New Tampa - December, Vol. 4, Issue 12 Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles

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Vol. 4, Issue 12, December 2018

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Essentials Massage & Facials Wesley Chapel - Give the Gift Of Relaxation While we all experience stress throughout the year, the holidays really seem to put us all into a frenzy. Between the parties, buying and wrapping presents, decorating, cooking, and baking, it leaves many of us feeling a bit frazzled. So often I see my friends, and family members stressed to the brink this time of year, and I know exactly what could help them feel more at ease; a relaxing visit to Essentials Massage and Facials of Wesley Chapel.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Conveniently located at 2230 Ashley Oaks Cir. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544, Essentials Massage and Facials can offer a luxurious and relaxing experience for you or any of your loved ones during this hectic holiday season.

From the Editor........................5 2018 Oakdale Christmas Light Display..............................6 Holiday Recipe - Christmas Tree Cookies..............................9

When you arrive, you’ll notice the tranquil atmosphere, soothing ambiance and comfortable setting that’ll make you feel immediately relaxed and right at home. They have over 40 years of professional experience making people feel wonderful again. No matter what service you choose, you’re going to feel pampered and energized.

Brazils Waxing Center.........10-11 Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town™...............12-13 Epilepsy Services Foundation........................14-15 Garage Guru............................18

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a spa day? Nothing soothes and revitalizes the body and soul like some well-deserved, affordable pampering. Luxury doesn’t have to be

Tech Talk with Bob...................19

See “Essentials” on page 16



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NEW TAMPA TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES Publisher / Assistant Editor Matt Selby Email: matt@nnlflorida.com

Creative Director Carla Dubis Email: carla@nnlflorida.com

Editor Carla Dubis

General Manager Jim O'Reilly

Graphic Design Tony Sica

Advertising Sales Matt Selby Jim O'Reilly Julie Rinaldi Mike Bird

Billing Managers Doreen Selby Tina O'Reilly

Photography by Eric Bunch - NTP2 Photography Mike Bird

Office Mascots Marley, Ziggy, Zeus, Mr.Penelope (c) 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. All Rights Reserved. New Tampa Lifestyles is published monthly and distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to over 22,000 Homes in New Tampa. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Nothing that appears in this publication may be reproduced in any way without consent of the publisher.

With the holidays comes the pure joy of spending quality time with family and friends, often those that live far away. For my husband Matthew and I, this will be our first time hosting a Christmas party at our new home. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I enjoy spending time with our relatives and close friends, so I jumped at the chance to have everyone over for this magical Holiday. Little did I know what I was getting myself into! I knew we would have to entertain a lot of people since my husband has a big, wonderful family, but I was not counting on having some of my own relatives fly all the way from Italy and others from Venezuela so they could come and spend the Holidays with us. What an unexpected, nerve wrecking blessing! Add my sister’s husband’s family that’s coming down from Maine and my sister in law’s husband’s Cuban family to the mix, and we have around 51 guests coming over and one big MULTICULTURAL CHRISTMAS PARTY in the making! My mother and I are coming up with a “multicultural” Christmas menu. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

To avoid over spending on gifts, we decided to do a “White Elephant” gift exchange and limit the gift budget to $25. The White Elephant Exchange and Secret Santa are great ways to ensure everyone receives a little something without breaking the bank. If you have a lot of relatives or friends coming over as well, you should give it a try! It is more of an “adult” thing though, so you may still need to buy your nieces and nephews a little something. It’s been over a decade since I spent the Holidays with some of these relatives coming over, and it will be the very first time our families are meeting each other. A lot has changed in the past ten years... we’ve lost quite a few loved ones, but we’ve gained well over 50 amazing relatives and a multitude of amazing friends! I really look forward to Christmas day. Incredible people from different generations, backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities interacting with one another, telling stories, sharing laughs and making new, beautiful memories… that’s what the Holidays are all about. Christmas should not be about lavish gifts, the best gift of all is the presence

of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Before I wrap up, I want to say Happy Early Birthday to my cousin Jose Francisco! Jose is turning 23 on Christmas day, so we’re having a cake to celebrate not only Jesus’ birthday but Jose’s as well. Jose Francisco has always been like a brother to me, he was the one who flew from Italy back in September 2017 to walk me down the aisle at Sacred Heart church, after my father unexpectedly passed away a couple of months before my wedding day. Jose I love you a lot, I hope you know how much you mean to me. To all of our readers with either big or small families, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your support in 2018, we look forward to a new year delivering the best local news in the Tampa Bay area. Remember...the memories you make with the ones you love is not just an important thing, it’s everything!

Carla Selby.


Holiday Announcement

2018 Oakdale Christmas Light Display FREE and FUN for the Whole Family!

Looking for some wholesome. beautiful, and FREE family fun attractions during the Holidays? Well. look no further! The Oakdale Christmas Light Display event is amongst the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. This is their 42nd year. It’s been taking place yearly since 1977! They were among the top 3 finalists on NBC’s Today Show. They have been featured on HGTV’s “All Out Christmas Special” and in PEOPLE Magazine. Description: * One-half acre in size, App. 1/4 million lights. * A walking yard tour that includes a small pond, several waterfalls & fountains. * An 18-train HO scale railroad, with moving planes and carnival rides. * Many animated & lit up figures and inflatables. * House covered with lights and window cabinet displays. * Bubble machines for the kids.

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Dates/Times: Beginning Friday, Nov 23 thru Jan 3, 2019, 6 pm to 10 pm, nightly (rain or clear skies). Location: Oakdale Christmas House 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg, FL Directions: Take I-275 to exit 22 (old exit 9), which is 175E. Turn right on 4th St., heading south. Go 1 mile, crossing over 22nd Ave S. Next street on left is Oakdale. Go 2 blocks, park or look. Phone: 727 822-5562 Website: ChristmasDisplay.org FREE and FUN for the Whole Family!

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8 DECEMBER 2018

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Holiday Recipe - Christmas Tree Cookies Cookies are basically the point of Christmas, right? Whether you’re making them for a party, Santa, or just a cozy night in by the fireplace, there’s always a reason to whip up a batch of cookies during the holidays. Ask yourself, would you rather decorate a real tree, or a sugar cookie Christmas tree?

YIELDS: 16 - 18 I TOTAL TIME: 0 HOURS 30 MINS INGREDIENTS COOKIES • 3/4 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature • 1 c. sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1 tsp. almondt extract • 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt FROSTING • 1 c. butter • 4 c. powdered sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 3 tbsp. water or milk • Green gel icing color • 3 tbsp. red and white pearl sprinkles • 18 yellow star sprinkles DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350º and line two cookie sheets with parchment. • Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla and almond extracts. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Dough will be thick. • Make three sizes of cookie dough balls: 1 teaspoon, 2 teaspoons, and 3 teaspoons. (You should have an even number of each.) Place medium and large cookies on a cookie sheet and press down slightly on each. Bake until center looks mostly cooked, 7 to 8 minutes. Place smallest balls of dough on another cookie sheet and press down slightly. Bake until center looks mostly cooked, 5 to 6 minutes. When cookies are done, remove from oven and let cool 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a cookie rack to finish cooling.

• Make frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add half the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons water and mix until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add green gel icing color to frosting and mix until your desired shade of green. • Assemble cookies: Get one size of each cookie. Fit a piping bag with a medium sized star piping tip (I used Wilton 32) and fill bag with green frosting. • Pipe a swirl of frosting onto the largest cookie, then add the second medium sized cookie on top. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto the second cookie, then top with the smallest cookie. Pipe a swirl on top of the final cookie and decorate with a star and round ornament sprinkles. Continue building cookie trees, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com for more Holiday Recipes! Happy Holidays!

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DECEMBER 2018 9


Brazils Waxing Center, Professional Waxing in a Judgment-Free, Body-Positive Zone At Brazils Waxing Center Tampa, they believe everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, especially during the Holiday season. They welcome clients of all ages and body types regardless of gender, and focus solely on waxing services. This enables them to concentrate their passion of helping you get the silky smooth skin you have always wanted. “I am so excited to finally have Brazils Waxing Center here in Tampa! My technician did an amazing job! There was no pain and I love how

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smooth and glowing my skin looks and feels afterwards! I will most definitely go every month - The facility is very clean and conveniently located, they offer amazing deals and package pricing for their services.” - Michelle M. Brazils Waxing Center’s six-step hair removal process was designed for maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort. The exclusive process starts with the use of an antiseptic cleanser with lavender essential oil. The technician will apply a prewax oil to act as a hydrating

barrier on your skin that won’t clog pores. Their specially formulated Elate Skincare hard wax is then applied. This hard wax sits above your skin, adhering only to the hair shaft, not to you. This creates less discomfort than traditional waxing methods. Brazils Wax is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, so is perfect even for those with sensitive skin. Post-wax oil is applied next to rehydrate the skin and clear your pores. You will also be given a warm washcloth to soothe your skin and remove any

residual wax. The final step is Elates repair, which relieves discomfort and calms the skin. Brazils Waxing Center’s trained technicians are experienced, understanding, non-judgmental and will help you remove unwanted hair from any area in your face or body. All staff members are down-toearth and approachable, so you can feel comfortable, even if you’ve never had a professional wax before. They will help you with any questions or concerns and

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explain the entire process, so you can be more at ease. “It was my first time getting waxed so I was very nervous going in. I don’t know a lot of men that wax, so I was fearful of judgment as I wanted many body parts waxed. My tech was very professional and made me feel very comfortable with her cheerful personality. I have very sensitive skin but

my technician did a great job without irritating my skin and leaving it silky smooth. I think I can get used to this, so I will be back soon!” - John F. Stop fighting with your

razor and get glowing, silky smooth skin for the Holidays! Call Brazils Waxing Center Tampa, at 813-425-1621.

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DECEMBER 2018 11


IT’S CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY’S CHRISTMAS TOWN™

Experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season every day at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s Christmas Town™. New this year, guests can enjoy millions of twinkling lights, Christmas shows and Sing-A-Long Train, and of course visits with Santa and Rudolph® - now EVERY DAY of the season - Now through Dec. 31. Christmas Town features extended hours on weekends and additional select dates with even more new experiences, including an all-new holiday show, indulgent culinary treats, visits to Rudolph’s® Winter Wonderland, nighttime experiences on Florida’s best thrill rides and so much more. Christmas Town is included with any daily admission or annual pass, and is open until 10 p.m. on select dates. There is so much to

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experience and see during Christmas Town. New this year at Dragon Fire Grill is the holiday spectacular “Christmas Is...” featuring contemporary music that celebrates seasonal traditions. The new show joins a festive line-up of returning favorite shows including Christmas on Ice, Elmo’s Christmas Wish, the Holiday Hills Band, Carol of the Bells light show and the Christmas Town Sing-ALong Train. The NEW Brunch with Santa is a Christmasthemed dining experience that’s perfect for the entire family. Adults can enjoy unlimited mimosas or “build your own Bloody Mary” upgrades, and everyone can delight in a menu bursting with delicious holiday delicacies. No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from St. Nick and guests

will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa as part of their experience. Brunch with Santa is available at the Serengeti Overlook Restaurant on

select dates beginning Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come early with the whole family and make

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Christmas Town the unforgettable backdrop for your holiday card! Santa will be awaiting your visit at Santa’s House presented by CocaCola®. Additional amazing photo opportunities are around every corner: the enchanting twinkling light tunnel leading into Stanleyville, all your favorite characters at Rudolph’s® Winter Wonderland, Ice and Poinsettia princesses along pathways, larger-than-life Cookie Monster® and Elmo® nutcracker figures along the Sesame Street® Safari of Fun walkway, and

playful penguins at the holiday-themed Penguin Point. Guests will discover even more merriment in the Christmas Town Village, celebrating the season in a new location. Greeted by friendly snowmen, guests will be immersed in festive fun along the Gwazi pathway, including merry merchandise and tasty holiday treats. In this enchanting realm, little ones can even take a ride on the fan-favorite Jingle Bell Express miniature train. Indulge in winter whiskey and wine tastings while

completing your holiday shopping with unique gifts from artisans around the world at the Artisan Market at Xcursions and around the park. For a gift that gives all year, shoppers can select a new Busch Gardens Annual Pass with benefits to enjoy exciting events, worldclass coasters, and upclose animal encounters. From Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, guests can select the pass with perks they want most – all with no down payment. For a limited-time, Busch Gardens Annual Passes start as low as $9.99 per

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month for Florida residents. In 2019, Pass Members can look forward to unique benefits, the park’s 60th anniversary celebration and exclusive ride time for the spring opening of Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster. For complete event information, including dates, times and packages, visit ChristmasTown.com. Be the first to know about events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s blog and social media channelson Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Community Announcement Epilepsy Services Foundation is Celebrating 45 Years of Service!

On August 1, 2018 the Epilepsy Services Foundation and Brittany Vanhook, Brittany’s Blankets, visited St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. As part of ESF’s outreach program, they presented warm and cuddly blankets and epilepsy stuffed animals to hospital employees for children at St. Joseph’s and those on the neurology floor. For children/teens, it is often a frightening experience to be in a hospital. Sometimes a simple gift like a cuddly blanket and stuffed animal can lift their spirits.

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With great pride and sincere gratitude, the Epilepsy Services Foundation (ESF) is now celebrating 45 years of service. Since 1973 ESF has served children, teens, young adults with epilepsy and their families. Its mission is to create a better future and environment for persons affected by epilepsy. To do this ESF provides community education & awareness programs, information & referral support, support groups for each age group, a “Train-the-Mentor” epilepsy education program, a hospital visitation program, a camp program, and two family retreat programs, college & medical scholarships, medical support services and charity events. For more information about their mission and a list of future events please visit the website listed below.

As part of our 45th anniversary, we are celebrating Tom Orth’s significant contributions to our organization, and welcoming Alysia Peddy as ESF’s new Executive Director. Alysia has served ESF as a board member for ten years and brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate commitment to our families. She is the mother of two children affected by epilepsy and has served as an advocate for families with special needs throughout Florida. Together Tom and Alysia form a cohesive team and we are excited about the many lives they will touch in the coming years. ESF is a 501(C)(3) corporation and was incorporated in the State of Florida on May 4, 1973. The ESF State of Florida corporation

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document number is 726327. For the last five years, the Great Nonprofits Organization selected ESF as one of the top-rated health non-profits in America. Gary Englund President, Board of Directors

Contact ESF: Epilepsy Services Foundation 4628 North Armenia Avenue Tampa, FL 33603 https://epilepsysf.org/

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DECEMBER 2018 15


“Essentials”-

continued from page 1

performed by highly trained professionals at very affordable rates, essential to maintaining a high quality of life. Each service offered has been tailored to the smallest detail to ensure a valued experience, every time. Whether you come in for a massage, a facial, waxing services, eyelash extensions or brow tinting,Essentials’ trained staff of professionals will take every step necessary to make your time with them special. “The prices are very reasonable in comparison to others. The whole vibe is so relaxing. Meredith at the front desk is sweet and always helpful. My dad’s even going in for a massage and my mom is getting a facial soon. I love it, it’s great!” - Eileen P.

Spa Benefits Spa treatments and massage therapies create both mental and physical health benefits. Studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced stress levels and, overall improved well-being. “I am there every Tuesday to take advantage of their incredible specials. Coming to Essentials is my favorite part of the week. The staff is friendly and their facials are simply amazing!” - Shannon L.

Acne/Teen Facial, Deep Pore Cleansing, Anti-Redness Rosacea Facial, Hyperpigmentation Facial, or a Men’s facial. No matter what facial you choose, the service will be performed by an experienced licensed esthetician. They are knowledgeable in the art of beautiful skin and will leave your skin glowing and healthier after your desired treatment. They will also be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Noticeable and Instant Results The best part of getting a facial is that the results are instant. Rarely do you come across a skin treatment or product that lives up to your high expectations. But after just one facial at Essentials of Wesley Chapel, you will see an immediate improvement in the appearance of your skin. Facials help detoxify the skin from built-up waste and bacteria. They improve the skin’s tone, texture, and elasticity by counteracting the damaging effects of air pollution and sun exposure. Facials can also help release stress tension from the head and neck, which can prevent headaches.

Eyelash Extensions & Brow Tinting

Essentials of Wesley Chapel offers massages specifically tailored to relax and invigorate. Choose from a relaxation massage, therapeutic, deep-tissue, neuromuscular, reflexology, prenatal massage, hot stone, or couples massage. Throughout the process of massage therapy, lymph node stimulation enhanced the immune system. Proper lymph flow, the body’s defense, draws out metabolic waste, excess water, toxic, and bacteria from the muscles. In turn, swelling and soreness decrease while the ability to fight off diseases increase. Massage can also improve blood circulation and posture.

There’s no greater freedom for a busy woman than waking up, getting dressed, and walking out the door to start her day. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? That is the lifestyle you can have after a lash stylist from Essentials Massage & Facials Wesley Chapel has applied your luxurious, lightweight and comfortable eyelash extensions. The extra time you would’ve spent painstakingly washing away your sleepy raccoon eyes (despite what you thought was a thorough cleansing the night before), then curling your eyelashes, and applying enough coats of mascara to look alive first thing in the morning could be allocated toward a longer beauty sleep, a quick workout, or a coffee run.

Facial options at Essentials of Wesley Chapel include; European, Anti-aging,

Enjoy a FREE 15-minute eyelash consultation with a licensed esthetician.

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(Actual service must be scheduled on a different day). If you’re fed up of filling your eyebrows every day, then brow tinting might just be for you. Using the Intensive Eyes product line, EssentialsMassage and Facials Wesley Chapel can help you achieve the dramatic and highly soughtafter look of perfectly full brows without makeup in only 30 minutes! Quick, easy and totally affordable - eyebrow tinting is a win, win situation.

Quality Products As an additional stress relieves, Essentials Massage and Facials of Wesley Chapel makes the effort to use quality products with botanically based ingredients that increase the physical and mental benefits of your particular service or treatment. In other words, lotions, scrubs, wraps, etc. come in soothing scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and aloe. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your Essentials esthetician about it, they will recommend specific products for your specific type of skin. “It was my first time here and I LOVED IT! I had my first facial and the technician who worked on me was very informative and made me feel very comfortable. The rooms are very relaxing and the staff was great. Next time I come in, I am bringing my girlfriends! You can’t beat their prices either! I highly recommend this place” - Natalie J.

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How To Give The Gift Of Relaxation This, and EVERY Holiday Season Spa Gift Cards! Available in any denomination, Essentials Massage and Facials of Wesley Chapel gift cards are the perfect gifts, not just during the Holidays but for any occasion, and your recipient will definitely enjoy it. I know I am personally looking forward to some of these gift cards myself. So if you know me, and you’re reading this, you know what I want for Christmas! Essentials Massage and Facials of Wesley Chapel is located at 2230 Ashely Oaks Cir., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Book an appointment online at https://www. essentialswesleychapel.com/book-now or call 813-527-6979. Visit their website https://www.essentialswesleychapel. com/ for more information on spa packages and specials.

No Memberships or Contracts “We are sure that you’ll enjoy your first visit to Essentials Massage and Facials of Wesley Chapel enough to come back regularly,” says John. “That is why we will never push or enforce a membership or contract, we’re not that type of place. We don’t have contracts. So feel free to make an appointment, come in, get refreshed, recharged and leave happy.”

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DECEMBER 2018 17


Garage Guru

What’s going on with my car?

Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel

Guess what makes this noise?

“rrrrrrrrr-----rrrrrr-----rr----click click click. Dear Garage Guru,

““When I turned my key the motor went rrrrrrrrr-----rrrrrr-----rr----click click click and wouldn’t start. The tow truck driver put jumper cables on the car and it started. But when he took the jumpers off it died again. He said I need a new battery. I just changed my battery a couple months ago, so it can’t be that. Do I really have to buy another battery again? How do I know if I need a battery?” Dear Mrs. Battery Drain I have to say that’s the best imitation of a car cranking over that I’ve ever heard in writing. I’ve got one for you. What’s “tickety-tickety-tickeytickety”? It’s a turn signal when one of the bulbs is burnt out. Ok, I admit, not as good as your example. Oh well. Back to the battery. That sound surely could be a battery with low voltage. But the important question is why is it low on voltage? It could be that the battery is worn out, but not always. It could also be the alternator is not charging the battery, the battery cables are not making good connection, the starter is dragging, the car has a short drawing down the battery – so many possibilities. So, don’t buy a new battery until you find out why it has low voltage. So, how do you know if you need a new battery? Most commonly batteries just wear out over time which is about 3 years in our Florida heat. Also, if a battery is run down too many times, from leaving lights on or the radio on for too long, it can damage it internally. Or, battery terminals that look like

18 DECEMBER 2018

science experiments with green-blueyellow gue oozing around them may mean the battery is leaking, damaging connectors and acting like a worn out battery. A good mechanic will have a battery tester that will tell if the battery is good or bad. Now, this is important: you cannot test a dead battery. The battery must be charged to at least 12.5 volts or higher before an accurate test can be done. Ask to look at the battery test printout and check the voltage level to make sure it is 12.5 or higher. If they say the battery won’t charge up to 12.5 volts, then it’s bad. Or, if it is at 12.5 or better and tests bad, then you need a new battery. But, about your car, you gave us a clue to what might be the problem, and it might not be the battery. You said the car started by jumping it, but died when the cables were removed. Now it gets complicated. A well-

charged battery is needed to start the car. But the alternator is needed to keep the battery well charged. A good alternator produces about 14.5 volts which is enough to keep the battery charged and the car running. If the alternator is producing less voltage, like 10 volts, it won’t keep the car running with a low battery when the jumper cables are removed. So, in your case, your alternator may be the culprit. We are eager to hear about your car concerns. Is your car acting up or have you wondered about how some part of your car works? Drop us a note at: Marty.labarbera@cbauto.net, and we will offer our honest opinion. Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.

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Tech Talk with Bob: SSD’s...The Gift of Speed

When computers first came out, we were all amazed by the cool things they could do. Over the years, computers could do more and more. Today we are not amazed as much as what tasks computers can do but how quickly they can do them. Typically, what has been done in the past is to speed the computer up by replacing its central processing unit (CPU) with a faster one and/or adding more random access memory (RAM). Those methods are still used today. But now we have another option to speed up our computers… the solid-state drive (SSD). Your programs and data are stored on the computer’s HDD which is comprised of mechanical parts and electronics. A SSD is comprised of only electronics so it is not subject to the physical constraints of having mechanical parts. The HDD has spinning platters that hold your data and a read/write head that transfers data back and forth to the platters (similar to a record player’s platter and tone arm). The HDD’s moving mechanical parts make the HDD’s response time slower than a SSD. Which in turn makes your waiting time for a program to boot up or a file to load considerably longer. A computer with a SSD will serve up those files and programs much faster. I always get asked, “how fast?” I hate to put myself on the spot because

increase. How much? My battery life doubled on my laptop. Again, your results may vary. If you are looking to increase your loading speeds or want more battery time between charges, this is one of those rare times when you can have the best of both worlds. Be advised that SSDs cost more than HDDs but most people have found them to be a worthwhile investment in their computing experience.

everyone will experience different results. I will tell you this. My computer boots up four times faster with a SSD than it did with a HDD. Everyone that I know who upgraded from a HDD to a SSD were amazed with the performance increase and were happy they decided to upgrade. In addition to being fast, SSDs are lighter than HDDs because SSDs do not have the HDD’s mechanical parts. Instead, SSDs use microchips similar to the well-known flash drive. No moving parts also means that SSDs do not generate any noise or vibrations that the HDD’s spinning platters are known to produce. SSDs also create less heat where HDDs can get very hot. Another benefit is SSDs are durable. The

HDD is one of, if not, the most fragile component in your computer. HDDs are susceptible to damage caused by the computer being dropped or banged around when it is moved. SSDs can tolerate a greater impact; a real benefit to laptop users. SSDs also consume less energy. Another major benefit for laptop users because battery life will

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Have a tech question? Email it to TechTalk-TBNL@ BobTheComputerGuy. NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727-534-4000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!

DECEMBER 2018 19



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