Service Care Blog

From the Shelby County Reporter -

HOOVER — Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos gave a State of the City address at the Hoover Chamber luncheon Dec. 17, speaking about advances the city has made in the past year and goals for the year to come.

One of the first things he spoke about was the quest to get a hospital located within Hoover.

“A year ago, we were working hard to get a hospital in the city of Hoover,” he said. “We are still working towards that.”

Read the entire article here.

Labels: Alabama, Hoover, Hospital

From the Shelby County Reporter

Don't get too excited, there are restrictions. But it's our hope that this will filter out to all Alabama small businesses and help keep our state growing and reduce unemployment.

Read the entire article here.

Labels: Alabama, business, Shelby County

From the Shelby County Reporter

University of Alabama women's golf coach Mic Potter announced the signing of Spain Park High School senior Hannah Collier to a national letter-of-intent on Friday.

Collier won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A individual championship in 2009.

Read the rest of the article here.

Labels: Alabama, Shelby County, Spain Park

From the Shelby County Reporter:

HOOVER — Berry Middle School Teacher Dilhani Uswatte found herself pleasantly surprised Wednesday morning by a schoolwide assembly in her honor.

The Milken Family Foundation named the eighth–grade math teacher a Milken National Educator and awarded here with a $25,000 check.

Principal Kathleen Wheaton said Unswatte works to ensure her students understand math, not just memorize it.

Read the entire article here.

Labels: Alabama, Berry, Hoover

As part of the "Celebrate Chelsea" campaign (part of the bigger Alabama celebration of its home towns) the city of Chelsea is inviting local residents to submit recipes for inclusion in a cookbook to be released during Chelsea's homecoming weekend of 2010.

To find out more about the book or to submit your own Chelsea recipe, visit Chelsea plans historical cookbook

Labels: Alabama, Chelsea, Cooking

Some interesting insight into China's growth and emergence as an economic super-power in the business world, and the need for students to consider preparing for communication with this culture.

Mountain Brook teacher tours China schools, historic sites

Labels: Alabama, Mountain Brook

Six Pelham, Alabama firefighters were grandfathered into a program that gives firefighters pay incentives to further their education. The incentives were temporarily withheld since the firefighters received the education at an unaccredited institution.

Read about the Pelham firefighters school pay issue here.

P.S. Service Care loves the fire department.

Labels: Alabama, Pelham

From Toshiba's updates and notices on their website:

To ensure the satisfaction of our customers and to maintain the integrity and quality of our products, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("TACP") is posting this notice about the 40XV645U LCD TV. This is not a safety issue.

Recently, it has come to our attention that a small percentage of the 40XV645U LCD TVs that we have shipped may display horizontal lines on the screen. TACP can determine, based on the serial number, whether a particular 40XV645U LCD TV may experience this problem.

To determine if your 40XV645U is one of the few affected units, you will need the serial number.

----------------------------------

To check your serial number, go to Toshiba's updates and notices page and click on the link for Information for Owners of Toshiba 40XV645U Televisions. This will open a popup window with a box you can type your serial number into.

If you need service on your Toshiba television in Alabama, please contact Service Care and we'll fix it fast.

Labels: Alabama, recall notice, televisions, Toshiba

I think this is great. Mt. Laurel, like all Alabama communities, should greatly benefit from a local library. This will allow the kids (and adults, of course) the convenience of a local source for good reading. In this computer age, I'm glad there are still libraries out there.

Here's an article detailing Praxair's donation: Mt Laurel library fund receives corporate donation

Labels: Alabama, Mt. Laurel

Congratulations Connor!

Read the article here to find out his particularly impressive Wednesday round at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Nashville, Tennessee. That's good golfing.

Labels: Alabama, Hoover, Spain Park

Alabaster, Calera and Helena were listed, along with Madison, Alabama, in Money magazine's top 100 places to live. Not too shabby, Shelby.

Read about it locally.

Labels: Alabama, Alabaster, Helena, Shelby County

Apparently, the city of Pelham, Alabama turned 45 last Friday.

Pelham, you don't look a day over 41, I swear it.

Service Care says Happy Birthday!

Labels: Alabama, Pelham, Service Care

Looks like they're going to do it again, many cities in Alabama to eliminate sales taxes August 7th through the 9th for back to school shoppers.

Read about the tax holiday here.

From the al.com blog entry:

"Some of the participants in the 2009 sales tax holiday, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue

Alabaster
Bessemer
Birmingham
Calera
Center Point
Chelsea
Columbiana
Fultondale
Gardendale
Helena
Homewood
Hoover
Hueytown
Irondale
Kimberly
Pelham
Springville
Tarrant
Trussville
Vestavia Hills
Warrior
Wilsonville
Shelby County
Jefferson County (will exempt the regular 1 percent sales tax but not the 1 percent education sales tax that took effect in 2005)"

Labels: Alabama, Alabaster, Bessemer, Birmingham, Center Point, Chelsea, Fultondale, Gardendale, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Irondale, Jefferson County, Pelham, Shelby County, Trussville, Vestavia Hills

An encouraging read, if you would like to find out what is being done to remove violent and dangerous criminals from Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker counties.

Operation Falcon Makes Arrests

I'm proud that this initiative is in action, sends a good message and has an immediate effect on the safety of local citizens and businesses.

Arrests were made for "murder, assault, sexual offenses, robbery, narcotics, property of theft and probation violations." They also verified 1,000 sex offenders were located where they claimed to be, and arrested them if they were not.

Congratulations to the officers and planners who made this happen. Keep it up!

It would do nothing but good for all of us to send thanks somehow to our law enforcement community for their efforts. Think about it.

Labels: Alabama, Jefferson County, Shelby County

Just thought this was interesting, and probably good for Irondale. (Granted Irondale is losing the Cadillac dealership, but this just feels more... exclusive.)

http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/01/26/daily29.html?jst=pn_pn_lk

Labels: Alabama, Irondale

This is a handy article which lists four local groups that recycle old electronics.

Recycle your electronics in Alabama

Here's another article from the Shelby County Reporter about Technical Knockout, a Birmingham company that specializes in electronics recycling:

Technical Knockout

Labels: Alabama, Birmingham, electronics, green, Shelby County

Thought this might be of interest to some of you.

SMALL GARDENS 1/24 10 a.m.-NOON. $20. Emmet O'Neal Library, 50 Oak St., Mountain Brook. Learn design techniques to bring out the best in your small garden. For more information, contact June Mays at 541-3740 or junemays@bellsouth.net. You can also guarantee a seat at this lecture by mailing a check for a ticket to June Mays, 3514 Country Club Road, AL 35213.

THE DECORATIVE VEGETABLE GARDEN 1/31 10 a.m.-NOON. $20. Emmet O'Neal Library, 50 Oak St., Mountain Brook. Learn how to grow your own vegetables in an attractive way. For more information, contact June Mays at 541-3740 or junemays@bellsouth.net. You can also guarantee a seat at this lecture by mailing a check for a ticket to June Mays, 3514 Country Club Road, AL 35213. 879-0459.

Labels: Alabama, Crestline Village, events, Mountain Brook, things to do

The Vestavia Hills High School Math Team Tournament has taken place for around 30 years and is one of the largest regional math competitions in the United States. Divisions for participation are PreAlgebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Comprehensive (for students beyond Algebra II). Founded by now retired math team coach Kay Tipton, the tournament is now run by Todd Taylor and Wes Gordon. Over 1000 students currently attend this event annually. Organizers are planning the next competition for December, 2009.

The website for the tournament is here.

Labels: Alabama, events, Vestavia Hills

Labels: Alabama, Jefferson County, Mountain Brook, televisions

I'm embarrassed, a little bit.

I've lived in Alabama my whole life, and been in and out of Homewood a couple of kazillion times, and I've never been to, or up in, the Vulcan monument. (I've driven by it, practically under it, thousands of times).

Seriously, it's really close to me, and it's a least worth a trip, but it's never happened.

I should take a break some weekend, stop thinking about television repairs and whatnot, and schedule a trip to Homewood and visit ol' Vulcan and see what it's all about.

I found this info, which brought it into my mind, so I'm sharing it here:

Vulcan Park and Museum
(205)933-1409

Vulcan Park and Museum
1701 Valley View Dr
Birmingham, AL 35209

Visit the Vulcan website, too.

Labels: Alabama, Homewood, repairs, televisions, things to do

Sorry folks, but for warranty repairs on televisions, in general the manufacturer will require that we keep a copy of your purchase receipt on file.

We honestly believe that you did purchase the TV when you say you did, we really do. But it does not matter whether we completely trust you or not. Unfortunately, the manufacturer will not pay for a warranty repair to fix your TV without a receipt.

This isn't our policy per se, it's a policy set forth by every television manufacturer in business today.

Of course, the customer service folks at these companies are likely to tell you a different story, and say that this is not required. Do not believe them, as they just want to make a customer happy (they really do). But when push comes to shove, and we file a claim for warranty repairs on your television, they are not going to pay for it without a receipt.

That is... unless they give us something in writing that says it's okay to do the repair in warranty without a receipt. We'll take a letter in lieu of a receipt any day, if it meets our requirements. We really do want to fix your TV.

So, if you're new television is broken, and you need it repaired, and you live in Alabama, please give us a call for television service (or request a television service call online).

Just remember, the receipt is required for warranty repairs.

Labels: Alabama, repairs, televisions, warranty

Bainbridge Trace is a neighborhood in Irondale, Alabama.

They have a community blog called the Bainbridge Buzz Banner. Residents should check it out, leave a comment, I'm sure they would appreciate the interest in the neighborhood.

Labels: Alabama, Bainbridge Trace, blog, Irondale

Being a good neighbor, thought I'd post this for anyone interested in the history of Irondale. It's a nice, cleanly laid out website with some good information.

Check it out!

Irondale Alabama Historical Society

Labels: Alabama, Irondale

CERT Leadership Training

This program educates willing citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that could affect our area and trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Participants must be at least 18. The next training class in Vestavia Hills starts March 3. Space is limited. Information: 978-0225.

Labels: Alabama, things to do, Vestavia Hills

Looking for traditional New Year's Day eating in Birmingham? Want corn bread, black-eyed peas and (shiver) turnip greens for superstitious fun and supposedly luck?

I'm going to post a few places to eat as I find them, hope you have a safe and fun New Year's in Alabama. Be careful out there!

Cahaba Heights: http://www.bhamdining.com/bhamdining-home/2008/12/29/new-years-brunch.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true

If you know any more, comment here!

Labels: Alabama, Birmingham, Cahaba Heights, things to do

This news comes a little late, but it might save someone a trip to the post office. Most are open on Christmas Eve, but the majority are closing early. This should not come as a surprise, but you never know... after all, we're open until 6 pm. (But then we're practically always open).

Here are the hours posted:

Cahaba Heights 8:30 am - Noon
Center Point 8:30 am - Noon
Crestline Village 8:30 am - Noon
Homewood 8:30 am - Noon
South Highland 8:30 am - Noon
Eastlake 8:30 am - Noon
Ensley 8:30 am - Noon
Fairview 8:30 am - Noon
Forestdale 8:30 am - Noon
Greensprings Finance 8:30 am - Noon
Vestavia Hills Finance 8:30 am - Noon
Hoover 8:30 am - Noon
Bluff Park 8:30 am - Noon
Irondale 8:30 am - Noon
Meadowbrook 8:30 am - Noon
Midfield 8:30 am - Noon
Mountain Brook 8:30 am - Noon
Tarrant 8:30 am - Noon
North Birmingham 8:30 am - Noon
West End 8:30 am - Noon
Woodlawn 8:30 am - Noon
Main Post Office Window Unit 7:00 am – 1 pm

The Riverchase Galleria Post Office will be open until 6 pm for any late mailers out there!

Hope this helps!

Labels: Alabama, Bluff Park, Cahaba Heights, Crestline Village, Homewood, Hoover, Irondale, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills

Taken verbatim from http://www.theleedsnews.net/features/local_story_358145855.html?keyword=secondarystory

Local gymnast to take part in national competition
Staff Report/The Leeds News

Brooke Kelly resides in Leeds and competes for The Mountain Brook Gymnastics Team. She is the daughter of Karen Kelly and the late Kenny Kelly. Proud grandparents include MaryBeth Wingard, Sherwood, Mitzi and Dr. Bill Kelly. Sisters are Brittany and Alyson.

Brooke is only 12 but already has high hopes and dreams of being on the 2016 United State Woman's Olympic Gymnastics Team. She will represent Alabama at “Nationals” in Orlando, Fla., on January 3.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to Brooke, wishing her success in Orlando!

Labels: Alabama, Leeds, Mountain Brook

The federal corruption trial for Larry Langford's 101 count indictment has been set for May 4, 2009 by Magistrate Judge Paul Greene. He has pleaded not guilty.

Labels: Alabama, Birmingham

For some nice (and admittedly fancy/pricey) dining on New Year's eve, Bhamdining.com has listed a few restaurants in the Metro area with some New Year's Eve special dinner plans. Perhaps you're looking for a nice place to ring in the new year?

They've got what look to be good restaurants for the anyone in Forest Park, Cahaba Heights, Highland/Southside, Mt. Laurel in Greystone, Liberty Park and Trussville.

Check it out!

Bhamdining.com New Year's Eve Dining

Labels: Alabama, Birmingham, Cahaba Heights, Liberty Park, Trussville

On Friday, December 12th, eight Alabama authors will read their submissions to Christmas is a Season! 2008. This is a collection of stories about Christmas, most of which are from Alabama authors. I believe it's also printed in Alabama.

The Dec. 12th reading (and signing) will be at Jonathan Benton Booksellers in Mountain Brook Village. There's also another session scheduled from noon-1 p.m. at Little Professor bookstore in Homewood.

Labels: Alabama, events, Homewood, Mountain Brook, things to do

I'm glad the kids got to experience snow this season. It's unusual for Alabama to have any accumulation, and although it didn't last I'm sure the children had fun. I'll bet the dogs had a blast, too.

Labels: Alabama

"BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ready. Set. Go! An Alabama man and his award winning Miniature Schnauzer will be among contenders when the swiftest, most agile dogs in the nation vie for the top spot at the prestigious American Kennel Club(R) Agility Invitational. Webb Anderson of McCalla, Alabama and his Miniature Schnauzer, Nigel, will compete against the top dogs in the country at the Dec. 13-14 event in Long Beach, California.

During the event, Webb and Nigel will run the timed agility course, off-leash, striving for a perfect score of 100. Any missed obstacles or other mistakes result in penalty faults which are deducted from the score. The AKC Agility Invitational will air on cable television's Animal Planet in 2009. "

Found article here

I love dogs.

Labels: Alabama

This Sunday, December 14t at 2:30 pm, there will be a production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. It's said to be a "humorous and heartwarming production that shows how the true meaning of Christmas can come through the unlikeliest of sources." The production is directed by Martha Summey.

The doors will open at 2:00 pm for open seating, with the performance beginning at 2:30.

This is a FREE event, offered "as a gift to the community," but donations will be accepted at the door to provide Christmas dinners for clients of the Oak Mountain Missions Ministries.

For info, call 205-822-9631. The Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Sanctuary is located at 2061 Kentucky Avenue in Vestavia Hills.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do, Vestavia Hills

In U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Schools" issue, several 54 Alabama schools were highly ranked for "college readiness" in a study of schools in the U.S.

Loveless Magnet High School of Montgomery got a gold medal, which means they were in the top 100 schools in the college readiness index.

Mountain Brook High School, Vestavia Hills High School and Grissom High School received silver medal scores. This means they're in the group of schools that ranked in the top 504 positions below the gold medal schools.

There were 50 other Alabama schools that received bronze medal scores, a tier below silver that contains a group of 1,321 schools.

Service Care congratulates these top Alabama schools and hopes we see even more school excellence in the future.

Labels: Alabama, Mountain Brook, Service Care, Vestavia Hills

Service Care sends our congratulations to Hoover for bringing this event to Alabama.

The meet will be held at Veterans Park, which is near Spain Park High School, on December 11, 2010. There will be a few thousand athletes competing in this event, along with supporters and coaches.

Labels: Alabama, events, Hoover

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, 77 percent of cities and towns with more than 20,000 people had income drops since 2000. Not so for Birmingham metro.

"None of the eight cities in metro Birmingham with populations of more than 20,000 had a decline. They saw increases between 9 percent and 26 percent, according to a Birmingham News analysis of the Census data, collected from 2005 to 2007. " These included Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Bessemer, Mountain Brook, Pelham and Vestavia Hills and others.

I think we're doing something right.

Labels: Alabama, Bessemer, Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Vestavia Hills

Of two minds.

This was a blow to poor Irondale, who really could have used a strong infusion of traffic and money.

Probably good that the formerly abandoned 280 building is going to be utilized. That was a lot of wasted money.

Unfortunately, it's just going to make 280 traffic worse. Which is amazing.

Labels: Alabama, Highway 280, Inverness, Irondale

It's tempting to assume that this is a simple solder job that you can do yourself, and maybe you can. But be aware of the following:

There's not a lot of room to work. The connector attaches to the tuner and it's a tight fit, and most likely you'll have to open up the end of the tuner itself... carefully.

Inside the broken off connector is a core of nylon, high heat will melt this quite easily. This kind of repair requires a delicate touch and experience with a soldering iron.

Be patient. This is not a quick repair. Too much heat for too long and you've ruined the connector and have to start over.

Most importantly, UNPLUG THE TELEVISION FIRST! Even if you do that, televisions can hold a terribly powerful electrical charge for many days. This much power can knock you down or even kill you. Stay away from the tube or any wires connecting to it. (If you're really nervous, and you don't know how to discharge the power, unplug the television for a week and still stay away from the tube.)

If you still want to fix it, please observe these cautions. If you live in Alabama and you don't want to bother with it, let us schedule you a service call or you can bring it in to our shop. Just be careful.

Labels: Alabama, diy, repairs, televisions

Enjoy this free Holiday music program from the Alabama School of Fine Arts, this Saturday (December 13th, at 11:00 AM).

It's at the Whole Foods Market at 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza, Mountain Brook 35243. Kids are welcome, and it's handicap accessible.

Call (205) 252-9241 or go to http://www.asfa.k12.al.us for more info.

Did I mention it's free? C'mon, what else are you doing? Support these talented students, and enjoy yourself.

Labels: Alabama, events, Mountain Brook, things to do

I'm not sure that's true for appliance repairs or television repairs in Alabama, but the tightness of the current economy's dollar certainly makes you think about it.

http://kdka.com/consumer/repairs.cars.shoes.2.881107.html

Labels: Alabama, appliances, repairs, televisions

On December 7, 2008 (Sunday) enjoy a free tour of the historic Alabama Theatre, the new Hill Arts Center Ballroom, and the 1914 Lyric Theatre with Christmas music and holiday decor.

It's promoted as "kid friendly" and handicap accessible, and it'll probably be a fun activity for a Sunday afternoon from 2pm - 4pm.

Call 205-252-2262 for info or go to the Alabama Theatre website.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do

This sounds like fun!

" HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NASA has invited 14 groups of ambitious young rocketeers from 11 middle schools, high schools and youth organizations around the country to light up the sky over North Alabama during NASA's 2008-2009 Student Launch Initiative rocketry challenge.

The rocketeering challenge will be held April 15-20, 2009, when student teams will converge on NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for a professional review of their rockets by NASA engineers. Day-long launch activities will take place at nearby Bragg Farms in Toney, Ala.
The annual event, which Marshall manages, is designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- fields important to NASA's exploration mission. "

More here:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/NASA-Invites-Young-Engineers-Alabama/story.aspx?guid={0720A059-8A70-4671-A23C-47F49EBC2268}

Labels: Alabama, things to do

I looks like Tweeter closed it's remaining stores yesterday. As you probably know, they pulled out of Alabama a few years ago, and I guess the whole operation is finished.

From what I've read, Tweeter's employees were locked out with their stuff inside the stores, and told that they weren't going to be getting paid... even though they stuck with the dying company and helped them in the long and ugly process of liquidation.

Apparently, if you put money down on equipment that's still locked up in the store, the fate of your cash is up in the air, to be settled by a judge. If you had a television in there for repair, that's also gone. The extended warranty you bought is also probably not worth anything, either. Ugly, ugly business.

I'm pretty sure that the extended warranties sold to Alabama customers a few years ago still are okay, it's just too bad that Tweeter's went out this way. It's the Campo's story, all over again.

In these bad economic times, I can't blame a company for going out of business, but this kind of misbehavior is terrible, and I hope their customers and employees are treated fairly during the expected bankruptcy process.

Labels: Alabama, extended warranty, repairs, televisions

We have no problem with those folks who want to fix their own television or appliance. Frankly, there's nothing we could do about it if we did, but we really admire your interest and your independence. We're the exact same sort of person.

We will occasionally even have a customer call us for a service call, get our diagnosis, then tell us no thanks. They will then find and order the parts themselves, and install the parts.

Hey, if this works out, more power to you, I say. You've got that pioneer, do it yourself spirit that makes America great.

However, be sure to consider the following:

If you do the repair yourself, you are the only person you can turn to for warranties on your own repair. Think about that for a minute.

If Service Care diagnoses the problems in your unit, and we order the parts and put them in, and it turns out we were wrong and it needs different parts... what happens? We take the parts we put in, find out what parts WERE needed, and fix the problem. It's that simple. All the responsibility is on us, not you. If the parts cannot be returned, we eat the costs, because we were wrong and that's the right thing to do.

Another scenario: If Service Care is putting an electronic control board in your unit, and we short it out during installation and have to replace it, who pays for the damaged part? That's right, WE do. All the responsibility is on Service Care. Frankly, that's part of what you're paying for when you have service. You're also getting Alabama's best warranty on services performed.

However, when you do the repair yourself, it's all on you, even if we did the diagnosis. That's right, if we tell you it needs a water pump or AV board, and you put it in yourself and it does not fix it, then your only warranty is with you. Why? Because we did not install those parts. We cannot warranty someone else's repair.

Most people understand that already, but some people believe that if we diagnose the repair, and the customer does the repair themselves, that we warranty the success of the customer's repair. Unfortunately, we cannot warranty any repairs but our own.

Honestly, I know that it's tempting to think you can avoid paying labor for a repair that you imagine is quite simple, but if you're going to do the repair, be prepared to accept the following:

1. If you short out or damage a part during installation, it cannot be returned for credit. Parts companies are diligent (we should know) about refusing parts returns if there is any evidence that they've been used, installed, or damaged. Seriously, they look for little scratches on tabs and such.
2. If you order the wrong part, it might not be returnable. We have some leeway with parts distributors on returning incorrect parts because we're a large account. You may be able to return them, but you'll face shipping costs and restocking fees that we might not otherwise be saddled with.
3. If you successfully repair the unit, congratulations. But the only warranty you have on that repair is your own. If it fails next week because the part you replaced is being zapped by another part somewhere else, you'll have to repair it again at your expense.
   

If you're bound and determined to do your own repairs, and you are willing to accept the risks, then we wish you the best of success, and hope we can help you with anything that you don't feel comfortable tackling.

It's also quite possible that we'll post some DIY stuff here on the blog, especially for simple problems that are easily corrected by the consumer.

Labels: Alabama, appliances, diy, parts, repairs, televisions, warranty

We wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings.

Service Care is thankful for many things. We're thankful for the continued support of our customers, without whom we would not exist. We're thankful for our families, for our friends, and the fact that we live and work in what we believe is the greatest country in the world.

We're also thankful that you stopped by to read this lil' blog and we hope you'll be thankful that you found us. If you have any problems with electronics repairs (like televisions), or home appliances (like refrigerators), we're always ready to help you in Alabama.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy your family time!

Labels: Alabama, appliances, electronics, refrigerators, televisions

Is your washing machine walking, vibrating a lot, doing the shimmy-shammy?

If it's on a pedestal, you can check to make sure the pedestal feet are all touching the ground and locked in place, and you can't rock the unit back and forth with your hands. There should be connecting bolts locking the washer to the pedestal, make sure they are tightened.

If it's not on a pedestal, check the feet on the washer. Got all four? Good. Try to rock the unit with your hands. It should be level, no rocking. If not, you've got a problem with the feet. They should all be in contact with the floor and locked into place.

Next, make sure your shipping bolts were removed when the washer was installed. 99 percent of the time, the installer gets this right, but if not it can make the washer get crazy on you, make a lot of noise and movement, and quite possibly cause damage. Unfortunately, if the shipping bolts (all or some of four, usually, in a square shaped configuration - 1 near each of the four corners and around the drum) are still in the back, you should probably call a local servicer to remove them. It's up to you, but there might be more wrong with it if it's been run a while with shipping bolts in.

If it's not the bolts, it might be your floor.

Quick test, and you might want to be alone when you do this (because of the silly factor), stand next to the washer and bounce on your toes. You can get your arms involved if you really want to test your floor. If you hear glasses clanging together in the kitchen cabinets, it's definitely your floor. If your washer shakes a bit in response to your bouncing, your floor might have a bit more "flex" than some other floors. Don't feel bad, you're in a big group of normal-floor people with this kind of floor.

Try getting a solid single piece of 3/4 inch plywood that is big enough for both the washer and dryer to sit on (feet and all) with room for the hoses and cords. Get some help, and slide the board under the two appliances (or lift them out of the way, and put it on the floor). This should act as a stiffer surface for the washer, some of which spin at very, very high speeds nowadays to get the water out.

Yes, they spin much faster than your old washer did (that's why the dryer normally works a lot faster, less water in the clothes to dry out).

If you've not got shipping bolts and your floor is solid and secure, then it's time to call a servicer for your appliance.

We'd be happy to help if you're in central Alabama.

Labels: Alabama, diy, servicer, washers, washing machines

Pretty cool blog about Alabama weather. I'm not really a weather obsessed person, but I found some of the videos and recollections to be pretty cool. Check it out

http://alabama-weather.blogspot.com/

There's also some more videos of weather on his YouTube page, and Alabama fans will enjoy all the Bama game videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/mikewx2

Labels: Alabama, blog, weather

I've been wandering around the web, looking for interesting Alabama-related facts that might be of interest to customers and friends. Frankly, my goal is to keep it related to products we service, appliance repairs and electronics repairs, etc.

But I had to shamelessly plug Savage's Bakery in Homewood. Savage's is owned by members of my extended family, and as a kid it was a (sadly) rare treat to go to downtown Homewood and stop off at Savage's for a cookie. Mmmmm.

To be fair, it's not that shameless. Savage's has been around for umpteen years, and the only way you stay open as a bakery is to make delicious, mouth-watering goodies. They do.

I couldn't find a website, except maybe this one: http://www.birminghammenus.com/savages/

Savages Bakery
2916 18th Street South
Homewood, AL 35209
Contact: Betsy Scott, Owner
205-871-4901

I found this on the homewood chamber of commerce website.

Labels: Alabama, bakery, delicious, fun

Here's a few facts about Alabama I found on the web, some might find this interesting:

Capital City: Montgomery

Nickname: Heart of Dixie / Cotton State

Motto: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere
(We Dare Defend Our Rights)

Statehood: December 14, 1819 (22nd)

Origin of State's Name: Means "tribal town" in Creek Indian language.
(This fact is in serious dispute, see this wikipedia article on Alabama)

Largest Cities: Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa

Border States: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee

Land Area: 50,750 sq. mi., 28th largest

State Bird: Yellowhammer (Cute lil' bird, see article)

State Flower: Camellia (The Japanese Camellia, I'm told)

State Tree: Southern Pine (pinus palustris)

State Song: Alabama (The lyrics are below, found online)

Words by Julia S. Tutwiler and Music by Mrs. Edna Gockel Gussen
Adopted March 9th, 1931

Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shores where groweth,
By the sea thy orange tree,
To thy Northern vale where floweth,
Deep and blue thy Tennessee.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee.

Broad thy stream whose name thou bearest,
Grand thy Bigbee rolls along.
Fair thy Coosa-Tallapoosa,
Bold thy Warrior dark and strong.
Goodlier than the land that Moses
Climbed lone Nebb's Mount to see.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee.

Brave and pure thy men and women,
Better this than corn and wine.
Make us worthy, God in Heaven
Of this goodly land of Thine.
Hearts as open as thy doorways,
Liberal hands and spirits free.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee.

Little, little can I give to thee,
Alabama, mother mine,
But that had little - hand, brain spirit.
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take, the gift and giver,
Take and serve thyself with me.
Alabama, Alabama, will aye be true to thee.

Labels: Alabama

Things to do around Jefferson county and nearby areas in the next week:

All Week Long - Nov 17-21

• 10 AM - 5 PM - Shoefly Shoe Boutique will give 20% discount for customers bringing in "gently worn shoes" for Soles4Souls campaign (an international footwear charity). They're also requesting a $1 donation to defray shipping costs. - Homewood, 35209 - 870-7131
• Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm - Gallerie Alegria's holiday show and gifts - specializes in contemporary glass art sculpture and lighting - in English Village 600 Olde English Lane, 35223 - 205.868.9320 - The website doesn't really showcase anything, but the front page gives a glimpse into some beautiful and interesting decorative glasswork.
  

Nov. 18, 2008 - (Tuesday)

• 6-8 PM - Wine Tasting in Crestline Village - Harvest Glen Market - 100 Euclid Ave. Crestline, 35213 - $5 admission
  
• 7:00 PM - Kung Fu... yes, I said Kung Fu - Vestavia Hills, 35216 - $15 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center Lodge - 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (Actually, I saw Tai Chi and some other stuff I can't fathom... but seriously, Kung Fu is the most awesome choice. Just don't make Billy Jack get upset.)
• 7-9 PM - Belly Dance class - Homewood Community Center - 1631 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 35209 - For beginners through advanced. Call Aziza, 879-0701 - $50 for five weeks.

Nov. 20, 2008 - (Thursday)

• 7:30 PM - Why not see the UAB Chamber Ensembles, they're giving a free concert at UAB Hulsey Recital Hall, that's in Birmingham 35203 UAB area. Go to http://www.music.uab.edu or call 205-934-7376. - IT'S FREE

Nov. 21, 2008 - (Friday)

• 12:30 PM - Mid-Day Musical Menu - Birmingham, 35203 - Cathedral Church of the Advent having a free 30 minute concert by Samford University faculty members Jeff Flaniken, violin; Angela Flaniken, viola; and Donald C. Sanders, piano. - IT'S FREE - 205-226-3505, http://www.adventbirmingham.org
• 5-6:30 PM - Wine Tasting in Hoover - at Winestyles, 300 Doug Baker Blvd, Hoover 35242 - 205-995-3623 for admission info
• 6:30 PM - Santa turns on the lights at The Summit's Saks Plaza - Birmingham 35243 - Fireworks & holiday music - IT'S FREE - contact 205-967-0111

Nov. 22, 2008 (Saturday)

• 12:00 PM - "La Damnation de Faust" live broadcast - @ the Regal Trussville 16 - 5895 Trussville Crossings Parkway, Trussville, AL 35235 - HD Broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera - tickets available through Opera Birmingham - 322-6737 or www.operabirmingham.org - $20 Tickets
• 7:30 PM - Live From The Living Room - "Kathryn Tucker Windham joins The Dill Pickers for a gathering full of music and storytelling. Kathryn is nationally known for her homespun style of storytelling and is considered to be one of Alabama’s greatest treasures. The Dill Pickers have put on several musical shows in recent years, including last season’s Sand Mountain Saturday Nite. This family show is one you don’t want to miss!" - $18 admission, not sold out as of this second - Birmingham, 35205 - http://www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org or 205-251-1206

Nov. 23, 2008 (Sunday)

• 3 & 6 PM - Two performances of Handel's Messiah, the 61st presentation at Riverchase United Methodist Church - Birmingham, 35244 - 100 voice chorus, sounds amazing - 205-663-9046 - FREE?
  
• 7:00 PM - The Smothers Brothers (with special guest star & jazz entertainer John Pizzarelli) - Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center - Birmingham, 35203 - 205-975-9540 - Admission charged, but I'm sure it's worth it.

That's a fair amount of stuff to do this week. Frankly, I didn't know there was that much to do in town, just goes to show what I know.

Labels: Alabama, events, things to do