Michael Cross, IT Manager

These nifty gadgets are being sold by wireless providers like hotcakes and have become much more than simply a mobile phone. With the ability to e-mail, access the internet and download applications, these devices have become miniature computers that we carry around in our pockets everyday. Just like computers, these devices can develop hiccups. So here are a few tips to help make your smartphoning days a little easier.

REBOOT IT!!! – “Have you tried restarting it?” Ever hear that before? But how do you restart your cell phone? The best way to “reboot” your phone is to turn the phone off, remove the battery for about 60 seconds, put the battery back in and turn the phone back on again. You could find that your problem is solved without having to call anyone.

Still having a problem? Keep reading. 

Mobile E-mail – A quick solution for problems with mobile e-mail is to delete the e-mail account from your phone and re-add it. BUT FIRST…Do yourself a favor and write down the original settings. If you forget, check online for your e-mail provider’s setup instructions. Corporate users contact your IT department.

*Note: Every phone is different so refer to your phone’s manual to find the settings screen.

Did you install anything recently? – Managing an IT department has taught me to diagnose problems by looking for contributing factors. If you have installed/updated an application recently try uninstalling that application. If the phone starts acting normal again, reinstall the application. Did the problem recur? If so, contact the vendor that developed the application as it might be a problem with the version.

Still can’t figure it out? Call your wireless provider or start hunting on the internet.

P.S.  I want a smartphone, what should I get? – A good question, but not one easily answered. Ask yourself a few questions before splurging on a smartphone and likely the required data plan:

1. What will you use the phone for? Will you use e-mail, internet or applications? A standard data plan could cost you around $500 additional dollars a year depending on your provider. Is it worth the cost?

2. Try it out at a store. Can you read the screen? Is it easy for you to type on? Do you like a touchscreen? Does it fit comfortably in your pocket?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you just might get answers.

Marketing/Operations Assistant

Getting your license is a very exciting day for any teenager. The thrill of driving on the open road without a parent at your side, getting to choose what music to listen to in the car for the first time, picking up your friends and having a good time.   

But to make sure you have the best time possible while behind the wheel, please follow these safety tips:   

1)      BUCKLE UP! Not only is it the law, but it is one of the smartest things to do in a car. Wearing your seatbelt can reduce the risk of a fatal car crash by up to 50%. This one is a no-brainer, just buckle up and stay alive… a seatbelt is not a “nerdy” thing to put on in a car, because there is nothing nerdy about staying safe.   

2)      PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE! Talking and texting on cell phones while driving is something many people do every day; though this can be nearly as dangerous as driving a vehicle while intoxicated. If you must talk while you drive, be sure to have a hands-free head set so you can keep both hands on the wheel… and save the texting until you get to your destination. It isn’t worth it to send your friend a text saying “lol” if it might get you into an accident.   

3)      STOP PLAYING WITH THE RADIO! Although you might want to change the CD, the radio station or mess around with your iPod while you drive, resist the urge. Wait until you are at a stop light before changing the CD, because even if you are only looking down for 3-seconds, the car in front of you could slam on their breaks or a kid could run out in front of your car after their ball. The bottom line is make sure you are focused when you drive and always keep your eyes on the road.   

4)      TURN THE MUSIC DOWN! Listening to your music at a very loud level can be very distracting for a driver. It is best to listen at a reasonable volume in order to be able to hear any warning signs around you, and so you can focus on your driving.   

5)      SLOW DOWN! Many new drivers want to see just how fast they can go. Remember, speeding can get you hefty fines and is dangerous for both the driver and the general public, especially in residential areas. Follow the speed limit and you will get to your destination in plenty of time, safely and with no costly speeding tickets. It is not worth a fine, points on your license, or an accident just to get to your friends house five minutes sooner.   

Follow these tips and you will have a much safer and enjoyable driving experience. A bad accident can destroy lives, so driving safe is a must.   

Stay safe and stay alive!!

Identify when the basement is flooding. Is your basement flooding the same time every year or at random intervals?

Identify where the water is entering the basement. If water is entering near the top of the basement in one location it could be due to an improperly sloped landscape that is angled towards the house. In order to solve the problem extend and redirect your downspouts and reshape the landscape around the home. Also, caulk any cracks where water may be entering.

If the whole wall is damp or water is coming in through multiple surfaces you may be missing a waterproofing membrane. You should probably consider hiring a contractor to install a membrane on the outside of your home. Also, you may consider using an internal sealant on the inside surface of the walls. The internal sealant is usually just painted on, making it easy to apply. However, you can not apply sealant to a finished basement. Note, these products require significant amounts of maintenance.

If water is entering near the foundation or through a floor drain you may want to consider installing a “French Drainage” system. These systems are installed at the base of the foundation.  You should make sure these systems have a method for diverting water. The drain should empty into the primary storm drainage system, a retention pond, or other source. Also, install a sump pump with a battery or generator back up. Sump pumps should be tested once a year. You can test these by pouring buckets of water into the drainage hole in your basement floor until the pump turns on. If it does not turn on contact a professional for assistance.

Along with proper measures to avoid flooding, making sure your belongings are covered under your insurance policy is a good idea for people with finished basements or for people who use their basements for storage.

If you are replacing your roof soon make sure that you have a secondary moisture barrier installed. Insulate light fixtures that are directly below the open space beneath your roof. Insulate any openings that lead into the attic such as attic doors, vents, partition walls etc

Check your insurance policy and see if you have coverage if moisture leaks into your business or home. The last thing you want is to suffer loss from ice damming and discover you are not covered on your homeowners or business policy. Contact The Barclay Group today for a thorough review of your coverage. Not only will we take the stress out of finding the right coverage but we will save you money while we do it.

The tire pressure and vehicle load limitations are in the owners manual and sometimes on the side of your tires. You should also regularly check to make sure that there is the proper amount of tread on your tires. If your tires are worn you are at an increased risk for a flat or blowout.  Also, having worn tires can affect the handling of your car, making it difficult to stop or swerve in order to avoid an accident.  The last thing you want is increased insurance rates due to an accident caused by a blow-out or something that could have been avoidable had your car’s tires been inflated properly.

Keep your car insurance rates down! Avoid accidents and improve the overall performance of your vehicle by making sure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.