. In understanding the type of blade that you will use the most it is important to also be familiar with the two basic cuts that a knife will perform; the push cut and the pull cut.  A push cut is used to shave wood or peel an apple where as the pull cut is used for cutting rope or bread.

First we will look into the plain edge pocket knife. The advantage of owning this type of blade is that is performs clean, precise push cuts.  The sharp edge allows you control and accuracy within your cuts.  The plain edge is also easier to sharpen and can be done at home.  With a plain edge blade you will not be able to perform any pull cuts which makes it unable to use it to saw.  If you are in need of a knife to cut through wood or rope a plain edge is not for you. If you will be using the knife to shave or skin this is perfect for you.

When it comes to the fully serrated edge of a pocket knife you will find it is perfect for cutting through the tough materials that a straight edge blade would never be able to get through. A fully serrated edge gives strength to the blade from the serrations.  All of this working together provides a pocket knife that functions well as a saw blade.  This blade however does not provide clean, precision cuts and requires sharpening that can only be done through the factory.

Another option in pocket knife blades is the partially serrated edge, partial straight edge.  This blade offers you both options in one.  The combo knife blade is growing in popularity because it gives you the advantages of both knives.  The one thing to consider is the placement of the serrated edge on the blade to ensure the tasks you need it for can be accomplished.  The other thing to consider is that you will have to send it in to the factory to have the serrated edge sharpened.  Pocket knives with the combination straight edge and saw are becoming more and more popular every day.  It is the perfect tool for camping, hiking and is an all around solid survival pocket knife.

In our next installment on pocket knives we will explore the different blade size options along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

 

Cleaning Precious Stones In Jewelry

There are a billion home methods to cleaning jewelry online but how do you know if the method is safe for the metal that it will be safe for the stone set within.  Most metal methods of cleaning; when it comes to jewelry do not take into consideration the precious stones within.  As with different methods that best suit each type of metal found within jewelry there are best methods of cleaning precious and semi-precious stones as well.

Gemstones

When you are cleaning gemstones never soak them in water especially when the stones are set in using glue. The water will loosen the glue and cause the gemstones to be come loose and fall out.  The best way to clean gemstone jewelry is using a soft, damn cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of warm water and soap, wring out the cloth and wipe the piece down thoroughly.  After this process has been completed you will want to hang the piece; this will help ensure that the water does not stay between the glue and the stone.

Pearls that are dirty to the naked eye should be washed using a solution of one teaspoon of Woolite diluted with a quart of warm water.  The piece should only be soaked in the solution for about ten to fifteen seconds.  After this has been done the pearl should be wiped with a soft cotton cloth and laid flat to dry.  After the pearl is clean and dried it should be stored in a cotton bag.  Never store pearls in plastic or with any other types of jewelry.  Pearls should be stored alone and not allowed to rub against other pieces or one another.  Where pearls regularly as your natural oils will help keep the luster of pearls.  Dry cotton cloths can be rubbed over the pieces before they are worn to bring out their shine.

An old wise tale with diamond jewelry is that the luster is brought out using a mixture of warm water and toothpaste.  This is not a method I recommend.  Diamond jewelry and its sheen come out better using warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush.  Brush the diamonds with the soft bristled brush under the mixture of soap and water.  Rinse the piece with warm water and allow it to air dry.

Turquoise is cleaned using warm soapy water.  Never submerge turquoise as the material is incredibly porous and will allow the water to seep in.  This will eventually cause discoloration.  You should avoid all types of commercial cleansers as they are overly harsh for turquoise.  The same is true for pearls. Commercial cleansers tend to be overly harsh for semi-precious stones and precious stones alike.

Cleaning your stones is as important as cleaning the metals that house the piece.  Be it gold, white gold, silver, platinum or titanium the metal is as important as the stone set inside.  Be sure to clean each of your pieces of jewelry taking into consideration both the stone and the metal.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

 

Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Jewelry made out of gold does not tarnish like silver tends to however it does dull out with the accumulation of filth that builds up over time. The good news is that it is easy to restore the luster and shine gold is known for. Gold it the easiest material jewelry is made from to bring back its gleam with ordinary things that can be found around the home.

The first method is cleaning gold jewelry using dish soap.  Fill a small bowl with warm water, seltzer water or club soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap.  The carbonation of the seltzer water or club soda is better for loosening thick grime and build-ups.  Note that the liquid should be warm but not boiling.  Boiling water would be hard on fragile precious stones and may cause them to crack.  Soak the pieces in the solution for fifteen to twenty minutes.  It will soak into all the crevices within the jewelry loosening up the dirt.  After soaking, gently scrub the pieces with a child size toothbrush.  Rinse with the piece with warm water and blot the pieces of jewelry dry and leave them out to thoroughly dry in a safe spot.

Another method that works well to clean gold jewelry is using ammonia.  This is a more powerful cleanser and is best to be used only for deep cleaning.  This is not the method that should be used for weekly cleanings on your gold jewelry.  When using ammonia mix one part ammonia to six parts water.  This will ensure that the mixture will not be overly powerful.  The pieces should soak for no more than one minute as ammonia tends to be corrosive.  Remove the pieces carefully using a strainer and rinse with warm water.  Dry the pieces off with a soft polishing cloth and allow to thoroughly dry off in a safe spot.

If your gold jewelry includes gemstones that are glued in you will want to clean them using the next technique.  Gemstones that are glued in should never be soaked in water.  The water will loosen the glue and the gemstones will be compromised. Wipe gold gemstone jewelry with a soapy wet cloth and gently scrub the pieces. Rinse the pieces using a wet cloth and plain water.  Places the pieces on a soft cloth or hang them upside to ensure a thoroughly dried.  If the piece is not dried appropriately the water could lead to lost gemstones.

Another method that brings out the shine in gold jewelry is a mixture of toothpaste and water.  Take a small amount of toothpaste into the palm of your hand and mix in some water making a paste.  This can also be done in a small bowl.  Using an old toothbrush, take the mixture and scrub the piece of gold jewelry. Rinse with warm water and let the piece dry.  This is a quick method to remove grime and bring out the shine in gold jewelry and precious stones.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

The Ins and Outs Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When it comes to roofing for your home asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  The advantages that come along with asphalt shingles when compared to numerous other roofing materials are plentiful.  Advantages with shingle roofing ranges from ease of maintenance to the cost savings in materials and installation.

Upkeep and Shingle Roofing Maintenance

The most advantageous characteristic with asphalt shingles for homeowners is the ease of maintaining and keeping up with the roofing material.  With many different types of roofing materials there is a standard amount of maintenance required to keep the roofing’s appearance up as well as the function of the roofing.  With asphalt roof they continue to look fresh and updated for years after initial installation with very little maintenance and upkeep. Shingle roofing is also easily repaired if damaged from the weather and often does not require hiring a roofing contractor to repair the roof.

Shingle Roofing Installation

Roofing contractors have mastered the art of installing asphalt shingles.  They are the simplest of roofing materials to be installed.  A normal home can be stripped and re-shingles in one day.  Some varieties of shingles require special tools to install.  Asphalt shingles are durable, solid and are suited for a variety of roof designs.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Appearance

Asphalt shingling comes in a variety of colors and textures.  Any style home, no matter what can be shingled with asphalt while maintaining its true identity.  Asphalt shingling can be created to achieve the presence of natural materials while maintaining al of the advantages.  If you like the look of cedar shakes, wood, tile or slate a shingle can be created to take on the look and feel of the ideal material.  Why is this good you ask?  This is ideal for shingle roofs that wish to appear expensive while keeping with the benefits of asphalt shingle roofing.

Costs Associated with Shingling

Another major advantage of roofing shingles is that they remain the most inexpensive materials to apply to your homes roof.  Shingles are readily manufactured in large volumes so they remain a low-cost product to produce.  Roofing contractors are also less expensive to hire when installing shingles.  As mentioned earlier shingle roofing is easily removed and applied.  It takes fewer days to install a new roof or replace an existing roof with shingles.

Shingle Roofing Weight

Another advantage that comes along with shingles is that they are incredibly lightweight and durable in comparison to other types of roofing materials.  They are suitable to use in most any type of roofing structures.

These are some of the benefits associated with asphalt shingle roofing. They are easy to maintain to stay looking fresh and up to date as well as being inexpensive to manufacture and install.  The price of roofing is always going to be costly but using shingle roofing keeps the cost of materials and installation to a minimum while being a material that is durable and made to withstand a number of climates from harsh winters to warm summers.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

The Appeal Of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most sought after materials for new roofs.  There are a number of benefits that make metal roofing appealing to both homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  When comparing metal roofing to shingle roofing you will find that the cost is almost double however the longevity of the roofing material more than doubles.  We will look deeper into metal roofing advantages and disadvantages throughout this articles.

As stated above metal shingling is known for its durability and longevity.  An asphalt shingle roof is warranted to last anywhere between twelve to twenty years.  This will be determined by the type of climate the home is located within as well as the shingle material that was purchased.  Metal roofs have been thought to last upwards of fifty years.  This is quite impressive when it comes to roofing longevity.

Metal roofing is created from materials that do not decompose and withstand the wrath of even the most difficult climates.  Shingles are created from fiberglass and asphalt granules. Shingle roofing literally starts to decompose the minute the roof is installed.  This will vary according to the climate in the area in which the roof is installed as well.

Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors, style, patterns and designs.  The choice of metal roofing you decide upon will come from any number of factors including the preferences with your region, the style of architecture that surrounds your home and neighborhood as well as the climate in the area that you reside.  Metal roofing can be found to match literally every homeowners needs.

As with asphalt shingling you can get metal roofing in a variety of styles to resemble a number of styles associated with roofing.  If you like the look of shakes, slate, tile, shingles or traditional vertical and horizontal roofing, metal shingles can be created to match your desires.

Another benefit to metal roofing is the environmental impact it has.  Asphalt shingles are slowly taking over landfills due to their inability to decompose.  Think about this picture.  In one year twenty billion pounds of shingles land in fills throughout the United States.  If you were to fill semi-trailers full of shingles, this would create an unbroken line of traffic from New York to Los Angeles and back again.  This is not the case with metal roofing.

Metal roofing comes from fifty six percent recycled materials from production to installation.  This is far superior to shingle roofing.  Metal roofing also lasts for over double the amount of time a shingle roof does which means less waste to fill our landfills.

Metal roofing is a premium material which means it adds value to your homes resale value.  If you are considering living in the home for quite some time after installing a new roof metal saves you the hassles of hiring a roofing contractor to install your roof once again.  With the use of metal you will install the roof once, increase the value of your home and never worry about the costs or hassle associated with roofing in general.

For more information on metal roofing consider looking online for local roofing contractors and metal roofing suppliers.  Getting quotes from a number of sources will assure that you get the best deal, warranty and roofing contractor to install your new metal roof.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township,  including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Regular Maintenance To Help Your Computer Run More Efficiently

When it comes to maintenance on our vehicles we already know that regular care and oil changes help keep the car running more efficiently. If you follow the scheduled provided the thought is that the car will run longer therefore saving you money on repairs or the cost of a new vehicle. It is so important in fact that each car comes with its own manual and specific mile counts on when to perform certain tasks.

This however, is not the case when it comes to your computer. This is a huge problem for those who are not tech savvy. We provide manuals and schedules for maintenance for non-auto savvy users but not on for a piece of equipment that people of all ages are using every day. This leads to the issue that often arises in computer repair service. How do you fix a piece of technology when it is on its last leg when a mere understanding of computer maintenance would have made a world of difference?

It is so important that computer users realize that instead of waiting for a crisis or problem to occur with their computer they should seek to do regular maintenance and keep up on the well-being of their computer systems. Whether you hire a computer specialist like you hire a mechanic or do it yourself here are so vital tips to keep your computer system up and running in top condition.

First things first make sure your computer is updated with the proper computer protection. You can choose to purchase anti-virus protection for your computer or consider the free online versions. Both can be scheduled to perform regular updates that work to prevent updated viruses from infecting your computer. Anti-virus protection helps to detect, remove and prevent spyware on your computer. A firewall can also be installed to prevent people and malicious programs from making changes to your computer system. The regular scans that are performed by these programs also help to find an eliminate infections.

Regular file clean-up is also necessary to help keep your computer performing well. This will eliminate build-up of files from websites and downloads which slow down computer use and internet browsing while increasing the overall speed of the scans that your computer is set to run regularly to update software and virus protection.

Disable startup programs that no longer are needed upon startup. Your computer will start to bog down when unnecessary programs are installed and continue to run upon start up. Programs get installed through mischievous practices that often go unnoticed by computer users. How many times have you been asked to download something that will supposedly make the computer run faster? I know I often get fooled. Many times when I am running scans I see a ton of programs in my computer history that have not been used for months. Many of these are secretly downloaded coupon menus and other crazy installations that I was not aware I had downloaded.

These easy steps and maintenance on your computer can easily save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Spring and Summer Maintenance For Your Lawn

As winter turns to spring and spring into summer there are several things that need to be done to your landscape to prevent it from looking run down.  Spring clean-up on landscaping as well as summer maintenance can turn an okay landscape into major curb appeal for your home.  Don’t think you have the time or drive for spring lawn clean up or summer maintenance?  Look into hiring a local landscaper to help.  Many landscape companies employ ground crews who are in charge of lawn mowing, mulching, brush clearing; the laborious work when it comes to a home’s landscape.  Don’t be led to believe that all landscapers only work to design and install the landscape for your home as most also provide year round maintenance to ensure that your lawn is in top shape no matter the season.

Upon your lawns initial spring consultation the landscape crew will come in and evaluate the lawn and survey the damage that was created from the winter.  This includes anything from evaluating the damage from animal waste and urine to moles and bare patches left from the harsh winter.  Most often patch seeding takes place as well as fertilization, aerate and watering.

Lawn maintenance teams in the north also look for “snow mold”.  Snow mold is a disease that occurs on your lawn when blades of grass become stuck together and prevent new grass from growing.  It basically created a grass mat that will need to be gently remedied.  This can be done with a light raking to the area and an early mowing.  This helps to break up the grass as well as mulch up the dead grass from your last mow before winter.  Mowing also helps to mulch in any let over leaves and materials that are still covering the lawn.  Of course a good light raking will help with this as well.

Any plants that are highly susceptible to frost should be left covered until two weeks after the last frost for your area.  The quickest way to ruin a beautiful rose bush is introducing it before the fear of frost is completely eliminated.  In some areas this could take until Memorial Day or later. Once it is decided that the fear of frost is gone the plants can be uncovered.  This is the perfect time to address the plants health.  First remove any dead or blackened areas of the plant then prune the branches down to healthy wood right above where the leaf buds.  Wait to add mulch to the area in order for the ground to warm thoroughly.  Mulching too soon keeps the cold around the plants root system therefore inhibiting seasonal growth.

Your landscape team will check over all plants, shrubs and trees in the yard and recommend options in care if needed.  The spring and summer seasons are meant for enjoying the outdoors and becoming one with your surroundings.  This can easily be achieved in your very own yard by hiring a lawn maintenance crew to provide care for your lawn and gardens.